Take a photo of a barcode or cover
**** I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ****
Time of death: 10:22PM - 72%
First of all, this is the most gorgeous cover I've seen in a while. It really makes you want to know what it's all about.
I tried. I really did. The story started off strong for me. I loved Tenley and was intrigued by what was happening to her and why she was locked up. But then terms are being thrown at me with zero explanation. It seemed like the author thought I was IN the book and already knew the meaning of things. The world-building is confusing and not all that clear. Is this futuristic? Is this present day with minor changes? Honestly, I still don't know.
Cell phones are attached to ears? Gas is obsolete, replaced by energy charges? I guess. But you don't learn these things until later on in the story, and they're mentioned almost like an afterthought. "Oh, by the way, forgot to mention..."
So, anyway, Tenley is in an asylum. She was sent by her parents in order to choose her Everlife realm - Myriad or Troika. They are complete opposites and basically always at war; they are always working to get important people to commit to their side. Her parents want her to choose their realm, Myriad. She can't decide. Prynne Asylum is meant to be used to torture and force the choices on undecided children. Yes, that's right. The parents sign them up for this... As crazy as it sounds, this was my favorite part of the book. It's a shame it was merely a setup for the rest of this story. It's here we meet Archer and Killian. Both were sent from their respective realms to woo Tenley to their side.
I assumed this would be a love triangle. Nope. I was supposed to be all Swoony Pants over the "Irish" lad, Killian. But there's literally NOTHING exciting/special/standout about him. His character is very dull. He, IMO, lacks any personality. But Tenley feels connected, never felt this way about anyone, knows he feels it, too, BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH. On the other hand, ARCHER! So not dull. And his friends truly made the story more enjoyable. Had it been MY choice - Troika all the way.
Which brings me to my biggest issue with this book. Her choice. Well, her lack of a choice. On and on and on she goes. Wasting time. She's supposed to be this hugely important person, and can't even make a decision which shouldn't be too hard. It should be something you know and feel. Then, every time she was close to choosing, something ridiculous would happen, and again it's on the backburner. And Tenley? Started out strong and went downhill FAST. Her inner dialogue was not only annoying, but changed as the story progressed. "Bitch gonna get cut!" No. Stop it. You're not really that much of a bad ass, Indecisive Nancy.
The story just keeps repeating over and over. I'm sure there's a buildup to something. This is a series after all. But I don't want to spend anymore time finding out what it is. In the end, there probably won't be just two realms. There will be a happy medium, and the world will be at peace. YAY! But right now, I'm not sure if I plan to continue the story to find out. Maybe someday I'll go back to this and see if I'm right. For now, I'll pass.
Time of death: 10:22PM - 72%
First of all, this is the most gorgeous cover I've seen in a while. It really makes you want to know what it's all about.
I tried. I really did. The story started off strong for me. I loved Tenley and was intrigued by what was happening to her and why she was locked up. But then terms are being thrown at me with zero explanation. It seemed like the author thought I was IN the book and already knew the meaning of things. The world-building is confusing and not all that clear. Is this futuristic? Is this present day with minor changes? Honestly, I still don't know.
Cell phones are attached to ears? Gas is obsolete, replaced by energy charges? I guess. But you don't learn these things until later on in the story, and they're mentioned almost like an afterthought. "Oh, by the way, forgot to mention..."
So, anyway, Tenley is in an asylum. She was sent by her parents in order to choose her Everlife realm - Myriad or Troika. They are complete opposites and basically always at war; they are always working to get important people to commit to their side. Her parents want her to choose their realm, Myriad. She can't decide. Prynne Asylum is meant to be used to torture and force the choices on undecided children. Yes, that's right. The parents sign them up for this... As crazy as it sounds, this was my favorite part of the book. It's a shame it was merely a setup for the rest of this story. It's here we meet Archer and Killian. Both were sent from their respective realms to woo Tenley to their side.
I assumed this would be a love triangle. Nope. I was supposed to be all Swoony Pants over the "Irish" lad, Killian. But there's literally NOTHING exciting/special/standout about him. His character is very dull. He, IMO, lacks any personality. But Tenley feels connected, never felt this way about anyone, knows he feels it, too, BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH. On the other hand, ARCHER! So not dull. And his friends truly made the story more enjoyable. Had it been MY choice - Troika all the way.
Which brings me to my biggest issue with this book. Her choice. Well, her lack of a choice. On and on and on she goes. Wasting time. She's supposed to be this hugely important person, and can't even make a decision which shouldn't be too hard. It should be something you know and feel. Then, every time she was close to choosing, something ridiculous would happen, and again it's on the backburner. And Tenley? Started out strong and went downhill FAST. Her inner dialogue was not only annoying, but changed as the story progressed. "Bitch gonna get cut!" No. Stop it. You're not really that much of a bad ass, Indecisive Nancy.
The story just keeps repeating over and over. I'm sure there's a buildup to something. This is a series after all. But I don't want to spend anymore time finding out what it is. In the end, there probably won't be just two realms. There will be a happy medium, and the world will be at peace. YAY! But right now, I'm not sure if I plan to continue the story to find out. Maybe someday I'll go back to this and see if I'm right. For now, I'll pass.