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jenreadalot's review
4.0
Kept my heart spinning the whole time. The character development was amazing throughout the whole book, making you love the characters more. A delightful book to read. The ENDING wrecked me. You expect one thing but get another. Wonderfully fun and amazing book.
steph01924's review
4.0
I was excited to return to the world of Stitching Snow, as I heard this was a companion novel. Well, just keep in mind they are very casual companions; perhaps Liddi's world is in the same universe as Stitching Snow, but the planets and people are definitely not the same or Essie's worlds aren't mentioned anywhere in this book. Regardless, it was still a great book, but I kept waiting for a familiar people/planet to pop up or a sly mention of Essie and there was nothing.
So another retelling, and this time I had Juliet Marillier's Daughter of the Forest retelling of the 7 Swans to compare it to (being the best version of the 7 Swans story that I've ever read). While it didn't surpass Marillier's work (I mean, that's pretty much impossible), I still very much enjoyed this version. Once again we get a sci-fi-ish setting and some mumbo-jumbo I didn't always follow (the waves of lights and blah blah), but I'm sure I could've grasped it more if I slowed down and really took the explanations in. As it was, that didn't impact my enjoyment of the story.
I wouldn't say these retellings are my absolute favorite incarnations of Snow White and the 7 Swans, but I would still wholeheartedly recommend them because they're fun rides just the same.
So another retelling, and this time I had Juliet Marillier's Daughter of the Forest retelling of the 7 Swans to compare it to (being the best version of the 7 Swans story that I've ever read). While it didn't surpass Marillier's work (I mean, that's pretty much impossible), I still very much enjoyed this version. Once again we get a sci-fi-ish setting and some mumbo-jumbo I didn't always follow (the waves of lights and blah blah), but I'm sure I could've grasped it more if I slowed down and really took the explanations in. As it was, that didn't impact my enjoyment of the story.
I wouldn't say these retellings are my absolute favorite incarnations of Snow White and the 7 Swans, but I would still wholeheartedly recommend them because they're fun rides just the same.
flowersofquiethappiness's review
5.0
And Ms. Lewis does it again. I really enjoyed this one! Her ability to spin a story (ha! ;) only grew stronger with this second book. There are some similarities to Stitching Snow, but it didn't take away from the pure fun of this universe. I do love the alien races and the tech that she created. The sheer imagination she uses so skillfully to come up with these characters and their secrets is well done!
Take a heroine who can't speak (dire consequences otherwise), a hero with a willingness to help, a mystery which begs to be solved, and add in aliens of all kinds, as well as a vast universe of interplanetary travel, and you have the makings of a really fun story. I loved watching Liddi and Tiav struggle to understand one another. They both have many expectations on their shoulders and even though it seems they're on opposite sides of the current situation, they have much more in common than they know. And their romance was cute!
But Ms. Lewis doesn't dwell on just a simple romance. There are mysteries to be unraveled, with lives hanging in the balance. I liked that there was so much going on! There were times that I got confused, most especially in the beginning, but it usually wasn't long until I understood what certain things meant and how this world works. There are a few slow moments, but once I hit the middle of the story, things rapidly progressed from there. Which is to say that I was involved in the story enough that the slow moments didn't bother me at all.
I absolutely loved the emphasis on family! The flashbacks were really helpful in understanding the background of Liddi and her brothers. And I loved how she was willing to go beyond all endurance for the sake of saving them! The protectiveness and genuine love and care they have for Liddi in return is so very sweet. They're a family who would do anything for each other and it's such a beautiful part of the story.
Though I know the basic storyline of The Wild Swans, I've never actually read it. So I can't say whether this is a great retelling of that fairytale or not. But as a stand-alone novel for itself, I say it's quite entertaining!
