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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
As per normal, Maria delivers a hell of a book. The story is amazing with twists and turns you don't expect. I love how much research and love has gone into the book. I love that Maria actually addresses how space travel would impact on us. I can't wait for the next book
I did like this book, but for whatever reason I didn't connect with the characters as much as those in Poison Study. And the writing felt a little less polished than her other books. All that being said I will read the rest
I am finding my attention slipping on this one - I don't want DNF on this one so I am going to come back soon....putting the marker at 70%
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Omg so glad I gave this book a second chance. I couldn't put it down and stayed up WAY too late finishing it. This author is amazing and I love her stubborn characters so much.
I will try my best to keep spoilers out of this. I will be the first to admit that I had a hard time really getting into the book. Maybe it was the tone the character had of being a spoiled brat that was so out of Snyder's norm that it took a little for me to adjust. I was closer to chapter four or five before I really started to enjoy the book. There are elements drawn into this book that give it a similar vibe to the Outside In books. Some elements if you are not familiar with them even passing make some of the content a little hard to follow. Do yourself a favor and at least Google the Terracotta Warriors.
It's been such a long time since Maria V Snyder graced my 'read' list (I have the final study book that's been sitting on my shelf for so long...eventually I'll get to it), but I really enjoyed this book! Another first person, YA space book (I've clearly been going for themes this year and YA space has gotten me), but I think it was a fun read! Enough of a story in and of itself, with lots of little 'to be explored' in the rest of the series, fun characters, new way of thinking about technology and an interesting combination of combing the very old (Terra Cotta warriors) wiht the very new (space and aliens). Though it was a little entrenched in typical YA protagonist first person perspective writing (i'm a TEEN with HORMONES and UGH adults are SO ANNOYING) I didn't find the main character super irritating and by about the time the team arrives on Yulin (and you get past the love interest being super grumpy because i'm a COLD BROODING MALE) you're thoroughly into the book that you can't put it down. I've put off crafting for this book today...but a fun day nonetheless!
So yeah. Overall thoughts: a bit YA tropey at times, but enjoyable and an interesting read, and nice to see Snyder going back to her sci-fi instead of all the magic all the time (although there are hints that magic elements could be involved...but we'll have to see)
ONWARDS TO THE NEXT BOOK
So yeah. Overall thoughts: a bit YA tropey at times, but enjoyable and an interesting read, and nice to see Snyder going back to her sci-fi instead of all the magic all the time (although there are hints that magic elements could be involved...but we'll have to see)
ONWARDS TO THE NEXT BOOK
Okay, I need to call out some reviewers right now. And know this isn’t an intense fan going crazy over any bad reviews. I didn’t love the book, just think it is getting undeserved hate.
People keep saying how young this entire book reads. Well-duh. It is YA I see no problem with adults reading the genre, as long as you don’t comment about how ‘childish’ it seems
Ima let you in on a secret. Lyra reads more like an actual teenager than any other YA book I’ve read in a while. This is coming from actual teenager, btw. I know what I’m on about. It made me feel very...seen. She had normal insecurities and reactions and totally embraced how awesome she is. I approve.
Honestly, I love all the characters. Yeah, Niall isn’t swoon worthy. But do you know what he is? A VERY accurate teenage boy. Every changing emotions that lead to jerkiness? No long declarations of love? I appreciated his character so much more for being a normal person.
And Lyra’s parents? Don’t really have anything to say about them, just happy that they are alive! Is that even allowed in this genre? Oooh, better yet, they are good, realistic parents!
My main issue with this book was-well, this doesn’t reflect well on me buuuut... I didn’t love the actual plot. Characters? YES. Banter? Worthy of a laugh. But the plot? Okay, okay, some credit is due: The idea is pretty darn good. Love it actually. Space mystery? UMMM YESSS. But the execution was... well it wasn’t bad, per se, but it had SO much filler in the middle. I didn’t need to hear about video games, or first dates or anything like that.
Bookish confession: I don’t care if the characters are bland. I just like plots. And this just didn’t hit that mark for me.
Love my criminal mastermind Lyra though!
People keep saying how young this entire book reads. Well-duh. It is YA I see no problem with adults reading the genre, as long as you don’t comment about how ‘childish’ it seems
Ima let you in on a secret. Lyra reads more like an actual teenager than any other YA book I’ve read in a while. This is coming from actual teenager, btw. I know what I’m on about. It made me feel very...seen. She had normal insecurities and reactions and totally embraced how awesome she is. I approve.
Honestly, I love all the characters. Yeah, Niall isn’t swoon worthy. But do you know what he is? A VERY accurate teenage boy. Every changing emotions that lead to jerkiness? No long declarations of love? I appreciated his character so much more for being a normal person.
And Lyra’s parents? Don’t really have anything to say about them, just happy that they are alive! Is that even allowed in this genre? Oooh, better yet, they are good, realistic parents!
My main issue with this book was-well, this doesn’t reflect well on me buuuut... I didn’t love the actual plot. Characters? YES. Banter? Worthy of a laugh. But the plot? Okay, okay, some credit is due: The idea is pretty darn good. Love it actually. Space mystery? UMMM YESSS. But the execution was... well it wasn’t bad, per se, but it had SO much filler in the middle. I didn’t need to hear about video games, or first dates or anything like that.
Bookish confession: I don’t care if the characters are bland. I just like plots. And this just didn’t hit that mark for me.
Love my criminal mastermind Lyra though!
Maria V. Snyder reintroduced me I to reading again as a young adult many years ago so I always forgive the teen tropes that she repeats. The main character is as usual amazing at too many things for it to be believable but it's not as nauseating like other books. At least her love interest isn't as problematic as other YA books and it's not the focus of the read. Will definitely read the next one