The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! š
darquedreamer's review against another edition
2.0
I really wish I had loved this one. Such a Secret Place was one those books that gripped you in the moment, but left you the minute you stopped reading it. This was another buddy read, so I did not read it in one sitting. I would read a few chapters here and there, and finished it over the course of about half a month. Every time I would return to the book, I would forget just about everything I read from the time before.
The writing was nice while I was in the moment, though it had a lot of metaphors that just seemed to drag the story down, like too many pop culture references. But, nothing was memorable, despite the fact that I hated how awkward the pacing felt, and how dependent Ambry was on Talon. I wanted to love her and see her as a strong YA female MC, but the whole "captor dependency" thing really brought me down.
I never felt like I was hooked. The characters were flat. The story was typical, and a little unoriginal, and the bits that I did enjoy, that felt unique, weren't enough to keep my enjoyment up. The ending felt way too rushed too! So, there was enough enjoyment to get me to finish the book, and I may still consider reading something else from the author, but I did not enjoy this one enough to decide to add book 2 to my TBR.
This was a buddy read with Liz.
The writing was nice while I was in the moment, though it had a lot of metaphors that just seemed to drag the story down, like too many pop culture references. But, nothing was memorable, despite the fact that I hated how awkward the pacing felt, and how dependent Ambry was on Talon. I wanted to love her and see her as a strong YA female MC, but the whole "captor dependency" thing really brought me down.
I never felt like I was hooked. The characters were flat. The story was typical, and a little unoriginal, and the bits that I did enjoy, that felt unique, weren't enough to keep my enjoyment up. The ending felt way too rushed too! So, there was enough enjoyment to get me to finish the book, and I may still consider reading something else from the author, but I did not enjoy this one enough to decide to add book 2 to my TBR.
This was a buddy read with Liz.
lexish's review
3.0
I would give this one a solid 3.5, good enough to continue the series.
It was pretty enjoyable. Fast-paced, plenty of mysteries to keep the pages turning, and Ambry was enjoyable to read. I liked the whole concept with the magical tears, and it was fun seeing a jar of tears with a personality and goal of its own.
It was nice that all the characters had their own goals that ended up conflicting more often than not. The whole system of magic was interesting and I wanted to know more about it, and I really enjoyed the world and the settings.
The villain wasn't anything special, and Talon...I'm kinda back and forth with his character. I couldn't decide whether or not I liked him, but I did like the conflict where he wouldn't tell Ambry anything, and it was really rewarding to see her finally take matters into her own hands near the end of the book. I wanted her to do that so much sooner.
Anyway, it was good. I don't often rate books with 4 stars, but this came pretty close. Can't wait to see what else Cortney Pearson has in store!
It was pretty enjoyable. Fast-paced, plenty of mysteries to keep the pages turning, and Ambry was enjoyable to read. I liked the whole concept with the magical tears, and it was fun seeing a jar of tears with a personality and goal of its own.
It was nice that all the characters had their own goals that ended up conflicting more often than not. The whole system of magic was interesting and I wanted to know more about it, and I really enjoyed the world and the settings.
The villain wasn't anything special, and Talon...I'm kinda back and forth with his character. I couldn't decide whether or not I liked him, but I did like the conflict where he wouldn't tell Ambry anything, and it was really rewarding to see her finally take matters into her own hands near the end of the book. I wanted her to do that so much sooner.
Anyway, it was good. I don't often rate books with 4 stars, but this came pretty close. Can't wait to see what else Cortney Pearson has in store!
auburnedge's review
4.0
I will admit that I had no idea what I was reading when I started this book. I liked the cover and thought to check it out. So glad that I did. The story was spectacular and the elements coming together throughout made the story seem cohesive. The main character Ambry grows so much during the story! A definate read if you are into magic, romance, and adventure
tarryncurrentlyreading's review against another edition
3.0
*Thank you to Victory Editing for my copy of this book*
I wanted to like this book, I really did. And at times, I almost did. But not quite.
Such A Secret Place follows Ambry Csille, who lives in a world where her people had magic - until a spell took away their ability to cry, which stripped them of their core human emotions. This left them succeptible to having their magic essentially mined by another race, and that's exactly what happens. Everyone is basically a husk of a person who doesn't care about much of anything, while their world is being torn apart by evil-doers.
Ambry, our main character, doesn't have magic, and also can feel more than anyone around her - but she still can't cry. After sneaking out with her best friend one night she gets her hands on some illegal, magical tears. Then everything goes to hell. She's shot out into a journey of trying to keep the tears out of the hands of the bad guys, learning to tap into her magic and trying to find her brother who was taken, all while her society is on the cusp of a revolution... I'm not sure I got it.
The biggest and most difficult detractor to overcome in this story is the narration of Ambry Csille. She's supposed to be 16 but there's something about her that makes me picture a 12 year old. She's incredibly childish and immature and has absolutely no sense of logic. Most of her dialogue seems to just be her whining like an insolent child or bemoaning her many woes, mainly the ones that have to do with the sexy, mysterious and (of course) rude guy she's trekking around with.