Take a heroine who can't speak (dire consequences otherwise), a hero with a willingness to help, a mystery which begs to be solved, and add in aliens of all kinds, as well as a vast universe of interplanetary travel, and you have the makings of a really fun story. I loved watching Liddi and Tiav struggle to understand one another. They both have many expectations on their shoulders and even though it seems they're on opposite sides of the current situation, they have much more in common than they know. And their romance was cute!
But Ms. Lewis doesn't dwell on just a simple romance. There are mysteries to be unraveled, with lives hanging in the balance. I liked that there was so much going on! There were times that I got confused, most especially in the beginning, but it usually wasn't long until I understood what certain things meant and how this world works. There are a few slow moments, but once I hit the middle of the story, things rapidly progressed from there. Which is to say that I was involved in the story enough that the slow moments didn't bother me at all.
I absolutely loved the emphasis on family! The flashbacks were really helpful in understanding the background of Liddi and her brothers. And I loved how she was willing to go beyond all endurance for the sake of saving them! The protectiveness and genuine love and care they have for Liddi in return is so very sweet. They're a family who would do anything for each other and it's such a beautiful part of the story.
Though I know the basic storyline of The Wild Swans, I've never actually read it. So I can't say whether this is a great retelling of that fairytale or not. But as a stand-alone novel for itself, I say it's quite entertaining!
ameserole's review
3.0
Okay, so, Spinning Starlight felt like a roller coaster to me. Or maybe a never-ending elevator ride? Either way, it was kind of frustrating to get through this one. At least for me. Sometimes ups and downs are normal and I can quickly ignore them if the book is easy to devour. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get past them this time around. So, yeah, it was kind of frustrating since it's a freaking re-telling and I absolutely adore those!
Maybe it's because I didn't know jack about 'The Wild Swans' or maybe it's just because I found myself zoning in and out of the book. It's.. just.. nothing was capturing my attention and I don't know what else to say at the moment. I'll admit some things were kind of cute or interesting but then I felt like nothing was happening at the same time. Absolutely nothing!
As for the romance, it was okay but I honestly didn't really care for the slow burn of it. I think it's just because I didn't really like the romantic interest or anyone else really. In the end, I guess I'm glad that I dove into this but I think I might need a break from retellings..
..like a small break.
Maybe it's because I didn't know jack about 'The Wild Swans' or maybe it's just because I found myself zoning in and out of the book. It's.. just.. nothing was capturing my attention and I don't know what else to say at the moment. I'll admit some things were kind of cute or interesting but then I felt like nothing was happening at the same time. Absolutely nothing!
As for the romance, it was okay but I honestly didn't really care for the slow burn of it. I think it's just because I didn't really like the romantic interest or anyone else really. In the end, I guess I'm glad that I dove into this but I think I might need a break from retellings..
..like a small break.
90sinmyheart's review
not feeling this right now but may try again at a later date
melissasbookshelf's review
4.0
Creative retelling of the Wild Swans fairytale. Set in a futuristic world, sixteen year old Liddi is an heiress with eight older brothers. When her brothers have disappeared after working on "conduits" to other planets, Liddi tries to save her brothers before they disappear forever.
It took awhile for me to get into this, but once I did, it was hard to put down. I really liked Liddi's relationship with Tiav. This is a book that I would definitely recommend for my teenage daughter to read. I really liked the fact that there was no language or sexual content other than kissing. I also liked the positive relationship Liddi had with her brothers.
It took awhile for me to get into this, but once I did, it was hard to put down. I really liked Liddi's relationship with Tiav. This is a book that I would definitely recommend for my teenage daughter to read. I really liked the fact that there was no language or sexual content other than kissing. I also liked the positive relationship Liddi had with her brothers.
betwixt_the_pages's review
5.0
Sixteen-year-old heiress and paparazzi darling Liddi Jantzen hates the spotlight. But as the only daughter in the most powerful tech family in the galaxy, it's hard to escape it. So when a group of men show up at her house uninvited, she assumes it's just the usual media-grubs. That is, until shots are fired.
Liddi escapes, only to be pulled into an interplanetary conspiracy more complex than she ever could have imagined. Her older brothers have been caught as well, trapped in the conduits between the planets. And when their captor implants a device in Liddi's vocal cords to monitor her speech, their lives are in her hands: One word and her brothers are dead.
Desperate to save her family from a desolate future, Liddi travels to another world, where she meets the one person who might have the skills to help her bring her eight brothers home-a handsome dignitary named Tiav. But without her voice, Liddi must use every bit of her strength and wit to convince Tiav that her mission is true. With the tenuous balance of the planets deeply intertwined with her brothers' survival, just how much is Liddi willing to sacrifice to bring them back?
Haunting and mesmerizing, this retelling of Hans Christian Andersen'sThe Wild Swans strings the heart of the classic with a stunning, imaginative world as a star-crossed family fights for survival in this companion to Stitching Snow.
- - - - -
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: a new and inventive take on The Wild Swans; kick-ass, morally stable, independent female protagonist; an intense, action-driven plot; a unique and sensitive look into selective (or, in this case, NOT so selective...) mutism; sci fi/space journey; endearing and redeemable characters
Many thanks to Netgalley, Disney/Hyperion, and R.C. Lewis for being granted access to the galley of this awesome read!
I need to begin by stating what might be shocking to many of you: I haven't yet had the chance to read Stitching Snow, by R.C. Lewis (the apparently companion? read to this novel). That being said, I went in to this read knowing I hadn't picked up the first one yet...and I discovered I didn't necessarily need to. From what I could tell, this book stood well on its own—I didn't find any part I was confused about or puzzled by.
That being said, I really LOVED this read. To start with, Liddi Jantzen, our main protagonist, is kick-ass, independent, and completely unaware of her personal strength and endearing attributes. But unlike MOST of our main protagonists, she doesn't let this wear her down or put a damper on her spirits. Despite the rumors surrounding her (being an heiress to a popular company isn't all it's cracked up to be, I've learned from this read), she maintains her sense of loyalty, morality, and SELF throughout the journey—which is saying a LOT, because she's faced with decisions I'd never be able to imagine making myself.
Of course, this doesn't mean she's not like all the rest of us: she likes to let loose (though she'd prefer it if people wanted her around for HER, not for her status); she is self-conscious; she worries ceaselessly about the things that matter to her; she doesn't always understand other people or their motives. She's a well-rounded, gorgeously written character, and I fell in love with her almost instantly for how realistic and relatable she is.
Because of the unique spin the original fairy tale has—the silence of the main protagonist—the fact that this novel is written in first person perspective makes a lot of sense, and really helps enable readers to see deeper into Liddi as the world goes topsy-turvy and she finds herself under a vocal arrest of sorts. The fact that she has to learn how to communicate with strangers after arriving at a place she grew up believing didn't REALLY exist...and learning that all she's ever been taught might be wrong...only helped to endear me to her character more. I found myself reconsidering my feelings about selective mutism, about how communication is often much, MUCH harder than we all take for granted. If we didn't know how to write, and we couldn't speak, I'm not sure many of us would be able to figure out a better way the way Liddi and Tiav do.
The cast of unique and otherworldly characters is entertaining and thought-provoking, but R.C. Lewis went to a lot of trouble to make sure the explanations were at hand and ready when they were meant to be instead of leaving readers floundering. In part, this is due to, again, the first person perspective—every bit of information Liddi receives, readers are privvy to immediately, so while she is learning of the new world she's landed in and their many rules and regulations, so are readers. Each chapter is also closed with OTHER relevant information—backflashes of Liddi's home life, of her brothers and parents, of the way the world worked before she grew up and everything changed. I really enjoyed these flashes of backstory—they helped round Liddi out in a way I don't know we'd have seen otherwise, and also helped break up with “silence” by giving Liddi a voice. It's a well-chosen and beautifully used technique, and I appreciate the time R.C. Lewis took to include it in this story. It also helps readers “see” Liddi's relationships with her family—and how much closer to them she's always been than anyone else. The addition of slipping in complex, important plot-points helped to keep the story moving while letting readers take a “breather” from the suspense of the main narrative.
Overall, I really enjoyed the focus on family. There is a love story happening here, but it's so subtle and down-played for the REAL story—the struggle of Liddi to make people understand when she can't speak, the fight to save her brothers and keep them alive, the drive to succeed at SOMETHING when she's been told opposing things from many people—you don't really notice it's happening until it's already done, and by then, the characters have so completely latched onto your heart, you don't care at all.
While Tiav and Liddi remain the FOCUS, there are so many other complex, redeemable characters you aren't bound to grow bored or go seeking something new. The writing is gorgeous, the plot is constructed in an intelligent and easy-to-follow way, and R.C. Lewis made sure to make this retelling entirely her own. If you love The Lunar Chronicles, by Marissa Meyer, you're BOUND to love this read—keep your eyes peeled for it this October from Disney/Hyperion! You won't be able to put it down.
Liddi escapes, only to be pulled into an interplanetary conspiracy more complex than she ever could have imagined. Her older brothers have been caught as well, trapped in the conduits between the planets. And when their captor implants a device in Liddi's vocal cords to monitor her speech, their lives are in her hands: One word and her brothers are dead.
Desperate to save her family from a desolate future, Liddi travels to another world, where she meets the one person who might have the skills to help her bring her eight brothers home-a handsome dignitary named Tiav. But without her voice, Liddi must use every bit of her strength and wit to convince Tiav that her mission is true. With the tenuous balance of the planets deeply intertwined with her brothers' survival, just how much is Liddi willing to sacrifice to bring them back?
Haunting and mesmerizing, this retelling of Hans Christian Andersen'sThe Wild Swans strings the heart of the classic with a stunning, imaginative world as a star-crossed family fights for survival in this companion to Stitching Snow.
- - - - -
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: a new and inventive take on The Wild Swans; kick-ass, morally stable, independent female protagonist; an intense, action-driven plot; a unique and sensitive look into selective (or, in this case, NOT so selective...) mutism; sci fi/space journey; endearing and redeemable characters
Many thanks to Netgalley, Disney/Hyperion, and R.C. Lewis for being granted access to the galley of this awesome read!
I need to begin by stating what might be shocking to many of you: I haven't yet had the chance to read Stitching Snow, by R.C. Lewis (the apparently companion? read to this novel). That being said, I went in to this read knowing I hadn't picked up the first one yet...and I discovered I didn't necessarily need to. From what I could tell, this book stood well on its own—I didn't find any part I was confused about or puzzled by.
That being said, I really LOVED this read. To start with, Liddi Jantzen, our main protagonist, is kick-ass, independent, and completely unaware of her personal strength and endearing attributes. But unlike MOST of our main protagonists, she doesn't let this wear her down or put a damper on her spirits. Despite the rumors surrounding her (being an heiress to a popular company isn't all it's cracked up to be, I've learned from this read), she maintains her sense of loyalty, morality, and SELF throughout the journey—which is saying a LOT, because she's faced with decisions I'd never be able to imagine making myself.
Of course, this doesn't mean she's not like all the rest of us: she likes to let loose (though she'd prefer it if people wanted her around for HER, not for her status); she is self-conscious; she worries ceaselessly about the things that matter to her; she doesn't always understand other people or their motives. She's a well-rounded, gorgeously written character, and I fell in love with her almost instantly for how realistic and relatable she is.
“They say I'm the best of the Jantzens, that everyone else will realize it soon. That's been the story since I was six years old. I only believe some of it.” (kindle location 41)
Because of the unique spin the original fairy tale has—the silence of the main protagonist—the fact that this novel is written in first person perspective makes a lot of sense, and really helps enable readers to see deeper into Liddi as the world goes topsy-turvy and she finds herself under a vocal arrest of sorts. The fact that she has to learn how to communicate with strangers after arriving at a place she grew up believing didn't REALLY exist...and learning that all she's ever been taught might be wrong...only helped to endear me to her character more. I found myself reconsidering my feelings about selective mutism, about how communication is often much, MUCH harder than we all take for granted. If we didn't know how to write, and we couldn't speak, I'm not sure many of us would be able to figure out a better way the way Liddi and Tiav do.
“Considering I was taught that Ferri is an afterlife ruled by two powerful beings that no one really believes in, I don't have high hopes for anything making sense.” (kindle location 746)
The cast of unique and otherworldly characters is entertaining and thought-provoking, but R.C. Lewis went to a lot of trouble to make sure the explanations were at hand and ready when they were meant to be instead of leaving readers floundering. In part, this is due to, again, the first person perspective—every bit of information Liddi receives, readers are privvy to immediately, so while she is learning of the new world she's landed in and their many rules and regulations, so are readers. Each chapter is also closed with OTHER relevant information—backflashes of Liddi's home life, of her brothers and parents, of the way the world worked before she grew up and everything changed. I really enjoyed these flashes of backstory—they helped round Liddi out in a way I don't know we'd have seen otherwise, and also helped break up with “silence” by giving Liddi a voice. It's a well-chosen and beautifully used technique, and I appreciate the time R.C. Lewis took to include it in this story. It also helps readers “see” Liddi's relationships with her family—and how much closer to them she's always been than anyone else. The addition of slipping in complex, important plot-points helped to keep the story moving while letting readers take a “breather” from the suspense of the main narrative.
On the fourth try, stick and ball connected, jarring her all the way up to her shoulders. The ball glided in a clean arc, past where Emil stood so he had to chase it. Farther than Ciro's practice hits had gone.
“That'll teach us,” Luko said.
Liddi put down the stick. “Teach you what?”
“To think our little sister needs to take the easy version of anything.”
Overall, I really enjoyed the focus on family. There is a love story happening here, but it's so subtle and down-played for the REAL story—the struggle of Liddi to make people understand when she can't speak, the fight to save her brothers and keep them alive, the drive to succeed at SOMETHING when she's been told opposing things from many people—you don't really notice it's happening until it's already done, and by then, the characters have so completely latched onto your heart, you don't care at all.
While Tiav and Liddi remain the FOCUS, there are so many other complex, redeemable characters you aren't bound to grow bored or go seeking something new. The writing is gorgeous, the plot is constructed in an intelligent and easy-to-follow way, and R.C. Lewis made sure to make this retelling entirely her own. If you love The Lunar Chronicles, by Marissa Meyer, you're BOUND to love this read—keep your eyes peeled for it this October from Disney/Hyperion! You won't be able to put it down.
sqeeker's review
4.0
- Great retelling of The Wild Swans!
- This wasn't as good as Stitching Snow, but it was still good.
- The culture and setting were a bit confusing at first. I caught on after a while, but there was a bit of a learning curve.
- I liked the flashbacks between chapters. I got to know Liddi and her family better.
- I could really relate to Liddi's anxiety and feelings. I have 3 older brothers, and I care about them immensely. Liddi's brothers reminded me a lot of mine. They were protective and caring over their little sister, and that is exactly how my brothers are with me.
- The tech was SO cool! I loved all the gadgets and things. I wish some of this tech would become a reality.
- The story starts out a bit slow, but I was still entertained. The pace really picks up about halfway through, and I enjoyed it a lot more.
- The main characters were very similar to the Stitching Snow characters. The relationship between LIddi and Tiav was almost the same as Dane and Essie's. I wish there had been a difference. It would have fun to read something new!
