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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I can't wait until the third book comes back to the library!
Reading this book was like "KISS HIM!!!"
But I am so proud of Jenny. I won't tell you why.
I listened to this book on the drive to Dubois.
Reading this book was like "KISS HIM!!!"
But I am so proud of Jenny. I won't tell you why.
I listened to this book on the drive to Dubois.
I love this series and am eagerly anticipating the third installment. If a supernatural minded Sherlock and a female Watson is for you, read this series!
This book is a masterpiece, I tell you. A MASTERPIECE.
Many sequels, more specifically second books in series, can have what is called a sophomore slump, where the second book is a let down after the first. I was a little bit concerned about Beastly Bones being a victim of this, but luckily I did not have to worry. This book was full of just as much quirkiness and strangeness as Jackaby. This book picks up right where Jackaby left off, following Abigail and Jackaby on their adventures in New Fiddleham inquiring after paranormal cases. We still get Abigail's witty narrative and information throughout the story.
In this book, we are introduced to even more charming and quirky characters, such as Nellie and Hank, and I loved getting to meet each on of them as Jackaby and Abigail worked to figure out what was going on at the dig site. But what really stood out to me in this book is the introduction of what I assume is the "main" villain. He/She I assume is the the Moriarty of the series. I definitely am eagerly anticipating the next book to find out more about this character and what they are up to. There was so much foreshadowing to this character and how they were involved from the beginning. I really need to know more about them as we go forward .
With Jackaby, one of my main issues was feeling like it did not quite match the time period of the late 1800s. I still felt that way with this installment, however it did not bother me as much as it had in Jackaby. That is probably because this book had less character introductions and instances where we were learning more about Jackaby, Abigail, and Charlie. Instead we got to be put right in the action with only minor character introductions. This installment was definitely more fast paced and action heavy than the first.
Without giving too much away, I also just want to comment on what the "beast" turns out to be. I was not at all expecting that, but it just made so much sense and I loved it.
*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
In this book, we are introduced to even more charming and quirky characters, such as Nellie and Hank, and I loved getting to meet each on of them as Jackaby and Abigail worked to figure out what was going on at the dig site. But what really stood out to me in this book is the introduction of what I assume is the "main" villain. He/She I assume is the the Moriarty of the series. I definitely am eagerly anticipating the next book to find out more about this character and what they are up to. There was so much foreshadowing to this character and how they were involved from the beginning. I really need to know more about them as we go forward .
With Jackaby, one of my main issues was feeling like it did not quite match the time period of the late 1800s. I still felt that way with this installment, however it did not bother me as much as it had in Jackaby. That is probably because this book had less character introductions and instances where we were learning more about Jackaby, Abigail, and Charlie. Instead we got to be put right in the action with only minor character introductions. This installment was definitely more fast paced and action heavy than the first.
Without giving too much away, I also just want to comment on what the "beast" turns out to be. I was not at all expecting that, but it just made so much sense and I loved it.
*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A solid and entertaining sequel, particularly strong in character development and world-building.
2022 Reread: I'm not sure I would still say that I like this book better than the first book, but I still very much enjoy it, so I'm not going to quibble.
It's really, really rare for me to like the second book better than the first. I can think of maybe a half-dozen that qualify. And this is one of them.
The Good:
-Old friends. Jackaby continues to be brilliant (and yet not . . .) and tactless and mysterious and eccentric and amusing and generally awesome. Charlie is loyal and brave and adorable as ever. And Abigail, as usual, is making her way along, trying to be helpful and observant and not fail spectacularly (a feeling I can relate to all too well . . .)- and successfully being courageous and resourceful and sharp and also getting to show off her paleontology a bit. She's imperfect and tends to make mistakes now and then- but I think that actually makes me like her better, since about half her mistakes, I've done something similar.
-New friends. Hudson is awesome and a good complement to Jackaby- a hunter and collector of magical creatures. (And, occasionally, nonmagical ones.) Horner is rather hilarious. Nellie is fabulous as well for many reasons.
-Chameleomorphs. Love the idea of these, even if they're also a little scary in a way. And I rather like how the author tied them in with Darwin and his theory.And, y'know, evolution would make a lot more sense if these things were actually real.
-If I were a betting girl, I'd owe Jackaby five bucks.
-Proper mystery-fantasy combination. I've said it before: I like books that are fantasies, but are also mysteries- more whodunit or murder than fantasy-adventure. Beastly Bones definitely qualifies.
-The train station scene. It was adorable. I can't tell you why. Read it and you'll find out.
The Bad:
-Unanswered questions. Questions raised at the start of the book are not solved by the end- thankfully, there's a promise of more investigations. Not so thankfully, we have to wait for the next book. DARNIT I NEED THAT BOOK NOW.
-Historical inconsistency. People had a tendency to talk like they're from either modern times or sometime in the 1920s or later, rather than from 1892. Also, certain things at one point in the story seemed like they'd fit better in the Wild West than in New England. It bugged me. However, it wasn't enough to stop me enjoying the book.
