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annabellekershaw's review against another edition
4.0
My ARC reader review:
This book was like nothing I have ever read before, and I read a lot. In a short span of about 340 pages Mel manages to serve the readers an absolute work of art. I am being completely honest when I say that I have never become so attached to fictional characters and their stories as I have with Jackie Mendoza, Peter Moon, and Kat Pike. Throughout the book I saw an exceptional portrayal of a realistic life of a fellow teenager. They had real flaws and real moments of failure. And yet, they grew. They welcomed change and developed from their mistakes, but still they were never perfect (which is almost what made them perfect in the end in my eyes). This is what I loved about them. I have seen far too many characters continue a rhythm of perfection and flawless-ness, never once stopping in their tracks and thinking, “Hang on a minute, maybe I’m the one at fault here”. It’s always been a constant state of everything and everyone else being the ones at blame, but in Capsule the characters admit their wrongdoings, reflect on themselves, and then move on having learnt a valuable lesson. They are what I would simply put as 3D. And I loved them. I also enjoyed looking at what problems the characters faced because they were so modern and so different to the cliché, over the top drama which I would usually expect in any other novel. These were lifelike (the more personal ones, though; I can’t say I have ever been thrown into a physics-defying game). I felt as though I could relate to a couple of the situations personally, and understand where they were coming from. I could feel the characters confusion and feelings as if they were my own, and by the end of the book I was left in tears, some happy, some sad.
I cannot stress enough how on edge I was the entire time. I couldn’t stop reading, wondering, and/or speculating. The storyline was so creative and unique, and I felt like I was actually there, living in this Capsule world. The format was the first thing that struck me as interesting: the ‘Dear Stranger’ poems, where I had no idea what on earth they meant or had any correlation with to the main plot, were knitted in so well so that eventually, when you figure out what they actually are, you have grown as familiar to them as Kat and Jay had by that point in their story. That, joined with the single page Moral Moon entries, made me, as a reader, feel as though I was one of the characters, joining along in the heart-beating adventure in the towns of Brookwood, Grovestown, and Ravensburg, getting a first-person perspective on what had the characters in such a dizzy. The length of the book, I thought, was perfect, as it almost felt as if I were living those short seeming hours, every minute as important as the next with the countdown keeping a close eye on all of the character’s movements. Despite the mere few hours that the story was set in, I also felt like I was getting to know these characters over a few years, not just a day. I think these three things really contributed a lot to the overall feeling of the book, and what eventually resulted in my tears as I (spoiler alert!) watched my two new friends slip away as if I were actually there to witness the painful reality.
Although there was lots of it, Capsule was not just about the action and thrill. It was a dive into the minds of struggling teenagers and how they perceived the world through social media, just like the majority of other teenagers in today’s world. It was a story with twists and turns, but I felt the characters self-reflections were so much more important and vibrant than just the chaos that ensued. If it were any other book, I’d have turned to relying on just the action to keep me interested, simply because, as I said before, most other characters are just not that enticing or relatable. In Caspule, however, I was given a complete package deal, being able to count on every single little thing to keep me from turning my eyes away from the words that have now shaped my new viewpoint on life. It was so enthralling, in all forms, that I didn’t want to put the book down.
The writing style was so perfect for the type of story Mel was telling the reader. It was straight to the point and told me exactly what I needed to picture the scene, never dwelling on a thought, feeling, or description for too long or too little. It blows my mind that someone just a year older than me was able to come up with such a masterpiece, silly, really, as age should not determine the quality of art, but it really made me feel proud for this author whom I have never even met and yet has completely changed the way I perceive life and writing with just a few letters and words. There’s that’s famous (and completely irrational) saying that ‘children should be seen and not heard’, but I truly believe that this statement is completely false. Mel has proven to me over a span of 300-and-a-bit pages that she has something to say, something important. Something that I feel has changed so much in such a short amount of time in my life, just like Capsule did with Jackie, Peter, and Kat.
