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elidavis's review against another edition
2.0
not as strong as Jessica's Guide. It was an interesting concept but needed to be flushed out more and some of the dialog was awkward. Tristen seemed years more mature than Jill, especially in how he talked about his feelings and sexual attraction towards Jill.
kristid's review against another edition
4.0
Fantaskey's debut novel Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is one of my favorite books, so I've been dying to read more of her novels!
I love her innovative spins on familiar lore, Jekel Loves Hyde was no exception. I've never read the classic tale of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, but I've been exposed to so much of the story, I had no problem deciphering Fantaskey's inspiration. And I don't think that other readers will have a problem either.
Jill and Tristan were two very interesting characters, but I didn't feel a deep connection to either one of them. The initial attraction that Jill felt for Tristan was believable enough, but I was never sure if it was really Tristan falling for Jill or his other side. I guess either way I could see him falling for her, but it seemed a little rushed for my taste. I guess I didn't see the appeal of Jill, she was a little too timid, a little too perfect. She just didn't have much personality, although by the end of the novel I did some some personal growth in her character which was refreshing!
There wasn't as much of a love story in this novel. Not to say that there isn't a love story.... there is, but it's overshadowed by the suspense of Jill and Tristan's race to find a cure. I didn't see a lot of the plot twists that Beth threw out there, especially at the end! I love being caught off guard!
Beth Fantaskey is such a fantastic writer! I really wanted to like this just as much or more than I did Jessica's Guide, but I'd still have to choose Jessica's Guide as my favorite.
Overall Jekel Loves Hyde is an enthralling take on a classic tale!
I love her innovative spins on familiar lore, Jekel Loves Hyde was no exception. I've never read the classic tale of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, but I've been exposed to so much of the story, I had no problem deciphering Fantaskey's inspiration. And I don't think that other readers will have a problem either.
Jill and Tristan were two very interesting characters, but I didn't feel a deep connection to either one of them. The initial attraction that Jill felt for Tristan was believable enough, but I was never sure if it was really Tristan falling for Jill or his other side. I guess either way I could see him falling for her, but it seemed a little rushed for my taste. I guess I didn't see the appeal of Jill, she was a little too timid, a little too perfect. She just didn't have much personality, although by the end of the novel I did some some personal growth in her character which was refreshing!
There wasn't as much of a love story in this novel. Not to say that there isn't a love story.... there is, but it's overshadowed by the suspense of Jill and Tristan's race to find a cure. I didn't see a lot of the plot twists that Beth threw out there, especially at the end! I love being caught off guard!
Beth Fantaskey is such a fantastic writer! I really wanted to like this just as much or more than I did Jessica's Guide, but I'd still have to choose Jessica's Guide as my favorite.
Overall Jekel Loves Hyde is an enthralling take on a classic tale!
kaitrosereads's review against another edition
5.0
Beth Fantaskey has done it again. Her first book, Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side, was on my list of favorites for 2009 and Jekel Loves Hyde might have earned a place on the 2010 list. They are nothing alike but they are both brilliant books.
Jill Jekel is a good girl. She knows it and so does everyone around her. Tristen Hyde is not a good guy but her is drawn to Jill. When they team up for a science project they start to become friends, maybe even something more. But Tristen is hiding something, something bad. Will Jill be able to get past his dark secrets or will they tear them apart?
Jill was only okay for me. She was actually kind of weak and I really did not like that about her. She was always listening to Tristen and being ordered around. It took most of the book for her to grow stronger and actually stand up for herself. I began to like her more after that. Tristen was a very hot character. He was bad but it wasn't his fault. He wanted to be good and he was willing to do anything for Jill. I loved that about him!
The plot was great. There was never a dull moment with this book. There was a lot going on but it never felt like too much. And there were some super steamy scenes in this book. Oh boy! Jill and Tristen were great and I could see the chemistry between them and the romance helped speed up the plot even more.
Overall, Jekel Loves Hyde is a must read. I honestly cannot praise Beth Fantaskey enough. She is a spectacular writer and I can't wait to see what she has for readers next.
Jill Jekel is a good girl. She knows it and so does everyone around her. Tristen Hyde is not a good guy but her is drawn to Jill. When they team up for a science project they start to become friends, maybe even something more. But Tristen is hiding something, something bad. Will Jill be able to get past his dark secrets or will they tear them apart?
Jill was only okay for me. She was actually kind of weak and I really did not like that about her. She was always listening to Tristen and being ordered around. It took most of the book for her to grow stronger and actually stand up for herself. I began to like her more after that. Tristen was a very hot character. He was bad but it wasn't his fault. He wanted to be good and he was willing to do anything for Jill. I loved that about him!
The plot was great. There was never a dull moment with this book. There was a lot going on but it never felt like too much. And there were some super steamy scenes in this book. Oh boy! Jill and Tristen were great and I could see the chemistry between them and the romance helped speed up the plot even more.
