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nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
4.0
This review and many others can be found on my blog - Feed Your Fiction Addiction
My Ex From Hell is a fun romp through Greek mythology. First and foremost, his book will make you laugh. The synopsis explains the plot pretty well, so I'll just jump right into my review.
The negatives:
I wasn't totally on board with Kai and Sophie.
I really wanted to love Kai (and to want Sophie to love Kai), but I just wasn't totally there. He was a typical bad boy - the guy who sleeps around and acts all cool and mysterious - but I just didn't get much more from him. I like my bad boys with a side of "heart of gold" and I didn't get that from Kai. I'm still hopeful that we'll get to know him more in the next book, though, so I can get a proper swoon on.
What I loved:
Snarky humor.
Sophie is one of the snarkiest characters I've read in a long time, and I loved her! The humor in this book reminded me a lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer - fun and relevant and sarcastic. Sophie gets in a lot of trouble, but she didn't come across as unlikable (at least not to me). Instead, I totally wanted to be her friend!
Friendship.
Speaking of being Sophie's friend, I loved the friendships in this book! Sophie's best friend Hannah is perfect - both brainy and good looking (a combination that isn't often found, especially in the "friend" character). She's great fun and takes getting pulled into the world of Greek gods and goddesses remarkably well. I loved that it was Sophie and Hannah's friendship that pulls Sophie through some difficult situations (rather than her strange relationship with Kai, which could have been the only focus). Theo is another great character - and is also an amazing friend, who obviously sacrificed a lot for Sophie (or for Persephone, depending on how you look at it). Sophie has a great support system helping her through her crazy life!
The mythology.
Okay, you're not going to get hard-core accurate mythology from this book (Persephone's story itself is changed up a bit - at least it seems to be thus far, but we haven't gotten the full story yet!), but you will definitely recognize your favorite tales - with a twist! I really loved the mythology in this book and thought that it was incorporated in a fun and unique way.
You're not really supposed to take My Ex From Hell all that seriously. Is it cutting-edge fiction? Not really. But is it great fun? Definitely!. I give it 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given. All opinions are my own***
My Ex From Hell is a fun romp through Greek mythology. First and foremost, his book will make you laugh. The synopsis explains the plot pretty well, so I'll just jump right into my review.
The negatives:
I wasn't totally on board with Kai and Sophie.
I really wanted to love Kai (and to want Sophie to love Kai), but I just wasn't totally there. He was a typical bad boy - the guy who sleeps around and acts all cool and mysterious - but I just didn't get much more from him. I like my bad boys with a side of "heart of gold" and I didn't get that from Kai. I'm still hopeful that we'll get to know him more in the next book, though, so I can get a proper swoon on.
What I loved:
Snarky humor.
Sophie is one of the snarkiest characters I've read in a long time, and I loved her! The humor in this book reminded me a lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer - fun and relevant and sarcastic. Sophie gets in a lot of trouble, but she didn't come across as unlikable (at least not to me). Instead, I totally wanted to be her friend!
Friendship.
Speaking of being Sophie's friend, I loved the friendships in this book! Sophie's best friend Hannah is perfect - both brainy and good looking (a combination that isn't often found, especially in the "friend" character). She's great fun and takes getting pulled into the world of Greek gods and goddesses remarkably well. I loved that it was Sophie and Hannah's friendship that pulls Sophie through some difficult situations (rather than her strange relationship with Kai, which could have been the only focus). Theo is another great character - and is also an amazing friend, who obviously sacrificed a lot for Sophie (or for Persephone, depending on how you look at it). Sophie has a great support system helping her through her crazy life!
The mythology.
Okay, you're not going to get hard-core accurate mythology from this book (Persephone's story itself is changed up a bit - at least it seems to be thus far, but we haven't gotten the full story yet!), but you will definitely recognize your favorite tales - with a twist! I really loved the mythology in this book and thought that it was incorporated in a fun and unique way.
You're not really supposed to take My Ex From Hell all that seriously. Is it cutting-edge fiction? Not really. But is it great fun? Definitely!. I give it 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given. All opinions are my own***
talya_'s review against another edition
2.0
This book is all over the place which makes it extremely hard to follow. I zoned out a few hundred times and skimmed over a lot of this. The characters are annoying and I couldn't connect with any of them, nor did I care for them at all.
postitsandpens's review
3.0
3.5/5 stars.
