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aliaspaine's review
4.0
More, more, MORE!! Get to it! e_e
I want Nick-2 and Josie reunited!! And I want Miranda-the-Hoebag to end up friendless and alone, like she and her type deserve! I would love Nick-1 to find someone deserving - and I don't think Miranda truly loved him... she was so blatant - taking advantage of someone when they are in a time of grief? Not being a REAL friend and telling Josie to talk to Nick or telling Nick to get in Josie's face and make her listen? The fact she was so horrible enough to flaunt things in Josie's face was a huge sign of her true colors - love? No. Just a jealous skank who wanted what Josie had, even if it meant stealing someone who she didn't truly want so she could flaunt it in Josie's face. Maybe we can test things on Miranda? If she dies, oh well... we've got a duplicate! LMAO ;-)
Seriously... kill her. I won't cry...
I want Nick-2 and Josie reunited!! And I want Miranda-the-Hoebag to end up friendless and alone, like she and her type deserve! I would love Nick-1 to find someone deserving - and I don't think Miranda truly loved him... she was so blatant - taking advantage of someone when they are in a time of grief? Not being a REAL friend and telling Josie to talk to Nick or telling Nick to get in Josie's face and make her listen? The fact she was so horrible enough to flaunt things in Josie's face was a huge sign of her true colors - love? No. Just a jealous skank who wanted what Josie had, even if it meant stealing someone who she didn't truly want so she could flaunt it in Josie's face. Maybe we can test things on Miranda? If she dies, oh well... we've got a duplicate! LMAO ;-)
Seriously... kill her. I won't cry...
mehsi's review
2.0
This book was not what I expected. :\
I expected: 2 mirrors, 2 parallel worlds, 2 girls and a switch, one gets stuck and needs to find a way back home before it is too late.
I got: 2 mirrors, 2 parallel worlds, 2 girls and a switch and a headache because of a whole poo pile of Quantum physics, time fabrics and more Physics and science.
Really dear lord, was all that necessary? A lot of the stuff just went right over, ok, right through my head like arrows. Nice and all, but I didn't understand most of it and I was kind of annoyed with it. I felt the book would have been good without all that stuff.
Also the whole instant love with the Nick in the parallel world, seriously? In the other dimension he dumped you, no even cheated on you! And you are still pining for him and drooling over him at every moment?
And seriously someone just got
2 stars (though bordering on 1 star). -2 for Quantum Physics and all that poo, -1 for expectation shattering.
I expected: 2 mirrors, 2 parallel worlds, 2 girls and a switch, one gets stuck and needs to find a way back home before it is too late.
I got: 2 mirrors, 2 parallel worlds, 2 girls and a switch and a headache because of a whole poo pile of Quantum physics, time fabrics and more Physics and science.
Really dear lord, was all that necessary? A lot of the stuff just went right over, ok, right through my head like arrows. Nice and all, but I didn't understand most of it and I was kind of annoyed with it. I felt the book would have been good without all that stuff.
Also the whole instant love with the Nick in the parallel world, seriously? In the other dimension he dumped you, no even cheated on you! And you are still pining for him and drooling over him at every moment?
And seriously someone just got
Spoiler
eaten???? And you are kissing and almost going to a few bases while there is a dead body (well if there is anything left) next to you?? WTF?2 stars (though bordering on 1 star). -2 for Quantum Physics and all that poo, -1 for expectation shattering.
eyreguide's review
5.0
Gretchen McNeil writes some amazing suspense stories, and 3:59 is another great one. The concept alone is chilling, so I was surprised by how much horror was put into the plot. The creatures in the parallel universe are so creepy, and the way the people have to live to cope with them makes it pretty important that Josie return to her own universe. I loved the set-up and execution of this story though for many more reasons.
Josie's life in her own time is full of high school drama and an unhappy family situation. It is a little shallow when compared to things to come, but perfectly captures what teenagers feel, and how these things seem so important to them. But there was a sense of humor about it - particularly in how Josie reacted to some situations. And in the snowballing effect of all the drama that piles on her. All the characters in this book did feel very familiar - the usual stereotypes you see in a teen thriller which made it easy to focus on the mystery of the parallel universes and why Jo is so eager to switch places with Josie.