The attempt at world building is admirable. The author really did try to create something interesting. There was just always this unfortunate disconnect - it was like we were dumped into the story's world with the impression that we should already be acclimated to how things are. But I never became acclimated. I really wanted to be, but I never felt like it all clicked together.
Then there's the major plot line of magical tears in a world where crying and many emotions have been taken away from people. It was so intriguing, but I remained confused throughout the story. I never really got it. I never understood or liked that tears had picked a teenage girl to protect them, that they needed protecting at all, or that they had some weird psychic bond with her and were able to inflict pain on people...it was just a little too absurd for my taste. Didn't gel for me.
One plus - I do plan on reading the sequel whenever it comes out. The story wasn't great for me but it was enough to get me to finish and leave me wondering what else could happen. My hopes are for some major character development for Ambry. I'd love to see her grow up, think things through more, and especially to stop letting a guy lead her around by her emotions. There's nothing that turns me off of a YA heroine more than one who has real shit to deal with but still manages to think about her confusing relationship every five minutes. Just, no.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. And at times, I almost did. But not quite.
Such A Secret Place follows Ambry Csille, who lives in a world where her people had magic - until a spell took away their ability to cry, which stripped them of their core human emotions. This left them succeptible to having their magic essentially mined by another race, and that's exactly what happens. Everyone is basically a husk of a person who doesn't care about much of anything, while their world is being torn apart by evil-doers.
Ambry, our main character, doesn't have magic, and also can feel more than anyone around her - but she still can't cry. After sneaking out with her best friend one night she gets her hands on some illegal, magical tears. Then everything goes to hell. She's shot out into a journey of trying to keep the tears out of the hands of the bad guys, learning to tap into her magic and trying to find her brother who was taken, all while her society is on the cusp of a revolution... I'm not sure I got it.
The biggest and most difficult detractor to overcome in this story is the narration of Ambry Csille. She's supposed to be 16 but there's something about her that makes me picture a 12 year old. She's incredibly childish and immature and has absolutely no sense of logic. Most of her dialogue seems to just be her whining like an insolent child or bemoaning her many woes, mainly the ones that have to do with the sexy, mysterious and (of course) rude guy she's trekking around with.
The attempt at world building is admirable. The author really did try to create something interesting. There was just always this unfortunate disconnect - it was like we were dumped into the story's world with the impression that we should already be acclimated to how things are. But I never became acclimated. I really wanted to be, but I never felt like it all clicked together.
Then there's the major plot line of magical tears in a world where crying and many emotions have been taken away from people. It was so intriguing, but I remained confused throughout the story. I never really got it. I never understood or liked that tears had picked a teenage girl to protect them, that they needed protecting at all, or that they had some weird psychic bond with her and were able to inflict pain on people...it was just a little too absurd for my taste. Didn't gel for me.
One plus - I do plan on reading the sequel whenever it comes out. The story wasn't great for me but it was enough to get me to finish and leave me wondering what else could happen. My hopes are for some major character development for Ambry. I'd love to see her grow up, think things through more, and especially to stop letting a guy lead her around by her emotions. There's nothing that turns me off of a YA heroine more than one who has real shit to deal with but still manages to think about her confusing relationship every five minutes. Just, no.
shyviolet09's review
3.0
I love the adventure and the world in this book. Ambry, Ren and Talon and very likeable characters and I can't wait for the next one to find out what happens.
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, this was a really great, entertaining book! I loved the characters and the world, and the ending was just pure evil, I need the next book!
amelianicholebooks's review
5.0
I enjoyed reading this book. It is refreshing to have a heroine who starts at zero and has to fight for every ounce of advantage she can. There is a lot of back story here, but it is revealed layer by layer in little bite-size pieces as the plot continues. It might seem like it starts slow, but everything that happens, in the beginning, sets up the rest of the story on solid foundations.
A fully imagined world with a unique magic system. If you like YA Dystopic Fantasy, you'll enjoy this book. I have the next two books on my TBR list!
A fully imagined world with a unique magic system. If you like YA Dystopic Fantasy, you'll enjoy this book. I have the next two books on my TBR list!
camilleareads's review against another edition
2.0
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Firstly, the new cover for this book is strikingly gorgeous! And the concept for the fantasy world was the sole reason I wanted to read this book. To be honest, I scrolled past this at first but then the concept of a world where magic renders a person emotionless was too unique a read to pass up.
Itās clear that the author has an impressive imagination, once I began understanding the world she had created ā my favorite was the Xian claw which was made from the nails of Nymphs. A world where magic wasnāt much of a boon ā from magic stealing tyrants to magic making people emotionless ā we have a world in chaos. Just like most fantasy plots, this novel has itās āchosen oneā which interestingly was chose by a bottle of tears.
