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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
So I really try to love this book. But sadly I could not.
It's a good book don't get me wrong but it's not my cup of tea.
I mean I've been reading this book for almost two years. I wasn't going to give up on it. I just took forever to read it. But the first book was so much better.
https://books-in-a-storm.tumblr.com/post/617482544582180864/star-rating-review-title-ballad-a-gathering-of
It's a good book don't get me wrong but it's not my cup of tea.
I mean I've been reading this book for almost two years. I wasn't going to give up on it. I just took forever to read it. But the first book was so much better.
https://books-in-a-storm.tumblr.com/post/617482544582180864/star-rating-review-title-ballad-a-gathering-of
'Ballad' continues its predecessor's foray into the wonderful and intriguing world of Faerie. The story this time features James as the protagonist, meaning we see a different side to Dee. Although this is uncomfortable to realise that a loved protagonist is viewed differently, and not always in a flattering light, by other characters, it was also one of the novel's strong points. Stiefvater's excellent characterisation of James was evident in the inclusion of his sarcastic humour and wit, yet also more melancholy and serious moments. Nuala's character was a wonderful addition; she certainly spiced things up a little! Although I did miss Dee and Luke, I'm hopeful that the third, 'Requiem', will be released soon, and the conclusion to the trilogy will be just as enjoyable as the first two.
I didn't realize this book was a sequel, until I was in the middle of the book. So... I haven't read Lament yet. Oops. I still enjoyed reading this book and adding it to my favorite-books-by-Maggie-Stiefvater-pile. Because, this book. I love it so much. It has music in it. Love. Faeries. It is just amazing.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Ballad is infinitely better than Lament, I can't even begin to tell you.
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Stars: 4/5
I feel like this story started off a bit slow but as it progressed, i was more and more intrigued and interested.
The world Maggie has created is so intricate and magical. The world puts another perspective on 'fairies' - an adult one.
I do recommend this novel (lament, the first novel too) to 13 - 20 year olds. The characters are beautiful and seeing everything from James' perspective changes your opinion on everything.
I feel like this story started off a bit slow but as it progressed, i was more and more intrigued and interested.
The world Maggie has created is so intricate and magical. The world puts another perspective on 'fairies' - an adult one.
I do recommend this novel (lament, the first novel too) to 13 - 20 year olds. The characters are beautiful and seeing everything from James' perspective changes your opinion on everything.
Once again, Maggie has written an amazing story.
In the second novel, we look at James in the aftermath of Lament. I have to say that I love James. He is a total smart ass and his ego couldn't fit through the door to your house but he is great! His dialogue is awesome! Brought a smile to my face!
We see that James is deeply hurt by the fact that his best friend doesn't love him and his and Dee's friendship becomes awkward. Then James meets Nuala (who is a lot like him). We see James struggle with his feelings for Dee and want to get over her. We see how deep that James is hurt by her. Dee does something really stupid and totally throws their friendship to the sharks and James is still picking up the pieces. James and Dee drift apart, as expected.
James doesn't know what to think about Nuala because he is blinded by his "love" for Dee. It was cool to see how he navigated through his feelings.
Nuala starts off as trying to get James to make a deal with her so that she isn't hungry any more. But as Nuala gets closer to James, she changes. It was nice to see her change her mind. She was low in the faerie food chain which meant that she wasn't respected at all. She was a little hostile in the beginning, but then she changed.
We also see Dee hit the self-destruct button on her life. No joke. She falls apart in this novel. She is lost without Luke and without her best friend. She loses faith and everything and it really seems that she is ready to give up. It was sad to see that she lost everything and yet at sometimes, I was upset with her. She made some very stupid choices.
This book was really really good! Can't wait for the next one.
In the second novel, we look at James in the aftermath of Lament. I have to say that I love James. He is a total smart ass and his ego couldn't fit through the door to your house but he is great! His dialogue is awesome! Brought a smile to my face!
We see that James is deeply hurt by the fact that his best friend doesn't love him and his and Dee's friendship becomes awkward. Then James meets Nuala (who is a lot like him). We see James struggle with his feelings for Dee and want to get over her. We see how deep that James is hurt by her. Dee does something really stupid and totally throws their friendship to the sharks and James is still picking up the pieces. James and Dee drift apart, as expected.
James doesn't know what to think about Nuala because he is blinded by his "love" for Dee. It was cool to see how he navigated through his feelings.
Nuala starts off as trying to get James to make a deal with her so that she isn't hungry any more. But as Nuala gets closer to James, she changes. It was nice to see her change her mind. She was low in the faerie food chain which meant that she wasn't respected at all. She was a little hostile in the beginning, but then she changed.
We also see Dee hit the self-destruct button on her life. No joke. She falls apart in this novel. She is lost without Luke and without her best friend. She loses faith and everything and it really seems that she is ready to give up. It was sad to see that she lost everything and yet at sometimes, I was upset with her. She made some very stupid choices.
This book was really really good! Can't wait for the next one.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No