Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
- audio
- 2.5
- reread
This book was way too long. There was a lot of unnecessary stuff in here. Why did Simon need to be in this so much? Why didn’t we address that he literally assaulted her in the last book? Bray seems to champion women empowerment, so I am shocked that this was not addressed at all in this one. I disliked Kartik’s ending strongly simply because it made no sense. It felt really rushed. I understand Bray wanting Gemma to end up alone, but I would have rather had her and him defy the stereotypes by moving back to India together. Gemma had never spoken of wanting to go to America, which is why it made no sense. I have no idea why she so quickly came to terms with her father about to die. However, I did like Tom’s redemption arc, Felicity-Pippa relationship confirmation, and Felicity and Ann getting their perfect endings. Some parts of it just felt rushed and like she felt she needed to tie everything up in a big bow.
- 2.5
- reread
This book was way too long. There was a lot of unnecessary stuff in here. Why did Simon need to be in this so much? Why didn’t we address that he literally assaulted her in the last book? Bray seems to champion women empowerment, so I am shocked that this was not addressed at all in this one. I disliked Kartik’s ending strongly simply because it made no sense. It felt really rushed. I understand Bray wanting Gemma to end up alone, but I would have rather had her and him defy the stereotypes by moving back to India together. Gemma had never spoken of wanting to go to America, which is why it made no sense. I have no idea why she so quickly came to terms with her father about to die. However, I did like Tom’s redemption arc, Felicity-Pippa relationship confirmation, and Felicity and Ann getting their perfect endings. Some parts of it just felt rushed and like she felt she needed to tie everything up in a big bow.
Pointless love interest..
Bad ending. I was so disappointed! I loved the first book...
Bad ending. I was so disappointed! I loved the first book...
This book was an interesting end to Gemma Doyle's journey. I absolutely adore the characters that Libba Bray has created and fall in love with them over and over again. This sequel took a dark turn that made the books lose a bit of their girlish charm but also added to the characters' growth.
All in all, these innocent books about a 16-year-old girl turned into a delightful coming of age story full of magic, loss, love, and everything in between. I think this one is gonna be on my mind for a while.
All in all, these innocent books about a 16-year-old girl turned into a delightful coming of age story full of magic, loss, love, and everything in between. I think this one is gonna be on my mind for a while.
I just reread my old review from the first time I read it and had to delete it for how poorly I explained the way I felt the type of feminism rendered was anachronistic, because this is actually a super feminist series; but it's true that the sudden political consciousness that invades this third volume feels a bit out of left field, as does Gemma's final decision and outburst. But still, like, these are good books. I still recommend, ten years later.
How terribly sad.
I won't give too much away, but anyway, this book concludes (I hope for good) the Gemma Doyle trilogy, which began with A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY. I loved both of the first two, and it's been much longer between the second book, REBEL ANGELS, and this one, THE SWEET FAR THING, than between AGATB and RA. You can tell because it's become even more modern than the other two. The first two were great because they are gothic fantasy novels for teens, which just doesn't happen, and yet they had modern sensibilities. I was also impressed with Libba Bray's ability to sound English--it's a lot harder than people think to get the English way of speaking right when they are American and for English people to get the American way of speaking correctly, even though it seems like it shouldn't be anything. Bray didn't fail me in this book in that respect. However, you could tell that a little too much time had passed between books two and three, both in actual time and book time.
This is a terrible review, but you can read my better ode to Libba Bray on my livejournal (http://caramelsapphire.livejournal.com). Still, all things considered, THE SWEET FAR THING was a lovely, and actually scary, as I read the last hundred or so pages at night alone in a house that wasn't my own, companion and conclusion to the Gemma Doyle trilogy.
I won't give too much away, but anyway, this book concludes (I hope for good) the Gemma Doyle trilogy, which began with A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY. I loved both of the first two, and it's been much longer between the second book, REBEL ANGELS, and this one, THE SWEET FAR THING, than between AGATB and RA. You can tell because it's become even more modern than the other two. The first two were great because they are gothic fantasy novels for teens, which just doesn't happen, and yet they had modern sensibilities. I was also impressed with Libba Bray's ability to sound English--it's a lot harder than people think to get the English way of speaking right when they are American and for English people to get the American way of speaking correctly, even though it seems like it shouldn't be anything. Bray didn't fail me in this book in that respect. However, you could tell that a little too much time had passed between books two and three, both in actual time and book time.
