Scan barcode
e_reader124's review against another edition
4.0
(4.5 Stars)
While this took a little while in the beginning to find its footing, this was undoubtedly such a worthy sequel. While still a good start, it took some time for me to really get into the story. The best way I can describe it is that the first part is kind of slow and it doesn’t have as much of a certain, magical feel as the last book. It was still good and interesting, it just took a little bit to find its foundation. But once they do find that foundation, the book is super fun, it keeps you gripped the whole rest of the way through, and brings back many things introduced in the beginning perfectly. The theme of how easy it is to see only the wickedness in people even though people do have good in them as well was executed so well through how it was introduced (Reynie and Mr. Benedict’s conversation), kept going throughout the story (Reynie’s actions and internal monologue) and concluded (S.Q. and Captain Nolan). It was woven in through everything so well and I loved how it wasn’t bashed into our heads or made too subtle. I also loved Constance’s character development, and how she has grown more. Since we primarily hear from Reynie, Kate, and Sticky in the first book, and they didn’t know she was two until the end and thought her very annoying for the majority, Constance had the least development and page time among the society in the first book (though she was still a great character, don’t get me wrong). Here, we see from her how much Mr. Benedict has affected her and how his disappearance has hurt her, how she is very observant and can analyze patterns to see the truth and make predictions, how her motivations and actions are all affected by everything that has happened and how they have affected her, and how she has become more of a part of the group and closer to her friends. I also really liked seeing more of Milligan and Kate’s relationship. Their relationship is so sweet and wholesome, and I love how they have changed each other and bring out the best in each other. We see so much of that in this book, and I loved every minute of the two of them together. I also loved seeing the main four characters shine once again. They all play a huge part in the story in their own unique ways, and they each provide a unique pillar and insight to the story. I also liked the buildup of the mystery, grand reveal, and adventure. They are all built up and introduced in a way that hooks the reader. The mystery connects to Mr. Benedict’s past and something even more dangerous to come, and both of those make the reader want to keep reading in order to find out. We are also not disappointed in the end with the final battle and confrontation that occurs because of how nuts and thrilling it is. Actually, I will mention one thing I didn’t like about it: Mr. Curtain’s villain monologue. The way he just goes through his entire plan (and therefore, dumps it all on us readers) is very off-putting, but not in a threatening villain way. Everything is just info-dumped onto the readers, which makes it very overwhelming and confusing, and the entire experience make Mr. Curtain look more like a corny villain, which is very jarring considering how much of a threatening, scary villain he is the rest of the time. But otherwise, this was a great sequel to an amazing book and I can’t wait for what’s next.
While this took a little while in the beginning to find its footing, this was undoubtedly such a worthy sequel. While still a good start, it took some time for me to really get into the story. The best way I can describe it is that the first part is kind of slow and it doesn’t have as much of a certain, magical feel as the last book. It was still good and interesting, it just took a little bit to find its foundation. But once they do find that foundation, the book is super fun, it keeps you gripped the whole rest of the way through, and brings back many things introduced in the beginning perfectly. The theme of how easy it is to see only the wickedness in people even though people do have good in them as well was executed so well through how it was introduced (Reynie and Mr. Benedict’s conversation), kept going throughout the story (Reynie’s actions and internal monologue) and concluded (S.Q. and Captain Nolan). It was woven in through everything so well and I loved how it wasn’t bashed into our heads or made too subtle. I also loved Constance’s character development, and how she has grown more. Since we primarily hear from Reynie, Kate, and Sticky in the first book, and they didn’t know she was two until the end and thought her very annoying for the majority, Constance had the least development and page time among the society in the first book (though she was still a great character, don’t get me wrong). Here, we see from her how much Mr. Benedict has affected her and how his disappearance has hurt her, how she is very observant and can analyze patterns to see the truth and make predictions, how her motivations and actions are all affected by everything that has happened and how they have affected her, and how she has become more of a part of the group and closer to her friends. I also really liked seeing more of Milligan and Kate’s relationship. Their relationship is so sweet and wholesome, and I love how they have changed each other and bring out the best in each other. We see so much of that in this book, and I loved every minute of the two of them together. I also loved seeing the main four characters shine once again. They all play a huge part in the story in their own unique ways, and they each provide a unique pillar and insight to the story. I also liked the buildup of the mystery, grand reveal, and adventure. They are all built up and introduced in a way that hooks the reader. The mystery connects to Mr. Benedict’s past and something even more dangerous to come, and both of those make the reader want to keep reading in order to find out. We are also not disappointed in the end with the final battle and confrontation that occurs because of how nuts and thrilling it is. Actually, I will mention one thing I didn’t like about it: Mr. Curtain’s villain monologue. The way he just goes through his entire plan (and therefore, dumps it all on us readers) is very off-putting, but not in a threatening villain way. Everything is just info-dumped onto the readers, which makes it very overwhelming and confusing, and the entire experience make Mr. Curtain look more like a corny villain, which is very jarring considering how much of a threatening, scary villain he is the rest of the time. But otherwise, this was a great sequel to an amazing book and I can’t wait for what’s next.
alexsolari's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
koelkat's review against another edition
4.0
I love this series. It's so thrilling yet easy to read! It keeps me on the end of my seat and keeps a nostalgia with every book. The only negative I have with this book is how badly they treat S.Q. Sure, he's an antagonist, but he's not vindictive or outright evil. I hope he gets another chance in the third book.
smreads24's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
skeeter4366's review against another edition
3.0
It was cute. Not as great as the first novel. Not as much pizzaz. Probably won't read the future ones as it seems to just be the same shtick.
cascadienne's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cdd727's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25