chelsealaurenauthor's review
5.0
"I did what had to be done in order to build a world that was right. One that would no only survive but thrive. A world where everything was connected, where your kind does not destroy everything for the sake of what you deem innovation. Where progress would be the health of every living thing, not just convenience of one species."
I absolutely love books that have me second guessing my purpose and impact on the world. Do I make a big impact? What does impact mean? Do I have a small carbon footprint? Am I protecting Mother Nature as best I can even though I'm part of a species that's selfish and often set out to destroy?
This book has you questioning what balance and sacrifice is. What would you risk to bring color back into your life and what does color even mean to you? Do you even recognize the significance it has on you?
While we may not live in a world like Clarence, Wakoba, and Jessi, the three children in this book, we are able to understand a world that tries to better itself and often fails at trying. Or someone who believes they have the power to make everything better, one single person alone, which cannot be done.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, but also questioning your own beliefs, seemingly at an unexpected point!
I absolutely love books that have me second guessing my purpose and impact on the world. Do I make a big impact? What does impact mean? Do I have a small carbon footprint? Am I protecting Mother Nature as best I can even though I'm part of a species that's selfish and often set out to destroy?
This book has you questioning what balance and sacrifice is. What would you risk to bring color back into your life and what does color even mean to you? Do you even recognize the significance it has on you?
While we may not live in a world like Clarence, Wakoba, and Jessi, the three children in this book, we are able to understand a world that tries to better itself and often fails at trying. Or someone who believes they have the power to make everything better, one single person alone, which cannot be done.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, but also questioning your own beliefs, seemingly at an unexpected point!
darquedreamer's review
4.0
This was definitely a cute, unique read. Though I did get a little bored with it, I felt like the author did a great job with differentiating the voices of the characters and portraying a thought provoking plotline dealing with humanity, family, and death. It was an interesting middle grade read, and I would definitely recommend it.
adsowhitney's review
3.0
3.5
Quick read with a pretty cool overall idea. I enjoyed my time reading it and I'll probably read the seuquel. I just didnt connect to any of the characters and I'm sure ot has more to do with the age gap than anything else.
I feel like there are some pretty dark pieces/topics in this one despite it being #
middlegrade, but nothing that someone the right age for these books should t be reading or anything like that.
Quick read with a pretty cool overall idea. I enjoyed my time reading it and I'll probably read the seuquel. I just didnt connect to any of the characters and I'm sure ot has more to do with the age gap than anything else.
I feel like there are some pretty dark pieces/topics in this one despite it being #
middlegrade, but nothing that someone the right age for these books should t be reading or anything like that.
caprisbookisland's review
4.0
This book is definitely one of those books that help you easily visualize the world, and every setting the characters are in.
Every single detail in the colors, and the admiration in nature was vivid, and perfectly executed.
It really will make you take a second to look around and appreciate all of the things surrounding you every single day that you take for granted.
Pictures, Flowers, Dirt, stars, and the vibrant colors we see every day are picked apart in this book and really noticed. Being someone who's obsessed with flowers, nature, and parks overall I really loved that more than anything. I also really enjoyed the synopsis and plot of the story it was pretty damn refreshing and unique.
Honestly you can grab this book and from the first page it sucks you into the world, to where you can't put it down.. And when you do you'll look around at the world a little differently.
The characters were easily identified as the scared one, the curious one that underestimates their self, and the brave one (Jessi had to be a Gryffindor I mean really .. lol)
To summarize this book the earth is connected to a world of reapers who reside in a place called Ganedyn.
But reapers in this world don't come along with the darkness we're so used to associating them with. These reapers are celebrated, they're full of color, life, and balance.
The tree connecting the two worlds is called the in between.
The Earth and Ganedyn have a steady system of life.
However, as always us humans fucked up the flow. Some of the reapers saw the human race as greedy and inconsiderate with the world we so freely live in.
Taking for granted all we have so easily when it comes to the nature and beauty the reapers sustain.
(Sound familiar? lol).
So one of the reapers literally said fuck y'all. And stopped the flow.
He stayed inside the in between daring anyone to cross him.
In the end no one did. He was too powerful, and as a result the world lost almost all of its color and the only way to get to Ganedyn was through the end.
which is not where anyone wanted to be.
That part of world was full of monsters and deception.
However The End was the only way to get to Ganedyn at this point, which is where you must travel to once you life ends.
So when our MC clarence's father is too ill, and would soon have to travel through the dangers of The End to get to Ganedyn.. Clarence, his best friend Wakoba, and Jessi (His sister) all take it upon themselves to try the impossible.
Defeat the reaper in the in between and get their world back to the way it should be.
I loved every second of this book. I connected to all of the characters and how they felt especially Wakoba's cautiousness lol, Jessi's braveness, and Clarences determination. All together they were pretty unstoppable. They listened to each other, provided understanding to all the emotions through out the journey and made sure to look out for one another.
I really wish "The End" was explored a little more in depth.
I would've liked to see some more of those monsters lurking about and their method of torment lol.
If this book was a little longer I have no doubt R.K would've easily came up with even more terrifying creatures. All in all I can't wait to see what else they write.
Every single detail in the colors, and the admiration in nature was vivid, and perfectly executed.
