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stephxsu's review
3.0
It is my experience that there are far more novels in YA literature than short stories, but Laini Taylor makes you wish there were more stories as exotic, rich, and romantic as hers. LIPS TOUCH: THREE TIMES is an astonishing blend of the magical and the universal, told in elegant prose and accentuated by breathtaking illustrations.
In a genre that one may argue is overpopulated by the supernatural and paranormal, Laini’s worlds stand out because of their complexity. On the surface, things are romantically lush: exotic locales, unique predicaments, beautiful dress and decorations. All described in prose that may not be as jaw-dropping and powerful as Francesca Lia Block’s, but is still beautiful nonetheless, and perhaps more approachably so. Laini’s stories, however, are also deep: they are full of ambiguous gray areas that may cause you to think beyond the stories just being nice to read.
Jim DiBartolo's full-page illustrations are a jaw-dropping addition to this already beautiful, dual-colored book. His drawings precede each each story and tell a story all on their own, and add a sort of mysticism to these already whimsical stories.
Pick up this collection of Laini Taylor’s stories if you want to forget about the real world for a few hours and be swept away to enchanted lands full of mystery and magic.
In a genre that one may argue is overpopulated by the supernatural and paranormal, Laini’s worlds stand out because of their complexity. On the surface, things are romantically lush: exotic locales, unique predicaments, beautiful dress and decorations. All described in prose that may not be as jaw-dropping and powerful as Francesca Lia Block’s, but is still beautiful nonetheless, and perhaps more approachably so. Laini’s stories, however, are also deep: they are full of ambiguous gray areas that may cause you to think beyond the stories just being nice to read.
Jim DiBartolo's full-page illustrations are a jaw-dropping addition to this already beautiful, dual-colored book. His drawings precede each each story and tell a story all on their own, and add a sort of mysticism to these already whimsical stories.
Pick up this collection of Laini Taylor’s stories if you want to forget about the real world for a few hours and be swept away to enchanted lands full of mystery and magic.
shadowrealmreader's review
5.0
4.5 stars. I didn't care much for the first story, but the other two were amazing. it is extremely well written and very original. the stories are nothing like anything I've read before. I really love Laini Taylor's writing style which is very descriptive and she words everything so beautifully. Can't wait for anything else she writes!
that_kitten's review
4.0
Overall, I found Lips Touch to be a beautifully written trio of fantasy tales with lush world building and powerful emotion. Each tale was something a little outside the ordinary.
I didn't connect with the first story (Goblin Fruit) as much as I would have liked to. It felt a little over the top and unresolved to me. Still, the descriptions were lovely and the prose strong. It certainly kept my interest.
The other stories were rich and wonderfully imagined. Taylor has an incredible talent for creating a new world in just a few pages. I also very much admired the artwork and was pleasantly surprised to see it describe the story that comes "before" the main storyline we actually read. A nice touch. All in all, a very enjoyable (albeit dark, but I love dark) fantasy read.
I didn't connect with the first story (Goblin Fruit) as much as I would have liked to. It felt a little over the top and unresolved to me. Still, the descriptions were lovely and the prose strong. It certainly kept my interest.
The other stories were rich and wonderfully imagined. Taylor has an incredible talent for creating a new world in just a few pages. I also very much admired the artwork and was pleasantly surprised to see it describe the story that comes "before" the main storyline we actually read. A nice touch. All in all, a very enjoyable (albeit dark, but I love dark) fantasy read.
rachelcdm's review against another edition
4.0
I love Laini Taylor.
I love her writing, I love her stories and I love her.
After finishing Dreams of Gods and Monsters I felt that I needed more of a fix of her writing and when I went into Waterstones I literally found this last copy of "Lips Touch."
Call it fate or destiny...whichever. Either way it was mine.
These three short stories are enchanting.
The first two have a very fairy-tale feel to them while the last one has more of a gothic short-story vibe.
