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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I thought the book started off strong, but I started to lose steam part way through. It felt longer than it needed to be, like some parts could have been cut without a major impact on the plot. That being said, I enjoyed the premise and find myself eager to learn what happens next!
A long read, but gripping. The story unfolded well for me and the characters were convincing. Can't wait for the next one.
3.75
I found this book really difficult to review. I read it based on a recommendation and so went in with high expectations.
Like so many of the other reviews, I found myself in the mid-book slump. I enjoyed the first section, but then we are torn away and placed into what feels like an entirely new story with another heap of characters.
Generally, the hardest part of reading any book, I find, is getting through the world-building and cast of characters, before adjusting and getting into the story.
With this book it feels like you need to do that twice, and I did struggle and almost dnf'd. (I only actually re-picked it up to complete a reading challenge).
HOWEVER - I'm glad I persisted through the chunk slump, because once you readjust again, it really picks up and I was hooked. If I was slightly more fickle, I'd be tempted to award this a 4 - 4.5 based on the last 400 or so pages, because it was gripping, you become attached to the characters and their stories, and sucked into the mystery. (It also gave me nightmares which a book has never done, so bear this in mind if you, like I, enjoy reading books before bed).
Overall it is a giant, and a struggle to get through, but I would say it is worth it, and Cronin does have an exquisite writing style. A week ago I couldn't wait to be done, now I can't wait to read the next.
... Maybe I am a little fickle.
I found this book really difficult to review. I read it based on a recommendation and so went in with high expectations.
Like so many of the other reviews, I found myself in the mid-book slump. I enjoyed the first section, but then we are torn away and placed into what feels like an entirely new story with another heap of characters.
Generally, the hardest part of reading any book, I find, is getting through the world-building and cast of characters, before adjusting and getting into the story.
With this book it feels like you need to do that twice, and I did struggle and almost dnf'd. (I only actually re-picked it up to complete a reading challenge).
HOWEVER - I'm glad I persisted through the chunk slump, because once you readjust again, it really picks up and I was hooked. If I was slightly more fickle, I'd be tempted to award this a 4 - 4.5 based on the last 400 or so pages, because it was gripping, you become attached to the characters and their stories, and sucked into the mystery. (It also gave me nightmares which a book has never done, so bear this in mind if you, like I, enjoy reading books before bed).
Overall it is a giant, and a struggle to get through, but I would say it is worth it, and Cronin does have an exquisite writing style. A week ago I couldn't wait to be done, now I can't wait to read the next.
... Maybe I am a little fickle.
I really enjoyed this! I love the characters, and I like the horror/fantasy feel of it. I gotta buy the next 2 books ASAP!
I do so love this series. Rereading now so that I can get to the third book. It's way too complex for me to read a synopsis and do the finale justice. It's definitely an adult read so don't hand it to your kids!
I love the characters as well as all the imagery and symbolism. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. It's also got some heft to it. Be ready to be sucked in. (No pun intended.). Once started, it's hard to put aside. Just be prepared for the long haul.
I love the characters as well as all the imagery and symbolism. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. It's also got some heft to it. Be ready to be sucked in. (No pun intended.). Once started, it's hard to put aside. Just be prepared for the long haul.
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I just finished this 700 page book and am ready to start the second one in this trilogy. As I am a huge fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, a co-worker was surprised that I hadn't read this and demanded I read it immediately. It did take a bit to get into because there is a lot of back story but once it takes off, it really takes off and it not put downable. It was intensely creepy, a bit gory, completely horrifying and totally mesmerizing. I made the mistake of reading it late into the night a few times and then was unable to sleep because of the fear and dread from thinking of such a virus as this actually happening.
The writing is fantastic with creepily beautiful lines such as “The world was a world of dreaming souls who could not die.” The author uses a lot of alliteration that's mesmerizing and downright brilliant. The descriptions are vivid and make this dystopia realistic and frightening.
The characters are incredibly drawn out and multi-layered and some reviews complained a bit of the time he put into their back stories and in fleshing them out but I think it was brilliantly done. I cared about what happened to these people, they mattered to me. They felt real.
Without giving away any spoilers, this author has a mind that can find the most horrifying ideas and knows how to make them seem plausible. The brilliance of this 'virus' and how it all culminates at the end is downright haunting. I just learned today that the rights to a tv series on it have been bought . Please don't screw it up!
The writing is fantastic with creepily beautiful lines such as “The world was a world of dreaming souls who could not die.” The author uses a lot of alliteration that's mesmerizing and downright brilliant. The descriptions are vivid and make this dystopia realistic and frightening.
The characters are incredibly drawn out and multi-layered and some reviews complained a bit of the time he put into their back stories and in fleshing them out but I think it was brilliantly done. I cared about what happened to these people, they mattered to me. They felt real.
Without giving away any spoilers, this author has a mind that can find the most horrifying ideas and knows how to make them seem plausible. The brilliance of this 'virus' and how it all culminates at the end is downright haunting. I just learned today that the rights to a tv series on it have been bought . Please don't screw it up!
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated