taylorreadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I was not as wrapped up in this book as with Indelible but overall a good read. I liked seeing Joy work to find her place with Ink and within the Twixt, learning the lengths of her families involvement and furthering her friendship with Filly (who is probably my favorite character!) Dawn Metcalf has built such an intricate and complex world with the Twixt, I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
kblincoln's review against another edition
5.0
I used to do this thing where I'd assign a "snack rating" to books in my reviews....because sometimes reading a book is like eating a bag of potato chips :) If Invisible were a snack, it would be one of my go-to comfort foods: Parmesan Garlic kettle chips.
It's basically Kirsten catnip (only missing some "adult romance" if you know what I mean). Dawn Metcalf does a fabulous job of upping the ante, getting deeper into Joy's world, keeping some of those Ink-and-Joy sensuous scenes where he's learning about being human through touch (conveniently interrupted by brothers and other stuff sadly) and consolidating the fae world of the Twixt.
But besides Joy's troubles now that she's no longer bound to Ink and there's someone sending an unstoppable assassin against her, there's these little moments of real world poignancy and depth that really make this series stand out for me.
Joy is also dealing with a anger against a mother who left their family, and also has a black friend who is in love with a white german guy and uncomfortable with the issues raised by that. There's a moment where Monica sits Joy down and forces her to confront the fact that its easy for Joy to ignore the issues because "you love him and he loves you" because Joy is white.
And there's a moment where Joy, in the midst of her last ditch effort to save her own life in front of the Twixt Council where she has to dress up and notes fleetingly that her feet, spoiled by a summer of flip flops have squished toes in her strappy heels.
It's notes like this that make the fantastic stuff more enjoyable and real-seeming by contrast.
And there's lots of fun fight scenes with Filly the Nordic warrior.
Sometimes I get tangled up (much like Joy and Filly get tangled up in Kestrel's lead line when hunting the assassin) in the battle scenes, but they're mostly well done.
There is a bit of plot-driven ignoring of Joy's brother's revelations about his own TWixt experience, somewhat unbelievable in the face of my own raging curiousity (what about the Carousel DJ?) hopefully we'll get more of that later.
Mostly it's just fun and interesting, a bit of poignant escapist read. Read the first book, first, though.
It's basically Kirsten catnip (only missing some "adult romance" if you know what I mean). Dawn Metcalf does a fabulous job of upping the ante, getting deeper into Joy's world, keeping some of those Ink-and-Joy sensuous scenes where he's learning about being human through touch (conveniently interrupted by brothers and other stuff sadly) and consolidating the fae world of the Twixt.
But besides Joy's troubles now that she's no longer bound to Ink and there's someone sending an unstoppable assassin against her, there's these little moments of real world poignancy and depth that really make this series stand out for me.
Joy is also dealing with a anger against a mother who left their family, and also has a black friend who is in love with a white german guy and uncomfortable with the issues raised by that. There's a moment where Monica sits Joy down and forces her to confront the fact that its easy for Joy to ignore the issues because "you love him and he loves you" because Joy is white.
And there's a moment where Joy, in the midst of her last ditch effort to save her own life in front of the Twixt Council where she has to dress up and notes fleetingly that her feet, spoiled by a summer of flip flops have squished toes in her strappy heels.
It's notes like this that make the fantastic stuff more enjoyable and real-seeming by contrast.
And there's lots of fun fight scenes with Filly the Nordic warrior.
Sometimes I get tangled up (much like Joy and Filly get tangled up in Kestrel's lead line when hunting the assassin) in the battle scenes, but they're mostly well done.
There is a bit of plot-driven ignoring of Joy's brother's revelations about his own TWixt experience, somewhat unbelievable in the face of my own raging curiousity (what about the Carousel DJ?) hopefully we'll get more of that later.
Mostly it's just fun and interesting, a bit of poignant escapist read. Read the first book, first, though.
holly_tree's review against another edition
4.0
First off, I'm a fan of this series. Really, I am! But there is a ton of things that I really didn't enjoy. This installment was certainly easier to follow than Book 1, but it still wasn't the smoothest flowing book.
