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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A lot happened in this conclusion! The most frustrating part was the lack of communication between characters which is a trope used in fiction a lot. Ruby learning to accept herself and her powers was great to read, and even though the action was slow to arrive, it was satisfying when it finally happened. I typically prefer my endings with a nice, if hard-earned, bow, but this was satisfying as well.
This wasn’t as sad as I thought it was gonna be, but the more I think about it, the emptier I feel. Also it felt slow at the beginning and it took me FOREVER to read it, but it wasn’t because it was bad. I think it was because I didn’t make enough time to read it.
4.5 stars
The pacing was slower than I'm used to expecting from this series but the relationships and characters (especially Vida and Zu!) kept me invested every step of the way.
Full review to come.
The pacing was slower than I'm used to expecting from this series but the relationships and characters (especially Vida and Zu!) kept me invested every step of the way.
Full review to come.
I loved The Darkest Minds (the first book set in this post-apocalyptic world where children are die at an alarming rate due to some unknown pathogen, while others are plagued by terribly awesome super-powers). The world building seemed both accurate and honest and the details surrounding the human reactions to these children and their horrifying powers was heart-wrenching and at times gutting (in the best possible way). The Darkest Minds stands out in a marked saturated by dystopian teen novels. Unfortunately, In The Afterlight was a very predictable 3rd novel in a trilogy. Maybe there's something wrong with me but I cannot seem to be satisfied by the trilogy as a general principal. Don't get me wrong, I cannot stand a duology (there are just not enough pages to solve all your conflicts within the confines of two books). But most trilogies leave me disappointed. This book was not overtly bad. There was a lot of whining and self-doubt on Ruby's part (which should have ultimately been resolved by the 3rd book, no?). There was a solid red-herring that I stupidly jump on board for but then it fell flat and I was obviously disappointing at the loss of this character with no chance of redemption. Finally, I was disappointed by the totally predictable, neat ending. I know, I know, this doesn't make sense. I am also often disappointed when then ending is not satisfying. But this ending was so perfect, I kinda wish it had been a little more realistic, messy like the rest of the series.
Final Recommendations: totally read this series (regardless of whether or not I was disappointed in the ending, I would have still finished the book & it was not awful, just predictable and a little boring), if you like girls kicking butt, hot southern boys (also not enough of this in the 3rd book), evil governments, super-powered children
Final Recommendations: totally read this series (regardless of whether or not I was disappointed in the ending, I would have still finished the book & it was not awful, just predictable and a little boring), if you like girls kicking butt, hot southern boys (also not enough of this in the 3rd book), evil governments, super-powered children
Fantastic dystopian trilogy unlike anything I've ever read. Refreshingly unique.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because I really like this series.
I really, really like this series. I think it's very good. I think that's frustrating, though, because I think it had the potential to be more than very good. I think it could have been amazing, a favourite.
I loved the first book in this series. It was fast-paced and exciting and the characters worked so well. I think, however, that in the second and third instalments, the books get weighed down by so much unnecessary stuff. This book should have been at least 100 pages shorter. There was SO MUCH deliberating and re-deliberating, so much of Ruby over-analysing her own thoughts, the actions of those around her, the meaning behind Liam's many smiles, so many conversations about the same things over and over. I think that this book could have been stripped down, and it still would have worked. It still would have been a well-plotted conclusion.
Overall, though, I did really enjoy the series as a whole. I think at times, it pretends to be deeper than it actually is. I'm cool with what it is: a fun dystopian thriller about kids with superpowers. Also, I love Chubs.
I really, really like this series. I think it's very good. I think that's frustrating, though, because I think it had the potential to be more than very good. I think it could have been amazing, a favourite.