A really fun twist on the Hades and Persephone myth, complete with a very sassy, sarcastic and fun MC. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
To read my review, please visit my blog here.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
A really fun twist on the Hades and Persephone myth, complete with a very sassy, sarcastic and fun MC. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
To read my review, please visit my blog here.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
heather4994's review
4.0
Who should not read this? Anyone looking for in depth characters, deep storylines, serious plots, tighty constructed stories. You won't find it here. But if you want some fun, you've come to the right book! Who should read this? Anyone looking for fluff, snark, and a whole lot of fun. From the very beginning, Sophie is hilarious. She is witty, snarky, and doesn't sit around doing nothing. Not her, she goes after the mean girl locking her in a bathroom and stealing her hookup. Only the plan backfires on her and her world changes forever when it happens. I love, love, love when the Greek Gods like to stick their noses in the human world and try to destroy it. Sophie is Earth's only hope for salvation. Too bad she hasn't got a clue.
This novel isn't really anything new when it comes to the Greek Gods mixing their fingers in human affairs. There is a boarding school involved with portals to the world of the Gods. The school is warded heavily so no one with the intention of harming Sophie can enter. Creatures we've seen before, teachers turning into dangerous monsters. All things borrowing maybe a little too heavily from Rick Riordan but not so much that it hurts the story. The romance is heavy and what really sets it apart is the snarky wit and dialogue.
As I read this book, and it is laugh out loud funny, I knew there were some plot problems, but it is so much fun you can't help loving it. Sophie has a less than stellar adoptive mother who is a socialite that sent her to Hope Park Prep school from first grade. Hannah is her best friend from first grade, Theo from second grade and they know each other inside and out. So when Sophie suddenly discovers she's the human reincarnation of Persephone things get really weird. She doesn't remember her ex boyfriend or most of her life as Persephone. Sophie goes from one dangerous situation to an awkward one to another dangerous one and so on throughout the book, kind of making it up as she goes on.
The greatest thing is that every character, Sophie, Theo, Hannah, and Kai are all snarky and the quips just keep on going. Good thing you don't have to keep count. They keep the story moving forward and the action is quick, the story never lags with the brilliant conversation. I got bogged down just a little with the Persephone story line, whether Sophie is a goddess and immortal or not, what powers she has and what it means for her and Kai. But I didn't let it trouble me too much. I'll definitely be reading the next in the series. This is a great Spring Break or Summer read! So for a fun time read My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling!!
Heather
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher for review. This in no way influenced my review. I was not compensated for my review.
This novel isn't really anything new when it comes to the Greek Gods mixing their fingers in human affairs. There is a boarding school involved with portals to the world of the Gods. The school is warded heavily so no one with the intention of harming Sophie can enter. Creatures we've seen before, teachers turning into dangerous monsters. All things borrowing maybe a little too heavily from Rick Riordan but not so much that it hurts the story. The romance is heavy and what really sets it apart is the snarky wit and dialogue.
As I read this book, and it is laugh out loud funny, I knew there were some plot problems, but it is so much fun you can't help loving it. Sophie has a less than stellar adoptive mother who is a socialite that sent her to Hope Park Prep school from first grade. Hannah is her best friend from first grade, Theo from second grade and they know each other inside and out. So when Sophie suddenly discovers she's the human reincarnation of Persephone things get really weird. She doesn't remember her ex boyfriend or most of her life as Persephone. Sophie goes from one dangerous situation to an awkward one to another dangerous one and so on throughout the book, kind of making it up as she goes on.
The greatest thing is that every character, Sophie, Theo, Hannah, and Kai are all snarky and the quips just keep on going. Good thing you don't have to keep count. They keep the story moving forward and the action is quick, the story never lags with the brilliant conversation. I got bogged down just a little with the Persephone story line, whether Sophie is a goddess and immortal or not, what powers she has and what it means for her and Kai. But I didn't let it trouble me too much. I'll definitely be reading the next in the series. This is a great Spring Break or Summer read! So for a fun time read My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling!!
Heather
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher for review. This in no way influenced my review. I was not compensated for my review.
fictionalkate's review
4.0
In the past year I’ve read a few retellings of the Persephone myth but I think My Ex From Hell would have to be my favourite.