So I'll first share my thoughts on WHAT WENT WRONG:
1. Slow, lingering scenes for pages, and pages, and pages, and...
2. Again, confusing in reasonings for actions/beliefs of Folk.
3. The romance between Ink and Joy struck a creepy chord with me in this book, despite finding it sweet in Book 1. Joy just keeps repeating that everything Ink does, touches and moves and such, he's learned from others, i.e. HER. He's using her own moves on her. There is no evidence that he acts on any impulses, tries new things, ventures out of the box... It feels robotic to me, you know? He doesn't seem to have any passion to drive him when it comes to romance. (Also, as I pointed out earlier in my live-reading thoughts: did Ink allude that he and Joy needed to stop kissing because he hadn't drawn himself a penis yet?? First off-- that's crossing the line of acceptability, Ms. Metcalf. Second, since when did Ink learn to associate desire and romance to sex? Did the Cabana Boys have a sit-down with him and explain the birds and the bees? Cause that's actually adorable now that I think about it. But honestly. I don't think that particularly bit needed to make it into the book. Let him draw his nether regions in peace, and let us live blissfully unaware of how he got that way.)
4. Questions went unanswered... (I don't even remember what they were...)
5. Did I mention that it was hard to follow at times? Yeah, okay.
6. Where was Ink doing his thing, marking people? Not once did Joy accompany him to mark someone. That whole plot element was erased in this book, and it was one of the things I loved about the first book. I loved all the different Folk we met and their descriptions and learning the reasons why they would be marked... I really, really missed the creativity of those things. The book definitely suffered for the loss of those characters and situations.
But that's the thing: I still really like this series. I had absolutely NO CLUE what was happening for most of the first book, but it was so creative and fresh and new, that I just HAD to finish it. It's what made me stick with this one in particularly long scenes in this book. I like the idea. I like the premise. The characters are an awesome mish-mash of off beat people and Folk and I love them. I don't understand it. I don't understand the overall plot. I don't get why a lot of it is important. But for once, I really don't care.
I just like it.
So I'll first share my thoughts on WHAT WENT WRONG:
1. Slow, lingering scenes for pages, and pages, and pages, and...
2. Again, confusing in reasonings for actions/beliefs of Folk.
3. The romance between Ink and Joy struck a creepy chord with me in this book, despite finding it sweet in Book 1. Joy just keeps repeating that everything Ink does, touches and moves and such, he's learned from others, i.e. HER. He's using her own moves on her. There is no evidence that he acts on any impulses, tries new things, ventures out of the box... It feels robotic to me, you know? He doesn't seem to have any passion to drive him when it comes to romance. (Also, as I pointed out earlier in my live-reading thoughts: did Ink allude that he and Joy needed to stop kissing because he hadn't drawn himself a penis yet?? First off-- that's crossing the line of acceptability, Ms. Metcalf. Second, since when did Ink learn to associate desire and romance to sex? Did the Cabana Boys have a sit-down with him and explain the birds and the bees? Cause that's actually adorable now that I think about it. But honestly. I don't think that particularly bit needed to make it into the book. Let him draw his nether regions in peace, and let us live blissfully unaware of how he got that way.)
4. Questions went unanswered... (I don't even remember what they were...)
5. Did I mention that it was hard to follow at times? Yeah, okay.
6. Where was Ink doing his thing, marking people? Not once did Joy accompany him to mark someone. That whole plot element was erased in this book, and it was one of the things I loved about the first book. I loved all the different Folk we met and their descriptions and learning the reasons why they would be marked... I really, really missed the creativity of those things. The book definitely suffered for the loss of those characters and situations.
But that's the thing: I still really like this series. I had absolutely NO CLUE what was happening for most of the first book, but it was so creative and fresh and new, that I just HAD to finish it. It's what made me stick with this one in particularly long scenes in this book. I like the idea. I like the premise. The characters are an awesome mish-mash of off beat people and Folk and I love them. I don't understand it. I don't understand the overall plot. I don't get why a lot of it is important. But for once, I really don't care.
I just like it.
noregrets4life33's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars ;)
This series is an interesting take on fey and all that encompasses that. It's a solid series so far. The romance between Ink and Joy is refreshing and wonderful; the cast of characters is really vibrate and unique; and there are lots of lessons to be learned and a decent plot.
