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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
REVIEW: http://theliteraturelion.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-underworld-by-meg-cabot.html
Meg Cabot supplies a sequel to the first book in the Abandon Trilogy that will leaves you wishing you were in the Underworld for the year! The characters that tie into Pierce and John's story in the Undeworld are fantastic, and I'm sure you'll be able to find a couple new characters to add to your list of favorite supporting characters!
The relationship between Pierce and John is a bit different in this one: it's stronger. They grow to trust one another and finally have that bond that was a bit lacking in the first one. Of course, there was a bond and all - but it seemed tethered, due to the insta-love.
Some of the main supporting characters in Abandon will make cameos in Underworld, but most of the main supporting characters in the sequel are new. Meg Cabot has a way of making you love each and every character - even their dark sides!
If you like quick-paced, mythology based novels, and great supporting characters - then this series is the one for you! Underworld is a fantastic addition to the Abandon trilogy, and it's leaving me waiting for the third book in the series!
Meg Cabot supplies a sequel to the first book in the Abandon Trilogy that will leaves you wishing you were in the Underworld for the year! The characters that tie into Pierce and John's story in the Undeworld are fantastic, and I'm sure you'll be able to find a couple new characters to add to your list of favorite supporting characters!
The relationship between Pierce and John is a bit different in this one: it's stronger. They grow to trust one another and finally have that bond that was a bit lacking in the first one. Of course, there was a bond and all - but it seemed tethered, due to the insta-love.
Some of the main supporting characters in Abandon will make cameos in Underworld, but most of the main supporting characters in the sequel are new. Meg Cabot has a way of making you love each and every character - even their dark sides!
If you like quick-paced, mythology based novels, and great supporting characters - then this series is the one for you! Underworld is a fantastic addition to the Abandon trilogy, and it's leaving me waiting for the third book in the series!
I don't really enjoy this trilogy as much as it the case with the others books by Meg Cabot. Pierce is so annoying! She's dependable of John, and I can't stand it! This one was boring too. Nothing really happened and Pierce actions were not very plausible for me... also, I was confused by the time in this one, they acted like Pierce was in the other world for only a day but she says she can now sleep well since she's there? You can't know that after only a night ...
I'll read the last book to know how it ends but honestly I don't really care.
I'll read the last book to know how it ends but honestly I don't really care.
Underworld is the second book in the Abandon Trilogy. I love Meg Cabot, but was underwhelmed when it came to the first book in the series, Abandon. Before reading this book, I was hoping that I would like it more than the first, thus encouraging me to go on. After reading it, all I can say is Meh.
It was okay. It was fine. It was about the same as Abandon. Honestly, I do think I'll read the third one, only now because I'm 2/3 of the way through the series. I need to find out what happens. I'm compulsive like that.
Underworld takes us back to where we left off. Pierce and John are still together, although in a slightly different sense. The Furies are still out there, and they're coming for anyone and everyone.
John as a character was iffy for me. I know he's supposed to be all dark and broody and a tormented soul, but it really kinda bugged me the way he acted. So much so that I felt that the relationship (in the beginning at least) between him and Pierce was toxic.
The good thing about this book is we did progress in the plot points. That included the backstory of John, which made me like his character a bit more. I began to understand him more than I had, and I appreciated that Cabot clarified that for me.
I don't want to give too much away, seeing as how this is the second book in a series. Questions were definitely answered, with more popping up their place. The story progressed, and I'll be interested to see where it goes in the final chapter.
It was okay. It was fine. It was about the same as Abandon. Honestly, I do think I'll read the third one, only now because I'm 2/3 of the way through the series. I need to find out what happens. I'm compulsive like that.
Underworld takes us back to where we left off. Pierce and John are still together, although in a slightly different sense. The Furies are still out there, and they're coming for anyone and everyone.
John as a character was iffy for me. I know he's supposed to be all dark and broody and a tormented soul, but it really kinda bugged me the way he acted. So much so that I felt that the relationship (in the beginning at least) between him and Pierce was toxic.
The good thing about this book is we did progress in the plot points. That included the backstory of John, which made me like his character a bit more. I began to understand him more than I had, and I appreciated that Cabot clarified that for me.
I don't want to give too much away, seeing as how this is the second book in a series. Questions were definitely answered, with more popping up their place. The story progressed, and I'll be interested to see where it goes in the final chapter.
2/5
what a cliche sequel. there was only a few parts I thought were alright, but mostly everything made me roll my eyes.
what a cliche sequel. there was only a few parts I thought were alright, but mostly everything made me roll my eyes.
Courtesy of Smash Attack Reads
Interest in the book: After reading Abandon, I was surely going to follow Pierce's journey into the Underworld. The book leaves off right where Abandon ended, which made the story seamless. I am pleasantly surprised and entertained by this retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth.
First Impressions: The book opens with a horrific nightmare that Pierce wakes up from in terror, and suddenly realizes those curtains aren't familiar. Oh, right. Pierce is not in her bedroom. She's in John's. In the Underworld. And he's next to her. On the bed. This is not a situation that Pierce is ready to encounter. Oh, the woes of teen love!
Characters: Pierce is still that same odd young lady who doesn't quite fit in with others, but she has matured greatly due to events in Abandon. She remains fiercely protective over her family members and is distraught at the thought of never returning home to tell her mother that she is ok. Pierce meets some new characters that live in John's home. They all seem to think he's a captain and they kind of act like seamen. This may or may not be related to a major hurricane and sunken ship and all this other lore that surrounds Isla Huesos.
Pierce becomes more curious about John's true origins and learns more about him throughout this installment. Of course, John fears the worst and believes Pierce will see him as a monster. While I disagree heavily with John removing Pierce's choice and free will, he does his best to see that she is happy, even though he is seriously afraid of the dangers she faces. His conscience is on a constant give-and-take and I would hate to have to deal with that! But still, Pierce forgives him way too easily...
I have to mention the Mourning dove that John gifts her in the beginning of the book. The bird is very symbolic to Pierce and her relationship with John, and it also symbolizes something else for Pierce: Hope. So yea, that's what she ends up calling the bird, even though she is against the name in the beginning. The thing about Hope, you see, is that she pops into existence when Pierce is in trouble or needs assistance. Of course a bird can't do much to assist a human, but she is great at alerting Pierce to danger. Not only that, but Meg Cabot gave her the sauciest, sassiest little personality, and trust me when I say you will adore this bird!
World-Building: I really enjoyed the time spent in the Underworld. Despite the title, a lot of time is spent "above ground" as Pierce and John try to save her cousin's life. Of course, the Furies have a different agenda and they face perils of all shapes and sizes. What time is spent in the Underworld, however, really moves the plot forward. I enjoyed Pierce's discoveries of the other characters and the changes that have occurred in the Underworld due to her compassionate heart.
Lasting Impressions: This series is entertaining, and while the romantic relationship between Pierce and John is not quite right, what relationship is perfect? He is the caretaker of the dead and she is a teen girl who has been chosen as his consort. Things are bound to be less than ideal, though these two do their best to understand the other. The action was great, the secondary characters were fun and the plot has definitely moved forward. I look forward to Awaken!
Favorite Scene:
Interest in the book: After reading Abandon, I was surely going to follow Pierce's journey into the Underworld. The book leaves off right where Abandon ended, which made the story seamless. I am pleasantly surprised and entertained by this retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth.
First Impressions: The book opens with a horrific nightmare that Pierce wakes up from in terror, and suddenly realizes those curtains aren't familiar. Oh, right. Pierce is not in her bedroom. She's in John's. In the Underworld. And he's next to her. On the bed. This is not a situation that Pierce is ready to encounter. Oh, the woes of teen love!
Characters: Pierce is still that same odd young lady who doesn't quite fit in with others, but she has matured greatly due to events in Abandon. She remains fiercely protective over her family members and is distraught at the thought of never returning home to tell her mother that she is ok. Pierce meets some new characters that live in John's home. They all seem to think he's a captain and they kind of act like seamen. This may or may not be related to a major hurricane and sunken ship and all this other lore that surrounds Isla Huesos.
