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starringsteph's Reviews (345)
4.5/5
Morgan Matson is brilliant! I knew as soon as I finished Since You've Been Gone that I would love everything and anything she wrote, (spoiler alert I was right). Amy & Roger's is such a classic yet unique young adult contemporary novel and I love it!.
Amy has a complicated past and I loved how Morgan Matson slowly reveals in in pieces as Amy accepts her past throughout the trip. Amy learns more about herself and deals with her path as the trip progresses and as the reader her past also becomes clearer. As Amy becomes more and more ready to show who she is the novel reflects that with more pieces of her past. This element was probably my favorite and it definitely built this suspense around Amy's past and what she had to learn to deal with.
One thing I really loved about this book was that Amy and Charlie weren't that close. I have a twin sister and we aren't the kind of twins you'd usually read about where we do everything together and stuff like that so I loved that this novel showed a difference. Although we aren't as seperate as Amy and Charlie the inclusion of this separation was really realistic and I brought more depth behind the characters.
Although I loved this book there was one thing that I didn't particularly feel was right. The romance. This is such a strange thing for me because I pretty much enjoy all romance even the cliche ones, but the romance and the relationship between Amy and Rodger felt impossible especially since they had only met each other for a week. Though I was glad that the ending was somewhat more realistic to the situation.
Overall, Morgan Matson did a brilliant job and this classic YA contemporary novel is a great, quick read for all!
Morgan Matson is brilliant! I knew as soon as I finished Since You've Been Gone that I would love everything and anything she wrote, (spoiler alert I was right). Amy & Roger's is such a classic yet unique young adult contemporary novel and I love it!.
Amy has a complicated past and I loved how Morgan Matson slowly reveals in in pieces as Amy accepts her past throughout the trip. Amy learns more about herself and deals with her path as the trip progresses and as the reader her past also becomes clearer. As Amy becomes more and more ready to show who she is the novel reflects that with more pieces of her past. This element was probably my favorite and it definitely built this suspense around Amy's past and what she had to learn to deal with.
One thing I really loved about this book was that Amy and Charlie weren't that close. I have a twin sister and we aren't the kind of twins you'd usually read about where we do everything together and stuff like that so I loved that this novel showed a difference. Although we aren't as seperate as Amy and Charlie the inclusion of this separation was really realistic and I brought more depth behind the characters.
Although I loved this book there was one thing that I didn't particularly feel was right. The romance. This is such a strange thing for me because I pretty much enjoy all romance even the cliche ones, but the romance and the relationship between Amy and Rodger felt impossible especially since they had only met each other for a week. Though I was glad that the ending was somewhat more realistic to the situation.
Overall, Morgan Matson did a brilliant job and this classic YA contemporary novel is a great, quick read for all!
This book was not what I expected. I went into this novel only knowing that it was a historical fiction that took place during the Ice Age. Although there were some parts that threw me off, I still found the book to be a success!
First off you may need to know that I'm not much of a history geek and every time I pick up a historical fiction I'm scared that it will be too historical. This is why when I found this novel to mainly focus on romance, I was pretty pleased. Although if you aren't much into romance or having a novel REALLY focus on romance... you may not want to pick this up because it really is 90% romance. However, the book makes up for it in other ways! (and in my case just adds on to its pros in more ways).
Ivory and Bone has amazing action alongside its romance. The perspective of the character telling the story may have a focus on romance, but the plot itself is FULL of action and multiple twists. After all, mammoths, treacherous waters, and neighboring tribes are not to be taken lightly! Although I loved nosying around in the love life of Kol, the crazy events that happen in this novel really seem like enough for me to enjoy this book!
I enjoyed this novel, but the one thing I would have to mention is that the book is written in second person. Although this is unique and interesting, as a reader, I found it hard for the first couple of chapters to get the flow going and I each "you" made my brain pause for a moment before I could continue reading. Otherwise, this book was full of great ideas and I really have to praise its unique environment and the romantic yet action-filled plot that goes along with it. There was also absolutely beautiful writing which definitely helped with the second person style.