-Annabelle K
This book was like nothing I have ever read before, and I read a lot. In a short span of about 340 pages Mel manages to serve the readers an absolute work of art. I am being completely honest when I say that I have never become so attached to fictional characters and their stories as I have with Jackie Mendoza, Peter Moon, and Kat Pike. Throughout the book I saw an exceptional portrayal of a realistic life of a fellow teenager. They had real flaws and real moments of failure. And yet, they grew. They welcomed change and developed from their mistakes, but still they were never perfect (which is almost what made them perfect in the end in my eyes). This is what I loved about them. I have seen far too many characters continue a rhythm of perfection and flawless-ness, never once stopping in their tracks and thinking, “Hang on a minute, maybe I’m the one at fault here”. It’s always been a constant state of everything and everyone else being the ones at blame, but in Capsule the characters admit their wrongdoings, reflect on themselves, and then move on having learnt a valuable lesson. They are what I would simply put as 3D. And I loved them. I also enjoyed looking at what problems the characters faced because they were so modern and so different to the cliché, over the top drama which I would usually expect in any other novel. These were lifelike (the more personal ones, though; I can’t say I have ever been thrown into a physics-defying game). I felt as though I could relate to a couple of the situations personally, and understand where they were coming from. I could feel the characters confusion and feelings as if they were my own, and by the end of the book I was left in tears, some happy, some sad.
I cannot stress enough how on edge I was the entire time. I couldn’t stop reading, wondering, and/or speculating. The storyline was so creative and unique, and I felt like I was actually there, living in this Capsule world. The format was the first thing that struck me as interesting: the ‘Dear Stranger’ poems, where I had no idea what on earth they meant or had any correlation with to the main plot, were knitted in so well so that eventually, when you figure out what they actually are, you have grown as familiar to them as Kat and Jay had by that point in their story. That, joined with the single page Moral Moon entries, made me, as a reader, feel as though I was one of the characters, joining along in the heart-beating adventure in the towns of Brookwood, Grovestown, and Ravensburg, getting a first-person perspective on what had the characters in such a dizzy. The length of the book, I thought, was perfect, as it almost felt as if I were living those short seeming hours, every minute as important as the next with the countdown keeping a close eye on all of the character’s movements. Despite the mere few hours that the story was set in, I also felt like I was getting to know these characters over a few years, not just a day. I think these three things really contributed a lot to the overall feeling of the book, and what eventually resulted in my tears as I (spoiler alert!) watched my two new friends slip away as if I were actually there to witness the painful reality.
Although there was lots of it, Capsule was not just about the action and thrill. It was a dive into the minds of struggling teenagers and how they perceived the world through social media, just like the majority of other teenagers in today’s world. It was a story with twists and turns, but I felt the characters self-reflections were so much more important and vibrant than just the chaos that ensued. If it were any other book, I’d have turned to relying on just the action to keep me interested, simply because, as I said before, most other characters are just not that enticing or relatable. In Caspule, however, I was given a complete package deal, being able to count on every single little thing to keep me from turning my eyes away from the words that have now shaped my new viewpoint on life. It was so enthralling, in all forms, that I didn’t want to put the book down.
The writing style was so perfect for the type of story Mel was telling the reader. It was straight to the point and told me exactly what I needed to picture the scene, never dwelling on a thought, feeling, or description for too long or too little. It blows my mind that someone just a year older than me was able to come up with such a masterpiece, silly, really, as age should not determine the quality of art, but it really made me feel proud for this author whom I have never even met and yet has completely changed the way I perceive life and writing with just a few letters and words. There’s that’s famous (and completely irrational) saying that ‘children should be seen and not heard’, but I truly believe that this statement is completely false. Mel has proven to me over a span of 300-and-a-bit pages that she has something to say, something important. Something that I feel has changed so much in such a short amount of time in my life, just like Capsule did with Jackie, Peter, and Kat.
-Annabelle K
gailalison's review against another edition
3.0
The idea/basic plot behind this book is very interesting and for the first half or so of the book I was fairly invested. At some point I just couldn’t maintain that interest. I really liked Jackie and was definitely rooting for her essentially the entire story, right until the very end when I just found myself not caring anymore. I never found myself caring much about Peter or Kat. I appreciated that they were complicated, not entirely likeable characters, The pace at which they evolved (kind of) throughout the story just left me not really caring much about their fates. I wanted Jackie to win her game, but that was about it.
