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2.97 AVERAGE
2.97 AVERAGE
Interesting concept, good characterization, world creation & theme however I just really couldn't count with the story. If it was longer I probably wouldn't have finished it, I just wasn't invested in the ending
So much more than a fairytale, I adored this book! It’s a new take on the world of faerie, and it is quite fascinating. We follow the main characters as they become trapped in a world which is not their own, where lies and truths merge, making it difficult for them to trust their surrounding, friends or even themselves. Its also a commentary on foster care, broken childhood and survival. Really loved this book. *Book provided by editor through Netgalley, all opinions are my own*
I enjoyed reading this book, but it was very different to what I had been expecting, and I think in the end, I found it a little too weird. There were good elements to this book, but the entire story line was based on these weird elements. I think this book is going to be very polarising - you will either love or hate it, and I fell more onto the "dislike" side of things.
The book follows, primarily, Josh and his sister Ksenia, who are foster kids, brother and sister but not related by blood. We also have their best friend Lexi, who plays a larger part later in the story. Josh is pansexual, and Ksenia's sexuality is not as clear, but she isn't straight. Lexi also begins to question her sexuality later on in the book. This diversity was really great to see, especially as all of the POV characters were queer. But I liked that this wasn't the ONLY element of their personality - they all had well developed backgrounds and their thoughts and feelings were very well written.
I liked the writing style as well, and I thought it worked really well with the story. Although the plot isn't the strongest, I think that was actually better in this book, because it is more about Prince (a faerie, I think) manipulating and playing with Ksenia and Josh's emotions, and the darker sides of them that they don't really want to face. Josh was a very interesting character, and the dynamic between him, Ksenia and Prince - how he thought he was in power but really wasn't - was also interesting.
Overall, I think this book had many interesting parts to it and wasn't necessarily bad, but I just found it far too weird and was quite slow moving. Unfortunately this wasn't really for me.
I recieved an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
The book follows, primarily, Josh and his sister Ksenia, who are foster kids, brother and sister but not related by blood. We also have their best friend Lexi, who plays a larger part later in the story. Josh is pansexual, and Ksenia's sexuality is not as clear, but she isn't straight. Lexi also begins to question her sexuality later on in the book. This diversity was really great to see, especially as all of the POV characters were queer. But I liked that this wasn't the ONLY element of their personality - they all had well developed backgrounds and their thoughts and feelings were very well written.
I liked the writing style as well, and I thought it worked really well with the story. Although the plot isn't the strongest, I think that was actually better in this book, because it is more about Prince (a faerie, I think) manipulating and playing with Ksenia and Josh's emotions, and the darker sides of them that they don't really want to face. Josh was a very interesting character, and the dynamic between him, Ksenia and Prince - how he thought he was in power but really wasn't - was also interesting.
Overall, I think this book had many interesting parts to it and wasn't necessarily bad, but I just found it far too weird and was quite slow moving. Unfortunately this wasn't really for me.
I recieved an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
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(3.5 or 4 stars, need to think on it!) I was sent an eARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not change my view in any shape or form. Review also found here on Booked J.
This was such a "fun" book to pick up during my birthday week. Admittedly, I've been in one of those greedy "give me all the fairy" books as of late. (Which seems to be a theme in the book community!) When I saw Never-Contented Things on NetGalley, I actually didn't read the synopsis I just saw the genre and the cover and went a little request/click happy.
Plus, that cover is GORGEOUS. I think it might be one of the prettiest (and somehow: spookiest) I've seen so far this year. It reminds me of Lumière by Jacqueline Garlick to a degree. It's not identical or even fully similar it's just... the vibes feel similar to me! I wonder if they were designed by the same person.
I don't know, I saw it and I was like... really feeling it in general. Also, give me that lip colour. It's not spot-on/mirror like in terms of design but the position and design just really, really reminds me of my much-beloved Lumière and, well, you get it! I'm making grabby hands at how beautiful it is and need (NEED!!!) a physical copy ASAP. This is the type of novel that begs to be photographed and I'm in awe over it.
