Natália
“Anyway, it doesn't matter where we go, because I just want to be whenever you are.”
- DNF at 25% -
I really tried to go on with this book, mainly because there were some plotlines I was interested in - the mystery of why she died, why she haunts that spot, among others. There were some paranormal aspects of it I enjoyed, but the pace was really slow and it focused so much on the romance that everything that was interesting about it was pushed aside. And the instalove aspect was just a major ‘no no' for me. I mean, the male protagonist finds out he is ‘dating' a ghost and he's totally ok with it almost immediately. This was not for me, so I won't be continuing with it.
All truths come down to love, do they not? One way or another, they do.
DNF at 22% - actual rating: 2.5 stars
I don't know, I just couldn't care to continue with the book (or the series, for that matter). The entire thing felt a lot like Vampire Academy, and Alex sounded exactly like a more stubborn and childish Rose Hathaway, with the difference that Rose is loyal and fierce and there's the whole Moroi court politics going on and there's the bond with Lissa. The world building of the Vampire Academy series is better and the secondary characters are interesting and have good story lines as well. That doesn't happen here. Although the writing is fluid and is an easy book to read, I felt myself putting it aside more and more and every time I picked it up I felt like I've read that before - so, obviously, everything became too predictable. So, moving on to more interesting books.
“Every minute you spend with someone gives them a part of your life and takes part of theirs.”
DNF at 60%
I was actually curious about this book and overall I was enjoying it - the author managed to create a believable futuristic society, with its rules and culture and it was interesting how some choices are taken from us without us even realizing it. I liked Cassia as the main character, she's empathic and kind and poetic and I was curious to see her development through the book - from good, obeying girl to kind of defying the rules and I wanted to know more about how the story was going to evolve and grow from there...but it was taking SO LONG. Half of the book is Cassia going through her daily life, slowly realizing there's something wrong with this system they live in, and that there may be more to life and love than what the Society imposes.
Nothing really happened except her suspecting things and falling in love with someone who was not her Match (which kinda blew the love triangle aspect of the book, since it was pretty obvious who she was going to choose and end up with), and I stopped at 60%. It's a bad thing for a novel, because it spells a rushed ending, with a lot going on at the same time and not enough development for it. I just couldn't stay and wait for it, because I don't know how long it would take, or if it would happen at all. At one point, I was a bit bored while reading, because there was nothing really going on. So, I DNF this and won't be returning to it or will be reading the trilogy.
Sarah Andersen has done it again. She manages to make each reader identifies itself in each of her comic stripes and laugh out loud while doing it. She also treats subjects like online hatred and bullying with good humor and sarcasm and still convey a message. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these books and I hope she keeps creating her strips and releasing them for a long long time. They are a joy to read and re-read whenever the day is gloomy.
This was very cute and funny and light, but I had the same issues as I did in the previous short stories. Lily showed a different side, a softer one here, but I still find her very entitled and mean. I didn't remember much from the new characters, especially J.P, but there's something there, I think. Overall, I enjoyed this a bit more, but I still felt like I couldn't connect as much with Mia and her issues.
“Fate, I think, is a thief.”
DNF at 30%
Ok, so this was promising. The writing was fluid and I was interested in see where it was going, possibly learn about the virus and what happened to this world where our MC lives...but 100 or so pages in, I could realize it's the least of the author's concern. Clearly the main issue here will be the romance (everything pointing towards a love triangle) and our MC debating lovexsecurityxfreedom. And while there were interesting things in these 100+ pages I've read so far that could motivate me to follow through at least till the end of the book, after a 1/4 of the way in, I couldn't connect with our protagonist as well as any other characters, wasn't convinced by the world created and couldn't see the chemistry between what was being developed as the main couple. Had potential, but I'm not waiting around for another book or two to see if it will pay off.
“What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours?
DNF at page 115.
I just couldn't keep going. There was nothing in this book that holded my attention or made me want to keep reading. From the start it's obvious the path that the story is taking and it honestly didn't interested me. Luce is the kind of YA character I dislike, and she is annoying and indecisive and just exasperating and with zero self-confidence or self-respect. The other characters are equally problematic and one dimensional. No. Just no. I have plenty of unread books on my shelf to keep suffering through a book I couldn't enjoy after almost halfway through it.
“I hate feeling like I don't belong.”