After finishing this book I read the synopsis (lol yea sort of backwards..) and found that it had allusions to Pride and Prejudice, which is strikingly obvious now that I look back. I think I didn't realize mostly because of the fact that in this case there were some twists like how the boys were in search of marriage and twists like that. Now that I look back I have to admire this book even more for these allusions and it definitely makes me look at this novel in a whole new perspective!
First off you may need to know that I'm not much of a history geek and every time I pick up a historical fiction I'm scared that it will be too historical. This is why when I found this novel to mainly focus on romance, I was pretty pleased. Although if you aren't much into romance or having a novel REALLY focus on romance... you may not want to pick this up because it really is 90% romance. However, the book makes up for it in other ways! (and in my case just adds on to its pros in more ways).
Ivory and Bone has amazing action alongside its romance. The perspective of the character telling the story may have a focus on romance, but the plot itself is FULL of action and multiple twists. After all, mammoths, treacherous waters, and neighboring tribes are not to be taken lightly! Although I loved nosying around in the love life of Kol, the crazy events that happen in this novel really seem like enough for me to enjoy this book!
I enjoyed this novel, but the one thing I would have to mention is that the book is written in second person. Although this is unique and interesting, as a reader, I found it hard for the first couple of chapters to get the flow going and I each "you" made my brain pause for a moment before I could continue reading. Otherwise, this book was full of great ideas and I really have to praise its unique environment and the romantic yet action-filled plot that goes along with it. There was also absolutely beautiful writing which definitely helped with the second person style.
After finishing this book I read the synopsis (lol yea sort of backwards..) and found that it had allusions to Pride and Prejudice, which is strikingly obvious now that I look back. I think I didn't realize mostly because of the fact that in this case there were some twists like how the boys were in search of marriage and twists like that. Now that I look back I have to admire this book even more for these allusions and it definitely makes me look at this novel in a whole new perspective!
There were things I enjoyed about this book, but there were also a few flaws that caught my attention. However I have to say I was hoping for something that I would love as much at The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and unfortunately I don't think this novel was as strong.
Pros:
There was a POC.
The novel was a quick and easy read.
The idea and the family tree was interesting.
Cons:
The change between characters was VERY confusing and when you finally got it the book was over.
I felt like the ending was too abrupt.
There was the idea of "boys will be boys".
I was intrigued by the families and how they got around each other. Ray acted like an average guy, but at times it was just inappropriate? Ray and Sasha may not be related and at time they were definitely cute, but other times it felt somewhat incestuous?? I actually supported them for the majority of the time, until the end of the book where there relationship, family-wise, was much too close for them to like each other anymore.
This novel was definitely an intriguing read that I'm glad I picked up to experience its interesting setting. Although it was not the ultimate novel and it can be slightly unfair to compare this back to the classic The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, it did fall a bit short of my expectations, though I would still recommend others to give this book a try!
Pros:
There was a POC.
The novel was a quick and easy read.
The idea and the family tree was interesting.
Cons:
The change between characters was VERY confusing and when you finally got it the book was over.
I felt like the ending was too abrupt.
There was the idea of "boys will be boys".
I was intrigued by the families and how they got around each other. Ray acted like an average guy, but at times it was just inappropriate? Ray and Sasha may not be related and at time they were definitely cute, but other times it felt somewhat incestuous?? I actually supported them for the majority of the time, until the end of the book where there relationship, family-wise, was much too close for them to like each other anymore.
This novel was definitely an intriguing read that I'm glad I picked up to experience its interesting setting. Although it was not the ultimate novel and it can be slightly unfair to compare this back to the classic The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, it did fall a bit short of my expectations, though I would still recommend others to give this book a try!
This book will make you feel something. This is not the first book I've read by V.E. Schwab and this book has made sure it will never be the last. Vicious may seem like some typical YA fantasy novel BUT IT IS NOT. (it's hiding all the secret gooey good stuff inside don't fall for it!).
My favorite part of this novel was it's incredibly full (as in they have so much background and personality) characters. The characters are not good or bad and l love that because unlike so many other YA characters there is uncertainity instead of that blind love for a character. They aren't pure. Here's why I love them and the "good" I would rate them as. (5 being an angel):
Victor - ★★★☆☆
He is AMAZING at black out poetry. ( a little bonus )
He has a quick wit and uncanny intuition.
