Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
This one wasn't as engaging as the previous 2 Montague stories, but I still liked it. Adrian's anxiety and depression was a bit overwhelming sometimes (which I'm sure was the point) and as someone who already deals with those problems it was hard to get through the dark parts. A satisfying ending though.
Surprising everyone, namely myself, this book was my absolute favorite of the three. I had sort of forgotten it was even coming out, and only when I saw the cover was I reminded of its existence and my assumption that it just wouldn't be good. I'm so glad to be wrong, because not only did this one pull me out of a reading slump, but it made me love this series even more, and it was surprisingly comforting to be back in this world. Adrian is such a complex and whole character, and watching him grapple with mental illness and grief and the shock of discovering his older siblings was at turns heartbreaking, delightful, and frustrating. Getting to see Monty, Felicity, and Percy all grown up was such a treat, and I appreciate so much that Lee made them incredibly well-rounded as characters too. Though it made me sad for them that their lives weren't everything they'd hoped for after 17 years, it was also a realistic and important depiction. It was wonderful to see that even they could go through real development so many years later.
I think what I loved most about this, though, is that Lee finally balanced out the realism vs. fantasy conundrum that these books have struggled with in the past. I felt, and still feel, that the magical elements of books one and two were strange and largely unnecessary additions to the story. In this one, however, The Flying Dutchman and Adrian's spyglass functioned more successfully as a metaphor than either the alchemical heart or sea serpent. I also loved seeing the real world connections to mental health care in centuries past, and how someone might have lived with debilitating anxiety before the advent of psychologists, medication, or any real understanding. I had absolutely no idea how this book would end, and that is one of my favorite feelings in a book. I am going to miss this series for its humor and heart, but mostly for Monty. Always Monty.
I think what I loved most about this, though, is that Lee finally balanced out the realism vs. fantasy conundrum that these books have struggled with in the past. I felt, and still feel, that the magical elements of books one and two were strange and largely unnecessary additions to the story. In this one, however, The Flying Dutchman and Adrian's spyglass functioned more successfully as a metaphor than either the alchemical heart or sea serpent. I also loved seeing the real world connections to mental health care in centuries past, and how someone might have lived with debilitating anxiety before the advent of psychologists, medication, or any real understanding. I had absolutely no idea how this book would end, and that is one of my favorite feelings in a book. I am going to miss this series for its humor and heart, but mostly for Monty. Always Monty.
Such a wonderful end to this series. I was surprised that I got a little emotional, but I started this series back in high school and it was great to read this installment when the characters are all pretty much adults now. It was adventurous and funny and had an excellent portrayal of mental illness with Adrian. 4.5!
I did not enjoy this one as much as I did the first two. Not sure if it was me but I seem to be extremely disappointed in my highly anticipated books lately.
4.5 stars. Taking half a star off for making Amsterdam part of Denmark on the map at the start of the book XD
Between relating to Adrian so hard and this being a sibling story, I loved this book so much. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. I can't say whether it outshines Gentleman's Guide, but its close.
Also the audiobook is read by Christian Coulson (same narrator for book 1) and it's chef's kiss.
Also the audiobook is read by Christian Coulson (same narrator for book 1) and it's chef's kiss.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5*
"There will be days it is loud, and others it is heavy. For every summer solstice, there is darkness on the other side of the world. There will be days that staying alive will be an all-consuming challenge, and accepting love an act of tremendous courage, asking for help even more so. Days of loneliness and doubt will compound, and maybe there will be whole months when I cannot see the sky, and all the perspective I have now is lost in the crush. There will be peaks and dales, rivers and roads. But I will do my best to keep walking out of the darkness. I will let it all happen to me: beauty and terror and love and hate and ugliness and anger and fear. I know that no feeling is final, and that fear only wins when I stop fighting."
"There will be days it is loud, and others it is heavy. For every summer solstice, there is darkness on the other side of the world. There will be days that staying alive will be an all-consuming challenge, and accepting love an act of tremendous courage, asking for help even more so. Days of loneliness and doubt will compound, and maybe there will be whole months when I cannot see the sky, and all the perspective I have now is lost in the crush. There will be peaks and dales, rivers and roads. But I will do my best to keep walking out of the darkness. I will let it all happen to me: beauty and terror and love and hate and ugliness and anger and fear. I know that no feeling is final, and that fear only wins when I stop fighting."