Pierce becomes more curious about John's true origins and learns more about him throughout this installment. Of course, John fears the worst and believes Pierce will see him as a monster. While I disagree heavily with John removing Pierce's choice and free will, he does his best to see that she is happy, even though he is seriously afraid of the dangers she faces. His conscience is on a constant give-and-take and I would hate to have to deal with that! But still, Pierce forgives him way too easily...
I have to mention the Mourning dove that John gifts her in the beginning of the book. The bird is very symbolic to Pierce and her relationship with John, and it also symbolizes something else for Pierce: Hope. So yea, that's what she ends up calling the bird, even though she is against the name in the beginning. The thing about Hope, you see, is that she pops into existence when Pierce is in trouble or needs assistance. Of course a bird can't do much to assist a human, but she is great at alerting Pierce to danger. Not only that, but Meg Cabot gave her the sauciest, sassiest little personality, and trust me when I say you will adore this bird!
World-Building: I really enjoyed the time spent in the Underworld. Despite the title, a lot of time is spent "above ground" as Pierce and John try to save her cousin's life. Of course, the Furies have a different agenda and they face perils of all shapes and sizes. What time is spent in the Underworld, however, really moves the plot forward. I enjoyed Pierce's discoveries of the other characters and the changes that have occurred in the Underworld due to her compassionate heart.
Lasting Impressions: This series is entertaining, and while the romantic relationship between Pierce and John is not quite right, what relationship is perfect? He is the caretaker of the dead and she is a teen girl who has been chosen as his consort. Things are bound to be less than ideal, though these two do their best to understand the other. The action was great, the secondary characters were fun and the plot has definitely moved forward. I look forward to Awaken!
Favorite Scene:
“...Did you see him? I know the photo was grainy, but he looks like one of those death metal goth heads, or whatever they’re called. All dressed in black with long hair —”
I took umbrage at my mother describing my boyfriend this way. John was the Lord of the Underworld. How else was he supposed to dress?”
Hmmm... I'm so torn. It seems like a crime to give a Meg Cabot anything less than 4 stars, because she's easily one of my favorite authors--she has so much to offer and so many different characters, she's a literary genius. But I can't seem to fall in love with this series the way I want to.
The writing style is still sophisticated enough (I mean, it's Cabot) but what's being written just hasn't captured me. I would think two of my favorite things--Meg Cabot and Greek philosophy--coming together would be the greatest thing ever, but this series has proven me wrong, unfortunately.
Here's why:
The plot line is a little lackluster. I gave the first book the benefit of the doubt because it had to create the characters and have enough development and introductions to a lot of little ideas, so I was hoping it would really take off in this second book because we waded through all the settings. Nope. This whole book took place in one day, except for the last 20 pages. One day. Do you know how much a plot can truly thicken in one day? Sometimes a lot. But in this case it was just a never ending day.
Let's start with Pierce. She absolutely kills me. She's very unobservant. At first I thought she was just getting used to the idea of John and the Underworld and the Furies. I get that. I would have to process it too. But she seems like she's three steps behind everyone, even all the regular humans. It kind of bothers me that she doesn't really pay attention to her surroundings and notice people that are basically spelling things out for her. She was also crying for half the book. Every few pages or so it would be "tears had sprung to my eyes" "drying the tears on my cheeks" ... stuff like that. I was worried she was going to get dehydrated there for a minute because all she did was cry. Pull yourself together, girl.
I really do have to say that I loved the minor characters in this, like John's crew and Kayla. They were a good supporting cast to Pierce's obliviousness. And of course, there's John himself. Even though he chose Pierce to be with forever, I still really love him as a character. He's lord of the dead but wants to help the living and cares enough about them to rescue Pierce and her friends.
I still give this book a three because of the smaller characters and because it is Meg Cabot, after all. And the ending was a total cliffhanger and I'm just honestly curious how this is all going to pan out. So even though it's not my favorite, it does have some redeeming qualities and I do enjoy the love between John and Pierce. It's unique and would be really great if Pierce could stop crying and enjoy it too.