This is a terrible review, but you can read my better ode to Libba Bray on my livejournal (http://caramelsapphire.livejournal.com). Still, all things considered, THE SWEET FAR THING was a lovely, and actually scary, as I read the last hundred or so pages at night alone in a house that wasn't my own, companion and conclusion to the Gemma Doyle trilogy.
A satisfactory ending to the series, but this book was waaaaay too long.
So, I just completely finished The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray (which includes The Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, and The Sweet Far Thing). I had a difficult time getting into the first book, but about halfway in, I was hooked and had to read the rest. I think Rebel Angels might be my favorite of the three, but I did like The Sweet Far Thing very much. I'm just incredibly sad.
I really did like the whole theme of female independence and women making their own mark in the world, but I was really upset there wasn't a happy ending for Kartik/Gemma. Their love scenes were beautiful though and I was both thrilled and surprised they were included. Many young adult novels either avoid the topic of sex or cheapen it. Here it was beautiful and I'm grateful for the inclusion. Their love was written very strongly and while I get the metaphor that he'll always be a part of her, waiting for her, I really wish they could have lived happily ever after. I am glad though she went to America to live her own life and that her brother has started to treat her right. I'm glad she didn't end up with Simon either cause he was seriously kind of lame. Kartik/Gemma were true love and should definitely be more popular.
The other plot development that surprised me was how they explicitly stated that Felicity was a lesbian and Pippa was her lover. I mean I sort of suspected something might have been going on there, but I never thought it would be more than subtext. It just shows that Libba Bray isn't the type of author who pulls any punches. Oh and I found Miss McCleethy annoying, but getting her head cut off seemed a bit too much. LOL. She definitely had the most gruesome death.
It seems like only Ann really got the happy ending. She got to escape her horrible cousins and is able to live her dream as an actress. Yes, Felicity is moving to Paris, but she lost her love too.
I really loved how these books were so inspired by other novels in the same genre (Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter especially come to mind) and I never felt they were trying to imitate them. They made everything their own; it's own world. These books should seriously be more popular. Take this as a recommendation and read them. If you like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter...heck even Twilight, you'll like these.
If they make these books into movies I really hope they cast it well and stick to the heart of the novels. I've been thinking of Rachel Hurd-Woodas Gemma and before anyone laughs I pictured Sendhil Ramamurthy (who plays Mohinder on Heroes). I don't care if he's too old. He has exactly all the qualities I picture Kartik having. Plus, he's hot (Naveen Andrews can play his brother Amar).
Someone on Libba's LJ suggested Christian Coulson (Tom Riddle in Harry Potter CoS) as Tom as I agree. I could definitely see it. Tom wasn't really made a three dimensional character until TSFT, but a good actor could give him layers no matter what. Also, Kate Winslet or Cate Blanchett as Miss Moore/Circe. Although I'd just be happy if the right people with the right chemistry were casted...and they must do the books the right way.
I really did like the whole theme of female independence and women making their own mark in the world, but I was really upset there wasn't a happy ending for Kartik/Gemma. Their love scenes were beautiful though and I was both thrilled and surprised they were included. Many young adult novels either avoid the topic of sex or cheapen it. Here it was beautiful and I'm grateful for the inclusion. Their love was written very strongly and while I get the metaphor that he'll always be a part of her, waiting for her, I really wish they could have lived happily ever after. I am glad though she went to America to live her own life and that her brother has started to treat her right. I'm glad she didn't end up with Simon either cause he was seriously kind of lame. Kartik/Gemma were true love and should definitely be more popular.
The other plot development that surprised me was how they explicitly stated that Felicity was a lesbian and Pippa was her lover. I mean I sort of suspected something might have been going on there, but I never thought it would be more than subtext. It just shows that Libba Bray isn't the type of author who pulls any punches. Oh and I found Miss McCleethy annoying, but getting her head cut off seemed a bit too much. LOL. She definitely had the most gruesome death.
It seems like only Ann really got the happy ending. She got to escape her horrible cousins and is able to live her dream as an actress. Yes, Felicity is moving to Paris, but she lost her love too.
I really loved how these books were so inspired by other novels in the same genre (Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter especially come to mind) and I never felt they were trying to imitate them. They made everything their own; it's own world. These books should seriously be more popular. Take this as a recommendation and read them. If you like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter...heck even Twilight, you'll like these.
