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2.9 AVERAGE
2.9 AVERAGE
Very interesting world, leaves a lot of background and connections out, but is action packed and makes you want to read more.
DNF 30%
First I would actually like to comment on the way this is being promoted. Game of Thrones and Hunger Games are thrown in... And quite frankly I am a bit tired of having each and every book that has a tinge of fantasy to it compared to either of those two books. I mean, I don't wanna read another wanna-be Hunger Game ever again. So it is actually a deterrent. On top of that this has very little in common with either book. Why throw in their names? In my opinion it's a terrible marketing strategy.
I've took quite a few days to just get to 20%. The main reason for this was the writing style. It's ..just not... for me.
I didn't like the way this is written. Which is always a huge issue for me. Writing style is the most important part of a story to me. But this is not terrible or anything. It had little details I found annoying, like the author giving me the pronunciation of things.. which made me wonder two things: does Dayton think I am a buffoon? Or am I expected to read it out aloud? Mostly though I thought: Who gives a toot?
I am not a fan of the multiple storylines told by a narrator to start with, it makes it kinda hard to connect to the POV of the main characters. And this is exactly the style Dayton chose to tell the story. Another reason why I didn't enjoy this.
The world building was... interesting? To be honest, I still have no clue when this is set. I am kinda guessing it's dystopian? But seriously I am not sure. There are some cool idea's here. I like the disruptors and all that. I like the adding of different mythology. But even a third in I have no clue. I don't know what a seeker is. This is set in Scotland at first. With a kinda Medieval feel, yet with steampunk elements. And then there are some Japanese mythology like bits added... I've got hints and a load of holes this far. But while it wasn't bad, it was also not captivating or overly unique. Well. I am kinda confused about it all., actually.
The character building is probably my least favorite part of this. If this would have been a good character driven novel- I probably would have overlooked my writing style issues - definitely would have totally ignored the world building ones- but the format in which this was written was the huge obstacle made connecting with the characters rather difficult. But to be honest I didn't like any of them to top it. I found Quinn beyond naive. And frankly most of the other characters, just simply, to predictable- even when Dayton was trying to be all smokes and mirrors about it - and way to cliche. At 30% I couldn't care less about any of them.
The plot is predictable. Simple. There is a love triangle- and I knew it was coming on page 2 or 3? And as the story unfolds- very very slowly- it becomes also more predictable. Which is funny on one level, cause I have no clue what a seeker is. I would not be able to explain the world to you at all. But the story line.. kinda .. same old same old.
Which is how I felt at 30% - and at first I was going to just wait - try again later- but let's face it; Seeker and I - we are never going to gel. Hence, I decided to just call it a day.
First I would actually like to comment on the way this is being promoted. Game of Thrones and Hunger Games are thrown in... And quite frankly I am a bit tired of having each and every book that has a tinge of fantasy to it compared to either of those two books. I mean, I don't wanna read another wanna-be Hunger Game ever again. So it is actually a deterrent. On top of that this has very little in common with either book. Why throw in their names? In my opinion it's a terrible marketing strategy.
I've took quite a few days to just get to 20%. The main reason for this was the writing style. It's ..just not... for me.
I didn't like the way this is written. Which is always a huge issue for me. Writing style is the most important part of a story to me. But this is not terrible or anything. It had little details I found annoying, like the author giving me the pronunciation of things.. which made me wonder two things: does Dayton think I am a buffoon? Or am I expected to read it out aloud? Mostly though I thought: Who gives a toot?
I am not a fan of the multiple storylines told by a narrator to start with, it makes it kinda hard to connect to the POV of the main characters. And this is exactly the style Dayton chose to tell the story. Another reason why I didn't enjoy this.
The world building was... interesting? To be honest, I still have no clue when this is set. I am kinda guessing it's dystopian? But seriously I am not sure. There are some cool idea's here. I like the disruptors and all that. I like the adding of different mythology. But even a third in I have no clue. I don't know what a seeker is. This is set in Scotland at first. With a kinda Medieval feel, yet with steampunk elements. And then there are some Japanese mythology like bits added... I've got hints and a load of holes this far. But while it wasn't bad, it was also not captivating or overly unique. Well. I am kinda confused about it all., actually.
The character building is probably my least favorite part of this. If this would have been a good character driven novel- I probably would have overlooked my writing style issues - definitely would have totally ignored the world building ones- but the format in which this was written was the huge obstacle made connecting with the characters rather difficult. But to be honest I didn't like any of them to top it. I found Quinn beyond naive. And frankly most of the other characters, just simply, to predictable- even when Dayton was trying to be all smokes and mirrors about it - and way to cliche. At 30% I couldn't care less about any of them.