Something about him draws you no matter how much he pushes away.
I shouldn't, but I know if we met on good terms I would trust him.
He is dedicated and passionate (which can be good and bad...)
Eli - ★★☆☆☆
Good intentions
He would have been that one guy that was both smart, popular, and KIND
Wanted to make a change (good and bad)
Mitch - ★★★★☆
No spoilers, but I really did think he was the kindest character in this entire novel.
I don't want to rate anymore due to possible spoilers, but this book truly has some of the most complicated characters. In fact, this book reminded me a lot of The Young Elites (though I guess it should be flipped due to the publication dates...). So, if you liked TYE you would enjoy Vicious. Similarly to TYE the whole hero and villian roles are completely changed. They depend on the perspective and this book REALLY shows you that constantly throughout the story.
This book's format was also intriguing. The time line wasn't set straight. We catch glimpses of the past and the present and this really helped make the book such a mysterious read! (though when I tried to explain this book it was a bit harder). The writing was also FANTABULOUS. V.E. Schwab is one heck of an author and she deserves all the praise and more!
This book may be a YA fiction novel, but it brought with it some amazing life advice (while forcing me to question my morals).
My favorite part of this novel was it's incredibly full (as in they have so much background and personality) characters. The characters are not good or bad and l love that because unlike so many other YA characters there is uncertainity instead of that blind love for a character. They aren't pure. Here's why I love them and the "good" I would rate them as. (5 being an angel):
Victor - ★★★☆☆
He is AMAZING at black out poetry. ( a little bonus )
He has a quick wit and uncanny intuition.
Something about him draws you no matter how much he pushes away.
I shouldn't, but I know if we met on good terms I would trust him.
He is dedicated and passionate (which can be good and bad...)
Eli - ★★☆☆☆
Good intentions
He would have been that one guy that was both smart, popular, and KIND
Wanted to make a change (good and bad)
Mitch - ★★★★☆
No spoilers, but I really did think he was the kindest character in this entire novel.
I don't want to rate anymore due to possible spoilers, but this book truly has some of the most complicated characters. In fact, this book reminded me a lot of The Young Elites (though I guess it should be flipped due to the publication dates...). So, if you liked TYE you would enjoy Vicious. Similarly to TYE the whole hero and villian roles are completely changed. They depend on the perspective and this book REALLY shows you that constantly throughout the story.
This book's format was also intriguing. The time line wasn't set straight. We catch glimpses of the past and the present and this really helped make the book such a mysterious read! (though when I tried to explain this book it was a bit harder). The writing was also FANTABULOUS. V.E. Schwab is one heck of an author and she deserves all the praise and more!
This book may be a YA fiction novel, but it brought with it some amazing life advice (while forcing me to question my morals).
Silly, silly me. I went into this novel with some silly notion that Wink, Poppy, and Midnight were some cackling witches and that this was a fantasy novel. ... I was very wrong
Wink, Poppy, Midnight is more of a thriller/contemporary which is quite short and can definitely be read through quickly. So, you might be thinking, if Wink, Poppy, and Midnight aren't some magical witches ... who are they? Without any spoilers let me give a quick, vague run down:
Wink
The witchiest of them all
reminds me of a darker Luna Lovegood
Poppy
that popular girl
a bit snobby, but definitely a romantic at heart
Midnight
gullible
lost and learning about himself
Now the plot of this book was something I didn't expect (due to my wrong assumption about this book), but it was predictable once I had a grasp on the situation. Warning: I am not good with anything creepy. This book definitely gave me some chills, but overall I don't think I'll spend sleepless nights freaked out about it. However, the ending did upset my brains for a good hour or two.
This book is written in the three perspectives of Wink, Poppy, and Midnight and their extremely different minds leaves admiring April Genevieve Tucholke so much. Although I understand that these perspectives are from the perspective of teens, I did feel like they were incredibly immature or simply stupid at certain points where they should have done something but didn't. (how much more vague can I get lol). However, even with the immaturity, the story was able to have depth and I appreciated that.