The most frustrating thing about the story was the clunky, heavy-handed lessons it seemed the author was trying to portray about social media (especially this!), grief, friendship, family, etc. It was very obvious one of these moments came up, and not in a good way.
One kind of minor issue I noticed early on was the description of Kat’s Instagram page having 59 photos, yet she’s described as the “Instagram queen” throughout the book. Unless she’s regularly deleting photos, after two years I imagine she would have hundreds of posts, not 59. That makes me wonder if the author really knows that much about social media and that’s why she seems so against it?
Overall, this was a fun read. I’d actually like to see it turned into a tv show or movie as I can imagine that actually turning out better than the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me access to this eARC for my honest opinion!
The most frustrating thing about the story was the clunky, heavy-handed lessons it seemed the author was trying to portray about social media (especially this!), grief, friendship, family, etc. It was very obvious one of these moments came up, and not in a good way.
One kind of minor issue I noticed early on was the description of Kat’s Instagram page having 59 photos, yet she’s described as the “Instagram queen” throughout the book. Unless she’s regularly deleting photos, after two years I imagine she would have hundreds of posts, not 59. That makes me wonder if the author really knows that much about social media and that’s why she seems so against it?
Overall, this was a fun read. I’d actually like to see it turned into a tv show or movie as I can imagine that actually turning out better than the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me access to this eARC for my honest opinion!
ameserole's review
4.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Capsule definitely gave me some Ready Player One vibes. In it, you will meet Jackie, Peter, and Kat. One day at school, Jackie and the rest of her classmates found out that Peter and Kat are now missing. Then she randomly found an app, named Capsule, on her phone. She didn't remember downloading it so she went to delete it. Later on that day, it's back and she doesn't know why. Whenever she shows her phone to people they don't even see it.
The app is constantly on her mind. Especially after the first message she receives which involves playing a game to save Peter and Kat. At this point, I'm very intrigued because now I'm getting Jumanji vibes now. Entering into a game to save people or the world. It didn't matter to me really because I was just really excited to dive into this adventure.
What I got was a lot of emotions throughout this book. Each level had it's own version of sadness.. which is kind of weird to say. It dives into Peter's and Kat's lives and each little puzzle piece shows how they are all somewhat connected. Oh man, so many emotions and feelings while reading this.
In the end, I'm still not over this. Especially before the last chapter came my way because damn - it was so good! I'm so glad that I got to meet these three and watch them grow. Plus seeing how things in their life changed how they are today and how their classmates see them. It was very eye opening and all I can say is that I dream that these three are happier in their lives.
Capsule definitely gave me some Ready Player One vibes. In it, you will meet Jackie, Peter, and Kat. One day at school, Jackie and the rest of her classmates found out that Peter and Kat are now missing. Then she randomly found an app, named Capsule, on her phone. She didn't remember downloading it so she went to delete it. Later on that day, it's back and she doesn't know why. Whenever she shows her phone to people they don't even see it.
The app is constantly on her mind. Especially after the first message she receives which involves playing a game to save Peter and Kat. At this point, I'm very intrigued because now I'm getting Jumanji vibes now. Entering into a game to save people or the world. It didn't matter to me really because I was just really excited to dive into this adventure.
What I got was a lot of emotions throughout this book. Each level had it's own version of sadness.. which is kind of weird to say. It dives into Peter's and Kat's lives and each little puzzle piece shows how they are all somewhat connected. Oh man, so many emotions and feelings while reading this.
In the end, I'm still not over this. Especially before the last chapter came my way because damn - it was so good! I'm so glad that I got to meet these three and watch them grow. Plus seeing how things in their life changed how they are today and how their classmates see them. It was very eye opening and all I can say is that I dream that these three are happier in their lives.
ashmikaa's review
5.0
I received an arc of this book in exchange for a free review but that has in no way affected my thoughts of the book.