Snarky, sneaky and oh-so sarcastic Sophie Bloom has enough drama trying to keep herself out of trouble without adding a gorgeous greek god ex without adding a past life and magical powers in to the picture. But when a prank on a mean girl goes wrong, Sophie finds herself thrown into a world she’d never believed existed.
I love Tellulah Darling’s style. She manages to write characters that I’m interested in, fabulously snarly dialogue, a plot that intrigues with many twist and turns and throws in hundreds of pop-culture references at the same time.
Greek Gods, magical powers and a NKOTB reference? Seriously.. I’m in love.
Sophie is one of those character that I think you’ll either hate her and her egocentric teen attitude or you’ll love her cantankerous nature. I thought she was a good character to have leading the drama and action in this book. She’s not fearless nor is she super self-sacrificing like many heroines I read about. But she’s got an element of real to her that I found endearing and enjoyable to read.
The supporting characters are an interesting bunch. Interesting in terms of I’m not quite sure what to think. Ky – the Ex that the title refers to – is a bit of a cad and his motives are murky from the start. BFFs Theo and Hannah, the chocolate to Sophie’s peanut butter, are the kind of sidekicks that every teen goddess wishes she could have. Loyal, intelligent and desperate to help Sophie’s cause – these are two that I really enjoyed reading about. And what novel set at a boarding school would be complete without the Queen B who is just as dangerous as any lord of the Underworld. I would have loved to have seen more of the mythological gods but considering the length of this book – there’s a lot going on and any more characters would probably be a little too much.
This is just the start of Sophie Bloom’s journey into goddess-hood and there is still so many unanswered questions and mysteries. I’m hooked on Tallulah’s books and will definitely be reading the second book in the series, My Date From Hell, when it comes out next year.
Snarky, sneaky and oh-so sarcastic Sophie Bloom has enough drama trying to keep herself out of trouble without adding a gorgeous greek god ex without adding a past life and magical powers in to the picture. But when a prank on a mean girl goes wrong, Sophie finds herself thrown into a world she’d never believed existed.
I love Tellulah Darling’s style. She manages to write characters that I’m interested in, fabulously snarly dialogue, a plot that intrigues with many twist and turns and throws in hundreds of pop-culture references at the same time.
“Our story starts back on Mt. Olympus sixteen years ago,” he began.
“Nice try,” Hannah interrupted. “I may only know Mythology 101 but those gods predated New Kids On The Block.”
Greek Gods, magical powers and a NKOTB reference? Seriously.. I’m in love.
Sophie is one of those character that I think you’ll either hate her and her egocentric teen attitude or you’ll love her cantankerous nature. I thought she was a good character to have leading the drama and action in this book. She’s not fearless nor is she super self-sacrificing like many heroines I read about. But she’s got an element of real to her that I found endearing and enjoyable to read.
The supporting characters are an interesting bunch. Interesting in terms of I’m not quite sure what to think. Ky – the Ex that the title refers to – is a bit of a cad and his motives are murky from the start. BFFs Theo and Hannah, the chocolate to Sophie’s peanut butter, are the kind of sidekicks that every teen goddess wishes she could have. Loyal, intelligent and desperate to help Sophie’s cause – these are two that I really enjoyed reading about. And what novel set at a boarding school would be complete without the Queen B who is just as dangerous as any lord of the Underworld. I would have loved to have seen more of the mythological gods but considering the length of this book – there’s a lot going on and any more characters would probably be a little too much.
This is just the start of Sophie Bloom’s journey into goddess-hood and there is still so many unanswered questions and mysteries. I’m hooked on Tallulah’s books and will definitely be reading the second book in the series, My Date From Hell, when it comes out next year.
erinarkin20's review
4.0
4.5 stars - I found myself enjoying the same things in this book that I did in Darling's other book - the characters and the dialogue.
This book had me from the very beginning. It starts with an email setting up some of the back story and only gets better. The dialogue and the characters are engaging and fun and the story itself is a fresh take on the Gods.
First let me say, I loved Sophie's voice and her friendships. There were so many lines I read that actually made me laugh out loud...no lie. The parts of the story where she was learning more about who she is and what she is capable of are great, but some of my favorites were actually when Sophie was just being herself and interacting with Hannah, Theo and Kai.
