aelynreads's review against another edition
4.0
Actual ratings
Inertia, 5 stars
The Spinners, 5 stars
Hearken, 5 stars
Vim & Vigor, 4 stars
Armored Ones, 2 stars
The Transformationist, 2.5 stars
I really enjoyed most of these short stories. The characters are incredibly vivid and memorable and, despite being short, the stories pack a real emotional punch.
Ironically, the weakest stories were the ones set in the Carve The Mark world. Having not read the Carve The Mark duology, I didn't understand the world setting for these stories at all. I found the Armored Ones to be kinda pointless - it doesn't seem to have a plot or purpose. I've since found out that it offers a backstory to the main characters in the Carve The Mark duology, but the stories and characters don't really make sense on their own.
However, the first four stories in this anthology are really something special - it is worth picking up this book for them, and I would just skip the last two if you haven't read Carve The Mark.
Inertia, 5 stars
The Spinners, 5 stars
Hearken, 5 stars
Vim & Vigor, 4 stars
Armored Ones, 2 stars
The Transformationist, 2.5 stars
I really enjoyed most of these short stories. The characters are incredibly vivid and memorable and, despite being short, the stories pack a real emotional punch.
Ironically, the weakest stories were the ones set in the Carve The Mark world. Having not read the Carve The Mark duology, I didn't understand the world setting for these stories at all. I found the Armored Ones to be kinda pointless - it doesn't seem to have a plot or purpose. I've since found out that it offers a backstory to the main characters in the Carve The Mark duology, but the stories and characters don't really make sense on their own.
However, the first four stories in this anthology are really something special - it is worth picking up this book for them, and I would just skip the last two if you haven't read Carve The Mark.
helloakosisam's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hannchilada's review against another edition
5.0
I only read the stories not set in the Carve the Mark universe. The ones I did read were superb though.
jody_diou's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
autumnleeves's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting mix of short stories from Roth. I enjoyed the first four the most, the last two I learned afterward are set in the world of her Carve the Mark series, which I haven't read. They were interesting, but more of a sampling than a contained short story.
My favorite story was Hearken, I would read a full novel on that premise.
My favorite story was Hearken, I would read a full novel on that premise.
thatnerdydogmom's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
brittanya's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
leeve_me_alone3217's review against another edition
3.0
the first half was great, the second half a little confusing. i don't really know how to feel other than the ending could've been better.
breakdown by stories:
1. Inertia: 8/10 loved the friendship and the idea behind it
2. The Spinners: 7/10 the main character was fun and i liked her sister and Eon
3. Hearken: 9/10 my favorite of them. loved the plot idea and thought the writing was magical
4. Vim and Vigor: 6/10 i don't have many thoughts. just meh
5. Armored Ones: 2/10 so confusing and over all slow
6. The Transformationist: 1/10 didn't finish
breakdown by stories:
1. Inertia: 8/10 loved the friendship and the idea behind it
2. The Spinners: 7/10 the main character was fun and i liked her sister and Eon
3. Hearken: 9/10 my favorite of them. loved the plot idea and thought the writing was magical
4. Vim and Vigor: 6/10 i don't have many thoughts. just meh
5. Armored Ones: 2/10 so confusing and over all slow
6. The Transformationist: 1/10 didn't finish
misterintensity's review against another edition
3.0
A collection of short stories about love which takes place in a vague near future setting. Included are two stories which takes place in the world of the Carve the Mark series. These short stories about different types of love are notable for the setting of these stories. The vague future setting, the presence of fantastic technology, and the existence of aliens make these stories “science fiction,” yet they read like “realistic fiction,” which could have done without the more fantastic elements. They focus on the messier aspects of love and learning to accept your loved ones for who they are. The first four stories are more focused on the theme but the last two are bonus stories which take place in the universe of Carve the Mark. For readers of the duology it adds to its world building but it might confuse anyone who is led to this collection who have only read Divergent or are not familiar with Roth’s previous work. Fans of Roth’s previous books or those who like short speculative fiction would appreciate this collection.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ for providing an ARC for this book.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ for providing an ARC for this book.