This book is WONDERFUL!! I don’t know where to start because this book really was soo great! I’ve never read a book in the genre Sci-fi thriller so I had my doubts but holly shit this was good! All the characters are so deeply flawed and far from perfect but that’s really what makes them as wonderful as they are!
They each have their own motivations going into the game but they grow to care for each other in such a short span of time. By the way most of this book takes place in the span of one day which is so incredible and mind blowing!
The characters are all stuck in their own misbeliefs and really aren’t very good people but as the book goes on we see them begin to care for each other and take a step back and really look at themselves.
I really don’t know what else to say except READ IT! The author is really such an amazing writer and their YouTube channel is also phenomenal and so inspiring. In closing read the book!!!
This book is WONDERFUL!! I don’t know where to start because this book really was soo great! I’ve never read a book in the genre Sci-fi thriller so I had my doubts but holly shit this was good! All the characters are so deeply flawed and far from perfect but that’s really what makes them as wonderful as they are!
They each have their own motivations going into the game but they grow to care for each other in such a short span of time. By the way most of this book takes place in the span of one day which is so incredible and mind blowing!
The characters are all stuck in their own misbeliefs and really aren’t very good people but as the book goes on we see them begin to care for each other and take a step back and really look at themselves.
I really don’t know what else to say except READ IT! The author is really such an amazing writer and their YouTube channel is also phenomenal and so inspiring. In closing read the book!!!
pitmanj18's review
5.0
I have received a copy of this book as an ebook arc from NetGalley
Spoiler free review from me. If you love books like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and Warcross by Marie Lu then this book is for you. It's a SCI-FI Thriller but the SCI-FI isn't a major theme in the book if that's not for you its main theme is Thriller. Books like One Of Us Is Lying, Two Can Keep A Secret and The Cousins From Karen M. McManus are Thrillers I've read that are similar to this book in that once I pick them up I want to read in one sitting to find out what happens.
Can't recommend this book enough. Hope to buy a paperback copy when it comes out on July 10th.
Spoiler free review from me. If you love books like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and Warcross by Marie Lu then this book is for you. It's a SCI-FI Thriller but the SCI-FI isn't a major theme in the book if that's not for you its main theme is Thriller. Books like One Of Us Is Lying, Two Can Keep A Secret and The Cousins From Karen M. McManus are Thrillers I've read that are similar to this book in that once I pick them up I want to read in one sitting to find out what happens.
Can't recommend this book enough. Hope to buy a paperback copy when it comes out on July 10th.
hollys_book_nook's review
3.0
Two students from Brookwood High mysteriously go missing on the same night. The first is Peter Moon, a heartless pescatarian who bashes the other students on his blog, turning everyone against him. The second is Kat Pike, an audacious girl desperately seeking an adrenaline rush. Indifferent to the disappearances, sixteen-year-old Jackie Mendoza remains isolated in her world of video games and online friends. When the game Capsule downloads itself on her phone, Jackie finds herself in a race against the clock as the game threatens to erase Peter and Kat forever. And only Jackie can save them.
I would give this book a solid 3 stars! The capsule app and game was a very interesting premise. I think this book was a little too young for me because I found it hard to connect with and relate to the characters. But I have to say that Mel did a wonderful job with their character development and I loved how well done the ending was. I also enjoyed the writing and how the story flowed. Overall, I struggled to get invested in the story and I don’t think this is the book for me. But I was so honored Mel reached out to me and asked me to read an ARC of her book!
I would give this book a solid 3 stars! The capsule app and game was a very interesting premise. I think this book was a little too young for me because I found it hard to connect with and relate to the characters. But I have to say that Mel did a wonderful job with their character development and I loved how well done the ending was. I also enjoyed the writing and how the story flowed. Overall, I struggled to get invested in the story and I don’t think this is the book for me. But I was so honored Mel reached out to me and asked me to read an ARC of her book!
mattyxxz's review
3.0
I got an ARC copy of this from Mel. Thank you very much.
THIS BOOK WAS SO GREAT! I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH.
Plot:
It has a simple plot yet it is exciting to read. The goal and the stakes were presented enough. I like how the plot has a smooth flow. I was on 50% on Wednesday and I'm now done within 2 days haha!