I was really impressed by how much effort the author put into giving the parallel universes a valid scientific basis. Some of the descriptions and explanations might have gone over my head a little, but it definitely helped to make the world-building realistic. I love that Josie is smart in science and math and that it helped her get out of her predicament. She's a strong character and I admired that she acted well on both intellect and intuition.
The resolution of this story was edge-of-your-seat stuff, with a fantastic twist. The actual outcome for the characters was a little open-ended which was disappointing, but fitting because they were in such a difficult situation. I don't believe there is going to be a second book, so the reader can resolve it in their own way.
Josie's life in her own time is full of high school drama and an unhappy family situation. It is a little shallow when compared to things to come, but perfectly captures what teenagers feel, and how these things seem so important to them. But there was a sense of humor about it - particularly in how Josie reacted to some situations. And in the snowballing effect of all the drama that piles on her. All the characters in this book did feel very familiar - the usual stereotypes you see in a teen thriller which made it easy to focus on the mystery of the parallel universes and why Jo is so eager to switch places with Josie.
I was really impressed by how much effort the author put into giving the parallel universes a valid scientific basis. Some of the descriptions and explanations might have gone over my head a little, but it definitely helped to make the world-building realistic. I love that Josie is smart in science and math and that it helped her get out of her predicament. She's a strong character and I admired that she acted well on both intellect and intuition.
The resolution of this story was edge-of-your-seat stuff, with a fantastic twist. The actual outcome for the characters was a little open-ended which was disappointing, but fitting because they were in such a difficult situation. I don't believe there is going to be a second book, so the reader can resolve it in their own way.
haleyelisereads's review
4.0
Check out more reviews,giveaways, interviews and much more over at my blog:YA-Aholic
3.5 rating.
3:59 was not at all what I expected. There was so many twists and turns to this story, I constantly found myself on the edge of my seat. Gretchen created a whole different world, that while different, was still very easy to understand and imagine. This book was my first Gretchen McNeil novel, but I will be definitely be picking up her other novels, Ten and Possess sometime in the near future.
The whole concept of 3:59 was very interesting and exciting. A parallel universe where we all have a 'twin' that though they look like us and may live in the same location, can be completely different to how we are when it comes to personality wise and how they were brought up. When I started reading 3:59 I was worried that it could become confusing, but Gretchen described everything perfectly.
Going from that, Gretchen's writing was something I really enjoyed. Like I said earlier I found it very easy to understand the dynamics of the parallel worlds, and also found it very easy to keep up with alot of the science talk that happens through out 3:59. I never once had to re-read passages to understand, and flew through this book in one day.
If you are someone that loves twists in your stories, then 3:59 is definitely for you. While there was a few reveals I did see coming before they happened...the majority of reveals and secrets I did not see coming at all. I was completely shocked by some of them and found myself thinking "wait...what?!?! DID THAT REALLY JUST HAPPEN?!?!!" This was quite the edge on your seat thriller read.
Now I'm going to explain quickly why this novel got a 3.5 (which is still an awesome rating, this was a great book!) compared to the full 4 or 5 stars. Characters. I found myself really enjoying both Penelopes, Josie, and Nick (from Jo's world). But I just didn't feel connected with them. I couldn't bring myself to really care about them as much as I should have.
Overall, if you're looking for something that is a bit eerie, and will keep you on the edge of your seat..then look no further than 3:59. It is a novel that will leave readers wanting more. ( Like me, I totally would love a sequel!!)
3.5 rating.
3:59 was not at all what I expected. There was so many twists and turns to this story, I constantly found myself on the edge of my seat. Gretchen created a whole different world, that while different, was still very easy to understand and imagine. This book was my first Gretchen McNeil novel, but I will be definitely be picking up her other novels, Ten and Possess sometime in the near future.
The whole concept of 3:59 was very interesting and exciting. A parallel universe where we all have a 'twin' that though they look like us and may live in the same location, can be completely different to how we are when it comes to personality wise and how they were brought up. When I started reading 3:59 I was worried that it could become confusing, but Gretchen described everything perfectly.