The prose in this is, as per Laini Taylor style, lyrical and beautiful.
I'd say the only reason I didn't give this five stars was because with short stories I personally don't get as emotionally invested in the characters, I think that's one of the draw-backs of short stories in general though.
Overall a fantastic collection that I would recommend to anyone.
Finally...
Laini Taylor...
Marry me?
:)
I joke, I joke.
I love her writing, I love her stories and I love her.
After finishing Dreams of Gods and Monsters I felt that I needed more of a fix of her writing and when I went into Waterstones I literally found this last copy of "Lips Touch."
Call it fate or destiny...whichever. Either way it was mine.
These three short stories are enchanting.
The first two have a very fairy-tale feel to them while the last one has more of a gothic short-story vibe.
The prose in this is, as per Laini Taylor style, lyrical and beautiful.
I'd say the only reason I didn't give this five stars was because with short stories I personally don't get as emotionally invested in the characters, I think that's one of the draw-backs of short stories in general though.
Overall a fantastic collection that I would recommend to anyone.
Finally...
Laini Taylor...
Marry me?
:)
I joke, I joke.
mthomson's review against another edition
5.0
I don't read much fantasy, so this is the first book I've read by [a:Laini Taylor|324620|Laini Taylor|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1224474224p2/324620.jpg]. Based on the BEA hype, I expected this book to be suspenseful and imaginative. What I wasn't expecting was to love the writing so much that I wanted to read the whole book out loud. I was in awe of all three stories in LIPS TOUCH, but I think "Spicy Little Curses Such as These" was my favorite.
(I read an ARC, so the art wasn't final, but what's there so far is a great complement to the stories, and I look forward to seeing the final illustrations.)
(I read an ARC, so the art wasn't final, but what's there so far is a great complement to the stories, and I look forward to seeing the final illustrations.)
steph01924's review
5.0
These three short stories were much better than I anticipated they would be. I really enjoyed them; they were so different and unique compared a lot of what is out right now. Laini Taylor has a way with words. I definitely want to read more from this author now!
debbiebarr's review
5.0
Lips Touch is comprised of three different short stories, each one revolving around a kiss, and accompanied by beautiful illustrations by the author's husband. Laini Taylor's writing is simply luscious, and her writing is best when she's delving into the mythology and details of the worlds surrounding her stories. Each tale in this book is different, with various outcomes and consequences for the actions of the characters. It's a beautiful book, and a joy to read.
It should be noted that there are some mature and frightening things that happen in the book, so it is definitely meant for an older audience.
It should be noted that there are some mature and frightening things that happen in the book, so it is definitely meant for an older audience.
zorianaxox's review against another edition
2.0
Okay. This book totally confused me.
The Goblin Fruit: I understood this one, and I liked it. It was cute, but wayy too short.
Spicey Little Curses Such as These:In the beginning, I really did not understand, and I think the author should of explained what was happening better.But in the end I think that this was my favourite story out of all 3. It kept me reading, and I could'nt put the book down.
Hatchling: Okay... this story was the most confusing thing of all time.I had NO idea what was happening in the end and literally wanted to throw the book at the wall. I did not want to finish this story, but I thought that I would understand at the end, but guess what??? I didn't.In the beginning I got it, but from page 210-256 I was completely and utterly confused. I hade NO clue what was happening, and could barely finish.
The Goblin Fruit: I understood this one, and I liked it. It was cute, but wayy too short.
Spicey Little Curses Such as These:In the beginning, I really did not understand, and I think the author should of explained what was happening better.But in the end I think that this was my favourite story out of all 3. It kept me reading, and I could'nt put the book down.
Hatchling: Okay... this story was the most confusing thing of all time.I had NO idea what was happening in the end and literally wanted to throw the book at the wall. I did not want to finish this story, but I thought that I would understand at the end, but guess what??? I didn't.In the beginning I got it, but from page 210-256 I was completely and utterly confused. I hade NO clue what was happening, and could barely finish.