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mariacarmen03's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
3.75
drearyletters's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I really enjoyed this book, however, when it focused more on the romance, it weakened the overall plot. The tension and mystery was great, and I wished that the book focused on that more than the romance.
laurenb's review against another edition
3.0
Would be a 4-star because I enjoyed it, but the instalove killed it for me. He loves her- but why? He was in love with her way too quickly and it wasn’t believable
danne789's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great read. Just enough dark humor and action to balance the love story. It had me from the beginning. I couldn't put it down.
katiebtatton's review against another edition
3.0
I placed a hold on The Chemist at my library two months ago after thinking it might be on our book club list and frankly I'd forgotten all about it when I was notified that it was available. The Chemist follows Alex, a molecular biologist who used to do mostly research (but also some actual torture) for the government who's been on the run since things went south with her job. In typical Meyers fashion, she's existing on her own with no solid relationships and doesn't know what she's missing. Alex agrees to take one last job in exchange for her hunters to stop chasing her, and isn't it ironic that her target might just be the first real romantic interest she's ever had?
I didn't hate the book, but I didn't think the characters were particularly realistic or significantly different from various characters in Twilight---Kevin is an older, angrier version of Emmett with military training; Val is Rosalie with a lower moral compass and a soft spot for dogs, and Daniel surpasses Bella to become the Mary Sue-iest character ever written ("I know you just kidnapped and tortured me, but you look like you could use some food and sleep. Let me help with that!")
While I didn't love the book, it wasn't a terrible way to spend a few rainy afternoons curled up with on the couch. Not too hard to put down, but engaging enough to want to pick up again.
I didn't hate the book, but I didn't think the characters were particularly realistic or significantly different from various characters in Twilight---Kevin is an older, angrier version of Emmett with military training; Val is Rosalie with a lower moral compass and a soft spot for dogs, and Daniel surpasses Bella to become the Mary Sue-iest character ever written ("I know you just kidnapped and tortured me, but you look like you could use some food and sleep. Let me help with that!")
While I didn't love the book, it wasn't a terrible way to spend a few rainy afternoons curled up with on the couch. Not too hard to put down, but engaging enough to want to pick up again.
mlb16's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
3.75
kt0914's review against another edition
1.0
Really disappointed, especially after enjoying The Host. Powered my way through the far-too-long 500+ pages but wanted to quit after 150. The premise of the book sounds exciting, but Alex's life & endeavors are described tediously -- I found myself unconsciously skimming paragraphs. I couldn't figure out the main character as well, and not in a good way.
bookwormy614's review against another edition
1.0
DNF. I read reviews about this and was super excited that Stephanie Meyer wrote something different and appealing to adults. I had such high hopes. An intelligent, government agent on the run from a government entity that has tactical skills and can defend herself without help?! Yes please! I got several chapters in when "Daniel" was introduced and then 12 chapters in (just a little over a quarter of the book) when I realized she wasn't going to kill him and I figured out where this was headed. Chick lit city! Ugh! For once can't there be a strong, intelligent, kickass, no love, no mercy, female lead that doesn't have a love interest? What would have been nice was once she'd found out the plot against her she'd parted ways with "Daniel" and gone to take care of "the department" trying to kill her by herself. She seemed intelligent and able enough to do so. And although I didn't finish, I know "Daniel" stays to the end and everything is tied up in a neat little bow and they live happily ever after because it is THAT predictable. I should've known better as The Host was similar. I get it though, there's an interest for this type of fiction, just not for me.
The detailed explaining of the "on the run" regime became a bit repetitive and was a snore at times. I feel like three to four of the first 12 chapters could have been shortened or even eliminated because of this. Overall if you're looking for a different type of chick lit you'll enjoy this. Different backstory, same old boy meets girl love story.
The detailed explaining of the "on the run" regime became a bit repetitive and was a snore at times. I feel like three to four of the first 12 chapters could have been shortened or even eliminated because of this. Overall if you're looking for a different type of chick lit you'll enjoy this. Different backstory, same old boy meets girl love story.
talne's review against another edition
2.0
I read The Chemist as part of a laid back book club some friends and I started. This is very probably something I would never read of my own accord for a two reasons - I've not seen nor read Twilight and I find the spy thriller genre boring and overplayed. That said, I wanted to read this with a fresh and open perspective as someone recommended it. Suffice to say, it started off worse than I expected and ended just okay.
Between the wholly unbelievable and one dimensional characters and the obvious plot, I was mostly bored and/or rolling my eyes for much of the novel. Our main character, we'll call her Alex, is simultaneously the worlds best untrained spy, and an accidental femme fatale. Alex's prey takes the nice guy trope to new levels, and the early antagonist feels like a lazy combination of the big three espionage J's. The best character in the novel is a random side character the ends up aiding our heroes and it feels unintentional on Meyer's part.
I think the best way I can summarize my feelings about the novel is the fact that I'm bored writing this review, and now it's over.
Between the wholly unbelievable and one dimensional characters and the obvious plot, I was mostly bored and/or rolling my eyes for much of the novel. Our main character, we'll call her Alex, is simultaneously the worlds best untrained spy, and an accidental femme fatale. Alex's prey takes the nice guy trope to new levels, and the early antagonist feels like a lazy combination of the big three espionage J's. The best character in the novel is a random side character the ends up aiding our heroes and it feels unintentional on Meyer's part.
I think the best way I can summarize my feelings about the novel is the fact that I'm bored writing this review, and now it's over.
hanseah's review against another edition
5.0
I would say that Stephanie Meyer did a great job in writing this novel. I have read her Twilight series and enjoyed them but did not become so enthralled that I wanted a man to shimmer. IMHO, this book showed me that Ms. Meyer has talent in a writing style that can cross genres and make her readers want to experience the characters' lives first hand along side them. If you enjoy thriller suspense books, I recommend The Chemist.