Going from that, Gretchen's writing was something I really enjoyed. Like I said earlier I found it very easy to understand the dynamics of the parallel worlds, and also found it very easy to keep up with alot of the science talk that happens through out 3:59. I never once had to re-read passages to understand, and flew through this book in one day.
If you are someone that loves twists in your stories, then 3:59 is definitely for you. While there was a few reveals I did see coming before they happened...the majority of reveals and secrets I did not see coming at all. I was completely shocked by some of them and found myself thinking "wait...what?!?! DID THAT REALLY JUST HAPPEN?!?!!" This was quite the edge on your seat thriller read.
Now I'm going to explain quickly why this novel got a 3.5 (which is still an awesome rating, this was a great book!) compared to the full 4 or 5 stars. Characters. I found myself really enjoying both Penelopes, Josie, and Nick (from Jo's world). But I just didn't feel connected with them. I couldn't bring myself to really care about them as much as I should have.
Overall, if you're looking for something that is a bit eerie, and will keep you on the edge of your seat..then look no further than 3:59. It is a novel that will leave readers wanting more. ( Like me, I totally would love a sequel!!)
meganx4499's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
go_maggs_go's review
3.0
This didn't draw me in the same way that #Murdertrending or #Murderfunding did, and I blame myself for not being as sciency-y as the characters. I liked the story but I had a hard time understanding some of the stuff going on. Definitely a fault of my own, though, and not enough of a deterrent to make me avoid other Gretchen McNeil novels. She writes dark YA so well that I can't not read more.
surpriseitem's review
3.0
I've been so intrigued by this book since it came out in 2013. I got it for christmas one year, and just never read it. But it always survived many unhauls, and I never donated it to my local library. I've always just wanted to read it. And even though it wasn't the best book in the world, I'm still glad I've finally read it. It was fun, fast, and I finished it all in one night. But I think sci-fi in general is just not my thing.
But also don't get me wrong. The main character is supposed to be smart but she's an idiot. That's what makes the story funny <3
But also don't get me wrong. The main character is supposed to be smart but she's an idiot. That's what makes the story funny <3
leahka89's review
1.0
So disappointed. I have been looking forward to reading this book for a really long time. The concept sounded so cool, but in reality it just fell face down flat on the pavement.
I really wanted to like Josie, but this chick was just your typical 16-17 year old YA book girl who hates her life and whines about everything. Usually I can push past that because sometimes that's just what YA is.
What really pushed me over the edge was when Josie started dipping over to the parallel universe and these Nox bird things start showing up... Everything with Nick and her parents, it's just too much. You can see it all coming from a mile away and it is just laid on too thick.
Going to mark this DNF and not waste any more time.
I really wanted to like Josie, but this chick was just your typical 16-17 year old YA book girl who hates her life and whines about everything. Usually I can push past that because sometimes that's just what YA is.
What really pushed me over the edge was when Josie started dipping over to the parallel universe and these Nox bird things start showing up... Everything with Nick and her parents, it's just too much. You can see it all coming from a mile away and it is just laid on too thick.
Going to mark this DNF and not waste any more time.
sk24's review
5.0
4.5/5 stars
3:59 is told in third person from Josie's perspective. Josie is a teenage girl who feels as though her life is falling apart. Her parents are getting a divorce and her boyfriend just cheated on her with her best friend. She would definitely switch places with someone else if given the chance. So, when she discovers a portal leading to a parallel life seemingly the same as hers only better, she jumps at the chance to switch places with her "other self", Jo. But, once she experiences life in Jo's shoes, she quickly discovers that it's not as great as she thought. In fact, she can't wait to get back to her own life.
I really enjoyed 3:59, even more than I expected to. I thought the characters were great. With so many characters that were so similar in so many ways, it could have been easy to get lost with the development of each character. But, McNeil did a very good job. The characters were all developed very well and they all had their own unique personalities along with their own quirks to separate them from the others.
The story was really good and captivating. I really enjoyed it. The only complaint I would have is actually a pretty big mistake (hopefully they catch it and change it before the final copy comes out). Later in the book, Josie discovers that she is invincible to the attacks of the Nox (these strange and creepy creatures that attack, kill, and feed on humans). However, she was attacked by them near the beginning when she first entered Jo's universe. It just doesn't add up and it's a serious mistake in the storyline. At the end, they can't sense her and can't attack her, yet they already did earlier? It didn't ruin the story or anything, but it is a mistake that needs to be resolved!
