The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
rennegade's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this book so badly, but unfortunately it just didn't work for me.
Sarah Rees Brennan is a funny woman. I enjoy reading her blog because of her humor. That humor is present in Unspoken, which I appreciate. Kami, for the most part, is a likeable main character. I was not fond of how much time she spent describing the looks of her female friends, but for the most part she was clever and amusing. I also appreciate that romance was not the focal point of this book like it seems to be in so many YA series.
What didn't work for me:
* While I do like Brennan's sense of humor, I feel like it isn't believable for basically every character to use it. They all seem to have the same sense of humor as Brennan herself, to the point where they start to blend together for me.
* The almost love triangle. My least favorite trope EVER is a love triangle. When Kami was dealing with Jared in her head and Ash making advances, I immediately started to mentally check out because I became convinced that it would turn into the cousins fighting for the girl and her giving her affections to both. Thankfully it didn't go there, but I wish it hadn't even been an almost thing.
* Most importantly, I did not like the plot. The setting was right. I love small towns with creepy families living in their creepy castles. The characters were fine (there really wasn't any character that I hated). The plot wasn't too terrible until the magic elements started popping up. I did not enjoy the sorcerer aspect at all. The last few chapters were so boring even though it was the most action in the entire book. By the end I just didn't care.
I am glad to see that SRB is so successful. This book seems to have overwhelmingly positive reviews, and people are eagerly anticipating the second book in the series. I tried reading [b:The Demon's Lexicon|1829655|The Demon's Lexicon (The Demon's Lexicon Trilogy, #1)|Sarah Rees Brennan|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348056121s/1829655.jpg|1829467], the first book in her other series, and did not enjoy it either, so I think I am officially throwing in the towel with this author.
Sarah Rees Brennan is a funny woman. I enjoy reading her blog because of her humor. That humor is present in Unspoken, which I appreciate. Kami, for the most part, is a likeable main character. I was not fond of how much time she spent describing the looks of her female friends, but for the most part she was clever and amusing. I also appreciate that romance was not the focal point of this book like it seems to be in so many YA series.
What didn't work for me:
* While I do like Brennan's sense of humor, I feel like it isn't believable for basically every character to use it. They all seem to have the same sense of humor as Brennan herself, to the point where they start to blend together for me.
* The almost love triangle. My least favorite trope EVER is a love triangle. When Kami was dealing with Jared in her head and Ash making advances, I immediately started to mentally check out because I became convinced that it would turn into the cousins fighting for the girl and her giving her affections to both. Thankfully it didn't go there, but I wish it hadn't even been an almost thing.
* Most importantly, I did not like the plot. The setting was right. I love small towns with creepy families living in their creepy castles. The characters were fine (there really wasn't any character that I hated). The plot wasn't too terrible until the magic elements started popping up. I did not enjoy the sorcerer aspect at all. The last few chapters were so boring even though it was the most action in the entire book. By the end I just didn't care.
I am glad to see that SRB is so successful. This book seems to have overwhelmingly positive reviews, and people are eagerly anticipating the second book in the series. I tried reading [b:The Demon's Lexicon|1829655|The Demon's Lexicon (The Demon's Lexicon Trilogy, #1)|Sarah Rees Brennan|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348056121s/1829655.jpg|1829467], the first book in her other series, and did not enjoy it either, so I think I am officially throwing in the towel with this author.
marisamoo's review against another edition
5.0
my feelings hurt
this book
Ok
characters: Teh charries are perfect. Like perfect. For once a novel does not feature a stiff cookie cutter family. I LOVE THE DAD AND MOM ARG
The MC. Kami is feisty and amazing without being the typical "fierce girl"
ANGELA HER BEST FRIEND IS AMAZING
The love. Jared is adorable and I love him to death. Ash is annoying. The love triangle seemed forced...
There is a little bit i didn't like much later but that's not important this book is beautiful read it
this book
Ok
characters: Teh charries are perfect. Like perfect. For once a novel does not feature a stiff cookie cutter family. I LOVE THE DAD AND MOM ARG
The MC. Kami is feisty and amazing without being the typical "fierce girl"
ANGELA HER BEST FRIEND IS AMAZING
The love. Jared is adorable and I love him to death. Ash is annoying. The love triangle seemed forced...
