beammey's review
4.0
First off, I should say I wanted to read these books because the covers on this one and the first in the series, Broken Dolls, are absolutely gorgeous. So, so pretty. I liked this story better than the one before it. The characters were more fleshed out and it had more adventure to it. It's a quick read and one that you won't regret. The story line is good (and creepy)! It will probably remind you of a Doctor Who episode :). I would recommend this book. 4 out of 5 stars.
urlphantomhive's review
3.0
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
I read Broken Dolls, the first book in this series, and I really enjoyed it. However, I was a little worried where it would be going from here, as it seemed a rather closed story.
While the story of Shattered Girls is enjoyable as well, I didn't think it completely lived up to the expectations created by the first book. Because that was so original it was a slight disappointment that this more or less followed the normal structure for (Dystopian) novels.
This doesn't mean that is wasn't good. It was good, just not as good as I had hoped. Ella and Gabby were nice characters and also the other characters make an appearance. I'm curious to see where the story is going.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I read Broken Dolls, the first book in this series, and I really enjoyed it. However, I was a little worried where it would be going from here, as it seemed a rather closed story.
While the story of Shattered Girls is enjoyable as well, I didn't think it completely lived up to the expectations created by the first book. Because that was so original it was a slight disappointment that this more or less followed the normal structure for (Dystopian) novels.
This doesn't mean that is wasn't good. It was good, just not as good as I had hoped. Ella and Gabby were nice characters and also the other characters make an appearance. I'm curious to see where the story is going.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
bookwormbunny's review
4.0
***received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review of it. The opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's. ***
Shattered Girls by Tyrolin Puxty is the sequel to her first book Broken Dolls. Now this is the first book that I have read in the series and I have to admit that there are spots of where I didn't really understand what all was going on since I had not read the first book so I suggest that if you have not read the first book in this series that you go back and read that first before pursuing this book. It will help it be more enjoyable and certain instances to be better understood and followed.
Shattered Girls starts off with Gabby and Ella preparing to go to school. Ella is pretending to be an inanimate doll but that ploy quickly fails when Ella exposes herself to be able to walk and talk on her own when she confronts a girl who is bullying Ella at school. Then the secret is not just out there but everywhere as a video is shot and then uploaded to YouTube. They play it off that Ella is a robot but not everyone believes that. People are disappearing and the police are proving ineffective in finding out what is going on. Then Gabby's parents disappear as well. The man that they call and count on, the Professor, is acting strange but things are worse than they think. A lot is going on and it is up to Gabby and Ella to not only to figure it out but to stop it before it takes over the whole world.
Despite not having read the first book in this series once I got past a few elements of where I didn't really understand or know what had happened in the past I really enjoyed this book. It really is an engaging book that draws you in and makes you want to know what is going on and what happens next. I love how the author even got me to think a certain way about Ella. The overall idea of the story is interesting as well...a world with dolls who were once human. This story definitely has some twists and turns that make you wonder who's on who's side really but that just adds to it's enjoyment in my opinion. When this story ends it leaves you on a cliffhanger but the author includes a nice little teaser for you to prepare you for the next book in the series and I have to say that I can't wait to read it. I fully intend to go back and read the first book and then reread this one so that I can fully appreciate the storyline written here.
Overall I give this book 4.5 out 5 stars. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good SciFi/Fantasy book and who is also a fan of dolls and the unique. This book will really check off a lot of boxes for you.
Shattered Girls by Tyrolin Puxty is the sequel to her first book Broken Dolls. Now this is the first book that I have read in the series and I have to admit that there are spots of where I didn't really understand what all was going on since I had not read the first book so I suggest that if you have not read the first book in this series that you go back and read that first before pursuing this book. It will help it be more enjoyable and certain instances to be better understood and followed.
