its_tara's review
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
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.
lucy_qhuay's review
4.0
Interesting book!!
I would love to be a different person sometimes...Not evil, but different...I am too much like Jill, I'm afraid...
I would love to be a different person sometimes...Not evil, but different...I am too much like Jill, I'm afraid...
briannarengland's review
3.0
I would say it's more of a 2.5 than a 3.
I liked the writing style and that's what kept me reading.
The plot was all over the place and the relationships didn't have much growth.
I liked the writing style and that's what kept me reading.
The plot was all over the place and the relationships didn't have much growth.
lightasrain's review
3.0
I have mixed feelings about the book.The first half of the book was going so well but somehow the second part didn't live up to the promise.
The story was interesting and intriguing until Tristen got rid of his monster inside.The pacing was good.The mystery and the anticipation of what might happen next was a page turner.The growing relationship of Tristen and Jill was very well done.Their hearts connecting through the connection of grieving was kind of sweet.I found myself constantly trying to peek at the last part to know how their formula really worked.
But after Tristen got rid of his bad side the story began to fall.Jill was continuously moaning for her pathetic life and their relationship was torn apart so many times for unconvincing reasons.It was like Jill going two step forward and again two step back all the times.She knew Tristen had an evil side,then why was she so shocked to know that he committed some crime in early life?Wasn't she aware of that already?And the climax was...I don't know...didn't feel right.It was obvious that her mother was seeing Mr. Hyde.Their whole house was burned down and there was no police investigation.And Tristen took the solution but somehow it didn't work but it resurrected his dark side enough for musical inspiration!Weird.
So it was ok but not great.
The story was interesting and intriguing until Tristen got rid of his monster inside.The pacing was good.The mystery and the anticipation of what might happen next was a page turner.The growing relationship of Tristen and Jill was very well done.Their hearts connecting through the connection of grieving was kind of sweet.I found myself constantly trying to peek at the last part to know how their formula really worked.
But after Tristen got rid of his bad side the story began to fall.Jill was continuously moaning for her pathetic life and their relationship was torn apart so many times for unconvincing reasons.It was like Jill going two step forward and again two step back all the times.She knew Tristen had an evil side,then why was she so shocked to know that he committed some crime in early life?Wasn't she aware of that already?And the climax was...I don't know...didn't feel right.It was obvious that her mother was seeing Mr. Hyde.Their whole house was burned down and there was no police investigation.And Tristen took the solution but somehow it didn't work but it resurrected his dark side enough for musical inspiration!Weird.
So it was ok but not great.
proffy's review
2.0
Jill Jekel and Tristen Hyde are thrown together in a chemistry experiment that could benefit them both. But while Jill's reward is money for college, Tristan's is something more personal and more dangerous. For Dr. Jekyll left a legacy beyond a great work of literature, a legacy which has the power to destroy those involved.
I sped through Jekel Loves Hyde, finishing it in one sitting. Throughout, I was entertained; although I can honestly say that the first part of the book was much more intriguing than the last. I think as time went on I was a bit annoyed by Jill's unclear motivations.
I didn't form a strong connection with either of the two main characters, Jill and Tristan, who take turns narrating the story. I think I have very high expectations for multiple narrators; if the voices aren't completely distinct (a la The Moonstone), I go into eye-rolling mode. Why have multiple narrators if they aren't going to be different? Outside of that, one other thing annoyed me.
The premise is highly unique; I do so love reworkings of older stories. I just wish Fantaskey (and other YA authors) found a way to inject her heroine with smarts and a backbone, which would be much more interesting than these silly little girls I keep seeing. If you like YA paranormal romance and quick reads, Jekel Loves Hyde is a solid choice.
I sped through Jekel Loves Hyde, finishing it in one sitting. Throughout, I was entertained; although I can honestly say that the first part of the book was much more intriguing than the last. I think as time went on I was a bit annoyed by Jill's unclear motivations.
I didn't form a strong connection with either of the two main characters, Jill and Tristan, who take turns narrating the story. I think I have very high expectations for multiple narrators; if the voices aren't completely distinct (a la The Moonstone), I go into eye-rolling mode. Why have multiple narrators if they aren't going to be different? Outside of that, one other thing annoyed me.
The premise is highly unique; I do so love reworkings of older stories. I just wish Fantaskey (and other YA authors) found a way to inject her heroine with smarts and a backbone, which would be much more interesting than these silly little girls I keep seeing. If you like YA paranormal romance and quick reads, Jekel Loves Hyde is a solid choice.
ellieroth's review
3.0
La historia original es desconocida para mí, solo he oído o visto películas que lo tratan muy por encima. Cuando tuve este libro en mi estantería para empezar a leer, lo que se me vino a la mente fue que sólo era una especie de FanFic, de esos que no me gustan mucho. Dónde cogen solo el nombre de personajes conocidos para atraer lectores.
Sí, se puede considerar una especie de Fic, pero... more
Sí, se puede considerar una especie de Fic, pero... more