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3.42 AVERAGE
3.42 AVERAGE
This book would've benefitted so much from a little more world building and a little less time spent detailing every single occurrence at Prynne. I felt like I was reading the second book in the series and had just missed the actual backstory. Maybe the author will write a prequel and explain everything a la Serenity!
All in all, book was fine.. Nothing super new or outrageous here. Will prolly read the second book.
All in all, book was fine.. Nothing super new or outrageous here. Will prolly read the second book.
3.75 I'm actually surprised at all the low ratings of this book. But I guess I really shouldn't be, as I've recently read a few well rated books (from some of the same book reviewers) that I completely disagreed and hated them. This book was a breath of fresh air, finally.
Let me start by saying that I love the premise. It's extremely unique and unlike anything I have read before. I can tell that the author has some background knowledge into religions, especially Christianity, and I thought it was rather ingenious to create a world/realms loosely based on it. This made for a different reading experience, as I could draw parallels between my own beliefs and faith and what she's created.
And speaking of the world she created, there's a lot to it, which in my opinion only solidifies my buy-in to the story. The world unfolds for the reader simultaneously with our main girl Ten, and often times I felt that it was a bit confusing or slow as far as information goes, but it makes sense when reflecting back on it. There's a lot of details to this world and that only makes it more real and believable and less shallow. I definitely feel involved and a part the story instead of watching it take place from distance.
Movement. Boy does this book have a lot of it. Holy cow. And here is where I find my most favorite and least favorite parts of the book. I love a book that isn't stagnate and this did not disappoint. It held my interest with lots of subplots and traveling all over the world-quite literally. There was plenty of action, plenty of fighting, running, etc. More than enough for one book. Actually I really think it should have been two. There was almost too much. Too many things needed to be covered and this is where the one main flaw is. It caused her to be very plot jumpy. It went straight from one action to the next, whether that was 3 minutes or a week from the last action, she flew in at full speed without a lot of smooth transitioning. A few times I had to go back to make sure I didn't miss anything thinking to myself, "Wait, how did we get here?" It almost feels like she was given a maximum page limit and had to cut out everything not immediately contributing to the plot. This is rather unfortunate because I like her style of writing and I enjoy both her dialogue and descriptions. I wish there could have been more calmer moments and a little more connecting the dots for us readers.
Characters. Loved them. Ten is a great protagonist, with plenty of spunk, sass, and stubbornness. I like a girl that can fight, but is also openly vulnerable (again adds to the believe-ability). At first I didn't much like either of the main male characters Archer and Killian but as Ten grew to love them so did I. Their relationships weren't always absolutely believable, but I think this was intentional by the author since Ten felt the same way. I really liked that this was NOT an angsty love triangle and that there was a sweet innocent brotherly love relationship with one of them. She also does a good job with torturing us the question if one of the characters is really "good" or not. Props for the hook.
Lastly, as I listened to the audiobook (don't sue me I'm a mom of 3 kids 3 and under), I have to mention how much I absolutely love Emma Galvin's performance. She really sold it and is so much my favorite narrator.
Let me start by saying that I love the premise. It's extremely unique and unlike anything I have read before. I can tell that the author has some background knowledge into religions, especially Christianity, and I thought it was rather ingenious to create a world/realms loosely based on it. This made for a different reading experience, as I could draw parallels between my own beliefs and faith and what she's created.
And speaking of the world she created, there's a lot to it, which in my opinion only solidifies my buy-in to the story. The world unfolds for the reader simultaneously with our main girl Ten, and often times I felt that it was a bit confusing or slow as far as information goes, but it makes sense when reflecting back on it. There's a lot of details to this world and that only makes it more real and believable and less shallow. I definitely feel involved and a part the story instead of watching it take place from distance.
Movement. Boy does this book have a lot of it. Holy cow. And here is where I find my most favorite and least favorite parts of the book. I love a book that isn't stagnate and this did not disappoint. It held my interest with lots of subplots and traveling all over the world-quite literally. There was plenty of action, plenty of fighting, running, etc. More than enough for one book. Actually I really think it should have been two. There was almost too much. Too many things needed to be covered and this is where the one main flaw is. It caused her to be very plot jumpy. It went straight from one action to the next, whether that was 3 minutes or a week from the last action, she flew in at full speed without a lot of smooth transitioning. A few times I had to go back to make sure I didn't miss anything thinking to myself, "Wait, how did we get here?" It almost feels like she was given a maximum page limit and had to cut out everything not immediately contributing to the plot. This is rather unfortunate because I like her style of writing and I enjoy both her dialogue and descriptions. I wish there could have been more calmer moments and a little more connecting the dots for us readers.
Characters. Loved them. Ten is a great protagonist, with plenty of spunk, sass, and stubbornness. I like a girl that can fight, but is also openly vulnerable (again adds to the believe-ability). At first I didn't much like either of the main male characters Archer and Killian but as Ten grew to love them so did I. Their relationships weren't always absolutely believable, but I think this was intentional by the author since Ten felt the same way. I really liked that this was NOT an angsty love triangle and that there was a sweet innocent brotherly love relationship with one of them. She also does a good job with torturing us the question if one of the characters is really "good" or not. Props for the hook.