Shattered Girls starts off with Gabby and Ella preparing to go to school. Ella is pretending to be an inanimate doll but that ploy quickly fails when Ella exposes herself to be able to walk and talk on her own when she confronts a girl who is bullying Ella at school. Then the secret is not just out there but everywhere as a video is shot and then uploaded to YouTube. They play it off that Ella is a robot but not everyone believes that. People are disappearing and the police are proving ineffective in finding out what is going on. Then Gabby's parents disappear as well. The man that they call and count on, the Professor, is acting strange but things are worse than they think. A lot is going on and it is up to Gabby and Ella to not only to figure it out but to stop it before it takes over the whole world.
Despite not having read the first book in this series once I got past a few elements of where I didn't really understand or know what had happened in the past I really enjoyed this book. It really is an engaging book that draws you in and makes you want to know what is going on and what happens next. I love how the author even got me to think a certain way about Ella. The overall idea of the story is interesting as well...a world with dolls who were once human. This story definitely has some twists and turns that make you wonder who's on who's side really but that just adds to it's enjoyment in my opinion. When this story ends it leaves you on a cliffhanger but the author includes a nice little teaser for you to prepare you for the next book in the series and I have to say that I can't wait to read it. I fully intend to go back and read the first book and then reread this one so that I can fully appreciate the storyline written here.
Overall I give this book 4.5 out 5 stars. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good SciFi/Fantasy book and who is also a fan of dolls and the unique. This book will really check off a lot of boxes for you.
booksavvyreviews's review
4.0
I absolutely adored the first book, Broken Dolls, in fact I still recommend this book to anyone interested in a new and freakish idea.
This book doesn't disappoint.
Tyrolin Puxty invites us back to a world in which desperate times calls for desperate measures and old enemies rise to become almost-allies.
The mechanics of this world are clearer than the last book and it is my hope that the next will be even better. This time, it is clear that it is a dystopian era, where the government seeks to control, they stage an epidemic with the help of the media which spurs the invention of a cure - which is what occurs in book 1. In this book, the government seems to be striving toward a Utopia. Where no criminals exist, no prisons and they are aiming to cull the herd so to speak, anyone who isn't intelligent is culled. They want peace, they want world domination.
That's really what sets this novel into motion these world elements, though small and scattered through the book are what make this book.
We meet new characters and some old, but the primary focus is on Gabby and Ella, their relationship grows steadily and we are able to see how it changes Ella, her decision in the last book bothered me and I'm glad to see her character develop, grow and change her view. While I was reading some parts my stomach began to turn because I remembered how she handled everything in the last book and she wasn't pleasant, but I am so glad to see that that changes. She develops in that area and because of it a small speck of romance returns to this book, too.
The end almost leaves things resolved, but not quite in a Goosebumps fashion - "you thought we were done, didn't you?" type of ending. Well, ladies and gents, there is still one more book out there and this one tethers you to the end. Where you want to read the next book and unfortunately it isn't out until next year!
Overall, action packed, fast moving, I wish there was a little more world depth, but it was a great eerie read. Some scenes [really,] had my jaw dropping.
3.8 Crowns
Website - Facebook - Instagram
This book doesn't disappoint.
Tyrolin Puxty invites us back to a world in which desperate times calls for desperate measures and old enemies rise to become almost-allies.
The mechanics of this world are clearer than the last book and it is my hope that the next will be even better. This time, it is clear that it is a dystopian era, where the government seeks to control, they stage an epidemic with the help of the media which spurs the invention of a cure - which is what occurs in book 1. In this book, the government seems to be striving toward a Utopia. Where no criminals exist, no prisons and they are aiming to cull the herd so to speak, anyone who isn't intelligent is culled. They want peace, they want world domination.
That's really what sets this novel into motion these world elements, though small and scattered through the book are what make this book.
We meet new characters and some old, but the primary focus is on Gabby and Ella, their relationship grows steadily and we are able to see how it changes Ella, her decision in the last book bothered me and I'm glad to see her character develop, grow and change her view. While I was reading some parts my stomach began to turn because I remembered how she handled everything in the last book and she wasn't pleasant, but I am so glad to see that that changes. She develops in that area and because of it a small speck of romance returns to this book, too.