Characters:
When I'm writing, this part is always my problem. Mel created this relatable and flawed characters. Even the side characters were great. And what I like about this one is that their RELATIONSHIPS was greatly shown. I wish I could have an online friend like Eugene and a brother like Jay.
Writing Style:
Mel has a simple yet vivid and accessible writing style. I like her writing style.
In conclusion, buy this book on July 10!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS BOOK WAS SO GREAT! I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH.
Plot:
It has a simple plot yet it is exciting to read. The goal and the stakes were presented enough. I like how the plot has a smooth flow. I was on 50% on Wednesday and I'm now done within 2 days haha!
Characters:
When I'm writing, this part is always my problem. Mel created this relatable and flawed characters. Even the side characters were great. And what I like about this one is that their RELATIONSHIPS was greatly shown. I wish I could have an online friend like Eugene and a brother like Jay.
Writing Style:
Mel has a simple yet vivid and accessible writing style. I like her writing style.
In conclusion, buy this book on July 10!!!!!!!!!!!
missthomsenreads's review
3.0
“But if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that some parts of our past are better off forgotten.”
Two students mysteriously going missing on the same day: Peter Moon and Kat Pike. One is a harsh boy who slanders every student at Brookwood High on his blog… and the other is a girl who everyone seems to love.
Absorbed by a world of video games, Jackie Mendoza isn’t as worried as others about her missing classmates. However, an app that appeared on her phone, called Capsule - and her need to prove her mother wrong - forces her into a game she’s not quite as excited to play. A game that threatens both Peter and Kat. A game that is heartless and very, very real.
—
Capsule was a quick and easy-to-read YA thriller. There were a lot of sentimental stories and memories brought up and I wanted to hug every one of the characters to just make them happier. Mel Torrefranca brought life to each character in a special way to make readers actually care about them.
The concept of Capsule was super intriguing. It definitely keeps you wondering. I won’t say too much, so you can find out for yourself! Also, I would say it’s a very mild thriller. I never felt tense or stressed while reading. I was more interested in what the Capsule app levels would bring to the story.
Mel crafted a story around adventure, unlikely friendships, purposely forgotten memories, and the search for past things that are better left behind. If you love YA sci-fis and thrillers, you definitely should check out this book!
I guess the only thing I wanted to understand more is WHY Capsule came to be. There wasn’t much of an explanation at the end of if there was anyone/thing behind it or why Capsule chose Peter, Kat, and Jackie? I was left with a few questions at the end and was hoping for bit more of a wrap up there. But maybe we aren’t meant to get one?
Thank you again to Mel for providing me with an ARC eCopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was incredibly grateful to be a part of this journey! Get your copies THIS SUMMER - July 10, 2021!!
Capsule by: Mel Torrefranca //
Two students mysteriously going missing on the same day: Peter Moon and Kat Pike. One is a harsh boy who slanders every student at Brookwood High on his blog… and the other is a girl who everyone seems to love.
Absorbed by a world of video games, Jackie Mendoza isn’t as worried as others about her missing classmates. However, an app that appeared on her phone, called Capsule - and her need to prove her mother wrong - forces her into a game she’s not quite as excited to play. A game that threatens both Peter and Kat. A game that is heartless and very, very real.
—
Capsule was a quick and easy-to-read YA thriller. There were a lot of sentimental stories and memories brought up and I wanted to hug every one of the characters to just make them happier. Mel Torrefranca brought life to each character in a special way to make readers actually care about them.
The concept of Capsule was super intriguing. It definitely keeps you wondering. I won’t say too much, so you can find out for yourself! Also, I would say it’s a very mild thriller. I never felt tense or stressed while reading. I was more interested in what the Capsule app levels would bring to the story.
Mel crafted a story around adventure, unlikely friendships, purposely forgotten memories, and the search for past things that are better left behind. If you love YA sci-fis and thrillers, you definitely should check out this book!
