Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
3,7 stars
A good book but not as good as the first one.
As usual the characters were amazing, their relationships were so touching, and the entire book was really funny (although not as much as the first one because it was far less care-free).
However, the pacing was really slow, not much happened, it was a lot of talk, which I would be okay with except a lot of the talk didn't seem to be needed (like it didn't move forward the plot or develop character or relationships, we actually had two or three times the same conversations between the same characters)). The plot wasn't gripping, and it went exactly like you thought it would. It also felt REALLY melodramatic most of the time... And so mushy... Like, seriously? Like dripping with good feelings and moral lessons, the messages were great but some subtlety in the delivery would have been nice.
I liked it overall, it was still written by T.J Klune (one of my favorite authors) and I'd go to the end of the world for these characters but I was a bit disappointed compared to the first book (that I will eternally love and cherish).
A good book but not as good as the first one.
As usual the characters were amazing, their relationships were so touching, and the entire book was really funny (although not as much as the first one because it was far less care-free).
However, the pacing was really slow, not much happened, it was a lot of talk, which I would be okay with except a lot of the talk didn't seem to be needed (like it didn't move forward the plot or develop character or relationships, we actually had two or three times the same conversations between the same characters)). The plot wasn't gripping, and it went exactly like you thought it would. It also felt REALLY melodramatic most of the time... And so mushy... Like, seriously? Like dripping with good feelings and moral lessons, the messages were great but some subtlety in the delivery would have been nice.
I liked it overall, it was still written by T.J Klune (one of my favorite authors) and I'd go to the end of the world for these characters but I was a bit disappointed compared to the first book (that I will eternally love and cherish).
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 stars -> the plotline and the epicness of destiny really took off in this sequel and I can't wait to find out what the future has in store for our heroes. Also, the narrator continues to slay!!!
This second book in the series dialled down the overt parody a wee bit so that the story could breathe on its own, but still managed to be one of the funniest books I’ve ever read.
The feeling that I have when finishing a TJ Klune book is, more often than not, the intense urge to immediately reread it and I’m so excited for the time when future-me gets to have this much fun again!
The feeling that I have when finishing a TJ Klune book is, more often than not, the intense urge to immediately reread it and I’m so excited for the time when future-me gets to have this much fun again!
I loved the first book, wherein we learn that nothing Sam's involved in is ever straightforward. It's a masterclass in flipping fantasy tropes on their heads and tickling them until they beg for mercy. It's genuinely funny in that annoying way young people can be sometimes, and if you've read it and wonder, as I did, if the rest of the series can possibly be better, I tell you YES.
#2 is not quite as verbose-silly (dialogue) but the core of these goofballs persists under the onus of Sam's destiny as if condensed, to be spent in every bit of spare time. Just, a lot happens, sometimes really fast and from surprising directions, and if book 1 was five stars, this one by all rights ought to be fifty stars. In fact, though it does not cliffhang, it does end in motion, and I am well pleased with myself to have already purchased books 3 and 4. Good job, past-me!
#2 is not quite as verbose-silly (dialogue) but the core of these goofballs persists under the onus of Sam's destiny as if condensed, to be spent in every bit of spare time. Just, a lot happens, sometimes really fast and from surprising directions, and if book 1 was five stars, this one by all rights ought to be fifty stars. In fact, though it does not cliffhang, it does end in motion, and I am well pleased with myself to have already purchased books 3 and 4. Good job, past-me!
I LOVED the first book and I wish I had stopped there. This one is less funny and compelling. I also do not love the treatment of race starting in this book: Gary's blaccent, which is clearly meant to be funny, starts to feel a bit racist. And people of color display prejudice towards the mixed narrator (and his mother, who heroically defied her people), but white people don't. Stop at the first one!
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted