Reviews

Spring Harvest by Rektok Ross

_of_books_and_bookshelves_'s review

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

booknerdcoco's review

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I LOVED this book. It was an easy read and the author wastes no time with the progression of the plot. 

The FMC is the epitome of men girl, and despite her being shallow and bitchy, she is likeable because of it (imo).

This story would have been a 5⭐ read for me if it wasn't for the ending. It felt like the story ends without a full conclusion, almost as if there is a sequel (to my knowledge there isn't). Though it's not a true cliffhanger, it ends in such a way that the referee can make their own conclusion. As if was such an easy read, I would have preferred to have had a clearer ending. 

But I agree this up, the drama, angst and vampires. It is similar to the style of a 90s child movie - so felt almost nostalgic in a way. I'll definitely be resting more of Rektok Ross' novels, that's for sure!

samantha_h's review

adventurous dark inspiring mysterious tense fast-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? Yes

4.0

paulineerika's review

adventurous challenging tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.5

This was a fast read and maybe not in the best way. I really enjoyed the writing and the story--I just wish there was more of it.  Everything happens almost too quickly--from the initial attacks and discovery of vampires to

the capture of the town to Alix's transformation from spoiled brat to fighter/hero.

(Oddly, the one part that didn't go quickly

--Alix's convalescence at Kade's house and her training--

felt a little out of place, given how quickly and urgently everything else moved.) There wasn't enough time to set the creepy mood or to give enough of a backstory to the town and its inhabitants, let alone Alix's development.

Alix is--how do I put it nicely? A bitch. Definitely a mean girl and completely unapologetic about it.  The other side characters aren't particularly noteworthy--Chad's a douche, Zoe's the sweet best friend, Logan is surprisingly easy to root for (even if not in a romantic way), and Jenny's a little bland--but Kade is just broody and mysterious enough that you stay intrigued by him.  

Some of the twists were also fairly predictable, like

Kade being a vampire, the lead vampire being his ex, and Jenny screwing over the group, although admittedly I thought Jenny herself might be a vampire.

It says a lot about Ross's writing abilities that despite these problems, I'm still giving the 3.5 stars. A lot of it has to do with the fact that even though Alix is flat-out unlikeable in do many ways, she was still a fairly compelling lead character and the story still kept me hooked. The ending seems open-ended enough for more and I hope that if Ross continues this story, she makes the sequels a little longer. 

bruandthebooks's review

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

kimmmberlycrain's review against another edition

4.0

What a fun, fast-paced thriller! I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen…

The Vampire Diaries x Coachella vibes sucked me in (pun intended)

xoashleysbookhaven's review

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

Rektok had her grip on me from the beginning of Spring Harvest. As a PNW native, I was excited to see Oregon represented for the location of the Music Festival. 

I loved Alix’s character development throughout this story. I knew immediately she would not be my favorite with her over-confidence and her disregard for the other characters as if she was anyone better. However, the twist in character development I was not expecting was that of Jenny who was introduced as sweet, meek, and passive. 

Spring Harvest has enough creep and thrill factor to keep you on your toes, drama to keep you guessing, and entertainment to keep you excited. Now, I’m off to find a festival with all things garlic cause YUM!

If you like Coachella, Vampire Diaries, and Mean Girls — this read is for you!

abercrombie1986's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

 This is a fun campy horror book. Kinda like if Burning Man morphed into a cross between The Walking Dead and The Vampire Diaries.

There’s obviously vampires, action, romance, teen angst and twists along the way.

I went back and forth over whether I liked the characters. At times they were unlikable characters that I rooted for anyway. Well except for Kade. I liked his brooding self from his first introduction.

I can see this getting a cult following. It draws you in and takes you on a ride.

And I’m not sure if that little bit of an opening at the end was left for a follow up, but don’t worry there’s an ending that is worthy of the read.

If you’re looking for a fun, fast paced, unique read, add this to your summer reading list. 

jess_reads_books's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

vanessab78's review

dark tense fast-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? No

4.0