If they make these books into movies I really hope they cast it well and stick to the heart of the novels. I've been thinking of Rachel Hurd-Woodas Gemma and before anyone laughs I pictured Sendhil Ramamurthy (who plays Mohinder on Heroes). I don't care if he's too old. He has exactly all the qualities I picture Kartik having. Plus, he's hot (Naveen Andrews can play his brother Amar).
Someone on Libba's LJ suggested Christian Coulson (Tom Riddle in Harry Potter CoS) as Tom as I agree. I could definitely see it. Tom wasn't really made a three dimensional character until TSFT, but a good actor could give him layers no matter what. Also, Kate Winslet or Cate Blanchett as Miss Moore/Circe. Although I'd just be happy if the right people with the right chemistry were casted...and they must do the books the right way.
So Going Bovine may have been a bust, but this whole series was full of win. I'm bummed that it's over, and my expectations have again been raised too high so that I'm reluctant to start another book, which I haven't felt since finishing the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy. <3
The overwhelming feeling after finishing this series is one of peace. Some readers apparently really hated the ending, but I thought it closed off everything nicely while leaving it open enough to imagine what might happen next. And Gemma came to terms with not having a plan for everything and knowing she would make mistakes. I almost want another book or epilogue...
I enjoyed Gemma's character development, and I feel she changed the most in this book in particular. She went from timid and unsure to cocky and kind of mean, to sure-footed and rational while able to admit her mistakes and all that she still did not know about her powers.
I was proud of myself for having gotten through about 98% of the book without crying, and I thought I would make it until the end with dry eyes. But no. That tree sighing her name did me in. Which brings me to Kartik... Although he didn't have a whole lot of development, I loved him. Gemma's drastic swings of LOVE and HATE for him got annoying after the second time (it happened, what, three times), but I guess she's a teenager, after all.
This book also saw Ann blossoming. It was a painful, slow blossom, but it FINALLY happened. I read in a review or two that readers found her annoying, but I can relate to her feelings of depression and hopelessness. While her mopiness (which is apparently not a word) was irritating, I felt it was also realistic, because she was fighting her own demons.
The whole business with Pippa was hard. While Gemma saw her as all but lost, she still stood by Felicity who could not give up her best friend. I'm unsure if Felicity would supported Gemma or Ann as they supported her, but I guess that's just the kind of person we accept Felicity to be.
I hope you find what you're looking for in New York, Gemma Doyle.
The overwhelming feeling after finishing this series is one of peace. Some readers apparently really hated the ending, but I thought it closed off everything nicely while leaving it open enough to imagine what might happen next. And Gemma came to terms with not having a plan for everything and knowing she would make mistakes. I almost want another book or epilogue...
I enjoyed Gemma's character development, and I feel she changed the most in this book in particular. She went from timid and unsure to cocky and kind of mean, to sure-footed and rational while able to admit her mistakes and all that she still did not know about her powers.
I was proud of myself for having gotten through about 98% of the book without crying, and I thought I would make it until the end with dry eyes. But no. That tree sighing her name did me in. Which brings me to Kartik... Although he didn't have a whole lot of development, I loved him. Gemma's drastic swings of LOVE and HATE for him got annoying after the second time (it happened, what, three times), but I guess she's a teenager, after all.
Spoiler
Oh, and Felicity is a lesbian? I did NOT see that coming. Gemma's thoughts on the matter could have been extended because that whole detail was said and done in no time. And how did Felicity manage to still get her inheritance without marrying Horace? Because he didn't want to marry her? Her ending was a little too perfect yet awesome because she's going to lead women into pants-wearing!This book also saw Ann blossoming. It was a painful, slow blossom, but it FINALLY happened. I read in a review or two that readers found her annoying, but I can relate to her feelings of depression and hopelessness. While her mopiness (which is apparently not a word) was irritating, I felt it was also realistic, because she was fighting her own demons.
The whole business with Pippa was hard. While Gemma saw her as all but lost, she still stood by Felicity who could not give up her best friend. I'm unsure if Felicity would supported Gemma or Ann as they supported her, but I guess that's just the kind of person we accept Felicity to be.
I hope you find what you're looking for in New York, Gemma Doyle.
It was very different then the other books, I didn't like it as much.