Lastly, as I listened to the audiobook (don't sue me I'm a mom of 3 kids 3 and under), I have to mention how much I absolutely love Emma Galvin's performance. She really sold it and is so much my favorite narrator.
Five stars is not nearly enough for this book. Firstlife deserves all the stars in the world. I truly believe this is Gena's best work and I am not exaggerating. I love everything she writes, I'm a huge fan, but Firstlife was from another dimension, she surprised me again and again. This is a book you do not want to miss, trust me. It'll shake you to the core and you'll never see things the same way again.
The grave is the endI am so grateful to have been able to read an early copy, I didn't quite know what to expect, I knew it was going to be different but I was not prepared for how tremendously unique, complex and beautifully written Firstlife was.
And I will never accept that
I have been set free from the chains that bind me.
I know
"Death has lost its victory"
Is a lie, because there is no greater truth than this:
"Life is hopeless"
Firstlife is a bit complicated to explain in a few words and without giving anything away so I think you should read the official synopsis. It explains things pretty well.
I've never, in my life, cried as much as I did while reading a book. Never. And I'm an emotional person, I cry fairly easily but Firstlife completely undid me. I'm emotionally drained, I think Gena ruined me. She is an exceptional writer, I just don't know how she does it. I felt so much while reading, so much. Each word is deeply rooted in my soul.
Gena's inspiration for this book was the scriptures, life vs. death, light vs. dark, peace vs. war, having free will and choosing your own side. I've read the bible and I found Firstlife even more interesting and intricate. I am not saying you have to read the bible to actually enjoy and understand this book, not at all but, for me, personally, having that knowledge really enhanced the experience. I spotted lots of things that clearly made me think of a specific verse etc and I loved it!
Once again, you do not have to know the bible or anything religious to actually love and understand Firstlife, not at all. Gena wrote this book for everybody, this is my personal reading experience.
I absolutely loved Ten, the heroine. She intrigued me from the start, she's a very special character. I loved her obsession with numbers, Gena really did her research with this, she deserves an award for this alone. All the numerical facts were super interesting and made the story even better and Ten's character even more peculiar. Gena wrote such a strong heroine, Ten is selfless, always willing to help, she's smart and knows how to throw a good punch. She doesn't have an easy life, you will discover this right from the start but she never gives up, she has hope and, yes, she can be stubborn but it only makes her more endearing.
"You, the he-man, will teach me how to fight. Me, a little girl with little might. But what you don't know about this lass is that she's super determined to kick your ass."Killian, the love interest and the ultimate bad boy: dark hair, piercing eyes, tattoos...I totally fell for him and hard. I remember the first time I read about him, I was already fanning myself and drooling all over the book and he hadn't said more than two words. Killian is Ten's laborer from Myriad (the "dark" side)—a laborer is someone whose job is to recruit people, convince them to pledge their lives to their realm and so, when the person dies (Firstdeath), she goes to live in that realm forever—and he's ready to use his manly charms to convince her to pledge her life to Myriad. I loved his cocky attitude, his confidence no matter the situation but what I loved most was his character's development. He became real with Ten, showing her his true self, he was vulnerable and I absolutely adored them together.
He presses his forehead against mine and cups my nape, his thumb stroking up, into my hair and down, under the collar of my shirt.Archer, my sweet beautiful Archer. He's the light to Killian's dark. Don't be fooled though, he's as badass and fierce as our bad boy. Archer is Ten's laborer from Troika (the "light" side), he's after Ten for the same reason as Killian, he wants to recruit her but nothing is that easy with little miss numbers. I loved Archer so much, as much as Killian but differently. Killian is the love interest and Archer is the big brother, the one you can count on, always. The one who will do anything to protect you and care for you and that's exactly how Ten sees him and how he sees Ten, as a sister. Their bond was beautiful and I love Gena for not writing another annoying love triangle.
"I don't just want you," he says. "I want you."
"And I don't understand the difference," I tell him honestly. Even still, his admission makes me tingle.
"The first I can easily walk away from. The second...you make me feel—you make me feel."
"You, Archer Prince, think I’m great, so much better than the numbers six, seven, eight. Even nine! Because it’s time, it’s time, it’s time you faced facts—life without me seriously lacks. And before you get huffy and try to deny it, there’s something I should probably admit. I guess I love you, even though you’re a pain. But I’m pretty sure that means…I’m completely insane."Firstlife is full of surprises, Gena surpassed herself with this one. Twists after twists, you won't see them coming. The world, or worlds, Gena created are incredible. Everything is so well written, Ten writes poems and I've highlighted them all because they're actually so beautiful and meaningful. I love Gena's writing style but there was something more in this book, it made the story even more vivid to me, I could see everything clearly in my head, I felt everything Gena wrote. There are so many things I'd like to say, I can't really express how I truly feel, you just have to experience it for yourself, don't hesitate to dive in. Firstlife is a book I'll hold forever close to my heart.