Wink, Poppy, Midnight is the perfect read for someone in search of something quick, mysterious, and slightly romance-y. let's pretend that word exists ... cool
Wink, Poppy, Midnight is more of a thriller/contemporary which is quite short and can definitely be read through quickly. So, you might be thinking, if Wink, Poppy, and Midnight aren't some magical witches ... who are they? Without any spoilers let me give a quick, vague run down:
Wink
The witchiest of them all
reminds me of a darker Luna Lovegood
Poppy
that popular girl
a bit snobby, but definitely a romantic at heart
Midnight
gullible
lost and learning about himself
Now the plot of this book was something I didn't expect (due to my wrong assumption about this book), but it was predictable once I had a grasp on the situation. Warning: I am not good with anything creepy. This book definitely gave me some chills, but overall I don't think I'll spend sleepless nights freaked out about it. However, the ending did upset my brains for a good hour or two.
This book is written in the three perspectives of Wink, Poppy, and Midnight and their extremely different minds leaves admiring April Genevieve Tucholke so much. Although I understand that these perspectives are from the perspective of teens, I did feel like they were incredibly immature or simply stupid at certain points where they should have done something but didn't. (how much more vague can I get lol). However, even with the immaturity, the story was able to have depth and I appreciated that.
Wink, Poppy, Midnight is the perfect read for someone in search of something quick, mysterious, and slightly romance-y. let's pretend that word exists ... cool
Every CoHo book that I have read so far has made me cry and knocked out all the air from my lungs and my brain doesn't work for a good day or so after. This book was no exception. Let's start at the best place to start, the beginning.
When I started this book I have to say that I almost felt a strong sense of disappointment. This novel seemed to be much to cliche for Colleen Hoover and although I enjoyed it, I soon would be hit with the true depth of this novel. However, I won't touch on any spoilers and when I do you will be readily warned so don't be scared to continue reading!
This book started as what I innocently believed to be a cliche, contemporary, new adult, romance novel. As you can probably tell from the synopsis there seems to be some sort of love triangle, BUT WAIT. It's NOT what you think. This is not your ordinary love triangle and I would still urge you to pick up this book despite that fact.
The main character, Lily, is women I would strive to be like.
* SPOILER ALERT *
Turn back now if you want to remain spoiler free! This book went completely past my expectations. It Ends With Us covered such a unspoken side to abusive relationships that I truly believe everyone should read. It breaks the stigma that leaving an abusive relationship is easy. I truly am inspired and strengthened by the words, thoughts, and actions of Lily throughout the novel.
The ideas of this novel are ideas I will carry with me forever and ideas that have reshaped me and even served some sort of protection if I ever have to face this situation, whether it be myself or someone I know, because unfortunately so many women go through this quietly and this book really gives them some sort of voice. Although it is still a fictional novel Colleen's words in her note at the end has really inspired me and I would be so honored if I could ever meet her one day because both her and her mother have taught me such an important lesson and gave me a new perspective on the entire issue.
I know I'm avoiding how I usually review a book (it's plot, characters, etc.) but this is one book where those parts matter much less than the purpose itself. This is why I really urge anyone and everyone to pick up It Ends With Us, because it will truly make an impact on your life.
PS: if you have finished the book go back and read the dedication! (it broke my heart)
When I started this book I have to say that I almost felt a strong sense of disappointment. This novel seemed to be much to cliche for Colleen Hoover and although I enjoyed it, I soon would be hit with the true depth of this novel. However, I won't touch on any spoilers and when I do you will be readily warned so don't be scared to continue reading!
This book started as what I innocently believed to be a cliche, contemporary, new adult, romance novel. As you can probably tell from the synopsis there seems to be some sort of love triangle, BUT WAIT. It's NOT what you think. This is not your ordinary love triangle and I would still urge you to pick up this book despite that fact.
The main character, Lily, is women I would strive to be like.
