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mellhay's review
4.0
We get most of the book through the point of view of Foster and Tate, but there are a few chapters from the eyes of others; Eve, Mark, Charlotte, and Bastion. Each chapter starts with the heading of who's mind the chapter is from. This is neat as we learn details of each person that others don't know along with details of what they know of what's happening and why. There is the ultimate question that lingers about Dr. Rick Stewart... is he mad and what does he really want with the kids he created?
This book had a few moments where things could have gone as normal, but the characters had grown and didn't turn against each other in those moments. I enjoyed this as they took the better path. I enjoyed the book for these small moments.
I look forward to the future books of finding the other elementals and dealing with the doctor. Can't wait!
This book had a few moments where things could have gone as normal, but the characters had grown and didn't turn against each other in those moments. I enjoyed this as they took the better path. I enjoyed the book for these small moments.
I look forward to the future books of finding the other elementals and dealing with the doctor. Can't wait!
breezyrenee's review
3.0
The character of Foster was almost unbearable to read for 75% of the book. She was a selfish, judgemental bitch (Tate was absolutely right) that liked to play the victim, like she was the only person suffering. "Oh you just lost your parents? Well, I've lost everyone who has ever been close to me, so I think I win." I get that they're 18, but good grief.
Tate went along with it and placated her for the majority of it, and their sudden relationship was hard to believe. There was no chemistry and no reason for them to be together.
The saving grace of this book was the grandpa (g-pa?) and Bugsy.
Tate went along with it and placated her for the majority of it, and their sudden relationship was hard to believe. There was no chemistry and no reason for them to be together.
The saving grace of this book was the grandpa (g-pa?) and Bugsy.
amym84's review
3.0
3.5
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Foster Stewart and her adoptive mother have been on the run for the past year. From what Foster’s not exactly sure, but she knows it’s probably linked to the abilities that she’s been slowly developing recently: subtly manipulating the clouds, influencing flowers to grow, using her “Jedi mind trick” as she calls it.
Foster has become used to the unpredictability of constantly moving from one place to another. Then, on her eighteenth birthday, everything changes.
When a tornado touches down during a local high school football game, Foster and one of the players are miraculously able to divert the trajectory of the tornado, thus discovering they both have the power to control the element of air.
Foster and the boy, Tate Taylor, don’t have long to ruminate on this, however, before they’re being pursued by people who are clearly interested in using their powers for some kind of nefarious purposes. While on the run, Foster and Tate begin to understand the affinity they have with air, but they also come to the realization that where there’s air, there’s also water, earth, and fire. Foster and Tate will have to work quickly to find the other elements before those pursuing them do.
As is the case with any book you read, there are always things that work for you, as the reader, and things that don’t.
I was kind of irked about the lack of information that our characters receive. Specifically, the idea that Foster’s adoptive mother basically told her zero about what they were on the run from, prepared her in no substantial way for the future, and when circumstances dictate that Foster and Tate are on their own, they have to follow close-to-indecipherable clues. I will say that Foster is at least a bit more aware of the situation than Tate, but when Tate tries to garner any crumbs of information Foster is quick to shut him down. I don’t know about you, but I’d be asking questions too. Don’t leave me hanging in the dark and then get pissy when I try to figure out what’s going on.
Which leads me to my next problem: the characterization. There was an abruptness to the way the relationships formed and proceeded that I felt changed as quickly as from one page to the next. Foster’s treatment of Tate doesn’t get much better from the above example, yet almost as quickly they both begin to fall for one another. I felt like there wasn’t enough development for me as a reader to even begin to like and/or understand Foster enough to get past her original treatment of Tate. I can only hope this is something that will even out with more books and as we get used to these characters.
Regardless, the story itself has a really strong premise and it’s clear that the development of the elemental powers is the main focus. We see these powers from two perspectives. The people pursuing Foster and Tate—a group of adults who each have an ability—and Foster and Tate plus the as-yet-unknown other elementals. The way the Kristin and P.C. Cast chose to show the manipulation of the elements along with some unforeseen consequences in using the power was really cool and paired nicely with the idea of a kind of omniscience where the elements themselves are concerned. I’m very interested to find out how these aspects apply to the remaining elements that have yet to be introduced.
What The Dysasters does in regards to how it deals with the elemental powers, it does really well. Enough so that I can easily overlook some wobbly characterization. If you’re looking for a well-handled subject matter with the future potential of its characters, you can look no further.
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Foster Stewart and her adoptive mother have been on the run for the past year. From what Foster’s not exactly sure, but she knows it’s probably linked to the abilities that she’s been slowly developing recently: subtly manipulating the clouds, influencing flowers to grow, using her “Jedi mind trick” as she calls it.
Foster has become used to the unpredictability of constantly moving from one place to another. Then, on her eighteenth birthday, everything changes.
When a tornado touches down during a local high school football game, Foster and one of the players are miraculously able to divert the trajectory of the tornado, thus discovering they both have the power to control the element of air.
Foster and the boy, Tate Taylor, don’t have long to ruminate on this, however, before they’re being pursued by people who are clearly interested in using their powers for some kind of nefarious purposes. While on the run, Foster and Tate begin to understand the affinity they have with air, but they also come to the realization that where there’s air, there’s also water, earth, and fire. Foster and Tate will have to work quickly to find the other elements before those pursuing them do.
As is the case with any book you read, there are always things that work for you, as the reader, and things that don’t.
I was kind of irked about the lack of information that our characters receive. Specifically, the idea that Foster’s adoptive mother basically told her zero about what they were on the run from, prepared her in no substantial way for the future, and when circumstances dictate that Foster and Tate are on their own, they have to follow close-to-indecipherable clues. I will say that Foster is at least a bit more aware of the situation than Tate, but when Tate tries to garner any crumbs of information Foster is quick to shut him down. I don’t know about you, but I’d be asking questions too. Don’t leave me hanging in the dark and then get pissy when I try to figure out what’s going on.
Which leads me to my next problem: the characterization. There was an abruptness to the way the relationships formed and proceeded that I felt changed as quickly as from one page to the next. Foster’s treatment of Tate doesn’t get much better from the above example, yet almost as quickly they both begin to fall for one another. I felt like there wasn’t enough development for me as a reader to even begin to like and/or understand Foster enough to get past her original treatment of Tate. I can only hope this is something that will even out with more books and as we get used to these characters.
Regardless, the story itself has a really strong premise and it’s clear that the development of the elemental powers is the main focus. We see these powers from two perspectives. The people pursuing Foster and Tate—a group of adults who each have an ability—and Foster and Tate plus the as-yet-unknown other elementals. The way the Kristin and P.C. Cast chose to show the manipulation of the elements along with some unforeseen consequences in using the power was really cool and paired nicely with the idea of a kind of omniscience where the elements themselves are concerned. I’m very interested to find out how these aspects apply to the remaining elements that have yet to be introduced.
What The Dysasters does in regards to how it deals with the elemental powers, it does really well. Enough so that I can easily overlook some wobbly characterization. If you’re looking for a well-handled subject matter with the future potential of its characters, you can look no further.
lawbooks600's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Representation: Black characters
Score: Four points out of ten.
I wanted to read The Dysasters for a while now but never got around to do that until now. I picked it up alongside others from the library hoping that it would be enjoyable, but I lowered my expectations after seeing the ratings and reviews. When I read and finished The Dysasters, it was a disaster. The worst novel I've read in 2024 thus far. I'm sorry to say this, but the authors disappointed me the first time around.
It starts with the first two characters I see, Foster Stewart and Tate Nighthawk, living their separate lives until they, along with a tornado, meet in an American football game. The tornado threw everything into chaos and also killed Foster's friend, Cora, but that allows for the two to harness their ability to control air. That is a fast-paced beginning, almost too quick as Foster and Tate have to escape to another location after reading a message saying they're part of a scientist's genetic experiment, and other participants are after them. Did I mention the scientist faked his death and he's Tate's stepfather? What a bizarre twist.
My gripes with The Dysasters lie in the characters and worldbuilding. I couldn't connect or relate to any of the characters, even though Tate and Foster later develop a relationship, I couldn't feel any chemistry. Tate, Foster and other characters didn't have any attributes beyond their supernatural powers. Also, why did the authors have to kill off a Black person in Cora? Did they deem her as not critical enough to Tate and Foster? I would've loved to see some intriguing character dynamics with those three. The Black people's only descriptions were big and Black. Those two words can't fully define them. I'm sure there's more traits the authors could think of to add to those people. The worldbuilding is hilarious at best and atrocious at worst, because the genetic experiment wouldn't realistically work. Importing oxygen into embryos for air abilities and water for water doesn't make sense, as those cells already have those elements. If those injections happened, it would achieve nothing.