Overall, Beastly Bones is a fabulous book, even better than the first in the series- which is saying something, since I love said first book to death. And I really, really hope that there's going to be a book three, because if there isn't, I will be terribly sad.
It's really, really rare for me to like the second book better than the first. I can think of maybe a half-dozen that qualify. And this is one of them.
The Good:
-Old friends. Jackaby continues to be brilliant (and yet not . . .) and tactless and mysterious and eccentric and amusing and generally awesome. Charlie is loyal and brave and adorable as ever. And Abigail, as usual, is making her way along, trying to be helpful and observant and not fail spectacularly (a feeling I can relate to all too well . . .)- and successfully being courageous and resourceful and sharp and also getting to show off her paleontology a bit. She's imperfect and tends to make mistakes now and then- but I think that actually makes me like her better, since about half her mistakes, I've done something similar.
-New friends. Hudson is awesome and a good complement to Jackaby- a hunter and collector of magical creatures. (And, occasionally, nonmagical ones.) Horner is rather hilarious. Nellie is fabulous as well for many reasons.
-Chameleomorphs. Love the idea of these, even if they're also a little scary in a way. And I rather like how the author tied them in with Darwin and his theory.
-If I were a betting girl, I'd owe Jackaby five bucks.
Spoiler
Although I was partially right, that whatever the bones were would show up later. THEY'RE DRAGON BONES, GUYS. DRAGONS. FOSSILIZED DRAGONS. DO YOU REALIZE HOW AWESOME THAT IS? Now, if only someone would find dragon fossils in real life . . .-Proper mystery-fantasy combination. I've said it before: I like books that are fantasies, but are also mysteries- more whodunit or murder than fantasy-adventure. Beastly Bones definitely qualifies.
-The train station scene. It was adorable. I can't tell you why. Read it and you'll find out.
The Bad:
-Unanswered questions. Questions raised at the start of the book are not solved by the end- thankfully, there's a promise of more investigations. Not so thankfully, we have to wait for the next book. DARNIT I NEED THAT BOOK NOW.
-Historical inconsistency. People had a tendency to talk like they're from either modern times or sometime in the 1920s or later, rather than from 1892. Also, certain things at one point in the story seemed like they'd fit better in the Wild West than in New England. It bugged me. However, it wasn't enough to stop me enjoying the book.
Overall, Beastly Bones is a fabulous book, even better than the first in the series- which is saying something, since I love said first book to death. And I really, really hope that there's going to be a book three, because if there isn't, I will be terribly sad.
Wasn't a fan of this story as much as the last. Felt unbalanced between the mystery and supernatural components. For me, it was too much fantasy/supernatural and not enough mystery. Struggled to really get into the story. Will likely read the third, however as its already set up with an intriguing twist
I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
You can read my full review on my blog, Turning Pages.
When I read Jackaby back in January 2015 (read my review here), I instantly fell in love with the strong and sometimes odd characters and the dangerous adventures they embarked on via supernatural investigations. Of course, I was pleased to learn that there was going to be a sequel out this year. And I was not disappointed by it.
Ritter knows how to create an eerie atmosphere of danger, mystery, and creepy creatures. He crafts the story and the scenes so well that every detail is important in some way. The story does feel like Sherlock, and yet it sets itself enough apart to deliver originality. Indeed, there are three mysteries in this book that lead to one incredibly dangerous situation. I can’t wait to read the next book which is sure to see Abigail and Jackaby on an even more dangerous adventure.
Abigail is still a wonderful character. In this book, she’s figuring out who she is away from her family even more. She gets vastly different advice about her future, but in the end decides she has more than two options, so she makes a decision that’s a balance of the two, a choice that’s all her own and right for her. She can be both independent and still have a lover.
Jackaby is wonderfully weird, and sometimes misses things that people imply. He is smart about supernatural creatures, but needs to rely on Abigail’s knowledge of geology in this book. It’s nice to see him not be in charge, and see the woman save the day. Charlie is driven to protect the innocent, and he has a strong moral compass. He’s settled in Gad’s Valley’s vast fields and forests more so than New Fiddleham which is pure city life through and through. A minor character worth mentioning is journalist Nellie Fuller who doesn’t listen to sexist men when they tell her she doesn’t belong in the thick of things. For the first time we see the ghost, Jenny, struggling with her demise. The struggle makes her somehow more human. Gotta love the realistic and strong females in this series.
I think a lot of people ship Abigail and Jackaby, and while I adore those two characters, there’s not even a hint of romance between them. However, it’s sweet how shy Abigail and Charlie are around each other, and it’s obvious that they care about each other a lot. But what Abigail says near the end is important: she won’t give up her adventures to settle down like society expects of her, but she can still have romance too.