There is a little bit i didn't like much later but that's not important this book is beautiful read it
wrenlee's review against another edition
3.0
10866624
Unspoken
Sarah Rees Brennan
Goodreads / Amazon
Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.
But all that changes when the Lynburns return.
The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?
Travel Companion:
If I traveled with the main character Kami Glass, she would be:
The Reporter
She would be taking pictures of everything and noting down useless facts like if a guy's shirt was blue or not or whether the lady in red was eating a bagel or a doughnut. She would be interviewing everybody, even us. What's your favorite color? Where do you live? What books do you read? Where is that gorgeous purse from?
We would meet her by the newspaper stand, arguing about the validity of her facts with a big-wig reporter or some other cocky person. And she would come with us because of the allure of adventure, danger, and mystery.
If I traveled with the main character Jared Lynburn, he would be:
Sulking and Silent Companion
He would sulk the entire trip, but when he would talk, he would be very cocky and rude. He would probably offend all of us, but that would be okay! We would all just enjoy his snarky comments. (Only if they weren't directed at us.)
He would be sulking in the corner of a train station. We would pick him up and tell him Kami his imaginary friend will be there. And he'll join us right away.
Kami did have a great sarcastic personality. She was quick on her feet and very sarcastic. I liked her outlandish personality. She was convinced that all her delinquent actions could be supported by the 'fact' that she was pursuing justice and the truth. I'm not sure that would have convinced any cops, though.
Kami was reckless and sometimes decided to do things she shouldn't have done. I liked that she didn't hold back. She was open and let things spill from her lips. She did need a filter, though. Not everything she said was needed to be spoken. Not holding back, though, was part of her character. I enjoyed seeing her spout incoherent sentences. It amused me.
Jared was dark and brooding. He's the SSC for a reason! While I typically enjoy dark and brooding characters because they have a REASON to be dark and brooding, Jared was a bit lacking. He could have had more backstory, more depth. He had a dead father. And a mother who caused trouble. (Plus, she was creepy.) I wanted Jared to have more personality and more backstory. I'm perfectly fine with the story being mostly about Kami, but their awesome mind-reading power could have revealed more about Jared. It wasn't a one-way connection, you know.
What type of child was he? How did his mother treat him? Was she cold? Cruel? Did she hit him? Did she hate him or love him? I wanted to know about their relationship. This story is mostly about the Lynburns, so why can't we know their relationships and connections? Especially with Jared being the male main character.
The Adventure Begins (And Ends):
The plot was okay. Nothing too action-y or fast-paced. It was a bit dull at times.
The supernatural mystery was interesting, though. The murder. The dead animals. Why did these things happen? Did this person have magic? Were they out for revenge? Who could it be? Holly? Rusty?
Sadly, the mystery wasn't the front-runner the entire story. I wanted it to be the main plot. It could have captured my interest more.
It wasn't really a mystery story. It's hard to place what this story was. Urban fantasy? Romance?
Kami really was a roving reporter, though. She dug deep into Sorry-in-the-vale. She didn't stop. Her thirst for knowledge kept her going. I admire that tenacity.
The story also focused on Kami and Jared getting used to each other being real. They have to get used to seeing someone's face and connecting it with the voice in their head. They had a connection from long ago, but the person next to them doesn't act the same as the voice.
For example, it seemed like Jared had two personalities. The that was kind and joking that Kami knew from inside her head and the snarky one everyone else knew. Which one is the true Jared? One or the other? Both? Neither?
I liked reading about the struggle to find a place to find in the other's life. Where did Jared belong in Kami's life? Friend? Enemy? Lover? And Kami? Where did she belong? Their struggle was interesting, especially since they had niches already. They had to rethink everything.
I'll Wait For You At the Gate:
There was some chemistry between Kami and Jared. Those two had a connection, a mental link. That aided their romantic connection. They had a spark. They just needed to light it. They could have dated. (I mean...that third time they met. Man. Jared really took the initiative. Go, Jared!) I would have shipped it if they dated.
But the love triangle! I really didn't like the love triangle. There was no use for it. Why was it there? These two would have been great together. There was no use for the fighting over Kami. Why? Is Kami that amazing? I know she had a great personality, but she wasn't that cute. Or was she? Or did Guy B see something else in her I didn't see? (Yes. I'm referring to as the other person as Guy B.)
