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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
3.5
It took about 3/4 the way through the book to get really interesting. I loved the first novel, but the second didn't live up to it until the plot twist ending. The beginning was tiresome waiting for something more to happen and for Grace to stop all of her self loathing. I really want her to find more strength and outsmart the enemy (or enemies; who knows at this point).
It took about 3/4 the way through the book to get really interesting. I loved the first novel, but the second didn't live up to it until the plot twist ending. The beginning was tiresome waiting for something more to happen and for Grace to stop all of her self loathing. I really want her to find more strength and outsmart the enemy (or enemies; who knows at this point).
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read the first book in this series in year 5 and I only just found the third and second books now as they stopped printing them a while ago. I really enjoyed this book and will be staring the third one as soon as possible.
another AMAZING book in the series! this one was more intense than the first one. I am dyinggggg to read the next!
and oh my word that ending!
and oh my word that ending!
See How They Run by Ally Carter was overall, a solid decent second book in The Embassy Row Series but it lacked a spark. I liked certain parts, since it's apparent that Carter knows the elements to put in a basic YA book. But I wanted it to be more than that, and this was not it. It has its quirks, yet it lacks.
Part of the problem of why I couldn't fall in love with this book was the lack of plot. I wanted it to be fast-paced with conflicts that didn't seem contrived, that seem fitting and realistic. In this, there were some troubles regarding the tenuous relationships between the embassies, but there is still so much unexplained, and it's still just as mysterious as ever. I want this series to be more progressive. It felt like filler.
This book is dark because there are some serious situations, yet some of the dramatic lines seems misplaced, and the emphasis at times seemed bizarre to me. Grace's narration is never happy but instead melancholy every time. It is needed, of course, at times, but it gets tiring after hundreds of pages.
The main reason I stuck around was 1) it was short 2) I was waiting for the mystery to develop (it never really kicked off) and 3) Alexei. The side characters (Noah, Grace's grandfather, etc.) were practically doorknobs- mentioned detachedly, like the weather, or other outside forces. They weren't prominent in this book whatsoever. Only Grace and Alexei were the large characters in this book. That isn't enough.
There was a plot twist at the end again, but other than that, the story hasn't gone anywhere. Mostly the only additions were some interesting tidbits on Adria and the secret society, but it was tame and I have yet to see as much of a reveal as I want.
Part of the problem of why I couldn't fall in love with this book was the lack of plot. I wanted it to be fast-paced with conflicts that didn't seem contrived, that seem fitting and realistic. In this, there were some troubles regarding the tenuous relationships between the embassies, but there is still so much unexplained, and it's still just as mysterious as ever. I want this series to be more progressive. It felt like filler.
This book is dark because there are some serious situations, yet some of the dramatic lines seems misplaced, and the emphasis at times seemed bizarre to me. Grace's narration is never happy but instead melancholy every time. It is needed, of course, at times, but it gets tiring after hundreds of pages.
The main reason I stuck around was 1) it was short 2) I was waiting for the mystery to develop (it never really kicked off) and 3) Alexei. The side characters (Noah, Grace's grandfather, etc.) were practically doorknobs- mentioned detachedly, like the weather, or other outside forces. They weren't prominent in this book whatsoever. Only Grace and Alexei were the large characters in this book. That isn't enough.
There was a plot twist at the end again, but other than that, the story hasn't gone anywhere. Mostly the only additions were some interesting tidbits on Adria and the secret society, but it was tame and I have yet to see as much of a reveal as I want.
It was exceedingly frustrating to read. Whenever ANYTHING happened, Grace is suddenly unable to deal with reality and must run away to "cope". Every event makes her question her own sanity.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I’ve got a soft spot for the Embassy Row series. A damaged heroine, thrown in the deep end of secret societies and political drama… ‘See How They Run’ was a great addition, though I must admit, I was expecting a little more.
Our protagonist Grace was always freaking out, screaming, or demanding attention. There were things set up in the first novel I was hoping to get some resolution for - but they weren't. Instead, we get a new set of mysteries and only a small number of answers. As a result ‘See How They Run’ suffered middle book syndrome for me. I didn’t get a pay-off and the cliff-hanger felt cheap. Almost telenovela style.
Grace became stronger, but also more unstable. The way she conducts herself adds to the frustration I feel over how reactionary she is. The whole lamenting in guilt was getting laid on thick, where at some points, I was annoyed - move the story forward please. There is a lot more telling instead of showing. The PTSD flashbacks got tiresome.
I also found myself becoming a little pissed at Grace - she creates a bad situation for Alexei and then berates him for it. She's starting to come off as a flake. Or quite possibly bipolar. It’s an easy assumption to conclude I didn't enjoy this novel as much as the debut.
Alexei is thrown around as trustworthy then not. As hot and comforting and then as some feral woodland creature. You can get my frustration with Grace. I liked the story, but not its execution. Less emotional roller coaster – more mystery and intrigue.