The story puts a spin on the story of Persephone and the Underworld. Now stay with me here - we find that Sophie is the part human incarnation of Persephone - a Greek Goddess. As Persephone, she was kidnapped and brought to the Underworld by Kai (under order of Hades)...who she happens to fall in love with. There is definitely a lot going on here but unfortunately for Persephone, someone tried to kill her and Prometheus (Theo) makes a decision that ultimately brings them all to this point 16 years later. For the last 16 years, Sophie had no idea of what is in her past. She just happens to cross paths with Kai and a kiss with him is what unlocks a piece of her memory.
I will in no way do the rest of this story justice so just believe me when I say you should go read this. I'm not usually one who highlights and grabs quotes/lines from books but I honestly did while reading this one as the tone of the story and the interactions between the characters were great.
If you can't already tell, I really enjoyed this book and truly look forward to the next installment. Based on the summary, it sounds like it will be another great ride.
This book had me from the very beginning. It starts with an email setting up some of the back story and only gets better. The dialogue and the characters are engaging and fun and the story itself is a fresh take on the Gods.
First let me say, I loved Sophie's voice and her friendships. There were so many lines I read that actually made me laugh out loud...no lie. The parts of the story where she was learning more about who she is and what she is capable of are great, but some of my favorites were actually when Sophie was just being herself and interacting with Hannah, Theo and Kai.
The story puts a spin on the story of Persephone and the Underworld. Now stay with me here - we find that Sophie is the part human incarnation of Persephone - a Greek Goddess. As Persephone, she was kidnapped and brought to the Underworld by Kai (under order of Hades)...who she happens to fall in love with. There is definitely a lot going on here but unfortunately for Persephone, someone tried to kill her and Prometheus (Theo) makes a decision that ultimately brings them all to this point 16 years later. For the last 16 years, Sophie had no idea of what is in her past. She just happens to cross paths with Kai and a kiss with him is what unlocks a piece of her memory.
I will in no way do the rest of this story justice so just believe me when I say you should go read this. I'm not usually one who highlights and grabs quotes/lines from books but I honestly did while reading this one as the tone of the story and the interactions between the characters were great.
If you can't already tell, I really enjoyed this book and truly look forward to the next installment. Based on the summary, it sounds like it will be another great ride.
blushling's review
3.0
Originally posted on The Selkie Reads Stories (http://selkiereadsstories.blogspot.com)
I highly enjoy most of the young adult books that are based on Greek mythology, and My Ex From Hell was one that kept me on my toes. Tellulah writes in an easy and fluid way so the reading experience I had was like reading Sophie Bloom's diary. My Ex From Hell is a nice light read and it is a welcome break from all the heavy and emotionally loaded books in the YA market today.
Sophie Bloom is one sassy sister. She's just like any sixteen year-old girl; she goes to boarding school, has her fair share of family problems, belongs in a tight group of friends, and has a knack for getting into trouble. The thing that I liked the most about Sophie was her voice- she was snarky, sarcastic, and sometimes overly dramatic. This girl is opinionated and she's not afraid to speak her mind. I also enjoyed the sense of humor portrayed in the book because it was natural and wasn't too forced- it all came natural to Sophie and her friends without missing a beat.
I really got a kick out of the world Tellulah created for My Ex From Hell, both the Greek mythology and boarding school aspects of it. Sophie's boarding school life and her relationship with her friends seemed so natural and I enjoyed Tellulah's depictions of various characters and places based on the Greek myths. One thing that set My Ex From Hell apart from other Persephone books that I have heard of is that Tellulah doesn't pair off Persephone/Sophie with Hades but with Hades' son Kai. Tellulah did a really good job of bringing this story to the modern world for younger generations to enjoy.
My Ex From Hell sucked me in during the first few chapters, but i'm sad to say that it lost me somewhere along the middle. Some things felt a bit too forced and rushed, and it just wasn't that much of a believable story anymore. If the characters weren't sixteen, the book felt very much like a middle grade novel. However, the very lovable Sophie Bloom and her unabashedly honest mouth was a redeeming factor for me, and the unexpected ending made me eager to read the next books in the series.
I highly enjoy most of the young adult books that are based on Greek mythology, and My Ex From Hell was one that kept me on my toes. Tellulah writes in an easy and fluid way so the reading experience I had was like reading Sophie Bloom's diary. My Ex From Hell is a nice light read and it is a welcome break from all the heavy and emotionally loaded books in the YA market today.