I guess the only thing I wanted to understand more is WHY Capsule came to be. There wasn’t much of an explanation at the end of if there was anyone/thing behind it or why Capsule chose Peter, Kat, and Jackie? I was left with a few questions at the end and was hoping for bit more of a wrap up there. But maybe we aren’t meant to get one?
Thank you again to Mel for providing me with an ARC eCopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was incredibly grateful to be a part of this journey! Get your copies THIS SUMMER - July 10, 2021!!
Capsule by: Mel Torrefranca //
fennyisreding's review against another edition
4.0
Capsule had found a bruise from the past and had burrowed a fist right into it, renewing the pain.
Personal Rating: 3.5/5
The book started with two students who went missing on the same night. There's Peter Moon, who was a jerk that writes blog entries about students from Brookwood High. And then, there's Kat Pike, who was adored both online and offline. They were missing for three days with no leads until Jackie Mendoza, an introvert who was always immersed with her online video games, realized that an app called Capsule downloaded itself onto her phone. Capsule's a gaming app - the most menacing one and apparently, she had to save the two missing students if she were to start to play.
Characters: 4/5
There's Jackie Mendoza, a Filipina American who had a bit of trouble when it comes to family. She believed that she was in her brother, Jay's shadow throughout high school. She believed that only through online games that she gets to be the star of the show.
There's Peter Moon, a Korean American. He's not really a people person. He was a judgemental pescatarian who lives by complaining about everyone in his high school. He was a sarcastic loner with witty and snarky remarks and was not afraid to tell others what he thinks.
Kat Pike is, I reckon, was just a white girl. Like a basic white girl. Instagram famous, thought of every single caption that she puts online as something cliche that one copies off of the internet. You'd think that she's not that special but there's more to her than meets the eye.
I actually am impressed with the characters. Even the side characters like Emmeline, Jay, Nicholas, Isabelle, and Whitney. They're very much relatable and I can see the character development throughout the whole story. I like that I hated Peter Moon right off the bat. The author has written his character arc to open up slowly to the other two characters as he started to trust them.
Themes: 3/5
I love that there aren't any subplots for romance in this book, WHICH I think was great. A good book does not need romance to actually support the whole plot. With that being said, there are a few themes that are being taught here. There are games and puzzles of course, with Capsule being a whole game, friendships, family, emotions and feelings, mysteries, science fiction (in a way), and most definitely life lessons and personal growth.
I feel that the book was detangling all of the common issues that a young teenager would have gone through. I also like that there were no typical Asian tropes in this book. No "straight-As-no-social-life" tropes, no "parents-are-so-strict" tropes. They are just human beings and I really liked that.
However, there are that "I'm-not-like-other-girls" trope and "purple prose" tropes that I really despise. Not sure if other reviewers would have hated that too. Some people may like it. I don't judge LOL
Stories: 3.5/5
This whole entire plot was over 24 hours mark. I was amazed at how the chapters were defined by different parts of the stories. There are proses of songs or poetry, blog entries by Peter Moon, flashbacks, and to the time present. I feel that it is an easy read and that everyone can easily understand the plot as the story proceeds.
But I have an issue with what happened in the certain part of the stories where I felt was unnecessary. I reckon that the author wrote it there to break the tension, but honestly, I felt that it was forced in a sense because the two characters involved in that part of the story didn't have any chemistry enough to go through that situation (I'm trying so hard not to spoil LOL)
Conclusion:
This book was fast-paced and easy to read. I could have finished the book earlier but I was savouring moments because I felt that it was really fast. Perfect for anyone with a short attention span LOL.
I did not expect the ending and the plot twist because MAN, WHAT A PLOT TWIST. Was it the best book I've read? I've read better. Would I recommend this to others? Most definitely. There are actions, funny moments, heartwarming moments, and much more to this book.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an eARC copy of this book. However, all of these are my personal and honest opinions. It has not impacted my review, at all.
Trigger Warnings: Attempted murder, Blood, Bullying, Car accident, Death, Depression, Drug Use, Gun usage, Murder, Hallucinations, PTSD.