The writing style is still sophisticated enough (I mean, it's Cabot) but what's being written just hasn't captured me. I would think two of my favorite things--Meg Cabot and Greek philosophy--coming together would be the greatest thing ever, but this series has proven me wrong, unfortunately.
Here's why:
The plot line is a little lackluster. I gave the first book the benefit of the doubt because it had to create the characters and have enough development and introductions to a lot of little ideas, so I was hoping it would really take off in this second book because we waded through all the settings. Nope. This whole book took place in one day, except for the last 20 pages. One day. Do you know how much a plot can truly thicken in one day? Sometimes a lot. But in this case it was just a never ending day.
Let's start with Pierce. She absolutely kills me. She's very unobservant. At first I thought she was just getting used to the idea of John and the Underworld and the Furies. I get that. I would have to process it too. But she seems like she's three steps behind everyone, even all the regular humans. It kind of bothers me that she doesn't really pay attention to her surroundings and notice people that are basically spelling things out for her. She was also crying for half the book. Every few pages or so it would be "tears had sprung to my eyes" "drying the tears on my cheeks" ... stuff like that. I was worried she was going to get dehydrated there for a minute because all she did was cry. Pull yourself together, girl.
I really do have to say that I loved the minor characters in this, like John's crew and Kayla. They were a good supporting cast to Pierce's obliviousness. And of course, there's John himself. Even though he chose Pierce to be with forever, I still really love him as a character. He's lord of the dead but wants to help the living and cares enough about them to rescue Pierce and her friends.
I still give this book a three because of the smaller characters and because it is Meg Cabot, after all. And the ending was a total cliffhanger and I'm just honestly curious how this is all going to pan out. So even though it's not my favorite, it does have some redeeming qualities and I do enjoy the love between John and Pierce. It's unique and would be really great if Pierce could stop crying and enjoy it too.
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I just can’t get into this series. I was hoping that book two would improve it for me, and it really hasn’t. I’m having trouble pinpointing why that is exactly. Part of the trouble is that I never fell for John. I didn’t like how his relationship with Pierce was shown in flash back in Abandon, and what we saw wasn’t enough to convince me of much except that he's very protective of her (though I could never figure out why he fell for her in the first place). Then all of a sudden they’re in love and she is willing to spend the rest of her existence in the underworld with him. Huhh??
I think it would have also helped if I had waited to read this until the third book was out and I could read them all together. I’d forgotten a lot about Abandon, so was a bit confused about what was happening. Plus the three books are written as one story arc, and they take place over such a short amount of time that reading them together would have helped.
Pierce is still all over the place. She drove me crazy.
John, I just couldn’t get into him. He’s supposed to be the brooding, broken bad boy alpha male with a big heart. But I didn’t believe it. Part of the trouble is that I haven’t fallen for him. His interactions with Pierce in the first book were disjointed and odd, and though we got more information on his backstory in book two, I still don’t feel like I have a grasp on him. Plus he lied to Pierce in a pretty big way in this book and that totally put me off of him. I don’t think that part was necessary (though I get how it mimics the Persephone myth). I didn’t believe in John and Pierce together. I honestly didn't seem them as very compatible. I wish I could have seen more of them interacting together one-on-one…or something.
I think it would have also helped if I had waited to read this until the third book was out and I could read them all together. I’d forgotten a lot about Abandon, so was a bit confused about what was happening. Plus the three books are written as one story arc, and they take place over such a short amount of time that reading them together would have helped.
Pierce is still all over the place. She drove me crazy.
John, I just couldn’t get into him. He’s supposed to be the brooding, broken bad boy alpha male with a big heart. But I didn’t believe it. Part of the trouble is that I haven’t fallen for him. His interactions with Pierce in the first book were disjointed and odd, and though we got more information on his backstory in book two, I still don’t feel like I have a grasp on him. Plus he lied to Pierce in a pretty big way in this book and that totally put me off of him. I don’t think that part was necessary (though I get how it mimics the Persephone myth). I didn’t believe in John and Pierce together. I honestly didn't seem them as very compatible. I wish I could have seen more of them interacting together one-on-one…or something.