After the opening pages, the plot slowed so much I couldn't care for anything that occurred there anymore. The pictures didn't help either, other than to aid in visualising The Dysasters. The conclusion is a note. To summarise, The Dysasters was a YA urban fantasy novel that showed much promise, but after reading it and observing the flaws, it underwhelmed me and only earned two out of five stars.
Score: Four points out of ten.
I wanted to read The Dysasters for a while now but never got around to do that until now. I picked it up alongside others from the library hoping that it would be enjoyable, but I lowered my expectations after seeing the ratings and reviews. When I read and finished The Dysasters, it was a disaster. The worst novel I've read in 2024 thus far. I'm sorry to say this, but the authors disappointed me the first time around.
It starts with the first two characters I see, Foster Stewart and Tate Nighthawk, living their separate lives until they, along with a tornado, meet in an American football game. The tornado threw everything into chaos and also killed Foster's friend, Cora, but that allows for the two to harness their ability to control air. That is a fast-paced beginning, almost too quick as Foster and Tate have to escape to another location after reading a message saying they're part of a scientist's genetic experiment, and other participants are after them. Did I mention the scientist faked his death and he's Tate's stepfather? What a bizarre twist.
My gripes with The Dysasters lie in the characters and worldbuilding. I couldn't connect or relate to any of the characters, even though Tate and Foster later develop a relationship, I couldn't feel any chemistry. Tate, Foster and other characters didn't have any attributes beyond their supernatural powers. Also, why did the authors have to kill off a Black person in Cora? Did they deem her as not critical enough to Tate and Foster? I would've loved to see some intriguing character dynamics with those three. The Black people's only descriptions were big and Black. Those two words can't fully define them. I'm sure there's more traits the authors could think of to add to those people. The worldbuilding is hilarious at best and atrocious at worst, because the genetic experiment wouldn't realistically work. Importing oxygen into embryos for air abilities and water for water doesn't make sense, as those cells already have those elements. If those injections happened, it would achieve nothing.
After the opening pages, the plot slowed so much I couldn't care for anything that occurred there anymore. The pictures didn't help either, other than to aid in visualising The Dysasters. The conclusion is a note. To summarise, The Dysasters was a YA urban fantasy novel that showed much promise, but after reading it and observing the flaws, it underwhelmed me and only earned two out of five stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Animal cruelty, and Death
Full trigger warnings: Death of a friend and parents in the past, tornadoes, animal cruelty, fire, explosionsthatlizhunter's review
1.0
Well, that was a book.
And honestly, if you've read my reviews for long, you know I really do hate writing negative reviews. Especially when a publisher is so kind as to send me a hardcopy ARC of their book. I want to enjoy what I read! And I don't think I'm THAT critical of a reviewer?
I look for a few simple things in books - well-rounded characters, engaging plot, and a great story. Unfortunately, the Dysasters just didn't have any of that.
The characters are very muddled and hard to udnerstand. The main characters remind me so much of City of Bones, from the way they're thrown together and the supposed chemistry, to their personality descriptions. A redheaded artistic main character? Clary 2.0. Sorry, but Foster just didn't have much going for her?
And the guy, Tate? He reminded me of an eggplant. There was just very little originality. His main selling point was he tried not to talk about Foster's boobs when the other guys were making locker room jokes. AND I DIDN'T WANT TO READ THOSE JOKES ON PAGE. I wanted to throw the book down when the boob talk happened in the second chapter.
While the plot was weird, the dialogue drove me up a wall. It was choppy and JUST DIDN'T MAKE SENSE. The directions conversations went just didn't flow. And that too a very weird plot and I was just lost.
Overall, I didn't have a clue what was happening. I was confused, annoyed, and bored. not exactly a great recipe for any book.
ARC provided by publisher for my honest review.