Sophie Bloom is one sassy sister. She's just like any sixteen year-old girl; she goes to boarding school, has her fair share of family problems, belongs in a tight group of friends, and has a knack for getting into trouble. The thing that I liked the most about Sophie was her voice- she was snarky, sarcastic, and sometimes overly dramatic. This girl is opinionated and she's not afraid to speak her mind. I also enjoyed the sense of humor portrayed in the book because it was natural and wasn't too forced- it all came natural to Sophie and her friends without missing a beat.
I really got a kick out of the world Tellulah created for My Ex From Hell, both the Greek mythology and boarding school aspects of it. Sophie's boarding school life and her relationship with her friends seemed so natural and I enjoyed Tellulah's depictions of various characters and places based on the Greek myths. One thing that set My Ex From Hell apart from other Persephone books that I have heard of is that Tellulah doesn't pair off Persephone/Sophie with Hades but with Hades' son Kai. Tellulah did a really good job of bringing this story to the modern world for younger generations to enjoy.
My Ex From Hell sucked me in during the first few chapters, but i'm sad to say that it lost me somewhere along the middle. Some things felt a bit too forced and rushed, and it just wasn't that much of a believable story anymore. If the characters weren't sixteen, the book felt very much like a middle grade novel. However, the very lovable Sophie Bloom and her unabashedly honest mouth was a redeeming factor for me, and the unexpected ending made me eager to read the next books in the series.
mel_reviews_in_a_pinch's review against another edition
4.0
Actual rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Greek gods and goddesses. Huzzah! I have never been so into Greek mythology before, but this trilogy has me completely sucked in. Young adults getting "super" powers and a rough love life thrown into the drama, sign me up. I have zero drama in my own life, so I get it through my books.
For the record this is the first book in the Blooming Goddess trilogy and yes, I read the third book first (My Life From Hell). It wasn't intentional, but I will never regret that particular accident.
The plot is fantastic. I love the idea behind a goddess reincarnated. The way the author introduces new twists in the story line is intriguing and keeps you guessing about what will happen next. My Ex From Hell brought you straight into the author's created world and I really didn't want to leave.
The characters were just fun to read about. Sophie's sarcasm and fiestiness are awesome and enviable. I want to be like her (including the powers). Kai sounds like the ultimate bad boy that every girl wants to have chasing after her, but his wit just takes him to a whole other level. Sophie's best friends, Hannah and Theo are great secondary characters (although Hannah grated on my nerves more than anyone else). Even the villains were intriguing to read about. The way the author intertwines Greek mythology and the modern world makes for a wonderful reading experience.
I don't think there's any doubt on where I stand with this book, but I'll still wrap it in a neat little bow. My Ex From Hell is a truly great start to a trilogy and I would highly recommend it to all.
For more reviews, check out Reviews in a Pinch today!
Greek gods and goddesses. Huzzah! I have never been so into Greek mythology before, but this trilogy has me completely sucked in. Young adults getting "super" powers and a rough love life thrown into the drama, sign me up. I have zero drama in my own life, so I get it through my books.
For the record this is the first book in the Blooming Goddess trilogy and yes, I read the third book first (My Life From Hell). It wasn't intentional, but I will never regret that particular accident.
The plot is fantastic. I love the idea behind a goddess reincarnated. The way the author introduces new twists in the story line is intriguing and keeps you guessing about what will happen next. My Ex From Hell brought you straight into the author's created world and I really didn't want to leave.
The characters were just fun to read about. Sophie's sarcasm and fiestiness are awesome and enviable. I want to be like her (including the powers). Kai sounds like the ultimate bad boy that every girl wants to have chasing after her, but his wit just takes him to a whole other level. Sophie's best friends, Hannah and Theo are great secondary characters (although Hannah grated on my nerves more than anyone else). Even the villains were intriguing to read about. The way the author intertwines Greek mythology and the modern world makes for a wonderful reading experience.
I don't think there's any doubt on where I stand with this book, but I'll still wrap it in a neat little bow. My Ex From Hell is a truly great start to a trilogy and I would highly recommend it to all.
For more reviews, check out Reviews in a Pinch today!