Ten tears fall, and I call. Nine hundred trees, but only one is for me. Eight times eight times eight they fly, whatever you do, don't stay dry. Seven ladies dancing, ignore their sweet romancing. Six seconds to hide, up, up, and you'll survive. Five times four times three, and that is where he'll be. Two I'll save, I'll be brave, brave, brave. The one I adore, I'll come back for.
I was really into the story at first but towards the end, i really started feeling distant from the characters. I'm not sure why this happened but I can say I enjoyed the beginning more than the ending. the ending seemed a bit rushed towards the end I felt like I didn't really know what was going on. But overall good story but not my fav.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars (and I'm not making it 4 stars because I believe this book should be down-graded instead of up-graded)
I'm honestly not sure how to rate this book. I somehow enjoyed the book, even though I despised the writing style of this author along with the main character and her way of ''shimmying around the ultimate question'', Troika or Myriad. Killian and Archer probably kept me alive during the book along with the fact that I did have to finish this book because the author will be at YalFest on the 23th.
First off, the writing style annoyed me to a max. I don't think I've ever been more annoyed than I was in The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E Pearson, but this book came very close. The level of immaturity of the MA, using words like ''gimme'' and the curse word ''Zero!'' made my eyes roll about 32947234 times.
That said, the ultimate question between Troika and Myriad made my head hurt.
And as always, the main character as well as the supporting characters have to be beautiful beyond comprehension. Give me more characters like Kaz and his gang from Six of Crows, characters that aren't perfect in any way, characters that I can see myself in, characters that emotionally bond rather than having to be sexually attracted to each other.
On a happier note though, I enjoyed the plot line! The choice between Troika and Myriad was interesting, and both sides had something appealing to them. The only thing that, yet again, annoyed me, was the MC's relationship with both realms, as said above.
I'm not sure if I want to read the next book, because I didn't like her ultimate decision (see for yourself which realm she chooses ;)) ), but I've heard that the second book in this series is somewhat better than the first, so maybe I will read it after YalFest... We'll see.
I'm honestly not sure how to rate this book. I somehow enjoyed the book, even though I despised the writing style of this author along with the main character and her way of ''shimmying around the ultimate question'', Troika or Myriad. Killian and Archer probably kept me alive during the book along with the fact that I did have to finish this book because the author will be at YalFest on the 23th.
First off, the writing style annoyed me to a max. I don't think I've ever been more annoyed than I was in The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E Pearson, but this book came very close. The level of immaturity of the MA, using words like ''gimme'' and the curse word ''Zero!'' made my eyes roll about 32947234 times.
That said, the ultimate question between Troika and Myriad made my head hurt.
Spoiler
The girl died 3 TIMES and she's still not sure which realm to choose! People around her are DYING because of her indecisiveness (many will die during the war, but many died just because she couldn't make up her damn mind too). I just....no.And as always, the main character as well as the supporting characters have to be beautiful beyond comprehension. Give me more characters like Kaz and his gang from Six of Crows, characters that aren't perfect in any way, characters that I can see myself in, characters that emotionally bond rather than having to be sexually attracted to each other.
On a happier note though, I enjoyed the plot line! The choice between Troika and Myriad was interesting, and both sides had something appealing to them. The only thing that, yet again, annoyed me, was the MC's relationship with both realms, as said above.
I'm not sure if I want to read the next book, because I didn't like her ultimate decision (see for yourself which realm she chooses ;)) ), but I've heard that the second book in this series is somewhat better than the first, so maybe I will read it after YalFest... We'll see.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Book #7 Read in 2016
Firstlife by Gena Showalter
This is the first in a YA fantasy series. Tenley has to decide between two factions before she turns 18. If not, her soul will be forfeited to Many Ends when she dies. Her parents institutionalize her to try to get her to make a decision. Turn out Ten is very important to both factions and therefore each want her to pledge to their faction. Archer and Killian, one from each faction, are guardian angels of sorts to her but will even they be able to save her? Lots of action, romance humor in this one. The book did bog down a bit and at over 400 pages it could have been shorter and sped up but overall, it was a good read. I will continue this series. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
Firstlife by Gena Showalter
This is the first in a YA fantasy series. Tenley has to decide between two factions before she turns 18. If not, her soul will be forfeited to Many Ends when she dies. Her parents institutionalize her to try to get her to make a decision. Turn out Ten is very important to both factions and therefore each want her to pledge to their faction. Archer and Killian, one from each faction, are guardian angels of sorts to her but will even they be able to save her? Lots of action, romance humor in this one. The book did bog down a bit and at over 400 pages it could have been shorter and sped up but overall, it was a good read. I will continue this series. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
Didn't really like this one.
The idea sounded so interesting but there were major parts that made no sense: Why would she rather stay in the horrible asylum where she is tortured than just choose one side and live a happy firstlife? What exactly are the differences between the two options?
+weird love interest
+writting style felt harsh and chopped
+too much gore for my taste
The idea sounded so interesting but there were major parts that made no sense: Why would she rather stay in the horrible asylum where she is tortured than just choose one side and live a happy firstlife? What exactly are the differences between the two options?
+weird love interest
+writting style felt harsh and chopped
+too much gore for my taste