And honestly, if you've read my reviews for long, you know I really do hate writing negative reviews. Especially when a publisher is so kind as to send me a hardcopy ARC of their book. I want to enjoy what I read! And I don't think I'm THAT critical of a reviewer?
I look for a few simple things in books - well-rounded characters, engaging plot, and a great story. Unfortunately, the Dysasters just didn't have any of that.
The characters are very muddled and hard to udnerstand. The main characters remind me so much of City of Bones, from the way they're thrown together and the supposed chemistry, to their personality descriptions. A redheaded artistic main character? Clary 2.0. Sorry, but Foster just didn't have much going for her?
And the guy, Tate? He reminded me of an eggplant. There was just very little originality. His main selling point was he tried not to talk about Foster's boobs when the other guys were making locker room jokes. AND I DIDN'T WANT TO READ THOSE JOKES ON PAGE. I wanted to throw the book down when the boob talk happened in the second chapter.
While the plot was weird, the dialogue drove me up a wall. It was choppy and JUST DIDN'T MAKE SENSE. The directions conversations went just didn't flow. And that too a very weird plot and I was just lost.
Overall, I didn't have a clue what was happening. I was confused, annoyed, and bored. not exactly a great recipe for any book.
ARC provided by publisher for my honest review.
wayfaringbibliomaniac's review
3.0
To be entirely honest, I wasn’t a massive fan of this introduction to their newest series. It took me ages to get into, and wasn’t very interesting. After reading their House of Night novels, I fully expected more from the Cast’s in this book. I think it was quite possibly mostly the writing style of this installation. It just didn’t seem up to the same standard of HoN. Or maybe the blandness of Foster and Tate? They were boring and the only redeeming quality for each was their relationships with secondary characters. And there were also SO MANY people to keep up with in this series. You have Foster and Tate, obviously, then the FUCKTASTIC FOUR (totally my favorite phrase from the book) and their maker who are chasing them, the caretaker of Strawberry Fields and his partner, then at least seven others. It’s a lot for a first novel.
I also disliked the lack of background information and I know with a setting of the USA they don’t have to do much world building, but more building would have been helpful. Like we don’t find out much about their powers until at least halfway through the story, and I felt that would have really shed some light early on for a few scenes, as well as add to the interest level. I felt lost for a lot of the novel… and what I did understand didn’t really keep me interested. I’m not sure if I care enough to continue the series… Charlotte and Bastien, though, might tempt me. They seem WAY more intriguing than Foster and Tate.
I also disliked the lack of background information and I know with a setting of the USA they don’t have to do much world building, but more building would have been helpful. Like we don’t find out much about their powers until at least halfway through the story, and I felt that would have really shed some light early on for a few scenes, as well as add to the interest level. I felt lost for a lot of the novel… and what I did understand didn’t really keep me interested. I’m not sure if I care enough to continue the series… Charlotte and Bastien, though, might tempt me. They seem WAY more intriguing than Foster and Tate.
thepaperbackprincess90's review
2.0
✨Book Review✨
“The Dysasters” by P.C Cast and Kristin Cast
⭐️⭐️1/2
Synopsis✨
Foster Stewart and Tate “Nighthawk” Taylor possess the not-so-natural ability to control air. They are two members of a group of teens genetically manipulated before birth to bond with the elements. And they’re being hunted by Foster’s gifted scientist stepfather who wants to use the teens for his own dark agenda against the nation—and the world.
Thoughts✨
I was over the moon when I saw this book by P.C and Kristin Cast, having read and lovedq the House of night vampire series.
The premise was extremely intriguing..A group of teens genetically modified and able to control the elements, if grabbed my interest right away. However, I thought it could have been better executed. The story felt like it jumped very quickly. It didn’t feel like the same writing style I was used to with these authors. I also wasn’t a fan of the illustrations throughout the book. I felt like I was pulled from creating my own vision of story and characters in my head.
What I did like was:
- the parts with the core four. I am definitely intrigued about their abilities and history.
- G-Pa! ( the most wholesome and badass character in the book and he doesn’t even have an ability)
- Intrigue surrounding who the other kids are (it was left open and I would be open to learning more about this world)
“The Dysasters” by P.C Cast and Kristin Cast
⭐️⭐️1/2
Synopsis✨
Foster Stewart and Tate “Nighthawk” Taylor possess the not-so-natural ability to control air. They are two members of a group of teens genetically manipulated before birth to bond with the elements. And they’re being hunted by Foster’s gifted scientist stepfather who wants to use the teens for his own dark agenda against the nation—and the world.