Precedence of the ‘Scooby Gang’ (Grace’s group of friends with spy skills) set up in the first novel are practically ignored here. Doubt and suspicion are flung everywhere in a messy fashion. I felt like there was less structure in crafting this storyline in comparison to ‘All Fall Down.’ Maybe there is too much going on, or Grace is too scattered with her inner dialogue.
It also felt like a case of “Grace gets a bit of love and ignores her friends.”
Ms Chandlier the American Embassy staffer (and secret organisation member) has simply become the most annoying character I've ever read and seems to be a storytelling device (along with ‘Scar Man’) to add tension and drip-feed clues. It feels so unrealistic and contrived. Having them blurt out facts at key points in the narrative is so out of character for who they are set up to be. The whole premise of the factions involved relies on secrecy – why in hell do you blab it all out to a clearly unstable teenage girl?
Oh, and where was grandfather in this book? From playing such a strong role in ‘All Fall Down,’ he was notable absent here.
Wow – I’m getting my rant on… *changing gears*
I liked the mystery solving aspect, and the age-old political drama, but there wasn't enough resolution for me to say I enjoyed the book. Plus with a whining protagonist and unrealistic reveals for clues, I’d say the good points and bad points balance each other out.
All in all it was a bit meh for me.
Our protagonist Grace was always freaking out, screaming, or demanding attention. There were things set up in the first novel I was hoping to get some resolution for - but they weren't. Instead, we get a new set of mysteries and only a small number of answers. As a result ‘See How They Run’ suffered middle book syndrome for me. I didn’t get a pay-off and the cliff-hanger felt cheap. Almost telenovela style.
Grace became stronger, but also more unstable. The way she conducts herself adds to the frustration I feel over how reactionary she is. The whole lamenting in guilt was getting laid on thick, where at some points, I was annoyed - move the story forward please. There is a lot more telling instead of showing. The PTSD flashbacks got tiresome.
I also found myself becoming a little pissed at Grace - she creates a bad situation for Alexei and then berates him for it. She's starting to come off as a flake. Or quite possibly bipolar. It’s an easy assumption to conclude I didn't enjoy this novel as much as the debut.
Alexei is thrown around as trustworthy then not. As hot and comforting and then as some feral woodland creature. You can get my frustration with Grace. I liked the story, but not its execution. Less emotional roller coaster – more mystery and intrigue.
Precedence of the ‘Scooby Gang’ (Grace’s group of friends with spy skills) set up in the first novel are practically ignored here. Doubt and suspicion are flung everywhere in a messy fashion. I felt like there was less structure in crafting this storyline in comparison to ‘All Fall Down.’ Maybe there is too much going on, or Grace is too scattered with her inner dialogue.
It also felt like a case of “Grace gets a bit of love and ignores her friends.”
Ms Chandlier the American Embassy staffer (and secret organisation member) has simply become the most annoying character I've ever read and seems to be a storytelling device (along with ‘Scar Man’) to add tension and drip-feed clues. It feels so unrealistic and contrived. Having them blurt out facts at key points in the narrative is so out of character for who they are set up to be. The whole premise of the factions involved relies on secrecy – why in hell do you blab it all out to a clearly unstable teenage girl?
Oh, and where was grandfather in this book? From playing such a strong role in ‘All Fall Down,’ he was notable absent here.
Wow – I’m getting my rant on… *changing gears*
I liked the mystery solving aspect, and the age-old political drama, but there wasn't enough resolution for me to say I enjoyed the book. Plus with a whining protagonist and unrealistic reveals for clues, I’d say the good points and bad points balance each other out.
All in all it was a bit meh for me.
Overall I really liked this book. It was a bit of a not as fascinating mystery (to me) as the first one, but that last 40ish minutes (I listened to the audiobook) was very intriguing. Enough to have me download the 3rd in this series to see how everything will be played out.
The beginning of the book was kind of slow. About 200 pages in though it really picks up and oh boy does Ally deliver with those last few chapters!
There are not many instances where I would not recommend listening to a book, however, I feel like this series is better read than listened to. I struggled through the first audio book, not realky enjoying the voice actor's performance, however, I really enjoyed the story. This is how I found myself getting on board with the second book in the series.
I enjoyed the story line for the most part. There was a little more suspense and mystery this time around, which made it easy to enjoy. I did find that certain phrases or topics came up so frequently that they became extremely repetitive. Overall, I plan on continuing on with the series to see what comes next for Grace and her brother, however I will be reading it instead!
I enjoyed the story line for the most part. There was a little more suspense and mystery this time around, which made it easy to enjoy. I did find that certain phrases or topics came up so frequently that they became extremely repetitive. Overall, I plan on continuing on with the series to see what comes next for Grace and her brother, however I will be reading it instead!