sara_evaney's review against another edition
3.0
This was better than the first. I just feel like this world isnt magical enough to have all these supernatural stuff going on.
xbabyghost's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kautaru's review against another edition
4.5
Solid sequel to the first book. There’s a lot more background information on the main characters in this one, which was interesting. Quite a few plot twists too, which made the book all the more enjoyable. I loved all the interjections the author made throughout the book, those were the best parts.
ethan_libra's review against another edition
2.0
DISCLAIMER: If You're Reading This, It's Too Late is the sequel to The Name of This Book Is Secret, so if you haven't read my review for that book, you might want to, given that I reference my opinion on that book quite a bit in this review. Thanks!
Although it still has its problems, and although I wouldn't call it a "good" book by any means, this was definitely a step up from the previous novel in the series. For one, the A Series of Unfortunate Events influence has certainly lessened, and I can sense this series gaining more of an individual voice. If this continues, I might actually start enjoying these books! Another noticeable change is Cass, our main protagonist. She is a lot more likable in this novel, and acts a lot more kindly towards Max-Ernest (our other protagonist) and others she meets. Max-Ernest hasn't really changed at all, though. Finally, the author's interruptions have lessened since the last book, which is still an improvement even if they haven't gotten less obnoxious.
However, this still wasn't exactly a good book. One issue I keep coming back to in my mind revolves around a new character: Yo-Yoji. It feels like he only serves to drive a half-baked "jealousy" conflict between our two main characters, because he really doesn't do anything besides that. Also, the reader is supposed to believe he's "cool" because he plays electric guitar and says "yo" and "sick" all the time, which has just aged terribly. The illustrations haven't improved, either; they're still as hard to look at and misleading as before. Lastly, the pacing in the second act feels like nothing is happening, and the author tends to repeat phrases a lot (one such offender being "which is a polite way of saying ___") So, I'd call this book a definite improvement, although there is still work to be done before this series can be enjoyable to read. Cheers!
Although it still has its problems, and although I wouldn't call it a "good" book by any means, this was definitely a step up from the previous novel in the series. For one, the A Series of Unfortunate Events influence has certainly lessened, and I can sense this series gaining more of an individual voice. If this continues, I might actually start enjoying these books! Another noticeable change is Cass, our main protagonist. She is a lot more likable in this novel, and acts a lot more kindly towards Max-Ernest (our other protagonist) and others she meets. Max-Ernest hasn't really changed at all, though. Finally, the author's interruptions have lessened since the last book, which is still an improvement even if they haven't gotten less obnoxious.
However, this still wasn't exactly a good book. One issue I keep coming back to in my mind revolves around a new character: Yo-Yoji. It feels like he only serves to drive a half-baked "jealousy" conflict between our two main characters, because he really doesn't do anything besides that. Also, the reader is supposed to believe he's "cool" because he plays electric guitar and says "yo" and "sick" all the time, which has just aged terribly. The illustrations haven't improved, either; they're still as hard to look at and misleading as before. Lastly, the pacing in the second act feels like nothing is happening, and the author tends to repeat phrases a lot (one such offender being "which is a polite way of saying ___") So, I'd call this book a definite improvement, although there is still work to be done before this series can be enjoyable to read. Cheers!
bright1226's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As a sequel I thought this book was so much fun. I will say the out-dated descriptions of certain individuals left an icky taste in my mouth at some points - especially the Skelton sisters and the “pig” scene where Amber was eating. But I tried to chock that away to being an older book and that children wouldn’t really get the implications but it still felt off in comparison to the tone of the rest of the book. Overall though the story and mystery was fun and a quick read.
yendis_17's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
cryptidluna's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
Once again, P.B says some things that aren’t the most politically correct which makes me cringe a bit. But it is what it is.
I still feel mostly the same about everyone who showed up in the first book. Cass and Max-Ernest are still enjoyable to read from, though I do tend to side with Cass most of the time. When M-E had his literally jealously fit, I was like “ugh boys
Once again, P.B says some things that aren’t the most politically correct which makes me cringe a bit. But it is what it is.
I still feel mostly the same about everyone who showed up in the first book. Cass and Max-Ernest are still enjoyable to read from, though I do tend to side with Cass most of the time. When M-E had his literally jealously fit, I was like “ugh boys
vinayvallala's review against another edition
4.0
You shouldn't believe the author about the book's title (he is a bit cheeky). The book has good entertainment value, but is it safe?... It depends whether you read the book or just put in your shelf. But that is it, that's all I can say because, author is a cruel person (JK) and he made me sign a contract with blood(Mmm... Ketchup actually
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
This was a really wonderful and funny book!
Still loving the Narrator, I really love the writing style and how he warns us, or interrupts a chapter to tell us why he didn't write it.
This book also had something else fun, the numbering for the chapters was backwards. So instead of starting with chapter 1 we started with a chapter number in the thirties. :)
The characters still had their ups and downs. I still don't like Max-Ernest that much (he is so annoying at times), but Cassandra is really improving and I really liked her in this book.
Also the book features a lot of answers, mysteries solved and pasts unravelled.
I will be sure to read book 3 soon. Since I really want to know more about the Secret, and about the Terces Society.
Still loving the Narrator, I really love the writing style and how he warns us, or interrupts a chapter to tell us why he didn't write it.
This book also had something else fun, the numbering for the chapters was backwards. So instead of starting with chapter 1 we started with a chapter number in the thirties. :)
The characters still had their ups and downs. I still don't like Max-Ernest that much (he is so annoying at times), but Cassandra is really improving and I really liked her in this book.
Also the book features a lot of answers, mysteries solved and pasts unravelled.
I will be sure to read book 3 soon. Since I really want to know more about the Secret, and about the Terces Society.