Natasha

While I found this slow going in the beginning, I quickly became engrossed and devoured the last half of the book. A powerful and poignant read.

Great read. Although, doesn't it bug anyone that Lyra has such God-awful, cold parents. Poor kid.

I loved it. I didn't expect to because I thought it would be too high-brow arty hipster. But I loved going through the journey of shattering loss, unexpected love and heartbreaking beauty with Theo. I absolutely loved the characters. One of my new favourites (of all time??) was Boris - sheer genius. Two months happily spent in Ms. Tartt's capable hands.

I'm obviously missing something, but Kelly Link stories read like this: “ A man was walking on a black beach. A wave bit his finger off. He saw a purple cloud. The end. “ Just don't get it. Too absurd for me.

3.5 stars. Another example how a whole lot of drama and pain could have been avoided had a group of teenagers trusted an adult and TOLD THE TRUTH. I kinda liked it though :)

This was a fun, easy read and I loved getting to know Lauren more (yes, we are on a first name basis now, just ask her!) I felt that it only scratched the surface though - there is obviously no dirt to dish (lol).

It really was quite terrible. But I finished it.

Truly astounding

DNF at 25%. Although I am curious as to why his friends suddenly and inexplicably cut ties with him, I just can't deal with the mystic bullshit right now. Soz.

After a spree of badly written thrillers, this is the one I've been waiting for. It's not perfect but I loved the sense of place, the well placed red herrings, and the way the characters came to life. Force of Nature tbr.

3.5 stars.

Very political and incredibly dense (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) but it took a long time to wade through and was tough going.

Clumsily written. Massive plot holes. Unbelievable characters and motives. But I did finish it.

Phew! This was a difficult read. Not difficult in language or concept, but difficult because so much of it actually happened (although much of the book is speculative fiction, the treatment of slaves is a fact); is a part of history, and that is terrifying. Man's inhumanity to man. It would have received 5 stars had I not had to force myself to return to the horror again and again. An important book no doubt and worthy award winner.

3.5 stars. Probably one of the better retellings in the Hogarth series.

Phew! That was rough. But so beautiful.

Very good page turner. I did have issues with the protagonists views of other women though, no sign of the sisterhood in the book.

These books are great!

I am torn between a 4-star and 5-star rating. At times I lost the narrative, and found the language a bit tedious, but these occasions were largely outnumbered by the times I actually found myself welling up - and if a book can do that, well, 5 stars it is!

My 5 year old really loved it. Some of the humour went over his head, but I laughed :)

Shame on all my Aussie friends for not insisting I read this as soon as I became a citizen. Should be required reading. Beautiful, poignant and funny. It's so much more than a whodunit. I loved it.

Addiction level - 5/5, writing - 3/5,

While I quite enjoyed the main plot, I felt it was plodding in some spots.

While I love the magic of Enid Blyton, I was disappointed that the majority of the adventures and rescues were instigated by the boys. The girls seemed to cry a lot, and need protecting. Perhaps I shouldn't re-read my childhood favourites after all.

2.5stars - meh ..