The plot is predictable. Simple. There is a love triangle- and I knew it was coming on page 2 or 3? And as the story unfolds- very very slowly- it becomes also more predictable. Which is funny on one level, cause I have no clue what a seeker is. I would not be able to explain the world to you at all. But the story line.. kinda .. same old same old.
Which is how I felt at 30% - and at first I was going to just wait - try again later- but let's face it; Seeker and I - we are never going to gel. Hence, I decided to just call it a day.
After reading the synopsis I was excited to read this one, yet honestly I was a bit disappointed. I was expecting something different.
The plot is interesting but the world building was a bit flat for me. Plus, I am not sure if I would consider this book fantasy or SCI-FY.
She was a Seeker now, marked for life.
She had thought this brand would be an eblem of pride, but now it meant something entirely different. She was damned.
The book follows 3 young seeker candidates, not much is said about what exactly is a seeker through the first half of the book. Which turned out okay for me, I was intrigued, characters were mysterious.
Speaking on Characters, another aspect I appreciated is the fact the book is told by the point of view of the main characters, this allowed us to get to know certain aspects that would not be clear if the story was all told by Quin. As for characters itself, well I felt pity for Quin most times, but by the end I felt disappointed with her choices. She loves John but seems that relationship lacks communication. She doesn't try to see or question about his stuff ( trying not to spill the beans here) and him...well...him....by the end of the book I am not sure if he is a villain or not. Most is actions were desperate but even so unjustified for me. Not gonna share my thoughts on the other characters, cause they were so insignificant for me aside from her father and John's mother.
I didn't like the end of the book, it sounded so sudden Quin's change of heart, Also, the young dread choice at end was confusing. I am pretty sure book 2 would clarify most of my questions but it would take me a while to move on to it for sure.
The plot is interesting but the world building was a bit flat for me. Plus, I am not sure if I would consider this book fantasy or SCI-FY.
She was a Seeker now, marked for life.
She had thought this brand would be an eblem of pride, but now it meant something entirely different. She was damned.
The book follows 3 young seeker candidates, not much is said about what exactly is a seeker through the first half of the book. Which turned out okay for me, I was intrigued, characters were mysterious.
Speaking on Characters, another aspect I appreciated is the fact the book is told by the point of view of the main characters, this allowed us to get to know certain aspects that would not be clear if the story was all told by Quin. As for characters itself, well I felt pity for Quin most times, but by the end I felt disappointed with her choices. She loves John but seems that relationship lacks communication. She doesn't try to see or question about his stuff ( trying not to spill the beans here) and him...well...him....by the end of the book I am not sure if he is a villain or not. Most is actions were desperate but even so unjustified for me. Not gonna share my thoughts on the other characters, cause they were so insignificant for me aside from her father and John's mother.
I didn't like the end of the book, it sounded so sudden Quin's change of heart, Also, the young dread choice at end was confusing. I am pretty sure book 2 would clarify most of my questions but it would take me a while to move on to it for sure.
Sigo sin saber que es un seeker y para que sirve xddd
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley by the publisher for an honest review.
Review can be found at: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-review-seeker-by-arwen-elys-dayton/
Being said to appeal to readers of 'The Hunger Games' and 'Divergent', two series that are extremely loved across the globe, is a high standard to set. Random House and Delacorte books decided to set it. 'Seeker' by Arwyn Elys Dayton is action packed, suspenseful, and heart wrenching all at the same time.
'Seeker' follows the story of Quin as she discovers what her future for what it really is compared to what she thought it would be. And, as in any good story, just as she thought she had escaped it her past comes back to find her. Dayton created a leading lady who allowed us to relate to her. She had feelings and questioned things she was taught. She tried to stand up for herself, but was knocked down at times. These are situations we have all been in before. The other leading and supporting characters in this story are wonderfully developed and you understand them to a point, while the rest remains a mystery. As the story progresses you learn more and more about their characters and how they adapt to their situations and who those situations make them become.
This story is definitely one that will draw in the readers of such series as 'The Hunger Games', 'Divergent', and even readers of more male variety readings. While there is a love triangle involved, it does not become the central focus of the story, but more an underlying story line. In no way does it overtake the story, but adds to it. The dynamics of 'Seeker' are so intertwining that you cannot help but wonder what is happening next. And the ending leaves you believing that there is definitely another book in the works. My only warning to readers is that the story jumps around in time a bit, giving you flashbacks, but can take a moment to process where you are when a chapter starts. Otherwise, this book is almost perfect.