Overall, Jekel Loves Hyde is a must read. I honestly cannot praise Beth Fantaskey enough. She is a spectacular writer and I can't wait to see what she has for readers next.
rfanning97's review against another edition
5.0
This was an amazing book. Hands down. The writing was spectacular, and had a dark edge that made you want keep reading till the end. The writing had a smell bit of foreshadowing, but not loads of it causing you to have to keep reading. The characters were real, and with dual perspectives I really had a better understanding of what was happening. Every time something new happened I felt my insides churn because all of the emotions, and issues were so well described. Not only were the emotions real, and crazy, but the plot lane was an insane road of twists, and turns. I never expected anything which caused me to feel more attached to the characters. Overall this book was much better than Beth Fantaskey's first book, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, and I recommend it for anyone.
snarkywench's review against another edition
3.0
Beth Fantaskey's debut, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, was a snarky and often amusing take on vampires. Fantaskey's sophomoric release, Jekel Loves Hyde, is a deeper exploration of a person's duality, familial and romantic love. Other than a mild supernatural theme and references to classic horror fiction, these titles are two different kinds of beasts. It's brave that the author has forgone the tone that saw her amass many fans and trying something different.
Jill is a loner, more interested in tolerating high school until she's finally out of there. She hasn't ever really experienced life due to her own hermit-ism and the sheltered existance of her parents. This all changes when her father is brutally murdered and Tristan offers some kind words when everyone else (including her depressed mother) switch off. While Jill ultimately undergoes the most change in this novel, it's Tristan who's the most interesting. Struggling with his own dual persona, a family legacy, he's struggling to grapple with an event in his past and a nightmare foretelling his future.
While the love story was an element of the story, it's the family element that is the strongest. How the sins of our forefathers can affect us generations later. How manipulative an obsessed individual can be against their own families. The nature of violence and how anger makes reason fly through the window. Jekel Loves Hyde is a completely different kettle of fish with it's dark introspection, heart pounding lust and mysterious overtones. It's a heavier read that really makes the reader take in the smaller details amidst the all encompassing emotions that swirl throughout.
I can't wait to see what Fantaskey comes out with next.
Jill is a loner, more interested in tolerating high school until she's finally out of there. She hasn't ever really experienced life due to her own hermit-ism and the sheltered existance of her parents. This all changes when her father is brutally murdered and Tristan offers some kind words when everyone else (including her depressed mother) switch off. While Jill ultimately undergoes the most change in this novel, it's Tristan who's the most interesting. Struggling with his own dual persona, a family legacy, he's struggling to grapple with an event in his past and a nightmare foretelling his future.
While the love story was an element of the story, it's the family element that is the strongest. How the sins of our forefathers can affect us generations later. How manipulative an obsessed individual can be against their own families. The nature of violence and how anger makes reason fly through the window. Jekel Loves Hyde is a completely different kettle of fish with it's dark introspection, heart pounding lust and mysterious overtones. It's a heavier read that really makes the reader take in the smaller details amidst the all encompassing emotions that swirl throughout.
I can't wait to see what Fantaskey comes out with next.
lydiature's review against another edition
1.0
I don’t understand how characters can be simultaneously annoying, terrible people and boring with no personality?? I felt the romance to be extremely lack luster and baseless, and the storyline the be far too prolonged. And the random bit with the teacher? How did that tie in? At all? It was a cliff hanger and it came out of nowhere. And the whole contest thing? Why? It went nowhere! Seriously, just have the be lab partners without this weak “plot”.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
2.0
This was an odd one. I just took this as a light and silly book - but not all the themes were light or the story fluffy. It was an odd mix and just okay.
elodiethefangirl's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
its_tara's review against another edition
4.0
This review can originally be found on my blog Hey, Tara.
Since reading Jessica’s Guide and Jessica Rules… I’ve become quite a fan of Beth Fantaskey, though I have to admit I wasn’t too sure about the premise of this one. I could forsee a very goody-goody character, and a very violent pushy character, and yeah, the whole mental scenario just wasn’t working so well for me. I was also worried given how I loved the classic novel this was based on, and basically didn’t want to ruin it for myself.
Thankfully, this book wasn’t anything like what I’d thought, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was in Fantaskey’s usual easy-to-read style, and sucked me right in, I literally found myself doing the whole “just one more chapter” thing, which was made easier by the fact that the chapters in this are really very short, as they are in the other two books.
For me, this was a really fun twist to the familiar lore of the classic novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde which was a book I loved when I read it anyway. That said, I don’t think you’d need to have read it in order to see where it fits in with this story, or for this story to make sense – it’s not one of those books.
