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3.32 AVERAGE
3.32 AVERAGE
This book was mostly just melodrama, and not a lot of focus on actual plot for me. I thought it was kinda dull that we didn't really get to see people be monsters, so I spent most of this book actually waiting for it to start, only to be annoyed when it did.
Unlike one of its protagonists, this book doesn't have any teeth. But it was a good enough vacation read, I guess.
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2015/05/2015-book-120.html
I really think Jessica Day George is one of my favorite MG/YA authors--I am consistently entertained and satisfied with her books, and this latest one is awesomeeeeeeee. It's set in 1897, as a pair of young girl cousins are traveling to Romania for the first time to meet their mothers' families--and to find out a TERRIBLE SECRET (actually an awesome secret). Werewolves and Dracula descendents are involved. The story is told alternately in letters, diary entries, and just straight up 3rd-person narration, which is a little odd, but helps with the atmosphere. Anyway, things move at a good pace, both girls are likable, there are various love interests, lots of action, etc. My only complaint is that there wasn't MORE. (This is a stand-alone, but according to the author's blog, she could revisit these characters down the line, and I hope she does.) A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in July.
I really think Jessica Day George is one of my favorite MG/YA authors--I am consistently entertained and satisfied with her books, and this latest one is awesomeeeeeeee. It's set in 1897, as a pair of young girl cousins are traveling to Romania for the first time to meet their mothers' families--and to find out a TERRIBLE SECRET (actually an awesome secret). Werewolves and Dracula descendents are involved. The story is told alternately in letters, diary entries, and just straight up 3rd-person narration, which is a little odd, but helps with the atmosphere. Anyway, things move at a good pace, both girls are likable, there are various love interests, lots of action, etc. My only complaint is that there wasn't MORE. (This is a stand-alone, but according to the author's blog, she could revisit these characters down the line, and I hope she does.) A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in July.
adventurous
lighthearted
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
Nice easy read when I was traveling on the plane. Characters were likeable and pacing was good even if the plot/romance was a bit simplistic. I enjoyed the read.
Content Warnings
I was so captivated by the premise but I had no idea that this is a loose reimagining of Dracula but with no vampires.
It was just fascinating to be introduced to the Romanian cities and country side. I love that Lou and Dacia changed so much in terms of personality after they found out their family's secret. The changes are such juxtapositions of their before personalities.
But the Archangels kinda make me want to laugh. Overall there was not enough fleshing out of their society and I did not get the "protector of all" feel from the way Theo and John acted.
Overall a read that didn't disappoint. But I am wondering if there is a sequel because the end of this book wrapped up so nicely.
It was just fascinating to be introduced to the Romanian cities and country side. I love that Lou and Dacia changed so much in terms of personality after they found out their family's secret. The changes are such juxtapositions of their before personalities.
But the Archangels kinda make me want to laugh. Overall there was not enough fleshing out of their society and I did not get the "protector of all" feel from the way Theo and John acted.
Overall a read that didn't disappoint. But I am wondering if there is a sequel because the end of this book wrapped up so nicely.
fast-paced
870 Lexile
The Roma were called a slur in the book, which I waited to see if it was going to be corrected, because yes the characters would call them that but perhaps that would be challenged? Aaaaand no. Bleh. “Not our kind of people” BIG YIKES. There’s a whole deep problematic undercurrent of YIKES in this book. But moving on to the more surface yikes...
Oof. I wanted something light and frivolous and fun. This? Not fun. A premise with potential that was wasted in a worst-of-YA type book.
The entire first half of the book is JUST FASHION, wondering about personality-free boys, and hints that there will eventually be a plot....
The main characters are going insane waiting to know WTF they are even in Romania and WTF is up with their family... same as the readers. Fine, keep them in the dark, but to give the audience nothing but dresses, sashes, and bows OHMY for 132 pages?????
Then we get the word “vampire”, and nothing happens for a while again.
Eventually there is some action, but too little and too late.
Fine, not everyone love plot. Some people just want characters and a world. OK. But the characters were sooooo flat, the world so artificial and shallow.... Meh.
The Roma were called a slur in the book, which I waited to see if it was going to be corrected, because yes the characters would call them that but perhaps that would be challenged? Aaaaand no. Bleh. “Not our kind of people” BIG YIKES. There’s a whole deep problematic undercurrent of YIKES in this book. But moving on to the more surface yikes...
Oof. I wanted something light and frivolous and fun. This? Not fun. A premise with potential that was wasted in a worst-of-YA type book.
The entire first half of the book is JUST FASHION, wondering about personality-free boys, and hints that there will eventually be a plot....
The main characters are going insane waiting to know WTF they are even in Romania and WTF is up with their family... same as the readers. Fine, keep them in the dark, but to give the audience nothing but dresses, sashes, and bows OHMY for 132 pages?????
Then we get the word “vampire”, and nothing happens for a while again.
Eventually there is some action, but too little and too late.
Fine, not everyone love plot. Some people just want characters and a world. OK. But the characters were sooooo flat, the world so artificial and shallow.... Meh.
Enjoyable. I enjoyed Lou's character a lot more than Dacia's. I found Dacia kind of spoilt and annoying. I really liked take charge Lou after her transformation.
I know there are a lot of mixed reviews about this book, but I have to say, it's one of my favorites. I am a fan of all things Dracula, and I feel like this story adds to the mythology very well. Definitely one that I NEED the next book now before I quite expire from wanting! (Goodreads has this listed as the first in a series, so I hope this isn't the time that some librarian was blowing smoke.)