A fantastic job was done by Arwen Elys Dayton in creating characters and a book we could love and follow through an adventure far more exciting than our every day lives... and a little more dangerous! Every person from every walk of life could love this book for at least one aspect, whether you love romance, action, drama, or adventure, and I cannot wait to see how it does on shelves.
Review can be found at: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-review-seeker-by-arwen-elys-dayton/
Being said to appeal to readers of 'The Hunger Games' and 'Divergent', two series that are extremely loved across the globe, is a high standard to set. Random House and Delacorte books decided to set it. 'Seeker' by Arwyn Elys Dayton is action packed, suspenseful, and heart wrenching all at the same time.
'Seeker' follows the story of Quin as she discovers what her future for what it really is compared to what she thought it would be. And, as in any good story, just as she thought she had escaped it her past comes back to find her. Dayton created a leading lady who allowed us to relate to her. She had feelings and questioned things she was taught. She tried to stand up for herself, but was knocked down at times. These are situations we have all been in before. The other leading and supporting characters in this story are wonderfully developed and you understand them to a point, while the rest remains a mystery. As the story progresses you learn more and more about their characters and how they adapt to their situations and who those situations make them become.
This story is definitely one that will draw in the readers of such series as 'The Hunger Games', 'Divergent', and even readers of more male variety readings. While there is a love triangle involved, it does not become the central focus of the story, but more an underlying story line. In no way does it overtake the story, but adds to it. The dynamics of 'Seeker' are so intertwining that you cannot help but wonder what is happening next. And the ending leaves you believing that there is definitely another book in the works. My only warning to readers is that the story jumps around in time a bit, giving you flashbacks, but can take a moment to process where you are when a chapter starts. Otherwise, this book is almost perfect.
A fantastic job was done by Arwen Elys Dayton in creating characters and a book we could love and follow through an adventure far more exciting than our every day lives... and a little more dangerous! Every person from every walk of life could love this book for at least one aspect, whether you love romance, action, drama, or adventure, and I cannot wait to see how it does on shelves.
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Rating: 3/5
Seeker is an explosive novel filled with intrigue, lies, and a desire to right wrongs, but those ‘wrongs’ differ.
Quin Kincaid has been training and preparing her whole life to become a seeker, a legacy that has been passed down through her family for generations. As a seeker she will fight for a noble cause and fight for justice and end the rule of tyranny. On the night she and her cousin Shinobu take their oaths and take their first steps as seekers, Quin realizes her lifelong goal is not what she thought it would be.
I’ve never read a book quite like Seeker. It’s YA sci-fi with hints of speculative and alternate history, but there’s also hints of fantasy…? And maybe magic…?
As difficult it might be to pinpoint what type of genre it is, Dayton spins a really interesting story, not only leaving a good majority of the characters out of the loop, but the readers as well. At first I was annoyed by being left in the dark so drastically, but as I read further and finished the novel I realized I wasn’t the only one lost and confused, so was Quin and Shinobu.
There is a large lapse of understanding, leaving the reader to fill in the whole of what exactly occurred on the night Quin takes her oath.
I really liked the descriptions and the world building was on spot, probably because their world is so similar (and practically the same as ours). Dayton wonderfully described the Scottish estate, the London Skyline, and the harbor and city life of Hong Kong
I also liked the multiple point of view. Although, when it comes to multiple povs, often times some characters fall flat or are a little more boring than others. I enjoyed all the pov’s, but there was one that I liked over the others.
I’m not sure everyone will be okay with being left in the dark to what exactly Quin and Shinobu did, I know I wasn’t. A big, “what the heck?” rang in my head, but I continued reading and I’m glad that I did.
Along with that. I had a hard time liking the characters. I really liked the world and what seekers were all about and I liked learning about their history, etc, but I didn’t care for the characters particularly, which is unfortunate.
So, even though I had a hard time getting into the story and caring for the characters I think I’ll give the sequel a shot once it’s released.
Quotable Quotes:
“Silence fell between them, until the young Dread finally dared ask, “Were you a great mind, Master?”
A real smile crossed his face. “You don’t ask if I ‘am’ a great mind, child? Because I speak gibberish now? Let me tell you - I once thought I was a great mind.”
“And now?”
“Now it does not matter. Great minds are not what’s wanted. Only good hearts. Good hearts choose wisely.”
“How does one find a good heart?”
“It is luck, child. Always luck. With you, I have been very lucky.””
— the young Dread and Master speak
Read if you like: ya-sci fi, sci fi, multiple povs
Rating: 3/5
Seeker is an explosive novel filled with intrigue, lies, and a desire to right wrongs, but those ‘wrongs’ differ.