DNF at 52%
Ugh, no. Absolutely not. How can someone enjoy this book and validate this kind of relationship? Find it romantic, even? Or, even worse, want one just like it? I couldn't even finish this book, let alone the series. Ella is such a promising character - she's driven, speaks her mind, is hard working and wants to do well based on her efforts, and I enjoy her outspoken and smartass personality. But the constant groveling after a guy who is constantly hurting her, spreading false rumors and belittling her at every turn, who is an obvious ass at all times (no matter how ‘broken' the author wants us to believe he is, that's no excuse for the awful human being he and all his siblings are), just threw all the possible character development she could've had. The story isn't even all the interesting, there are some cliché tropes and plot points, as well as some really unnecessary scenes in between. I don't even have to say I absolutely hated all the Royal kids. They're all horrible and I really can't understand why they have this ‘feud' with their father. And I honestly couldn't be bothered to continue on and find out. The only reason why I'm giving it 2 stars (and I'm being generous) it's because of Ella and the writing style, which is immersive and easy to read. Even though I was not enjoying it, the writing was so fluid I realized I've reached halfway through only when I stopped for the night. Still, I'm glad to be rid of this entire series and never think of it again.
This was just a no-no to me. The plot circles around itself till halfway through, the FMC is hated for absolutely no reason even though all she does is try to save everyone all the time, the characters are not only unremarkable but generic....and I could go on, but I think that's reason enough.
DNF at 43%
At first, I was really interested in the magic, the historical aspect...but almost 50% in, and nothing actually happens except our MC working magic and being fascinated by the nobility, playing cards in Versailles, and mooning over a boy.
I couldn't connect with the protagonist or any of the side characters and, at one point, I realized I wasn't particularly excited to pick the book up to continue with the story.
DNF at 35%.
I don't generally DNF a book, I always try to push my way till the end no matter how horrible I think it is, but I can't go on with this.
I would give half a star if it was available. No depth to the characters, they all seem just too plain and change their minds at the drop of a hat, the main character is this awkward kid who is supposed to have a mysterious past and be this shy, anxious teenager, but in reality comes across as an jealous ass all the time, the dialogues are awkward at best and the writing is cringy worth. No, just NO. Obviously not continuing with the series.
“Harsh winds, rough seas, still hearts.”
Hector wasn't a very explored character in the first novel of the series so I was very curious about this short story, since he would be the focus. And I absolutely loved it, he's a very interesting and lovable character, he is so loyal and just and honest and brave! And I really liked learning his background, how he came to be the Captain of The Guard. This story also has some very important revelations for the main plot of the series, revealing some characters background, introducing others I think will make a reappearance later on and so on. I finished this little tale very excited for the next book in the trilogy and can't wait to see more of Hector and some other characters!
“It's been my observation" I said, “that you humans are more than the sum of your history. You can choose how much of your ancestry to embrace. You can overcome the expectations of your family and your society. What you cannot do, and should never do, is try to be someone other than yourself–Piper McLean.”
I feel like I've been run over by a truck. What a ride! I haven't read a Riordan book this intense and dark and sad since The Last Olympian. This series is turning out to be more complex and heart-wrenching than I though, although it mantains a lighter, funny tone because Apollo is such a hilarious character. I'm loving his deveolpment throught the books - from the arrogant, self-centered and coward god (which he still is a little and it makes him this vibrant, light character despite the things that are happening), to a more emphatic and, well, human protagonist. Apollo is a good person at heart, but as a god, he's used to being obeyed and having other doing things for him. He's the center of attention and he doesn't always value others - this experience as a mortal is humbling him and he's becoming more and more a hero on it's own, godlike powers or no. I don't like how other characters are still underestimating him or being condescendent towards him, especially since he changed so much already.
I love the new cast of characters, even the secundary ones, and how were revisiting old characters and giving them new roles in this universe. And rewriting mythology really is Riordan's thing, and I like how he twists the greek/roman myths and history into something new. I also learned a lot during this series, because there's a ton of more ‘obscure' mythology that he is using here.
As always, Riordan's writing is just delicious to read - he's humorous and light, and the darker scenes have a great impact because he writes things very vividly. I devoured this in one day and a half. The entire book is fast paced and things happening and the last half got me on the edge of my seat. There's a few scenes that led me to actual tears and I can't believe Rick would actually go there, but he did and in a sense it's good (BUT I'M STILL MAD).
Now that everything is gearing up to the finale, I'm excited for the next book (and scared at the same time).
My favorite arc is finally here! This takes the entire plot to the next level - the stakes have never been higher and the whole universe is at stake. Will Sailor Moon and her friends be able to save the Milk Way? I love Galaxia as a villain and the connections between this arc and the previous one. There are some interesting information regarding the senshi from other parts of the galaxy as well (which leads us to some interesting bits about Luna, Artemis and Diana, as well as Phobos & Deimon, Rey's “crows”). I just love the Starlights and Kakyuu-hime, and Chibi-Chibi is adorable. Usagi has to go through a lot here, but I love that she owns up to being Eternal Sailor Moon and the bearer of the Silver Crystal. She's more focused by the end of this installment, not so relying on her friends/Mamoru, and I really like her development. Now onto the final mangá!
“In the same way that the best lies have an element of truth, maybe evil is made all the more powerful when it is accompanied by the startling presence of grace.”
