Sandra
The first time I read this book was back in 2008. I was in 8th grade. I hated reading because every book that I ever picked up was not my style/cup of tea. Then one day I saw this little book on my teacher's bookshelf and asked if I could read it. That day was the day I fell in love with reading. This book is unique with a little hint of W.I.T.C.H. elements in there. Ever since 2008, I have been looking for similar books like this. Yet, I have not found any.
I just finished rereading it in 2023, over a decade later. One of the oldest books on my shelf.
Update 2024:
I still do not know how I'm supposed to feel about Crank.
But... In my opinion I feel as though It's a powerful book for older middle schoolers/high schoolers to read. This book is one of few books that have touched upon heavy topics relating to teens in a way that they could relate too.
As for me, i think my biggest issue I have with these books is the fact I hate the formatting of them. It annoys me and waste paper.
Was I captivated by this book? No, and the reason for that is my personal experience (witnessing and living with) with someone on “crank”.
Older review:
When I was a teenager this book was popular because it just came out. I have attempted to read it many times and each time it has failed to captivate me. I always felt like I had read a different book than the ones that loved it.
sigh
I don't know.
I have read this book a few times since being out of school. I personally cannot get into this book. When I was first introduced to holes in middle school I did not like it. An I always thought it was me being forced to read it, but that was not the case. I just find this book personally boring an dull. It does have scene of excitement but I think for me it wasn't enough excitement. But there is an audience for this book, it is just not me.
After seeing that this is blatantly plagiarized. I can not support it.
I'm just a reader but if I wrote a book and spent enormous amounts of time, energy, and even money. Just to have my book be plagiarized. I would be lived.
I'm flabbergasted. I also do not understand that “why” aspect.
Why would you do that? Did one think they can get away with it?
Like... Come on...
It is common knowledge that everyone learns in Elementary/Middle/High school not to cheat by copying someone else's work.
We also learned to cite others if we use a few ideas, but downright plagiarizing (word-for-word) is just... (I do not even know what to say because I am that disappointed).
I get dark romance books, I even read dark romance books. However, there is a very find line between dark romance and t0rt*re p**n.
The trigger warning that I found on the author website does not truly reflect the contents of this book.
This review is based COMPLETELY on the book itself and nothing else
So, I provided a critical review and it gets removed?Mmm okay. That action shows me that reviewers can not provide honest reviews. The Crystal Keepers still needs an editor to fix all the issues within the book. In Chapter 1, Rain of Stars, the first issue that I came across is the usage of an ellipsis after the word "expected". I do not understand why it is used because an ellipsis is used when there is an omission from speech or writing of a word or words that are superfluous or able to be understood from contextual clues. However, if one reads the first chapter the usage of the ellipsis is wrong. Now, one would assume that it's used to create an extended pause before the Farmer speaks again to create the "lost in thought" feel but we do not have enough contextual clues.It feels unnecessary and forced due to there are only three lines of conversation. before the ellipsis.Another issue I have is this quote "he could see a valley of tall mountains and snowy peaks, the land carved into sections by toothy rocks and plates stabbing up from the skin of the Earth's crust" but... I will digress here."This world was etched upon a land that had fallen dark. Stars shone down from a palette of blackness above, swimming in the smoky light of nebulas - clouds of green and blue mist that coiled above like a splash of paint in the sky".The world-building so far that has happened is 100% clunky and harsh to read. However, it is not bad, but not good. One does not know how to feel yet because it is only the start of the book.Another example to show you what I mean. The quote "to listen to crickets chirp..." needs to be reworded because there is something about it that is just... Rough.The other issue that I have throughout this whole book is the repetition of words. For example, the words air, wind, blue, and other colors of the rainbow are overused. Now, sometimes the reader does get a different description word but that too gets overused and/or intertwined with the past descriptor words. When it comes to the description of Characters some aspects make sense but other aspects do not. However, the reader will experience loads of simple grammatical issues that should have been addressed before being given the "okay". I did a full review on my blog account because I knew... That review that I did back in 2023 took me 7 days to do because it was in-depth and most of it was talking about the grammatical, spelling, syntax, plot, and character issues. When I say there is a lot, I mean there is a lot.Anyway, like I said in the original review this is not a book but there are also major issues within the book that hinder the potential of this book.The idea is good but the way it was handled ruins it.
Date:September 4th, 2022
Started reading it today and got to page 90. Wow, there is a lot going on. Although, I am happy to see Robin make friends. The whole situation with the poker and taking about how his blood is x, y, and z bothered me. His adopter is cold and vile.
Date: April 6th, 2022
Patiently waiting
Date: 8/16/2022
One week, ONE week left until it is released to the public. Granted my copy will probably be a week late because that happens in my life.
Date: 8/22/2022
Tomorrow is release day and I am excited. I can not wait to get my hands on Babel and read it. Do not let me down.