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4.53 AVERAGE
4.53 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
4.5 stars rounded up because I have read so much dogshit recently this snapped me out of a funk.
I swear, on the first page of the recap (bless, why don't more authors do this??) when Kristoff wrote "gentle reader" I was done. I just love his style, I love the characters, I love the humor, I love how Kristoff makes fun of himself throughout the book by having Jean-Francois make snarky comments about the overly-flowery moments, everything.
So many of my favorites went through some dark stuff here, and the happy moments were few and far between. But I mean, that's real. These characters are in a crap situation, a crap world, and facing crap odds. I like how it feels true to what's happening and the realities of the situation. So many other books will have some big battle, or horrible moment happen, and then as soon as the main characters are alone (usually they are in a relationship - something I also appreciate not happening here) they have this big romantic or heartwarming moment of strength or positivity. But here, not quite. If the characters can get a smile from each other they consider it a win. But it works because the world itself is so gritty and depressing.
The moments of levity here for the reader come from the breaks in the story when we are transported back to the prison. I am surprised at how enjoyable I found these little moments as well. I wasn't frustrated and wanting to get back into things. I was equally intrigued by what was going to happen next in the past and in the present.
I will say that I wanted the two books where Gabriel and Dior were separated to move a bit quicker. Tons of new characters were introduced, and it was hard for me to not feel as though I wanted it to move along and just get to the point where everyone gets back together again. So that's why it lost a few points. But I cannot wait for the next one. I know Kristoff doesn't believe in happy endings, but I do hope that there are some minor wins for at least a few characters that have captured my attention.
I swear, on the first page of the recap (bless, why don't more authors do this??) when Kristoff wrote "gentle reader" I was done. I just love his style, I love the characters, I love the humor, I love how Kristoff makes fun of himself throughout the book by having Jean-Francois make snarky comments about the overly-flowery moments, everything.
So many of my favorites went through some dark stuff here, and the happy moments were few and far between. But I mean, that's real. These characters are in a crap situation, a crap world, and facing crap odds. I like how it feels true to what's happening and the realities of the situation. So many other books will have some big battle, or horrible moment happen, and then as soon as the main characters are alone (usually they are in a relationship - something I also appreciate not happening here) they have this big romantic or heartwarming moment of strength or positivity. But here, not quite. If the characters can get a smile from each other they consider it a win. But it works because the world itself is so gritty and depressing.
The moments of levity here for the reader come from the breaks in the story when we are transported back to the prison. I am surprised at how enjoyable I found these little moments as well. I wasn't frustrated and wanting to get back into things. I was equally intrigued by what was going to happen next in the past and in the present.
I will say that I wanted the two books where Gabriel and Dior were separated to move a bit quicker. Tons of new characters were introduced, and it was hard for me to not feel as though I wanted it to move along and just get to the point where everyone gets back together again. So that's why it lost a few points. But I cannot wait for the next one. I know Kristoff doesn't believe in happy endings, but I do hope that there are some minor wins for at least a few characters that have captured my attention.
adventurous
dark
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:
Complicated
One of the best books that I have read in a long time.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Easy 5*. I was hooked. Again. Ripped my heart out, again. Blood. Smut. Bloodsmut (try reading THAT in a hospital visiting a patient!!) Again.
I'm ready for the next one!
I'm ready for the next one!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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:
Yes
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-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
Great Second Book