In terms of the characters, I liked Jill and Tristen for being interesting. I don’t think either of them were typical YA protagonists, and that was actually fairly nice. I did think for a while that Jill was going to be a little too timid, and at times, she was for me – but I think that may also have been part of her charm for some people. Tristen was a complex character, and I think preferred him over Jill. He was very flawed, but he had passion and compassion, and he was smart. (Yes, I have a thing for smart guys).
This all said, I didn’t feel particularly ‘attached’ to either of them, though I’m not really sure why.
In terms of the love story, it was nice that whilst it was there simmering away, it wasn’t at the forefront of the story. Much of this focuses on the actual events, and finding a cure for Tristen’s condition as well as figuring out what happened to the missing people in both Jill and Tristen’s lives. I appreciated that – and there was no love triangle, which made me happy!
By the end of the book, there were lots of plot twists, and whilst I could see some of them coming, some of them genuinely surprised me, which I loved.
Overall, this is a fun read, and definitely one for you if you’ve enjoyed Fantaskey’s other works.
Since reading Jessica’s Guide and Jessica Rules… I’ve become quite a fan of Beth Fantaskey, though I have to admit I wasn’t too sure about the premise of this one. I could forsee a very goody-goody character, and a very violent pushy character, and yeah, the whole mental scenario just wasn’t working so well for me. I was also worried given how I loved the classic novel this was based on, and basically didn’t want to ruin it for myself.
Thankfully, this book wasn’t anything like what I’d thought, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was in Fantaskey’s usual easy-to-read style, and sucked me right in, I literally found myself doing the whole “just one more chapter” thing, which was made easier by the fact that the chapters in this are really very short, as they are in the other two books.
For me, this was a really fun twist to the familiar lore of the classic novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde which was a book I loved when I read it anyway. That said, I don’t think you’d need to have read it in order to see where it fits in with this story, or for this story to make sense – it’s not one of those books.
In terms of the characters, I liked Jill and Tristen for being interesting. I don’t think either of them were typical YA protagonists, and that was actually fairly nice. I did think for a while that Jill was going to be a little too timid, and at times, she was for me – but I think that may also have been part of her charm for some people. Tristen was a complex character, and I think preferred him over Jill. He was very flawed, but he had passion and compassion, and he was smart. (Yes, I have a thing for smart guys).
This all said, I didn’t feel particularly ‘attached’ to either of them, though I’m not really sure why.
In terms of the love story, it was nice that whilst it was there simmering away, it wasn’t at the forefront of the story. Much of this focuses on the actual events, and finding a cure for Tristen’s condition as well as figuring out what happened to the missing people in both Jill and Tristen’s lives. I appreciated that – and there was no love triangle, which made me happy!
By the end of the book, there were lots of plot twists, and whilst I could see some of them coming, some of them genuinely surprised me, which I loved.
Overall, this is a fun read, and definitely one for you if you’ve enjoyed Fantaskey’s other works.
rosetyper9's review against another edition
4.0
I am having problems finding my writing voice recently so please bear with me. First I would like to say I truly enjoyed this book, it is a wonderful mix if classic and modern; containing elements of 'Dr. Jekel and Mr. Hyde' with a teenage twist. This story is a bit more on the serious side of YA literature and it contains some graphic descriptions and scene, without being gratuitous. I would still stick with an older young adult audience though.
Jill and Tristen have one odd relationship in this book and it is interesting that after all the weirdness, betrayal, and grief they feel and witness they can remain together. I didn't understand that, I don't know if I could be with someone who was involved in everything that Tristen was involved with, even though he was on the side-lines. I also think that the author could have built up the relationship a bit more, I didn't feel the characters knew each other well enough to end up the way that they did. I don't know *shrug*
I enjoyed the writing, it had a beautiful quality and an almost haunting feel to it. The story was pretty good and very unique, I quite enjoyed this new play with 'Dr. Jekel and Mr. Hyde'. I also would like to say props to the author because I love books that make young readers want to read more classic literature and this one definitely makes you want to pick up a copy of the book of the classic. Overall a pretty good read, I continue to enjoy this lovely author.
Jill and Tristen have one odd relationship in this book and it is interesting that after all the weirdness, betrayal, and grief they feel and witness they can remain together. I didn't understand that, I don't know if I could be with someone who was involved in everything that Tristen was involved with, even though he was on the side-lines. I also think that the author could have built up the relationship a bit more, I didn't feel the characters knew each other well enough to end up the way that they did. I don't know *shrug*
I enjoyed the writing, it had a beautiful quality and an almost haunting feel to it. The story was pretty good and very unique, I quite enjoyed this new play with 'Dr. Jekel and Mr. Hyde'. I also would like to say props to the author because I love books that make young readers want to read more classic literature and this one definitely makes you want to pick up a copy of the book of the classic. Overall a pretty good read, I continue to enjoy this lovely author.