* SPOILER ALERT *
Turn back now if you want to remain spoiler free! This book went completely past my expectations. It Ends With Us covered such a unspoken side to abusive relationships that I truly believe everyone should read. It breaks the stigma that leaving an abusive relationship is easy. I truly am inspired and strengthened by the words, thoughts, and actions of Lily throughout the novel.
The ideas of this novel are ideas I will carry with me forever and ideas that have reshaped me and even served some sort of protection if I ever have to face this situation, whether it be myself or someone I know, because unfortunately so many women go through this quietly and this book really gives them some sort of voice. Although it is still a fictional novel Colleen's words in her note at the end has really inspired me and I would be so honored if I could ever meet her one day because both her and her mother have taught me such an important lesson and gave me a new perspective on the entire issue.
I know I'm avoiding how I usually review a book (it's plot, characters, etc.) but this is one book where those parts matter much less than the purpose itself. This is why I really urge anyone and everyone to pick up It Ends With Us, because it will truly make an impact on your life.
PS: if you have finished the book go back and read the dedication! (it broke my heart)
THIS BOOK CAN TAKE MY SOUL. Since picking up A Darker Shade of Magic, my life has never been the same and I still can't quite believe this series is over. (If you have not read this series or have only read the first novel, go and check out my reviews forA Darker Shade of Magic andA Gathering of Shadows to catch up and avoid spoilers!)
Quick tip! I would highly recommend anyone who has not read ADSOM or AGOS recently to reread them, as it took me quite a few chapters to remember everyone and everything that was going on.
Lila Bard. She was all I needed to become SO excited to read this novel. As usual, Lila was her usual Lila self and I can't help loving her character even more after this novel. Lila is such an empowering female character full of interesting traits that we, as readers, learn to love. She also has her flaws, but that only makes her that much more amazing.
As always, Schwab has created such a fantastic, adventurous, and gripping plot. So much happened in this novel and my heart was constantly on edge, but I couldn't help it but to keep on going. Her writing is absolutely beautiful and page turning.
Kell, Lila, Alucard, Rhy, and Holland are all characters I will never forget. In this novel you will get to meet and unfortunately, lose, many characters that touch your heart. However, as much as I wish this series could go on and on forever, V.E. Schwab blew my mind with this last novel and left me content (though I would say no to more!).
Not much of a spoiler, but for those who have read this novel, please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks that if Osaron had a science fiction counterpart it would be like that in Illuminae!!
Now what are you waiting for! Go change your life and pick up this book!
Quick tip! I would highly recommend anyone who has not read ADSOM or AGOS recently to reread them, as it took me quite a few chapters to remember everyone and everything that was going on.
Lila Bard. She was all I needed to become SO excited to read this novel. As usual, Lila was her usual Lila self and I can't help loving her character even more after this novel. Lila is such an empowering female character full of interesting traits that we, as readers, learn to love. She also has her flaws, but that only makes her that much more amazing.
As always, Schwab has created such a fantastic, adventurous, and gripping plot. So much happened in this novel and my heart was constantly on edge, but I couldn't help it but to keep on going. Her writing is absolutely beautiful and page turning.
Kell, Lila, Alucard, Rhy, and Holland are all characters I will never forget. In this novel you will get to meet and unfortunately, lose, many characters that touch your heart. However, as much as I wish this series could go on and on forever, V.E. Schwab blew my mind with this last novel and left me content (though I would say no to more!).
Not much of a spoiler, but for those who have read this novel, please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks that if Osaron had a science fiction counterpart it would be like that in Illuminae!!
Now what are you waiting for! Go change your life and pick up this book!
When I first received this book I was STOKED. Inked (the first novel) was an absolute amazing novel and I was incredibly excited to see what was going to happen next!
Reading this novel however, I found both good and bad surprises. Starting with the bad news, I found that I preferred the first novel to Branded. Inked was full of world building and although Branded introduces some new characters I didn't feel like enough of the world was developed for the reader. This sucked because the settings sounded cool, but there could be so many interesting details. I also found that this novel would fare much better as a movie. Lots of pieces felt awkward and only included one perspective. If Branded became a movie I feel like it would be incredibly interesting for not only the plot, but also by providing those extra details about the landscape. Due to this it took me awhile to get through this novels, and even longer due to finals and other events.