I love how strong the women in the world are, and how their story tie-up. I don't remember much of Mara in the main series, but I'm hoping she will play a bigger role because I loved her character. As much as I enjoyed seeing more of the world-building and the effect the Invierne attacks have on the people and survival stories are always very emotional, I don't know what this brings to the table concerning the greater plot. I guess I'll have to wait and see, but even if it doesn't, I still loved it.
Era um livro com um plot excelente, a maiora dos personagens tem potencial, mas dois personagens irritantes, um insta-love do nada e uma história que não anda por nada minguaram minha vontade de continuar.
I just finished re-reading this again and EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. it blows my mind. This is undoubtedly the BEST Agatha Christie book ever. It's clever and unusual. It doesn't rely on Christie's famous detectives to carry the story and the answer is clever, yet not unbeliavable. Also, the clues are on the details and on a sleight of words. Just brilliant. Everyone who likes murder mysteries should start this masterpiece right now. If I could give it a thousand stars, I would.
DNF AT 71%
I just couldn't stand this second half of the novel anymore. The only characters I still care about are Amy and Beth. The first part was sweet, though all the ‘moral lessons' and ‘you shouldn't aspire to be more so keep your head down and accept your fate' thing was really annoying me. But in the second half, it seemed as if all the characters suffered this personality transplant and I just couldn't keep reading. Ambicious Amy and sweet Beth were the only ones still consistent. But, honestly, I can't bring myself to read about the rest just to get to their endings (especially because I already know). So I'm dropping this.
"Reading can only take you so far, up to the moment where you must take action with your own hands."
This novella is set before the actual first novel and explores one of the characters we've seen only briefly in the beginning and gives depth to her character, to her relationship with Elisa and expand the world Rae Carson created by developing more of Elisa's home-kingdom. This is hopefully a sign we'll see more of it in the next installments of the trilogy, and I'm excited to have Alodia, the main character here and Elisa's sister, interact with her now more mature, confident and queenly sister. And I can't wait to see how she fared after the events of book one.
Ok, so...I think the main issue I had with this book was the writing. All that classy english prose, not only on dialogues but also on the descriptions....it became stuffy and boring. Also, I just felt no attachment to Veronica as an MC, the woman doesn't express emotions, she is just matter of fact about EVERYTHING. The dynamic between Stoker & Speedwell was also lacking. This kind of dynamic duo with lots of bantering is usually my cup of tea, but since I couldn't feel any special attachment to Veronica, I just didn't care one bit about a possible friend/partner/romantic interest.
A escrita estava me irritando, o fato de ser uma fanfic Reylo estava tão escancarada que eu simplesmente já não aguentava mais.
DNF at 20%
That was a major NO to me, unfortunately. I was really hoping for a good, interesting and inventive Alice in Wonderland retelling. The idea of this book was great, but it was poorly executed - yes, the writing was compelling and easy, but the way the author portrayed mental illness and stigmatized it (I mean, PADDED CELLS? Really? The way Ali's mom was treated took me back to the 1900's. The portrayal of mental health facilities and care was just absurd and hurtful, especially since it's a book for young readers.), the awful cliché tropes (the emo girl with ZERO female friends because they are all jealous of her and they compete on everything, especially boys, the romance with a compromised popular boy, etc) and the very unsurprising direction the plot was taking were more than I could take. Also, one of the main romantic leads is a problematic alpha male who seems to think he owns Ali, and he alone knows what's best for her. He is pushy and annoying.
Although I did enjoy the main lead, she's opinionated, sarcastic and smart, she was a bit too naive and childish at times. Especially when Jeb was concerned (she mainly just blushed and swooned). I'm not going through this series or even this book. I have a lot on my TBR to be held back by a read I already know I won't enjoy.
“There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness, and truth.”
I'm counting it a victory that I managed to get to Book 2, Tome II. That's about 30% and 400 pages in. But it's as far as I'll go with this one. Sorry to the fans, I just don't see the appeal, I can't get into the story, can't bring myself to care for the characters (almost all of them are TERRIBLE or outright tools) - all I felt for them was contempt and irritation. The book is ABSURDLY slow, nothing at all happens for pages and pages and when it does, it's overly descriptive and overly contextualized battle scenes or society ‘games'. I might watch the movie with Audrey Hepburn, because I love her, and maybe the new miniseries, just because I want to see the famous Andrei x Natasha romance (though I absolutely hate Andrei's indecisive character) and the final scene. I am done with this monster, one less giant on my TBR.
This was the one book I never bothered to finish. I was supposed to read this for high school, but after the first two chapters I quitted. I found it boring and just too existencialist for me. It's a short read, with 100 pages or so, but the lack of dialogue, the language and the “dry” text makes the process of getting through this book a lot more difficult (and painful) than it should be.
I FINALLY finished this and I understand a lot I didn't at the time I first picked it up, but I don't expect to ever pick it up again for a re-read. Just glad I am finally done.