Quin Kincaid has been training and preparing her whole life to become a seeker, a legacy that has been passed down through her family for generations. As a seeker she will fight for a noble cause and fight for justice and end the rule of tyranny. On the night she and her cousin Shinobu take their oaths and take their first steps as seekers, Quin realizes her lifelong goal is not what she thought it would be.
I’ve never read a book quite like Seeker. It’s YA sci-fi with hints of speculative and alternate history, but there’s also hints of fantasy…? And maybe magic…?
As difficult it might be to pinpoint what type of genre it is, Dayton spins a really interesting story, not only leaving a good majority of the characters out of the loop, but the readers as well. At first I was annoyed by being left in the dark so drastically, but as I read further and finished the novel I realized I wasn’t the only one lost and confused, so was Quin and Shinobu.
There is a large lapse of understanding, leaving the reader to fill in the whole of what exactly occurred on the night Quin takes her oath.
I really liked the descriptions and the world building was on spot, probably because their world is so similar (and practically the same as ours). Dayton wonderfully described the Scottish estate, the London Skyline, and the harbor and city life of Hong Kong
I also liked the multiple point of view. Although, when it comes to multiple povs, often times some characters fall flat or are a little more boring than others. I enjoyed all the pov’s, but there was one that I liked over the others.
I’m not sure everyone will be okay with being left in the dark to what exactly Quin and Shinobu did, I know I wasn’t. A big, “what the heck?” rang in my head, but I continued reading and I’m glad that I did.
Along with that. I had a hard time liking the characters. I really liked the world and what seekers were all about and I liked learning about their history, etc, but I didn’t care for the characters particularly, which is unfortunate.
So, even though I had a hard time getting into the story and caring for the characters I think I’ll give the sequel a shot once it’s released.
Quotable Quotes:
“Silence fell between them, until the young Dread finally dared ask, “Were you a great mind, Master?”
A real smile crossed his face. “You don’t ask if I ‘am’ a great mind, child? Because I speak gibberish now? Let me tell you - I once thought I was a great mind.”
“And now?”
“Now it does not matter. Great minds are not what’s wanted. Only good hearts. Good hearts choose wisely.”
“How does one find a good heart?”
“It is luck, child. Always luck. With you, I have been very lucky.””
— the young Dread and Master speak
Read if you like: ya-sci fi, sci fi, multiple povs
Slowly going thru my unread books and this was a signed ARC from NYCC, I believe.
I think this needed a better editor -- there were several two page chapters back-to-back with the same POV, some unnecessary repetition of plot points, and everything just felt way to convoluted. Also it was definitely hitting some Orientalist tropes here which extra stood out since the world was supposed to be like our modern one: cellphones, air cars, hospitals, and just tons and tons of opium dens, I guess. The exposition got in the way of character building and the repetition definitely did. I'm still not sure why Shinobu, A Love Interest, is also Quin's third cousin once removed? Just unnecessary.
I'll be honest, I WAS pretty into the Dreads, and if this book had only been about 200 pages I'd probably pick up the next one. But the juice here was not quite worth the squeeze (of 400 pages to set up a sequel).
I think this needed a better editor -- there were several two page chapters back-to-back with the same POV, some unnecessary repetition of plot points, and everything just felt way to convoluted. Also it was definitely hitting some Orientalist tropes here which extra stood out since the world was supposed to be like our modern one: cellphones, air cars, hospitals, and just tons and tons of opium dens, I guess. The exposition got in the way of character building and the repetition definitely did. I'm still not sure why Shinobu, A Love Interest, is also Quin's third cousin once removed? Just unnecessary.
I'll be honest, I WAS pretty into the Dreads, and if this book had only been about 200 pages I'd probably pick up the next one. But the juice here was not quite worth the squeeze (of 400 pages to set up a sequel).
Seeker breathes new life into the young adult fantasy genre. Dayton introduces fresh and interesting ideas in the world she has created, as well as characters that jump off the page.
There were a few things about this book that didn't quite work for me. A lot of the explanation was vague, leaving me somewhat unsatisfied about just how things worked in the world of the Seekers and the Dreads. The time the story takes place is never specified. Now and then it was hard to swallow that the characters would actually do what the book has them doing (like the very poorly planned ambush at the end).
Overall, though, I was able to push these things aside and enjoy the story. The idea of the dirigible floating continually above London in a figure eight pattern was a lot of fun, and the Hong Kong that exists in this story was fascinating. It is to Dayton's credit that her characters are not black and white cookie cutter figures. They experience conflicting emotions and respond accordingly, making them more vivid and real in the reader's mind. I enjoyed reading about these very believable people, and wish only the best for them in the next installment!