I loved the first book in this series. It was fast-paced and exciting and the characters worked so well. I think, however, that in the second and third instalments, the books get weighed down by so much unnecessary stuff. This book should have been at least 100 pages shorter. There was SO MUCH deliberating and re-deliberating, so much of Ruby over-analysing her own thoughts, the actions of those around her, the meaning behind Liam's many smiles, so many conversations about the same things over and over. I think that this book could have been stripped down, and it still would have worked. It still would have been a well-plotted conclusion.
Overall, though, I did really enjoy the series as a whole. I think at times, it pretends to be deeper than it actually is. I'm cool with what it is: a fun dystopian thriller about kids with superpowers. Also, I love Chubs.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“What they don’t tell you about forgiveness is this—you don’t give it for the other person’s sake, but your own.”
This book traps and suffocates you. It’s the conclusion to ending what our characters were forced to endure. This book is about patience and analysing what is the best option of action. Exploring the most logical and realistic outcomes in life. I still have a lot of questions. And in the end, I love this book.
Characters wrap up
Clancy
He is such an interesting, deceiving, cunning character. Whenever he shows up you know the show's about to begin.
His character gets explored a lot more in this book and it was an emotional ride. There’s a lot of added detail about him, but you’re still left with so many questions. He brings an incredible perspective into the series. His character can be analysed and theorised in so many different ways, it’s brilliant.
Chubs
Chubs will always seem the same, but yet when you look at the three books, you can tell there’s been a development in his character. He’s a character that never stops being a great part in the series.
Cole
He has a small showcase of development in this book, and I like how his difficulties of a character are communicated throughout the story and not used to antagonise him.
Ruby
As soon as I opened this book I got nostalgic realising how much Ruby has gone through and grown. She is such an amazing character. And I love how her flaws are incorporated into the plot. She’s just such a beautiful character.
Liam
There are moments where he gets left out, or put on the sideline. And then they have points where he only just seems like the little brother. He still has really cute, great moments.
Vida
She will always be a noteworthy character.
Zu
I’m just so proud of her. I don’t think I can say anything else without hinting spoilers.
Other characters
The other characters in this book were done very well. Not an ounce of thought and work was left out.
The writing continues to not disappoint.
This book traps and suffocates you. It’s the conclusion to ending what our characters were forced to endure. This book is about patience and analysing what is the best option of action. Exploring the most logical and realistic outcomes in life. I still have a lot of questions. And in the end, I love this book.
Characters wrap up
Clancy
He is such an interesting, deceiving, cunning character. Whenever he shows up you know the show's about to begin.
His character gets explored a lot more in this book and it was an emotional ride. There’s a lot of added detail about him, but you’re still left with so many questions. He brings an incredible perspective into the series. His character can be analysed and theorised in so many different ways, it’s brilliant.
Chubs
Chubs will always seem the same, but yet when you look at the three books, you can tell there’s been a development in his character. He’s a character that never stops being a great part in the series.
Cole
He has a small showcase of development in this book, and I like how his difficulties of a character are communicated throughout the story and not used to antagonise him.
Ruby
As soon as I opened this book I got nostalgic realising how much Ruby has gone through and grown. She is such an amazing character. And I love how her flaws are incorporated into the plot. She’s just such a beautiful character.
Liam
There are moments where he gets left out, or put on the sideline. And then they have points where he only just seems like the little brother. He still has really cute, great moments.
Vida
She will always be a noteworthy character.
Zu
I’m just so proud of her. I don’t think I can say anything else without hinting spoilers.
Other characters
The other characters in this book were done very well. Not an ounce of thought and work was left out.
The writing continues to not disappoint.
Fantastic dystopian trilogy unlike anything I've ever read. Refreshingly unique.
was devastated when cole died, I was really rooting for him and ruby, or for him in general. the way she just killed him off and he never got the respect and honor he deserved is utterly disappointing. if she needed to end him, he deserved a much better and bigger ending.
also the way ruby and liam just get back happily together, i don't like it, it feels wrong... but otherwise still a good series tho
also the way ruby and liam just get back happily together, i don't like it, it feels wrong... but otherwise still a good series tho