- I wish there had been more on the antagonist and what her motives were. That part of the story was really underdeveloped, and I would have liked more depth to that aspect of the story.
- I loved all the alien races introduced in this book. The universe that Lewis created was really fun. I hope she writes more books in this same setting.
- This wasn't as good as Stitching Snow, but it was still good.
- The culture and setting were a bit confusing at first. I caught on after a while, but there was a bit of a learning curve.
- I liked the flashbacks between chapters. I got to know Liddi and her family better.
- I could really relate to Liddi's anxiety and feelings. I have 3 older brothers, and I care about them immensely. Liddi's brothers reminded me a lot of mine. They were protective and caring over their little sister, and that is exactly how my brothers are with me.
- The tech was SO cool! I loved all the gadgets and things. I wish some of this tech would become a reality.
- The story starts out a bit slow, but I was still entertained. The pace really picks up about halfway through, and I enjoyed it a lot more.
- The main characters were very similar to the Stitching Snow characters. The relationship between LIddi and Tiav was almost the same as Dane and Essie's. I wish there had been a difference. It would have fun to read something new!
- I wish there had been more on the antagonist and what her motives were. That part of the story was really underdeveloped, and I would have liked more depth to that aspect of the story.
- I loved all the alien races introduced in this book. The universe that Lewis created was really fun. I hope she writes more books in this same setting.
golden_lily's review
4.0
This one's hard to rate. I enjoyed it a lot more than my last Lewis, but there are a ton of plot holes related to the world building and the few explanations we got to try and clear them up actually made it worse. The ending is a mishmash of technobabble and confusing imagery that's really difficult to follow.
And yet, I like Liddi a lot and I liked her and Tiav more.
And yet, I like Liddi a lot and I liked her and Tiav more.
shelvesofsecrets's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book, although not quite as much as I enjoyed Stitching Snow. THe problem for me was the pacing; this one dragged a bit for me in the middle. But I did enjoy the story in the end.
Liddi is insanely famous. As the heir to a massive corporation and youngest member of a genius family, she is under a lot of pressure. Liddi was a fairly likable character. I really felt for her lack of privacy in the beginning and appreciated her love for her brothers. I didn't fall in love with her, but I did like her.
Once the story really gets going, she meets Tiav, who is pretty much the nicest guy ever. He is so patient and understanding with Liddi. In fact, it seemed a touch unrealistic to me. But not too bad, since he did seem like a genuinely nice guy.
The big issue for me was the plot. It just dragged on in the middle, since Liddi can't explain anything, so we spend the majority of the book waiting for Tiav to figure out what is going on. I understand that Liddi's inability to communicate was a major part of the plot, but it got a bit tedious after a while. Other than that, the plot was fairly interesting.
I got a bit confused on this one, since I thought it was going to be a sort of sequel to Stitching Snow, but it wasn't. Not even set in the same world. Confusing for me, because the covers follow the same theme. SO don't go in expecting a sequel!
Liddi is insanely famous. As the heir to a massive corporation and youngest member of a genius family, she is under a lot of pressure. Liddi was a fairly likable character. I really felt for her lack of privacy in the beginning and appreciated her love for her brothers. I didn't fall in love with her, but I did like her.
Once the story really gets going, she meets Tiav, who is pretty much the nicest guy ever. He is so patient and understanding with Liddi. In fact, it seemed a touch unrealistic to me. But not too bad, since he did seem like a genuinely nice guy.
The big issue for me was the plot. It just dragged on in the middle, since Liddi can't explain anything, so we spend the majority of the book waiting for Tiav to figure out what is going on. I understand that Liddi's inability to communicate was a major part of the plot, but it got a bit tedious after a while. Other than that, the plot was fairly interesting.
I got a bit confused on this one, since I thought it was going to be a sort of sequel to Stitching Snow, but it wasn't. Not even set in the same world. Confusing for me, because the covers follow the same theme. SO don't go in expecting a sequel!