orangerful's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars - I think this is a case where the narrator improves the quality of a mediocre book. Lisa McMann does a wonderful job writing in a teenager's voice, but Aaron Tveit elevates the story with his performance. It's worth a listen, only 4 discs, would be great for a YA discussion group.
bellatora's review against another edition
3.0
The premise of a teenager returning to his family after being kidnapped as a child is an interesting one. Add to that the teenager's younger brother is convinced that he is a cuckoo in the nest - not the real missing child, but an imposter - and you have a foundation for real intrigue.
Unfortunately Ethan (the missing child, now returned), has an utterly unconvincing and toxic "romance" with the girl next door (his childhood best friend). He instantly becomes obsessed with her and decides her boyfriend is "not good enough." Ethan has certainly had it rough, so it's not surprising that he doesn't have the best reaction to every situation. But the bad romance was distracting at best and made me less sympathetic to Ethan at worst.
The real problem with the book, however, is that in the very last chapter, in the last few pages, an event occurs that changes everything. And instead of examining the fallout, McMann cuts to black. If I hadn't read other reviews that said this would happen, I would've thought that my e-book was missing chapters. It's a climax without any payoff. I would almost think that this is setting up a sequel, except this is clearly a stand-alone novel.
Unfortunately Ethan (the missing child, now returned), has an utterly unconvincing and toxic "romance" with the girl next door (his childhood best friend). He instantly becomes obsessed with her and decides her boyfriend is "not good enough." Ethan has certainly had it rough, so it's not surprising that he doesn't have the best reaction to every situation. But the bad romance was distracting at best and made me less sympathetic to Ethan at worst.
The real problem with the book, however, is that in the very last chapter, in the last few pages, an event occurs that changes everything. And instead of examining the fallout, McMann cuts to black. If I hadn't read other reviews that said this would happen, I would've thought that my e-book was missing chapters. It's a climax without any payoff. I would almost think that this is setting up a sequel, except this is clearly a stand-alone novel.
butterfliesonmybookshelf's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Spoiler
Bro that ending tho.malaikak's review against another edition
3.0
you can also find this review at my blog at: www.lotsofbooksandsmiles.blogspot.ca
I would have really enjoyed this book if I liked realistic fiction but I don't. I liked the story line it seemed really interesting.
I can really see what Ethan the boy that was aducuted was going through and I was really happy for him to find his family. I really liked Ethan and he was really interesting character to read about.I did not like Blake that much but I do feel bad for him not getting any attention from his parents.I feel like Blake should trust his brother.Oh Gracie you were such a adorable little girl to read about you would be the perfect little sister and I really love your sweet, cut and kind personalty but I don't like that your the "replacement child".
There was a lot of questions going through my head when I was reading this book like" What happens if he is not the real Ethan" and stuff like that.There were some boring pages in this book but overall it was and interesting book to read except the ending. The ending was to predictable it would not be as good of a book without that ending and it happened to fast it was like 3 pages that was it. It would have been better if the ending was longer so you can processes what was happening.
Overall it was a ok read and I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a realistic fiction book.
3 star***
I would have really enjoyed this book if I liked realistic fiction but I don't. I liked the story line it seemed really interesting.
I can really see what Ethan the boy that was aducuted was going through and I was really happy for him to find his family. I really liked Ethan and he was really interesting character to read about.I did not like Blake that much but I do feel bad for him not getting any attention from his parents.I feel like Blake should trust his brother.Oh Gracie you were such a adorable little girl to read about you would be the perfect little sister and I really love your sweet, cut and kind personalty but I don't like that your the "replacement child".
There was a lot of questions going through my head when I was reading this book like" What happens if he is not the real Ethan" and stuff like that.There were some boring pages in this book but overall it was and interesting book to read except the ending. The ending was to predictable it would not be as good of a book without that ending and it happened to fast it was like 3 pages that was it. It would have been better if the ending was longer so you can processes what was happening.
Overall it was a ok read and I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a realistic fiction book.
3 star***
erinreadsitall's review against another edition
5.0
I READ THIS BOOK IN ONE DAY! This book was great. My favorite quote comes from this book. This was different from other books i was reading at the time and i have never read anything else like it! I might have to buy this just to say i have it!
linuswickworth's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
eljajo's review against another edition
3.0
Lisa's writing is like candy, but the story was predictable. Meh.
kwurtzel3's review against another edition
4.0
Okay but actually...what on earth?
I know I say I want to write ambiguous endings, but now I get why no one likes reading them.
I. But. Just.
Overall: 7/10
I know I say I want to write ambiguous endings, but now I get why no one likes reading them.
I. But. Just.
Overall: 7/10