Thoughts✨
I was over the moon when I saw this book by P.C and Kristin Cast, having read and lovedq the House of night vampire series.
The premise was extremely intriguing..A group of teens genetically modified and able to control the elements, if grabbed my interest right away. However, I thought it could have been better executed. The story felt like it jumped very quickly. It didn’t feel like the same writing style I was used to with these authors. I also wasn’t a fan of the illustrations throughout the book. I felt like I was pulled from creating my own vision of story and characters in my head.
What I did like was:
- the parts with the core four. I am definitely intrigued about their abilities and history.
- G-Pa! ( the most wholesome and badass character in the book and he doesn’t even have an ability)
- Intrigue surrounding who the other kids are (it was left open and I would be open to learning more about this world)
pixiegnerd's review
5.0
Wow!!
Just wow. Action right from the get go. I have seen a few reviews that have labeled it dramatic and difficult to follow. I disagree with that..
This book is written in third person and from multiple views - hence the difficult to follow thought - however I have enjoyed that. Having the different points of view means we get information we wouldn't know from just following the "main character/s".
Now to address the "dramatic" yes in the beginning it goes overboard though in all honesty I think it has to - you suddenly have a surge of power you didn't know about, things are going to get messy. Sadly it was really messy but it is what it is - live and learn..
So Dysasters.. It is written so well in a way that you get to know and feel all the characters, cry with them, laugh with them, get annoyed at them for being stupid - talking to you Eve!! (I promise no spoilers but I stand by stupid and say no more). You also fall in love with them.
I love how this book has little comic book style pictures thoughout.
I adore that there is more to these characters - LOVE the fact that there is a trans in this book and it shows the difference of opinions on accepting and not so..
It also touches on IVF which I think is a great idea, something that isn't so uncommon, so to speak, these days.
There is alot of inclusion in this book and I think it is great.
There is so much more to what is just on the surface of this book and I can't wait to read the next one...
Just wow. Action right from the get go. I have seen a few reviews that have labeled it dramatic and difficult to follow. I disagree with that..
This book is written in third person and from multiple views - hence the difficult to follow thought - however I have enjoyed that. Having the different points of view means we get information we wouldn't know from just following the "main character/s".
Now to address the "dramatic" yes in the beginning it goes overboard though in all honesty I think it has to - you suddenly have a surge of power you didn't know about, things are going to get messy. Sadly it was really messy but it is what it is - live and learn..
So Dysasters.. It is written so well in a way that you get to know and feel all the characters, cry with them, laugh with them, get annoyed at them for being stupid - talking to you Eve!! (I promise no spoilers but I stand by stupid and say no more). You also fall in love with them.
I love how this book has little comic book style pictures thoughout.
I adore that there is more to these characters - LOVE the fact that there is a trans in this book and it shows the difference of opinions on accepting and not so..
It also touches on IVF which I think is a great idea, something that isn't so uncommon, so to speak, these days.
There is alot of inclusion in this book and I think it is great.
There is so much more to what is just on the surface of this book and I can't wait to read the next one...
kaoticlolo's review
5.0
This book was absolutely phenomenal! P.C. and Kristin Cast are once again bringing me into a world of fantasy with this new series. I decided to write my review without spoilers because I really want people to read what I've written before they read the book. It is so well written and it keeps you interested from the second you start the book. I love the flow of the book and it contains some drawings to give you a perfect idea of the characters. I have been a fan of the Cast Clan for a very long time, the House of Night Series is what got me hooked to their novels. Whether they write together or separate, they always keep me interested. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of these two. If you have never heard of them, this is a great place to start! It's book one of what will be a fantastic series! Read away and enjoy!
cfulton20's review
2.0
Rad by Emma Galvin
I expected so much more from this book. The language used is nothing but juvenile and plain vulgar.
I expect that teens talk this way but disappointing nonetheless.
I expected so much more from this book. The language used is nothing but juvenile and plain vulgar.
I expect that teens talk this way but disappointing nonetheless.