If you like fey books or want to read something in the fantasy realm that doesn't have a love triangle, give these a shot.
This series is an interesting take on fey and all that encompasses that. It's a solid series so far. The romance between Ink and Joy is refreshing and wonderful; the cast of characters is really vibrate and unique; and there are lots of lessons to be learned and a decent plot.
If you like fey books or want to read something in the fantasy realm that doesn't have a love triangle, give these a shot.
sensei's review against another edition
5.0
This is absolutely one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. Each character is described like no other and the settings are told to a point where imagining it in your head is no problem. I thought the first book was good but this just over powers it. I can't wait for the next one!
the_cover_contessa's review against another edition
4.0
I want to thank Harlequin Teen for providing me with an ARC of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.
WARNING: If you did not read the first book in this series there may be spoilers here you don't want to know about. So, what are you waiting for? Go back and read #1! If you're looking for an intriguing fantasy, then this one is it!
Invisible begins right where the first book left off. We are back in the life of Joy and her unlikely companions. She has the sight and some want her out of the picture despite her protection offered by the council. And, while we see all the characters we grew to love in the first book, they are put in a totally different situation in this sequel. And we get new characters, as well. We finally get a glimpse at Joy's brother.
And we get a deeper look into Joy and Ink's relationship. Where it seemed like perhaps it would be impossible for them to be together in the first book, the second book brings us right into their romance to watch it bloom and grow. Yes, their relationship is quite unorthodox. After all, who but she and the others from the Twixt can see that Ink exists. But it works for them. Though I will say I can see where Joys' family may have questioned her sanity many times with how she acts when she's trying to ensure Ink is not found out.
Dawn's writing is really fantastic. There's nothing boring about how or what she writes. It flows easily and keeps you ingrained in the story. She knows how to writes action and adventure! She's created a completely unique world. It's reminiscent of Vicotria Schwab's The Archived or perhaps even the world of Narnia!
Overall, this book really took me for a ride. And how excited am I to see that there are other books set to be released with this series! So, if you enjoy fantasy in a world set like Alice in Wonderland, then The Twixt series is for you!
WARNING: If you did not read the first book in this series there may be spoilers here you don't want to know about. So, what are you waiting for? Go back and read #1! If you're looking for an intriguing fantasy, then this one is it!
Invisible begins right where the first book left off. We are back in the life of Joy and her unlikely companions. She has the sight and some want her out of the picture despite her protection offered by the council. And, while we see all the characters we grew to love in the first book, they are put in a totally different situation in this sequel. And we get new characters, as well. We finally get a glimpse at Joy's brother.
And we get a deeper look into Joy and Ink's relationship. Where it seemed like perhaps it would be impossible for them to be together in the first book, the second book brings us right into their romance to watch it bloom and grow. Yes, their relationship is quite unorthodox. After all, who but she and the others from the Twixt can see that Ink exists. But it works for them. Though I will say I can see where Joys' family may have questioned her sanity many times with how she acts when she's trying to ensure Ink is not found out.
Dawn's writing is really fantastic. There's nothing boring about how or what she writes. It flows easily and keeps you ingrained in the story. She knows how to writes action and adventure! She's created a completely unique world. It's reminiscent of Vicotria Schwab's The Archived or perhaps even the world of Narnia!
Overall, this book really took me for a ride. And how excited am I to see that there are other books set to be released with this series! So, if you enjoy fantasy in a world set like Alice in Wonderland, then The Twixt series is for you!
gracekalli's review against another edition
5.0
OMG the series is over!! It feels like the end of an Era!! I'm almost not sure what to do with myself!! There's so much more story to tell. I absolutely LOVED this book. The journey Joy took with Ink and Inq from beginning to end, from the first mark to finding the doorway in the Bailiwick and helping to fulfill the Prophecy of the Imminent Return was one of mystery, intrigue, entrapment, betrayal, love, fear, anger, there are just so many elements to the story that you find yourself just as surprised as the characters when things are finally revealed!! I got to the very last chapter and visibly winced that it was almost over. The finale in a four part series of Epic adventures. I can only hope we will hear from them again in the future. Maybe...one day...