A lot of readers seem to be put-off by the synopsis (it's true that it doesn't necessarily fit the novel all too well) and the fact that it wasn't another The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. That is absolutely the biggest mistake you can make as a reader. While the synopsis does lead us into thinking one way, the story is *not* going to live up to false expectations. So, ditch that the very second you pick up Never-Contented Things because you're only ruining the book for yourself. This is much less of a fun and intriguing and morally gray fantasy novels and more of a horror based novel.
The fantasy elements are more like background noise. It adds a layer to the atmosphere but it's not... wholly in depth.
Somethings do tie into a similar tone to The Cruel Prince, and other like novels, but Never-Contented Things is like that shadowy section of the genre. It's messy and creepy. There are subtle and not-so-subtle cruelties.
This is the type of book that can be difficult to get into. It's not going to be for everyone. The story is something that will either repulse you or intertwine itself into you. The first half is a bit slower than the last half. Once you stick with it, though, it's worth it.
I will also say that this book has representation but it's of a darker variety. This might press buttons for many. I'm not really going to go over the potential controversies--especially since the release date is so far off.
Instead, my review is going to zero in on the positives involving Never-Contented Things. One, it is delicious and dark and really well-written. I liked that most of the characters were... not always likable? And the relationships in this weren't always ones that are healthy or appealing. It's not a clean-cut novel and has some triggering things in it.
I can't explain it without spoiling it, but these characters aren't going to always be for the faint of heart. And honestly? I liked them all the more for it. I also had some distinct V.C. Andrews vibes about it, when it came to the negatives and characteristics in it.
In short, I enjoyed this book a lot. I thought there was a lot of toxicity in it and there was something disturbing about it. It's because of this, and the synopsis, that Never-Contented Things won't be for everyone. There's something unique and atmospheric about this book, though, and I really found myself basking in its darkness.
(3.5 or 4 stars, need to think on it!) I was sent an eARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not change my view in any shape or form. Review also found here on Booked J.
This was such a "fun" book to pick up during my birthday week. Admittedly, I've been in one of those greedy "give me all the fairy" books as of late. (Which seems to be a theme in the book community!) When I saw Never-Contented Things on NetGalley, I actually didn't read the synopsis I just saw the genre and the cover and went a little request/click happy.
Plus, that cover is GORGEOUS. I think it might be one of the prettiest (and somehow: spookiest) I've seen so far this year. It reminds me of Lumière by Jacqueline Garlick to a degree. It's not identical or even fully similar it's just... the vibes feel similar to me! I wonder if they were designed by the same person.
I don't know, I saw it and I was like... really feeling it in general. Also, give me that lip colour. It's not spot-on/mirror like in terms of design but the position and design just really, really reminds me of my much-beloved Lumière and, well, you get it! I'm making grabby hands at how beautiful it is and need (NEED!!!) a physical copy ASAP. This is the type of novel that begs to be photographed and I'm in awe over it.
A lot of readers seem to be put-off by the synopsis (it's true that it doesn't necessarily fit the novel all too well) and the fact that it wasn't another The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. That is absolutely the biggest mistake you can make as a reader. While the synopsis does lead us into thinking one way, the story is *not* going to live up to false expectations. So, ditch that the very second you pick up Never-Contented Things because you're only ruining the book for yourself. This is much less of a fun and intriguing and morally gray fantasy novels and more of a horror based novel.
The fantasy elements are more like background noise. It adds a layer to the atmosphere but it's not... wholly in depth.
Somethings do tie into a similar tone to The Cruel Prince, and other like novels, but Never-Contented Things is like that shadowy section of the genre. It's messy and creepy. There are subtle and not-so-subtle cruelties.
This is the type of book that can be difficult to get into. It's not going to be for everyone. The story is something that will either repulse you or intertwine itself into you. The first half is a bit slower than the last half. Once you stick with it, though, it's worth it.
I will also say that this book has representation but it's of a darker variety. This might press buttons for many. I'm not really going to go over the potential controversies--especially since the release date is so far off.
Instead, my review is going to zero in on the positives involving Never-Contented Things. One, it is delicious and dark and really well-written. I liked that most of the characters were... not always likable? And the relationships in this weren't always ones that are healthy or appealing. It's not a clean-cut novel and has some triggering things in it.
I can't explain it without spoiling it, but these characters aren't going to always be for the faint of heart. And honestly? I liked them all the more for it. I also had some distinct V.C. Andrews vibes about it, when it came to the negatives and characteristics in it.
In short, I enjoyed this book a lot. I thought there was a lot of toxicity in it and there was something disturbing about it. It's because of this, and the synopsis, that Never-Contented Things won't be for everyone. There's something unique and atmospheric about this book, though, and I really found myself basking in its darkness.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Teen!
I honestly expected and wanted to like this book more than I ultimately ended up rating it. It seemed so promising at first- with there being fairies (and presumably a fairy court) and an exploration of toxic, obsessive, incestuous love. Unfortunately, I felt like the book fell flat in its execution. The pacing was slow until the end where everything just becomes fast-paced and chaotic and the ending felt rushed. By the end, I half didn’t know what just happened and how it became like that.
Never-Contented Things is more like a magical realism book. Fairies were barely present in the novel despite the blurb implying they’d play a major part. They do- in a way, but it’s mostly off-screen and just referenced in conversation. Most of the novel really explores the toxic dynamic between Josh and Ksenia.
I don’t like either of them. They’re both kind of flat and rather uninteresting and often unlikable characters. I get that the author tried to make them more interesting by making them queer and eccentric (and in the case of Josh, a bit of a libertine) but it doesn’t make up for their personalities-or lack thereof. Honestly, I feel like the execution was just messy all-around. They could have been more interesting, but they just weren’t aside from the fact that they’re creepily obsessed with each other.
I appreciate the fact that this centers around Ksenia trying to break free from a toxic relationship which is also gross and incestuous but it was executed in a way that I couldn’t fully appreciate it. I couldn’t really grasp Ksenia as a well-rounded character- heck, I couldn’t grasp any of them as well-rounded characters. Josh was just…there. Like, his entire character consists of him being pretty and obsessed with his sister.
I won’t deny that the author has some pretty lovely turns of prose here and there, hence the two star rating. I did enjoy how she describes things and her writing was good. However, good writing can’t really save a messy plot and even messier characterization. I wished this had been straight-up fantasy instead.
Overall, I’m honestly pretty disappointed with Never-Contented Things. I don’t know if I can recommend it, but I’m sure there are some who’d like it. I’d suggest reading more reviews if you’re on the fence and taking my opinions with a grain of salt.
I honestly expected and wanted to like this book more than I ultimately ended up rating it. It seemed so promising at first- with there being fairies (and presumably a fairy court) and an exploration of toxic, obsessive, incestuous love. Unfortunately, I felt like the book fell flat in its execution. The pacing was slow until the end where everything just becomes fast-paced and chaotic and the ending felt rushed. By the end, I half didn’t know what just happened and how it became like that.
Never-Contented Things is more like a magical realism book. Fairies were barely present in the novel despite the blurb implying they’d play a major part. They do- in a way, but it’s mostly off-screen and just referenced in conversation. Most of the novel really explores the toxic dynamic between Josh and Ksenia.
I don’t like either of them. They’re both kind of flat and rather uninteresting and often unlikable characters. I get that the author tried to make them more interesting by making them queer and eccentric (and in the case of Josh, a bit of a libertine) but it doesn’t make up for their personalities-or lack thereof. Honestly, I feel like the execution was just messy all-around. They could have been more interesting, but they just weren’t aside from the fact that they’re creepily obsessed with each other.
I appreciate the fact that this centers around Ksenia trying to break free from a toxic relationship which is also gross and incestuous but it was executed in a way that I couldn’t fully appreciate it. I couldn’t really grasp Ksenia as a well-rounded character- heck, I couldn’t grasp any of them as well-rounded characters. Josh was just…there. Like, his entire character consists of him being pretty and obsessed with his sister.
I won’t deny that the author has some pretty lovely turns of prose here and there, hence the two star rating. I did enjoy how she describes things and her writing was good. However, good writing can’t really save a messy plot and even messier characterization. I wished this had been straight-up fantasy instead.
Overall, I’m honestly pretty disappointed with Never-Contented Things. I don’t know if I can recommend it, but I’m sure there are some who’d like it. I’d suggest reading more reviews if you’re on the fence and taking my opinions with a grain of salt.
