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abooklikeyou's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
At the end of the day, this was an enjoyable read. It won’t be super memorable for me, but it was a good time. It reads quickly, and I think it would be good for fans of YA dystopian novels. Being in the Nightmare, at times, felt like a video game simulation.
The second half of the book felt more solid and action-packed than the first. I won’t lie, my brain was a mush of confusion for the longest time trying to figure out what the author was doing. I think I just expected a “meatier” Christian tie-in versus the slight allegorical sentiment. It wasn’t super fleshed out other than it was a battle between light and darkness and light always wins. So, I just would have liked for there have been more to it.
This is definitely a plot driven book, so if you’re a character driven reader you may not jive with this one. I also didn’t think the first half was super atmospheric but the second half was better. I did genuinely enjoy the second half a lot more than the first.
If I were a teenager or in my early 20s, I think I would have enjoyed this one more. But, a 3 star is still a good rating from me. Just nothing amazing or out of the ordinary.
The second half of the book felt more solid and action-packed than the first. I won’t lie, my brain was a mush of confusion for the longest time trying to figure out what the author was doing. I think I just expected a “meatier” Christian tie-in versus the slight allegorical sentiment. It wasn’t super fleshed out other than it was a battle between light and darkness and light always wins. So, I just would have liked for there have been more to it.
This is definitely a plot driven book, so if you’re a character driven reader you may not jive with this one. I also didn’t think the first half was super atmospheric but the second half was better. I did genuinely enjoy the second half a lot more than the first.
If I were a teenager or in my early 20s, I think I would have enjoyed this one more. But, a 3 star is still a good rating from me. Just nothing amazing or out of the ordinary.
thedanguyen's review against another edition
5.0
What an interesting story! I found myself coming back to it throughout the day, wondering how all would resolve. Nadine builds a mysterious world that captivates, and I was desperate for the end the whole time.
cosmicexplosives's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
3.25
'Twas an enjoyable read. I remember it being a little slow, and I guessed that one twist at the end. Cain's motives were belivable and I actually felt stuff for the characters for once. I wish we had other perspectives though, it would've been more interesting. Loved the actual plot tho, I love any scifi because it makes me think.
naomisowell's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely gripping from the first page! With the allegorical prose similar to C.S. Lewis, Nadine has written her most powerful story yet in my opinion. I’ve been learning a lot about the mind lately in my own personal healing journey, so the deep themes of creativity, our thoughts, God’s sovereignty, and man playing God really spoke to my soul. No matter how “dark” the story seemed, hope was ever present, and I love that. The picture of different ways to grapple with faith was really well done too! The ending was so satisfying and realistic and beautiful.
justareadingmama_charly's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
I didn't connect with something about this book. I'm not sure if it was just my current mood or if I am just not into this type of dystopian book anymore.
I also felt the heavy focus on religion at the end came out of nowhere and felt out of place because of it (coming from a Christian who enjoys Christian fiction). The ending both felt obvious (I saw the twists coming very early) and also not very wrapped up. Overall, it was just an okay read for me.
I did like the characters and the growth of the main character. Overall, it was just an okay read for me.
I also felt the heavy focus on religion at the end came out of nowhere and felt out of place because of it (coming from a Christian who enjoys Christian fiction). The ending both felt obvious (I saw the twists coming very early) and also not very wrapped up. Overall, it was just an okay read for me.
I did like the characters and the growth of the main character. Overall, it was just an okay read for me.
frostysith's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
taniathunder's review
4.0
Gadies and lentlemen…. She’s done it again. Another thoroughly enjoyable speed read for me from Nadine <3 Unique setting / concept, varied characters, incredibly creative worldbuilding.
So so different from her last three, very engaging, but also maybe her twists are becoming predictable for me?
One star off for a handful of glaring typos + I was never quite sure how the timing difference between the Real World and the Nightmare worked + the Christian elements felt a little forced and out of place.
So so different from her last three, very engaging, but also maybe her twists are becoming predictable for me?
One star off for a handful of glaring typos + I was never quite sure how the timing difference between the Real World and the Nightmare worked + the Christian elements felt a little forced and out of place.
writtenwordwanderer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
rox74's review
5.0
Brilliant. Very clevery constructed story with Christian themes, yet a story you will enjoy trying to unravel and explore. Highly recommend.