The end almost leaves things resolved, but not quite in a Goosebumps fashion - "you thought we were done, didn't you?" type of ending. Well, ladies and gents, there is still one more book out there and this one tethers you to the end. Where you want to read the next book and unfortunately it isn't out until next year!
Overall, action packed, fast moving, I wish there was a little more world depth, but it was a great eerie read. Some scenes [really,] had my jaw dropping.
3.8 Crowns
Website - Facebook - Instagram
chandrika555's review
4.0
Manages to continue to be engaging, even after the reveals at the end of Broken Dolls. Would recommend this series; looking forward to the next book!
jantine's review
4.0
I received a free copy in return for an honest review.
I think this second part was far better than the first one. The writing style was wonderful and flowing. The characters were less annoying (Ella) and more realistic (Gabby). The plot wasn't always as original as the one of part one (I mean, men in white, the police knew, duh!), but it had some nice twists.
Alltogether it had enough for me to read it all within one already busy day, and enjoy it enough to feel a little sad to have finished the book.
I think this second part was far better than the first one. The writing style was wonderful and flowing. The characters were less annoying (Ella) and more realistic (Gabby). The plot wasn't always as original as the one of part one (I mean, men in white, the police knew, duh!), but it had some nice twists.
Alltogether it had enough for me to read it all within one already busy day, and enjoy it enough to feel a little sad to have finished the book.
rebeccacarter's review
5.0
I was glad to see this book available again on netgalley, and picked up my free review copy from the publisher right away--then read it through immediately.
Although the sequel lacks the surprise element that made the first book fabulous, this one was nonetheless just as enjoyable--especially for those who wanted to know what happened to Ella and Gabby. It had plenty of action and some twists as the two set out to stop a corporation from making human dolls.
Another great cover, as well. And, oh, did I say there will be a third book? Cats seem to take the show in this one. Can't wait.
Although the sequel lacks the surprise element that made the first book fabulous, this one was nonetheless just as enjoyable--especially for those who wanted to know what happened to Ella and Gabby. It had plenty of action and some twists as the two set out to stop a corporation from making human dolls.
Another great cover, as well. And, oh, did I say there will be a third book? Cats seem to take the show in this one. Can't wait.
amanda1793's review
3.0
How is this a book for middle schoolers?! 2.75 stars
As mentioned previously the morals, first the good:
1) Some semblance of body positivity where Ella allows us to learn that she likes her human body no matter what it looks like or is unable to do.
2) Encouraging children to know when to call for help.
And now the bad (I find these rather twisted):
1) There are parts that suggest a child trying their hardest is not good enough and even when they try as hard as they can, they will be punished for their lack of good grades.
2) There are parts, especially in the beginning, that would suggest that police and other people of authority are bad and cannot be trusted...
3) And then to contraindicate the first good moral, Ella once in human form, finds several things to dislike about her body and wishes she could be different or back in her doll form. I'm not naïve in thinking that we all love our bodies all of the time, and that's okay too, but the "that's okay too" part is not really added on.
The story was an interesting way to continue the story. Am I interested to continue, yeah, sure. I still don't really agree with the "middle grade" thing, this should be for older readers...
As mentioned previously the morals, first the good:
1) Some semblance of body positivity where Ella allows us to learn that she likes her human body no matter what it looks like or is unable to do.
2) Encouraging children to know when to call for help.
And now the bad (I find these rather twisted):
1) There are parts that suggest a child trying their hardest is not good enough and even when they try as hard as they can, they will be punished for their lack of good grades.
2) There are parts, especially in the beginning, that would suggest that police and other people of authority are bad and cannot be trusted...
3) And then to contraindicate the first good moral, Ella once in human form, finds several things to dislike about her body and wishes she could be different or back in her doll form. I'm not naïve in thinking that we all love our bodies all of the time, and that's okay too, but the "that's okay too" part is not really added on.
The story was an interesting way to continue the story. Am I interested to continue, yeah, sure. I still don't really agree with the "middle grade" thing, this should be for older readers...
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