Reviews with content warning for Kidnapping - A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor

I am simply blown away by the nuance and skill that Hank Green utilized in this story. I'm coming pretty quickly off of the first book, and in this one, every good thing about book one has been elevated. Though still fueled the existence of alien technology, the dystopia that Green crafts feels as though it could lurk around the bend in our very own future - he has written a very human story amid the battle of two alien forces.

What stands out the most to me about this story is the incredible way Hank develops his characters, for better and for worse. When you've read the narratives back to back (or close to that), the subtly with which the players in his story change throughout them is absolutely mind-blowing. Andy and April, in particular, were extraordinarily well done - there was never a moment when they seemed to have flipped suddenly into a different character. Their changes were the consequences of the choices that were made, both by them and for them.

Despite a grimness that seemed to coat the story, Green still manages to end the book on a hopeful note - you can feel his sincere love and care for humanity, both in the story and in real life, shining off of the pages. It is an excellent read - it preaches less than the first book, and simply invites you to feel, and reflect on what you're feeling. It's incredibly easy to picture yourself within his narrative, and I think that is precisely what he set out to do. Would highly recommend.

Content Warnings

ojreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

I was very eager to pick up this second book after finishing the first. However it was not my favorite, for me the plot felt a lot more rushed and the shifting perspectives left some gaps. Nevertheless if you have time pick up a copy to finish the wonderful story Hank Green laid out for us.

Content Warnings

theoldestbennetsister's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

What an absolute fucking ride. Thank you Hank for this story.

Content Warnings

morganperks's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

lalu's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

read for the first time in 2021
Warning: Spoilers for the first book

The Carls are gone and April is dead - but then Andy recieves "The Book of Good Times" what's written in there suggests that April is still alive... Meanwhile Peter Petrawicki (the former leader of the Defenders) founded a company named Altus which recreates the Dream.

It's a great book, but I liked AART better. I felt more invested in the fight between groups of people in the first book, than in

the fight between aliens

Also I wish I could have learned a bit more about Bex or Rob of whom we only got a tiny glimpse compared to the main characters.

Content Warnings

busyasabree's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

kettijane55's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful tense medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

More...