McNeil did a good job telling this story with its parallel universes. I wasn't confused about anything having to do with the concept of the different universes. The story was unique and creatively told. There were also a bunch of twists and turns that I honestly didn't see coming, which is always awesome. I really loved the (not-so-perfect) ending! I would highly recommend this book.
Check out my other reviews on SIK Book Reviews
3:59 is told in third person from Josie's perspective. Josie is a teenage girl who feels as though her life is falling apart. Her parents are getting a divorce and her boyfriend just cheated on her with her best friend. She would definitely switch places with someone else if given the chance. So, when she discovers a portal leading to a parallel life seemingly the same as hers only better, she jumps at the chance to switch places with her "other self", Jo. But, once she experiences life in Jo's shoes, she quickly discovers that it's not as great as she thought. In fact, she can't wait to get back to her own life.
I really enjoyed 3:59, even more than I expected to. I thought the characters were great. With so many characters that were so similar in so many ways, it could have been easy to get lost with the development of each character. But, McNeil did a very good job. The characters were all developed very well and they all had their own unique personalities along with their own quirks to separate them from the others.
The story was really good and captivating. I really enjoyed it. The only complaint I would have is actually a pretty big mistake (hopefully they catch it and change it before the final copy comes out). Later in the book, Josie discovers that she is invincible to the attacks of the Nox (these strange and creepy creatures that attack, kill, and feed on humans). However, she was attacked by them near the beginning when she first entered Jo's universe. It just doesn't add up and it's a serious mistake in the storyline. At the end, they can't sense her and can't attack her, yet they already did earlier? It didn't ruin the story or anything, but it is a mistake that needs to be resolved!
McNeil did a good job telling this story with its parallel universes. I wasn't confused about anything having to do with the concept of the different universes. The story was unique and creatively told. There were also a bunch of twists and turns that I honestly didn't see coming, which is always awesome. I really loved the (not-so-perfect) ending! I would highly recommend this book.
Check out my other reviews on SIK Book Reviews
maximus_midnight's review
3.0
When I read the inside flap of this book, I was super intrigued. I was surprised by the physics explanations of everything, but it was good. Some of the explanations were hard to understand, but I was able to get the gist of them well enough to follow the story.
I had a few main issues with this story though.
1. There were too many character motivations and plans and processes to keep track of. I found myself wondering why characters were doing the things they were doing - sometimes even the explanations they gave themselves didn't make sense or had inconsistencies.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Despite the issues I had with this book, I did enjoy it. It was kind of a hard read though, took me a fair bit to get through it. It wasn't hard to make myself pick up, but the explanations and convulutedness of characters made it sometimes feel like work to read.
I had a few main issues with this story though.
1. There were too many character motivations and plans and processes to keep track of. I found myself wondering why characters were doing the things they were doing - sometimes even the explanations they gave themselves didn't make sense or had inconsistencies.
2.
Spoiler
The very ending (last chapter I think) didn't make a lot of sense. If they didn't completely return to their original worlds, wouldn't there be doubles in one world? I may have confused characters but it didn't make sense.3.
Spoiler
Nick's brother. I understood the Nox's ability to jump between worlds, and how Josie wasn't fully in the second world so they didn't affect her. But how was Tom (I think that was his name) able to be in the world, interact with objects, and stay solid (in a sense) for such a long time?4.
Spoiler
Josie's ability to hide from the Nox. Didn't she get scratches from the first attack? How as she able to not get attacked at the end?5.
Spoiler
Twist ending. Jo's dad being the one initiating the attacks didn't make sense. There was no way to know his character well enough to see discontinuities or hints towards this. Hints to a twist villain are easier to do in movies, but it still felt sudden.Despite the issues I had with this book, I did enjoy it. It was kind of a hard read though, took me a fair bit to get through it. It wasn't hard to make myself pick up, but the explanations and convulutedness of characters made it sometimes feel like work to read.