Perks and Upgrades:
N/A
You Have Arrived at Your Destination:
There was so much action in the ending. It seemed like everything happened all at once. Angela. Rob. Ash. All these people had important roles in the end. (Not that they didn't have important roles before the ending happened.)
Everything came at me in a tsunami of plot points. Action. Magic. Family. Betrayal. Fear. Worry. Agony. All these emotions swirled about in those last few pages. I was clutching my phone, worrying along with Kami and Jared. I was biting my lip, wondering if this would all work out.
The story ended on such a complex note. Now, Jared and Kami have to figure out how to live with each other in a world that has changed. They have to figure out how they fit in again. But in a different way. I think the two of them have a lot of problems to sort out now.
Overall? It wasn't a bad story. The female lead was interesting, and I liked her personality. The mystery lured me in. Who are the Lynburns? What are they doing? Who is the killer? The plot wasn't very interesting, and it could have been better. The romance could have happened; I definitely was okay with it. I felt like Kami and Jared could have gone beyond friendship if they wanted to, but they seemed afraid of the consequences. (It is understandable, though. Their relationship might end up harming BOTH of them. And their friends and family as well.)
This story did one thing right, though. It got me to connect with Kami, make me feel for her. And that was a great thing.
I would have given this story a four out of five if the plot wasn't so dull.
This wasn't a terrible story, but it wasn't the best I've read.
Rating:
3/5
Unspoken
Sarah Rees Brennan
Goodreads / Amazon
Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.
But all that changes when the Lynburns return.
The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?
Travel Companion:
If I traveled with the main character Kami Glass, she would be:
The Reporter
She would be taking pictures of everything and noting down useless facts like if a guy's shirt was blue or not or whether the lady in red was eating a bagel or a doughnut. She would be interviewing everybody, even us. What's your favorite color? Where do you live? What books do you read? Where is that gorgeous purse from?
We would meet her by the newspaper stand, arguing about the validity of her facts with a big-wig reporter or some other cocky person. And she would come with us because of the allure of adventure, danger, and mystery.
If I traveled with the main character Jared Lynburn, he would be:
Sulking and Silent Companion
He would sulk the entire trip, but when he would talk, he would be very cocky and rude. He would probably offend all of us, but that would be okay! We would all just enjoy his snarky comments. (Only if they weren't directed at us.)
He would be sulking in the corner of a train station. We would pick him up and tell him Kami his imaginary friend will be there. And he'll join us right away.
Kami did have a great sarcastic personality. She was quick on her feet and very sarcastic. I liked her outlandish personality. She was convinced that all her delinquent actions could be supported by the 'fact' that she was pursuing justice and the truth. I'm not sure that would have convinced any cops, though.
Kami was reckless and sometimes decided to do things she shouldn't have done. I liked that she didn't hold back. She was open and let things spill from her lips. She did need a filter, though. Not everything she said was needed to be spoken. Not holding back, though, was part of her character. I enjoyed seeing her spout incoherent sentences. It amused me.
Jared was dark and brooding. He's the SSC for a reason! While I typically enjoy dark and brooding characters because they have a REASON to be dark and brooding, Jared was a bit lacking. He could have had more backstory, more depth. He had a dead father. And a mother who caused trouble. (Plus, she was creepy.) I wanted Jared to have more personality and more backstory. I'm perfectly fine with the story being mostly about Kami, but their awesome mind-reading power could have revealed more about Jared. It wasn't a one-way connection, you know.
What type of child was he? How did his mother treat him? Was she cold? Cruel? Did she hit him? Did she hate him or love him? I wanted to know about their relationship. This story is mostly about the Lynburns, so why can't we know their relationships and connections? Especially with Jared being the male main character.
The Adventure Begins (And Ends):
The plot was okay. Nothing too action-y or fast-paced. It was a bit dull at times.
The supernatural mystery was interesting, though. The murder. The dead animals. Why did these things happen? Did this person have magic? Were they out for revenge? Who could it be? Holly? Rusty?
Sadly, the mystery wasn't the front-runner the entire story. I wanted it to be the main plot. It could have captured my interest more.
It wasn't really a mystery story. It's hard to place what this story was. Urban fantasy? Romance?
