Reviews

Accomplished by Amanda Quain

rcwaring29's review

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

beyondevak's review

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2.0

Quick Summary: Accomplished: A Georgie Darcy Novel was an interesting +/- read, at best.

My Review: This book was an OK read. I can't venture beyond that assessment much more, unfortunately. The story didn't blow my mind or draw me in, as I thought it would, although it did make me smile a couple of times. I used the word interesting to describe my take on the book because although it was fair in standing, the premise was unique.

I felt that the story had a really dry beginning, so much so that I, literally, had to put the book down, then come back to it. It was surprising to me that I was initially unable to connect with the story or with the characters. Once the pace picked up, however, things got a little better.

What I liked and/or appreciated: Avery, Emily, the Freshman Trombone Section (minus the section leader), Mrs. T, the idea of a modern day P and P, the playful banter between Georgie and Avery, and the young love dual romance angle

What I did not like or was confused by: Wickham, Braden, the unrealistic desire Georgie had about proving something to that ridiculous fellow (Wickham), the misplaced use of profanity, the rather inappropriate name calling or references to the male anatomy when something was not agreed upon by two characters, and the uneven, dysfunctional relationship between the siblings (Noted: the fluctuating emotional drama, the poor communication, the instability with their life roles, their public disputes, the unspoken resentment from both parties)

What boggled my mind: the lack of structured counseling for the siblings (Obviously, they both needed grief counseling...and more.), the school's lack of response to Georgie's repeated noncompliance and disregard for the rules, the on again-off again conflict between brother and sister, Georgie's access to AP classes after the failed general education grades, the granting of guardianship to an emancipated teen who just so happened to be incredibly young and somewhat immature himself, and the unexplained extended absence of the mother (who just so happened to "care" enough to email)

Rating: 2/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: OYA (PG 17+ due to the use of profane language)
Warning: Profanity used. References to drug use.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own and were not influenced by the aforementioned in any way.

thebaldiebooknerd23's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

ameserole's review

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4.0

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, I really enjoyed anything related to Pride & Prejudice. So, I'm really happy that I got the chance to dive into another retelling of it. Entering into the world of Accomplished, I was pretty excited to get to know more about Georgiana. Mostly because we don't know much about her. Unless it was her aunt or brother praising her for being a good piano player.

So, getting this complete opposite version of the perfect Georgie was perfectly amazing. She was real and went through realistic problems that kids go through. Whether it's family, school, or guy problems - there's something easy to relate to.

I also really enjoyed her friendship with Avery. He just seemed like a guy that would help balance out Georgie. He was also on the team of hating all things Wickham. Heck, he's probably the president of the club. It sucks that him and Georgie hit some rough spots but I'm glad that they made up towards the end.

Then there's her brother, Fitz. I loved seeing his college life for a bit but also how him and Lizzie bantered. It was cute and made me smile. So, when Georgie sort of manipulates these two to being together like all the time. Well, I was definitely on board with them falling in love with one another.

In the end, the drama came, and I still despise Wickham. I'm also really happy that everyone made up towards the end too. If another book about Georgie ever becomes a thing, I would definitely like to volunteer as tribute to read it. Pretty please!

lauren_soderberg's review

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4.0

Accomplished is a deft, tangential, reimagining of Pride and Prejudice told from Georgiana’s perspective. Though most of the names are obviously familiar, the modern-day story through this lens is a refreshing take on a beloved classic.

When Georgiana Darcy returns to Pemberley Academy after a devastating sophomore year, she is determined to distance herself from her old flame, Wickham Darcy, and prove that she can be the type of student and younger sister her older brother, Fitz, can be proud of. What happens when Wickham tries to weasel his way back into her life? When she realizes that the feelings she has for her friend, Avery, might be more than platonic? Well, things are about to become even more complicated.

In my opinion, works that are inspired by Pride and Prejudice have a very fine needle to thread. Because the source material is so prolific, I often find myself dissatisfied with works that center Elizabeth and Darcy (or their equivalents) as the protagonists. Which is why I found this book to be so delightful.

Author Amanda Quain gives readers gives us a fully sketched Georgiana, and adds a beautiful layer to the sibling dynamic between Georgiana and her brother. The addition of Avery as best friend/potential love interest was also a fantastic inclusion. Quain also is aware of the fact that her protagonist is obscenely rich, and doesn’t shy away from conversations about privilege.

It’s a work that understands its source material but stands on its own insofar as narrative and plot are concerned. Fans of P&P and those unfamiliar with the story will both find things to love about Accomplished.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for generously providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

michellehenriereads's review

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4.0

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you.

I a sucker for P&P references, spin offs, and retellings.

In Accomplished, Georgiana—George—is at Pemberly High while Fritz, Charlie, Jane, and Lizzy are at a nearby college. Instead of ballrooms, we peek into Frat parties. Instead of almost eloping with Wickham, George becomes his girlfriend and is harmed in a different way.

This was a satisfying read of an alternative P&P. George's angst came through with flying colors. Both Fitz and Charlie are true to the original characters but through different circumstances. I had so much fun seeing how George would handle the pressure.

This tale deviates from the original, but in a great way. It's also not necessary to ne familiar with Austen's book to enjoy Accomplished. I think teens and adults will love it! There are sexual references, but nothing on the page. I hope you enjoy it too!

cassiesnextchapter's review

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2.0

Oof. A huge miss for me. I’ll try to gather my thoughts…But just not as good as I was hoping for.

Thanks, Wednesday Books for the advanced copy.

lydiagibbs's review

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It was a cute and fun reimagining. 

pretzulle's review

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2.0

ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love Pride & Prejudice so I was more than excited to get this YA adaptation focusing on Mr. Darcy's younger sister, Georgiana. However, this just felt lackluster. I think if you're going to make an adaptation or build off of any sort of renowned work like Pride & Prejudice, it has to be good. Quain does a good job of making Georgiana her own distinguished character compared to the version we get from Austen.

This would have been fine as a typical YA novel without the connections to Pride, and I hinged on that too much while reading. The dialogue is very young and overall there isn't much depth to the plot. This is definitely a younger YA novel.

Not my thing, but will certainly be good for others!

smalltownbookmom's review

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3.0

This was a fun, heartfelt YA reimagining featuring Jane Austen's beloved Darcy siblings, Georgie and Fitzwilliam "Fitz" from Pride and prejudice. Told from Georgie's POV, we get to see her trying to redeem her damaged reputation at a posh boarding school and fix her strained relationship with her brother after a scandal involving drugs and former schoolmate/boyfriend Wickham.

I really loved Georgie and how she tried to help her brother by setting him up with Elizabeth Bennett with the hopes of getting him to relax his overprotective tendencies. Original and full of creative license, I enjoyed this one for its lighthearted charm. Great on audio too narrated by Deva Marie Gregory. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!