Personal Rating: 3.5/5
The book started with two students who went missing on the same night. There's Peter Moon, who was a jerk that writes blog entries about students from Brookwood High. And then, there's Kat Pike, who was adored both online and offline. They were missing for three days with no leads until Jackie Mendoza, an introvert who was always immersed with her online video games, realized that an app called Capsule downloaded itself onto her phone. Capsule's a gaming app - the most menacing one and apparently, she had to save the two missing students if she were to start to play.
Characters: 4/5
There's Jackie Mendoza, a Filipina American who had a bit of trouble when it comes to family. She believed that she was in her brother, Jay's shadow throughout high school. She believed that only through online games that she gets to be the star of the show.
There's Peter Moon, a Korean American. He's not really a people person. He was a judgemental pescatarian who lives by complaining about everyone in his high school. He was a sarcastic loner with witty and snarky remarks and was not afraid to tell others what he thinks.
Kat Pike is, I reckon, was just a white girl. Like a basic white girl. Instagram famous, thought of every single caption that she puts online as something cliche that one copies off of the internet. You'd think that she's not that special but there's more to her than meets the eye.
I actually am impressed with the characters. Even the side characters like Emmeline, Jay, Nicholas, Isabelle, and Whitney. They're very much relatable and I can see the character development throughout the whole story. I like that I hated Peter Moon right off the bat. The author has written his character arc to open up slowly to the other two characters as he started to trust them.
Themes: 3/5
I love that there aren't any subplots for romance in this book, WHICH I think was great. A good book does not need romance to actually support the whole plot. With that being said, there are a few themes that are being taught here. There are games and puzzles of course, with Capsule being a whole game, friendships, family, emotions and feelings, mysteries, science fiction (in a way), and most definitely life lessons and personal growth.
I feel that the book was detangling all of the common issues that a young teenager would have gone through. I also like that there were no typical Asian tropes in this book. No "straight-As-no-social-life" tropes, no "parents-are-so-strict" tropes. They are just human beings and I really liked that.
However, there are that "I'm-not-like-other-girls" trope and "purple prose" tropes that I really despise. Not sure if other reviewers would have hated that too. Some people may like it. I don't judge LOL
Stories: 3.5/5
This whole entire plot was over 24 hours mark. I was amazed at how the chapters were defined by different parts of the stories. There are proses of songs or poetry, blog entries by Peter Moon, flashbacks, and to the time present. I feel that it is an easy read and that everyone can easily understand the plot as the story proceeds.
But I have an issue with what happened in the certain part of the stories where I felt was unnecessary. I reckon that the author wrote it there to break the tension, but honestly, I felt that it was forced in a sense because the two characters involved in that part of the story didn't have any chemistry enough to go through that situation (I'm trying so hard not to spoil LOL)
Conclusion:
This book was fast-paced and easy to read. I could have finished the book earlier but I was savouring moments because I felt that it was really fast. Perfect for anyone with a short attention span LOL.
I did not expect the ending and the plot twist because MAN, WHAT A PLOT TWIST. Was it the best book I've read? I've read better. Would I recommend this to others? Most definitely. There are actions, funny moments, heartwarming moments, and much more to this book.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an eARC copy of this book. However, all of these are my personal and honest opinions. It has not impacted my review, at all.
Trigger Warnings: Attempted murder, Blood, Bullying, Car accident, Death, Depression, Drug Use, Gun usage, Murder, Hallucinations, PTSD.
theirishbooklover's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Fast, Mysterious, Adventurous.
I had no idea what way this book was going to go. Sometimes I think that's half the fun of reading. It is probably more of a Sci-fi book than I'm used to reading.
I liked the book, I liked Jackie, the main character. It is a relatively fast paced book which definitely helped. I think this book would appeal to gamers. As the book is partially set inside a video game/app.
It was a 3.5 star read for me. Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I had no idea what way this book was going to go. Sometimes I think that's half the fun of reading. It is probably more of a Sci-fi book than I'm used to reading.
I liked the book, I liked Jackie, the main character. It is a relatively fast paced book which definitely helped. I think this book would appeal to gamers. As the book is partially set inside a video game/app.
It was a 3.5 star read for me. Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.