Sure, it sounds like a funny concept but those tears were bad-ass (and clingy). Burning anyone who it didnāt like and tormenting Ambry until they were back in her hands. Also, the authorās description of how a personās magic seemed like separate living force in the person, or at least, that is what I understood from it, was a concept I thought to be quite original.
But to my critical mind there were moments in the books I did not like.
Let me begin with Talon. He is the root reason why I wanted to put this book down. Sure, I get it ā heās handsome but I donāt need to read about it every single time Ambry wants to describe him. It gets exhaustive. I totally despise plots where the YA heroine oogles over a handsome guy.
Now, Donāt get me wrong I still get the ākiligā* when a budding romance occurs, when the tension grows unbearable, or when characters deny their infatuation for each other, but there was so much wrong in Talon and Ambryās romantic development that made me dislike it completely.
Here are some quotes from Ambry perspective:
āIāll be someone Talon can be proud of. Someone he wants to keep around.ā
āI just want to curl up on the ground and pout. Itās one thing to flop in front of teachers and parents, but doing it now in front of a boy I barely know? Especially one who looks like Talon? Man, Iām a loser.ā
In addition to that, the boy has roughly handled her, had been dishonest with her, doesnāt take responsibility for his actions, and also has a secret girlfriend.
So much is wrong with that character. In short, I AM COMPLETELY AGAINST THIS ROMANTIC PAIR.
Ambry, on the other hand, seems to have quite the potential for a wonderful character development. Perhaps the focus should be more on Ambry and Renās (her brother) relationship because I am dying for more sibling relationships in YA books. I love that trope very, very much.
Though there were some concepts and scenes that confused me, the book isnāt bad, in fact, it has a lot of potential. And for that to happen, in my personal opinion, I would like to see:
> Ambry find her independence. Stop fawning over a boy who isnāt worth it.
> And Gywnn ā give me a stronger reason for her joining the Arcs than because sheās in love with Tyrus. Like the book pointed out, Gywnn and Ambry had a strong friendship, so, to not only turn Ambry over to Tyrus but to actually steal her magic needs to have a much stronger motive. Otherwise, it doesnāt make sense to me.
>Make the adventure more about Ren and Ambry. Please!
Firstly, the new cover for this book is strikingly gorgeous! And the concept for the fantasy world was the sole reason I wanted to read this book. To be honest, I scrolled past this at first but then the concept of a world where magic renders a person emotionless was too unique a read to pass up.
Itās clear that the author has an impressive imagination, once I began understanding the world she had created ā my favorite was the Xian claw which was made from the nails of Nymphs. A world where magic wasnāt much of a boon ā from magic stealing tyrants to magic making people emotionless ā we have a world in chaos. Just like most fantasy plots, this novel has itās āchosen oneā which interestingly was chose by a bottle of tears.
Sure, it sounds like a funny concept but those tears were bad-ass (and clingy). Burning anyone who it didnāt like and tormenting Ambry until they were back in her hands. Also, the authorās description of how a personās magic seemed like separate living force in the person, or at least, that is what I understood from it, was a concept I thought to be quite original.
But to my critical mind there were moments in the books I did not like.
Let me begin with Talon. He is the root reason why I wanted to put this book down. Sure, I get it ā heās handsome but I donāt need to read about it every single time Ambry wants to describe him. It gets exhaustive. I totally despise plots where the YA heroine oogles over a handsome guy.
Now, Donāt get me wrong I still get the ākiligā* when a budding romance occurs, when the tension grows unbearable, or when characters deny their infatuation for each other, but there was so much wrong in Talon and Ambryās romantic development that made me dislike it completely.
Here are some quotes from Ambry perspective:
āIāll be someone Talon can be proud of. Someone he wants to keep around.ā
āI just want to curl up on the ground and pout. Itās one thing to flop in front of teachers and parents, but doing it now in front of a boy I barely know? Especially one who looks like Talon? Man, Iām a loser.ā
In addition to that, the boy has roughly handled her, had been dishonest with her, doesnāt take responsibility for his actions, and also has a secret girlfriend.
So much is wrong with that character. In short, I AM COMPLETELY AGAINST THIS ROMANTIC PAIR.
Ambry, on the other hand, seems to have quite the potential for a wonderful character development. Perhaps the focus should be more on Ambry and Renās (her brother) relationship because I am dying for more sibling relationships in YA books. I love that trope very, very much.
Though there were some concepts and scenes that confused me, the book isnāt bad, in fact, it has a lot of potential. And for that to happen, in my personal opinion, I would like to see:
> Ambry find her independence. Stop fawning over a boy who isnāt worth it.
> And Gywnn ā give me a stronger reason for her joining the Arcs than because sheās in love with Tyrus. Like the book pointed out, Gywnn and Ambry had a strong friendship, so, to not only turn Ambry over to Tyrus but to actually steal her magic needs to have a much stronger motive. Otherwise, it doesnāt make sense to me.
>Make the adventure more about Ren and Ambry. Please!
More...