Yes, this is dark and touches on some difficult topics, but is an enchanting story that sucked me in. Heartbreaking and beautiful.
This is a story about love, and about consent. It's one of those fantasy novels that uses its fantastical elements to emphasize real-world issues and turn them hyper-real, which is one of my favorite things the genre can do. It's an exceedingly disturbing book at times, not only due to the creepy magical imagery but because it explores how sometimes even the people who love you the most can do terrible things to you.
Never-Contented Things is the story of Ksenia and Josh, foster siblings with trauma in their past who love each other more than anything, and also of their best friend Lexi, who Ksenia has never truly let in the way she wants to. Ksenia, the older sibling, knows that Josh has come to love her in a more-than-brotherly way, but their more immediate problem is their impending separation as Ksenia is about to turn eighteen. Before this can happen, however, their entire reality shifts after the introduction of a group of frighteningly beautiful strangers appears one night at the gorge. I really don't want to give much away about the plot; I think this is a book where it's better to let things unfold slowly, because it enhances the disturbing qualities of what in many ways reads like a very dark fairy tale.
It's beautifully written, with a continuous battle between describing the inhuman and unreal things happening and allowing the reader to realize along with the characters that some of what they're seeing is too difficult for a rational mind to perceive. It feels like a dream and a nightmare, and I'd highly recommend it to readers of dark fantasy, dark fairytale retellings, and anyone looking for a story to get lost in.
I received an eARC of Never-Contented Things from NetGalley.
Never-Contented Things is the story of Ksenia and Josh, foster siblings with trauma in their past who love each other more than anything, and also of their best friend Lexi, who Ksenia has never truly let in the way she wants to. Ksenia, the older sibling, knows that Josh has come to love her in a more-than-brotherly way, but their more immediate problem is their impending separation as Ksenia is about to turn eighteen. Before this can happen, however, their entire reality shifts after the introduction of a group of frighteningly beautiful strangers appears one night at the gorge. I really don't want to give much away about the plot; I think this is a book where it's better to let things unfold slowly, because it enhances the disturbing qualities of what in many ways reads like a very dark fairy tale.
It's beautifully written, with a continuous battle between describing the inhuman and unreal things happening and allowing the reader to realize along with the characters that some of what they're seeing is too difficult for a rational mind to perceive. It feels like a dream and a nightmare, and I'd highly recommend it to readers of dark fantasy, dark fairytale retellings, and anyone looking for a story to get lost in.
I received an eARC of Never-Contented Things from NetGalley.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
DNF at 50%
This just isn't my cup of tea. I tried to get over the problems I had with the book but ultimately, it was just too much for me to want to continue reading.
First off, I just couldn't read about the relationship between Ksneia and Josh. It was codependent, sure, but also...disturbing and incest-y. I get that they're foster siblings and that's sort of a The Fosters kind of vibe, but it just wasn't something that I, personally, could keep reading. The relationship was just really odd and I know it's not supposed to be a healthy relationship and whatnot, but regardless, I just couldn't do it.
The story, too, just wasn't something I was into. I found myself yawning and not at all curious as to what was going to happen next. In fact, I kept waiting for something to happen and nothing really did, and so I ended up not really caring about what was going to happen.
Between the characters and the plot, it wasn't a book I found myself that interested in.
DNF at 50%
This just isn't my cup of tea. I tried to get over the problems I had with the book but ultimately, it was just too much for me to want to continue reading.
First off, I just couldn't read about the relationship between Ksneia and Josh. It was codependent, sure, but also...disturbing and incest-y. I get that they're foster siblings and that's sort of a The Fosters kind of vibe, but it just wasn't something that I, personally, could keep reading. The relationship was just really odd and I know it's not supposed to be a healthy relationship and whatnot, but regardless, I just couldn't do it.
The story, too, just wasn't something I was into. I found myself yawning and not at all curious as to what was going to happen next. In fact, I kept waiting for something to happen and nothing really did, and so I ended up not really caring about what was going to happen.
Between the characters and the plot, it wasn't a book I found myself that interested in.