Beastly Bones is the fun, funny, and dark sequel to Jackaby, though it takes a little longer to get into than its predecessor. The mystery is more dangerous and difficult than before, and Abigail, Jackaby, and Charlie work together again to save a city. I really like this series, and I look forward to reading more about these characters and their dangerous adventures.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
You can read my full review on my blog, Turning Pages.
When I read Jackaby back in January 2015 (read my review here), I instantly fell in love with the strong and sometimes odd characters and the dangerous adventures they embarked on via supernatural investigations. Of course, I was pleased to learn that there was going to be a sequel out this year. And I was not disappointed by it.
Ritter knows how to create an eerie atmosphere of danger, mystery, and creepy creatures. He crafts the story and the scenes so well that every detail is important in some way. The story does feel like Sherlock, and yet it sets itself enough apart to deliver originality. Indeed, there are three mysteries in this book that lead to one incredibly dangerous situation. I can’t wait to read the next book which is sure to see Abigail and Jackaby on an even more dangerous adventure.
Abigail is still a wonderful character. In this book, she’s figuring out who she is away from her family even more. She gets vastly different advice about her future, but in the end decides she has more than two options, so she makes a decision that’s a balance of the two, a choice that’s all her own and right for her. She can be both independent and still have a lover.
Jackaby is wonderfully weird, and sometimes misses things that people imply. He is smart about supernatural creatures, but needs to rely on Abigail’s knowledge of geology in this book. It’s nice to see him not be in charge, and see the woman save the day. Charlie is driven to protect the innocent, and he has a strong moral compass. He’s settled in Gad’s Valley’s vast fields and forests more so than New Fiddleham which is pure city life through and through. A minor character worth mentioning is journalist Nellie Fuller who doesn’t listen to sexist men when they tell her she doesn’t belong in the thick of things. For the first time we see the ghost, Jenny, struggling with her demise. The struggle makes her somehow more human. Gotta love the realistic and strong females in this series.
I think a lot of people ship Abigail and Jackaby, and while I adore those two characters, there’s not even a hint of romance between them. However, it’s sweet how shy Abigail and Charlie are around each other, and it’s obvious that they care about each other a lot. But what Abigail says near the end is important: she won’t give up her adventures to settle down like society expects of her, but she can still have romance too.
Beastly Bones is the fun, funny, and dark sequel to Jackaby, though it takes a little longer to get into than its predecessor. The mystery is more dangerous and difficult than before, and Abigail, Jackaby, and Charlie work together again to save a city. I really like this series, and I look forward to reading more about these characters and their dangerous adventures.
My biggest disappointment with this book is very easily identified: not enough Jackaby in this Jackaby series book. I've never read any of the original Sherlock Holmes stories, but I don't think the good, memorable ones involve Sherlock disappearing or spending most of his time as nothing more than a background character.
I mean, the series is named after him. Where the hell was he at most of this book? I don't even just mean the moments he was separated from Abigail, but also just mentally? He felt like the quirky sidekick who would exposit at Abigail (and, by proxy, the reader) when needed, drop a funny one-liner once or twice, and then return to form at the very, very end of the book.
Probably it was because Jackaby was so out of sorts, but I also didn't feel very invested in the mystery at all. I did like the big reveal as to what was going on, but up until that point, I didn't really feel the imminent danger or the sense of adventure as I did in the first book.
Also, I don't mind Charlie (who, by the way, I can't fucking believe William Ritter named Charlie Barker; come the fuck on, that's a little too on the nose) but I felt like the romance plot was super forced, especially since I didn't feel like he and Abigail really hit it off in the first book either, this just came of as something Ritter was shoehorning in, trying to make his book seem cool and hip so the kids will think his book is cool. On top of me just not feeling the chemistry, I also just felt like this whole subplot was just drawing more time and attention away from R.F. goddamn Jackaby.
Anyway, I'm going to keep reading because these books are short but we'll see if I end up regretting that decision. We'll see. Onward!
I mean, the series is named after him. Where the hell was he at most of this book? I don't even just mean the moments he was separated from Abigail, but also just mentally? He felt like the quirky sidekick who would exposit at Abigail (and, by proxy, the reader) when needed, drop a funny one-liner once or twice, and then return to form at the very, very end of the book.
Probably it was because Jackaby was so out of sorts, but I also didn't feel very invested in the mystery at all. I did like the big reveal as to what was going on, but up until that point, I didn't really feel the imminent danger or the sense of adventure as I did in the first book.
Also, I don't mind Charlie (who, by the way, I can't fucking believe William Ritter named Charlie Barker; come the fuck on, that's a little too on the nose) but I felt like the romance plot was super forced, especially since I didn't feel like he and Abigail really hit it off in the first book either, this just came of as something Ritter was shoehorning in, trying to make his book seem cool and hip so the kids will think his book is cool. On top of me just not feeling the chemistry, I also just felt like this whole subplot was just drawing more time and attention away from R.F. goddamn Jackaby.
Anyway, I'm going to keep reading because these books are short but we'll see if I end up regretting that decision. We'll see. Onward!