Despite its setbacks, Branded also brought in a lot of aspects that I did really enjoy. For instance, I really enjoyed the twists that this story had. As an avid book predictor, I found this novel to really surprise me along the way! I'm also still in love with the concept of magical tattoos. Overall the concept was still fun and I did like Flycker as a character and those were what was really keeping me reading. However, the romance was also bittersweet. His romance was Dreya was obvious from Inked and was still as sweet as ever, but this novel really took a turn and (no spoilers), but I definitely did not agree with how the romance took a turn in this novel.
Reading this novel however, I found both good and bad surprises. Starting with the bad news, I found that I preferred the first novel to Branded. Inked was full of world building and although Branded introduces some new characters I didn't feel like enough of the world was developed for the reader. This sucked because the settings sounded cool, but there could be so many interesting details. I also found that this novel would fare much better as a movie. Lots of pieces felt awkward and only included one perspective. If Branded became a movie I feel like it would be incredibly interesting for not only the plot, but also by providing those extra details about the landscape. Due to this it took me awhile to get through this novels, and even longer due to finals and other events.
Despite its setbacks, Branded also brought in a lot of aspects that I did really enjoy. For instance, I really enjoyed the twists that this story had. As an avid book predictor, I found this novel to really surprise me along the way! I'm also still in love with the concept of magical tattoos. Overall the concept was still fun and I did like Flycker as a character and those were what was really keeping me reading. However, the romance was also bittersweet. His romance was Dreya was obvious from Inked and was still as sweet as ever, but this novel really took a turn and (no spoilers), but I definitely did not agree with how the romance took a turn in this novel.
I am so happy I finally picked up this novel. I saw it everywhere for a while on bookstagram but I never actually picked it up. Now that I have, I can see what the hype was for! I went into this novel pretty blind, but it was super easy to get into and I could not stop. Let me explain why.
I just loved Nemesis as a character. Why?
She is FIERCE and STRONG.
She is relatable? (I know she's a diabolic, but still)
Her feelings are beautiful and complicated
She is a bit of an antihero and I love it.
* One thing that I didn't like about Nemesis, but also couldn't really blame her for was her constant martyr complex UGH. Anyways moving on.
This world itself is a unique blend of fantasy and science fiction. I've been seeing more of this blend more recently and I like it! Although I'll probably always love my fantasy worlds, it's interesting to see worlds of sci-fi mixed with some magic! However, the way this entire setting is made and the cool details is just amazing and mindblowing and that alone is something that everyone needs to read about.
Although I loved the plot line, I have to say that some things were very predictable for me. Tyrus' character was transparent from the first moment he is introduced. However, there were still plenty of other plot twists I never saw coming so I still found myself flipping through pages furiously.
Why you should pick up The Diabolic:
Nemesis (trust me)
Constant adventure and drama
Love
Cool space lifestyles
There's a "dog" (come on this is the only reason you need!)
Time for me to pick up the next book in the series!
I just loved Nemesis as a character. Why?
She is FIERCE and STRONG.
She is relatable? (I know she's a diabolic, but still)
Her feelings are beautiful and complicated
She is a bit of an antihero and I love it.
* One thing that I didn't like about Nemesis, but also couldn't really blame her for was her constant martyr complex UGH. Anyways moving on.
This world itself is a unique blend of fantasy and science fiction. I've been seeing more of this blend more recently and I like it! Although I'll probably always love my fantasy worlds, it's interesting to see worlds of sci-fi mixed with some magic! However, the way this entire setting is made and the cool details is just amazing and mindblowing and that alone is something that everyone needs to read about.
Although I loved the plot line, I have to say that some things were very predictable for me. Tyrus' character was transparent from the first moment he is introduced. However, there were still plenty of other plot twists I never saw coming so I still found myself flipping through pages furiously.
Why you should pick up The Diabolic:
Nemesis (trust me)
Constant adventure and drama
Love
Cool space lifestyles
There's a "dog" (come on this is the only reason you need!)
Time for me to pick up the next book in the series!