Kami really was a roving reporter, though. She dug deep into Sorry-in-the-vale. She didn't stop. Her thirst for knowledge kept her going. I admire that tenacity.
The story also focused on Kami and Jared getting used to each other being real. They have to get used to seeing someone's face and connecting it with the voice in their head. They had a connection from long ago, but the person next to them doesn't act the same as the voice.
For example, it seemed like Jared had two personalities. The that was kind and joking that Kami knew from inside her head and the snarky one everyone else knew. Which one is the true Jared? One or the other? Both? Neither?
I liked reading about the struggle to find a place to find in the other's life. Where did Jared belong in Kami's life? Friend? Enemy? Lover? And Kami? Where did she belong? Their struggle was interesting, especially since they had niches already. They had to rethink everything.
I'll Wait For You At the Gate:
There was some chemistry between Kami and Jared. Those two had a connection, a mental link. That aided their romantic connection. They had a spark. They just needed to light it. They could have dated. (I mean...that third time they met. Man. Jared really took the initiative. Go, Jared!) I would have shipped it if they dated.
But the love triangle! I really didn't like the love triangle. There was no use for it. Why was it there? These two would have been great together. There was no use for the fighting over Kami. Why? Is Kami that amazing? I know she had a great personality, but she wasn't that cute. Or was she? Or did Guy B see something else in her I didn't see? (Yes. I'm referring to as the other person as Guy B.)
Perks and Upgrades:
N/A
You Have Arrived at Your Destination:
There was so much action in the ending. It seemed like everything happened all at once. Angela. Rob. Ash. All these people had important roles in the end. (Not that they didn't have important roles before the ending happened.)
Everything came at me in a tsunami of plot points. Action. Magic. Family. Betrayal. Fear. Worry. Agony. All these emotions swirled about in those last few pages. I was clutching my phone, worrying along with Kami and Jared. I was biting my lip, wondering if this would all work out.
The story ended on such a complex note. Now, Jared and Kami have to figure out how to live with each other in a world that has changed. They have to figure out how they fit in again. But in a different way. I think the two of them have a lot of problems to sort out now.
Overall? It wasn't a bad story. The female lead was interesting, and I liked her personality. The mystery lured me in. Who are the Lynburns? What are they doing? Who is the killer? The plot wasn't very interesting, and it could have been better. The romance could have happened; I definitely was okay with it. I felt like Kami and Jared could have gone beyond friendship if they wanted to, but they seemed afraid of the consequences. (It is understandable, though. Their relationship might end up harming BOTH of them. And their friends and family as well.)
This story did one thing right, though. It got me to connect with Kami, make me feel for her. And that was a great thing.
I would have given this story a four out of five if the plot wasn't so dull.
This wasn't a terrible story, but it wasn't the best I've read.
Rating:
3/5
graceborch's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
poorashleu's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5 possibly 5.
I'm currently full of a lot of feels. Mostly ones at Tina for telling me to read this book.
I'm currently full of a lot of feels. Mostly ones at Tina for telling me to read this book.
ksophialydia's review
4.0
This is not the type of book I usually give five stars to, but even thinking about assigning it a four star rating made me feel like that was selling it short.
I loved every single character in this book, to varying degrees, and the ones I love a little less I only feel that way about because we didn't get too far into what makes them tick. But there are two more books! And I am excited to get to know them better. (And also to get to know the ones I love a lot better as well, naturally.)
I laughed out loud so many times in the book. It's a treasure trove of sass and repartee that gave me life and reminded me of my own relationships with people IRL.
Two things that stood out to me that I was incredibly appreciative of and delighted by were:
1) There's no missing adults. So often in media for teens adults are nowhere to be found and while that may be a reflection of our modern times it seems a bit ridiculous. But Kami's parents and the older Lynburn generation play important roles in this story, and adults also number in the ranks of secondary characters. This is a gothic novel fully aware that teenagers are answerable to adults for the things they get up to while figuring out what goes bump in the night.
2) There's not really romance in this book. Oh, to be sure there is plenty of love to go around; this book is ALL about love and the feelings attached to it. But as Kami continually reminds the people in her life, love is not solely the property of romance. Where is that line, how do you define it, and what does it mean in relationships when one person may want more or less than another? That's just some of what's explored in this book, and it's handled skillfully.
This book was a big surprise for me. I expected imaginary friends brought to life and other paranormal shenanigans. But what I got was a vibrant gothic novel (is that an oxymoron?) filled with a cast of characters who form their own family group in the face of danger. There's loads of humor, a lot of heart, danger, plot twists, a handful of magic, and a gothic plot just right for the 21st century.
Edit: Book dropped down to four stars after a second reading and a first reading of the rest of the trilogy. Unspoken has a lot of promise for the following books, but that promise is squandered and I can’t help but feel let down by it because of what followed.
I loved every single character in this book, to varying degrees, and the ones I love a little less I only feel that way about because we didn't get too far into what makes them tick. But there are two more books! And I am excited to get to know them better. (And also to get to know the ones I love a lot better as well, naturally.)
I laughed out loud so many times in the book. It's a treasure trove of sass and repartee that gave me life and reminded me of my own relationships with people IRL.
Two things that stood out to me that I was incredibly appreciative of and delighted by were:
1) There's no missing adults. So often in media for teens adults are nowhere to be found and while that may be a reflection of our modern times it seems a bit ridiculous. But Kami's parents and the older Lynburn generation play important roles in this story, and adults also number in the ranks of secondary characters. This is a gothic novel fully aware that teenagers are answerable to adults for the things they get up to while figuring out what goes bump in the night.
2) There's not really romance in this book. Oh, to be sure there is plenty of love to go around; this book is ALL about love and the feelings attached to it. But as Kami continually reminds the people in her life, love is not solely the property of romance. Where is that line, how do you define it, and what does it mean in relationships when one person may want more or less than another? That's just some of what's explored in this book, and it's handled skillfully.
This book was a big surprise for me. I expected imaginary friends brought to life and other paranormal shenanigans. But what I got was a vibrant gothic novel (is that an oxymoron?) filled with a cast of characters who form their own family group in the face of danger. There's loads of humor, a lot of heart, danger, plot twists, a handful of magic, and a gothic plot just right for the 21st century.
Edit: Book dropped down to four stars after a second reading and a first reading of the rest of the trilogy. Unspoken has a lot of promise for the following books, but that promise is squandered and I can’t help but feel let down by it because of what followed.
becs_l's review against another edition
2.0
Also found on: www.areadersdevotion.blogspot.co.uk
There were elements that I did like, especially where they were non-stereotypical YA. However I struggled to get into the story.
‘Kami had been hearing a voice in her head all her life. When she was eight, people had thought it was cute that she had an imaginary friend. It was very different now that she was seventeen. Kami was accustomed to people thinking she was crazy.’
The relationship between Kami and Jared is complex; having known each other all their lives but not actually believing the other was real. To suddenly discover that they are real, that would mess with your mind. They know each other and yet they don’t know each other. I liked watching their relationship develop.
What are the Lynburns? What is their past? What made this book more interesting is not even Jared, the male lead, knows what is going on. Normally the male leads are the ones with all the answers. It was nice both of them discovering things together. Especially since Jared is a Lynburn.
Unspoken has two diversions from the typical YA I read. One, it is set in England rather than America. I picked up the book waiting to discover what area of American it will be set only to find is based in a fictional English town. I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is Unspoken set in England but it is set in the Cotswolds, a quaint, typical English countryside. While I grew up in the south east, close to London, my family originated from these areas. While I am not the sort that enjoys visiting small villages in the middle of nowhere, I have frequently been to Bath and occasionally Gloucester. Getting back to my roots. I liked this change in setting. Very rarely do I read a book set in England and normally they are set in London.
Secondly, the main character, Kami, is of Asian descent. Asian and other characters of foreign descent are slowly becoming more common place in YA but normally they are secondary. To have the main heroine as Asian is definitely a nice change. There is even a picture of an Asian model on the UK cover.
Unfortunately, while there were parts I liked, there were parts I couldn’t get into. I struggled sometimes to get inside the head of Kami. I think this was partially due to the way it was written. It is written in third person but quiet distantly. We don’t get much of her thoughts which I would have preferred. Just thoughts aimed at Jared. Scenes that involve people getting hurt felt a bit distant as well. Kami and some of the other character felt a bit too so-so about certain situations. Someone tries to her kill her friend. This is a big deal. Doesn't feel like it.
Another thing I struggled with was getting absorbed in the story. While I found the mystery somewhat interesting, the plot jumps around. While this could be considered fast paced, I felt it was too fast. A new scene would crop up and I wasn’t sure how if flowed with the previous one. I kept losing my sense of what was happening.
While I felt this book had great potential it unfortunately didn’t cut it for me. Unable to connect with the characters or plot, I struggled especially towards the end. I wanted to like it but I couldn’t. It was ok overall.
There were elements that I did like, especially where they were non-stereotypical YA. However I struggled to get into the story.
‘Kami had been hearing a voice in her head all her life. When she was eight, people had thought it was cute that she had an imaginary friend. It was very different now that she was seventeen. Kami was accustomed to people thinking she was crazy.’
The relationship between Kami and Jared is complex; having known each other all their lives but not actually believing the other was real. To suddenly discover that they are real, that would mess with your mind. They know each other and yet they don’t know each other. I liked watching their relationship develop.
What are the Lynburns? What is their past? What made this book more interesting is not even Jared, the male lead, knows what is going on. Normally the male leads are the ones with all the answers. It was nice both of them discovering things together. Especially since Jared is a Lynburn.
Unspoken has two diversions from the typical YA I read. One, it is set in England rather than America. I picked up the book waiting to discover what area of American it will be set only to find is based in a fictional English town. I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is Unspoken set in England but it is set in the Cotswolds, a quaint, typical English countryside. While I grew up in the south east, close to London, my family originated from these areas. While I am not the sort that enjoys visiting small villages in the middle of nowhere, I have frequently been to Bath and occasionally Gloucester. Getting back to my roots. I liked this change in setting. Very rarely do I read a book set in England and normally they are set in London.
Secondly, the main character, Kami, is of Asian descent. Asian and other characters of foreign descent are slowly becoming more common place in YA but normally they are secondary. To have the main heroine as Asian is definitely a nice change. There is even a picture of an Asian model on the UK cover.
Unfortunately, while there were parts I liked, there were parts I couldn’t get into. I struggled sometimes to get inside the head of Kami. I think this was partially due to the way it was written. It is written in third person but quiet distantly. We don’t get much of her thoughts which I would have preferred. Just thoughts aimed at Jared. Scenes that involve people getting hurt felt a bit distant as well. Kami and some of the other character felt a bit too so-so about certain situations. Someone tries to her kill her friend. This is a big deal. Doesn't feel like it.
Another thing I struggled with was getting absorbed in the story. While I found the mystery somewhat interesting, the plot jumps around. While this could be considered fast paced, I felt it was too fast. A new scene would crop up and I wasn’t sure how if flowed with the previous one. I kept losing my sense of what was happening.
While I felt this book had great potential it unfortunately didn’t cut it for me. Unable to connect with the characters or plot, I struggled especially towards the end. I wanted to like it but I couldn’t. It was ok overall.
hilaryjsc's review against another edition
4.0
How are these not the biggest deal ever? Supernatural gothic romance meets scrappy Nancy Drew heroine!
sarahannkateri's review against another edition
3.0
Raven Boysish, but less clearly written and with more horror elements.
Girls who like Brennan's earlier trilogy and those who want humorous paranormal fiction will like this.
Girls who like Brennan's earlier trilogy and those who want humorous paranormal fiction will like this.
octagonal's review against another edition
5.0
Rereading tiiiiiimme!
And rereading verdict: STILL awesome. STILL painful. Ready for Untold!!
Original review 9/14/12:
AHHHHH, SO FREAKING GOOD.
I hoped I would love this, since Sarah Rees Brennan also wrote The Demon's Lexicon series, and NNGGHHH LOVE. And I did.
I love everything about this book, I just... yes. Badass, witty, adorable, angsty. It is all the things.
There is something awesome about the heartbreak from a good book that gets you RIGHT IN THE FEELS. I love it.
And rereading verdict: STILL awesome. STILL painful. Ready for Untold!!
Original review 9/14/12:
AHHHHH, SO FREAKING GOOD.
I hoped I would love this, since Sarah Rees Brennan also wrote The Demon's Lexicon series, and NNGGHHH LOVE. And I did.
I love everything about this book, I just... yes. Badass, witty, adorable, angsty. It is all the things.
There is something awesome about the heartbreak from a good book that gets you RIGHT IN THE FEELS. I love it.