It really will make you take a second to look around and appreciate all of the things surrounding you every single day that you take for granted.
Pictures, Flowers, Dirt, stars, and the vibrant colors we see every day are picked apart in this book and really noticed. Being someone who's obsessed with flowers, nature, and parks overall I really loved that more than anything. I also really enjoyed the synopsis and plot of the story it was pretty damn refreshing and unique.
Honestly you can grab this book and from the first page it sucks you into the world, to where you can't put it down.. And when you do you'll look around at the world a little differently.
The characters were easily identified as the scared one, the curious one that underestimates their self, and the brave one (Jessi had to be a Gryffindor I mean really .. lol)
To summarize this book the earth is connected to a world of reapers who reside in a place called Ganedyn.
But reapers in this world don't come along with the darkness we're so used to associating them with. These reapers are celebrated, they're full of color, life, and balance.
The tree connecting the two worlds is called the in between.
The Earth and Ganedyn have a steady system of life.
However, as always us humans fucked up the flow. Some of the reapers saw the human race as greedy and inconsiderate with the world we so freely live in.
Taking for granted all we have so easily when it comes to the nature and beauty the reapers sustain.
(Sound familiar? lol).
So one of the reapers literally said fuck y'all. And stopped the flow.
He stayed inside the in between daring anyone to cross him.
In the end no one did. He was too powerful, and as a result the world lost almost all of its color and the only way to get to Ganedyn was through the end.
which is not where anyone wanted to be.
That part of world was full of monsters and deception.
However The End was the only way to get to Ganedyn at this point, which is where you must travel to once you life ends.
So when our MC clarence's father is too ill, and would soon have to travel through the dangers of The End to get to Ganedyn.. Clarence, his best friend Wakoba, and Jessi (His sister) all take it upon themselves to try the impossible.
Defeat the reaper in the in between and get their world back to the way it should be.
I loved every second of this book. I connected to all of the characters and how they felt especially Wakoba's cautiousness lol, Jessi's braveness, and Clarences determination. All together they were pretty unstoppable. They listened to each other, provided understanding to all the emotions through out the journey and made sure to look out for one another.
I really wish "The End" was explored a little more in depth.
I would've liked to see some more of those monsters lurking about and their method of torment lol.
If this book was a little longer I have no doubt R.K would've easily came up with even more terrifying creatures. All in all I can't wait to see what else they write.
beesbookhollow's review
4.0
"We live our lives in one realm, and our deaths in another, but they are constantly connected to both. It doesn't matter if one thrives; as long as our realm is sick, they are all sick too."
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── Clarence doesn't want to go to school, he'd rather sit and listen to stories about what life use to be like when there was color. He wants to imagine a life where his father isn't so okay with leaving him for Ganedyn, a paradise for those who pass on. Mostly, he wants adventure and a distraction from the growing danger of his world around him and when he encounters his neighbor adventure is exactly what he gets.
The reapers' numbers have been dwindling for some time and it gets harder to keep the balance between worlds and reapers and humans intact. The humans are nothing but a nuisance on life itself and the reapers have other intentions for their futures, ones that require the help and easily persuaded minds of humans, a sinister plot is brewing and our realm isn't the only one in trouble.
Author R.K. Gold spins an adventure full of life and death, nature and its beauty, and three kids who carry the weight of multiple worlds on their shoulders. A read that will be sure to leave you with an introspective heart and a smile on your face.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
So I did this whole thing a little backwards and I read book two before I read Beds Are For Flowers, this should have made it more difficult to understand the story but with the way R.K. writes I had no problem jumping back and forth, as a friend I admire his passion and his unique perspective with his writing and as an author I love his ability to take you on a ride and make a completely captivating story. Let's get to it✨
As far as main characters go I had no trouble at all falling in love with Clarence, he's headstrong, willing to prove his worth, and the annoying little brother we all can't help but love. Clarence is tasked with finding The Reaper in The Tree and of course he doesn't even hesitate to reach out a helping hand, oh and the hands of his friend Wakoba and older sister Jessi. They also manage to snag a reaper with the help of a flower from a certain Neighbor's garden.
While on this adventure you encounter magical creatures who's sole purpose is to make sure the kids don't reach their destination and an apathetic reaper who seems to care only for his own wellbeing and outcome. Let me just say that if I encounter a cottage in the woods with weird ladies sitting at a table, I'm running far in the opposite direction. The children also go through their own self discovery during the trying adventure, each of them coming to important realizations that only further their development in the second book.
The most beautiful aspect of this book was the nature, everything is connected human and reaper alike; Ganedyn and our realm as well. The Reapers are able to manipulate aspects of their power with their scythes and draw their power from nature as well so for my fellow earth lovers, this is the one you want to read. The question of what happens after we die is also brought up within the pages of this middle grade fantasy as you watch young Clarence and his group of heroes deal with grief and accepting the death of loved ones.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── Wrap-Up:
If you're a fan of middle grade novels pick this one up. It's a quick read, as well as being a story that will stick with you even after you're done, I've fallen in love with these characters over and over again for their humor and humanity and their willingness to make mistakes. The ending is exciting and I couldn't help but to speed through the pages. Special shoutout to Jessi's character for being a complete badass and stealer of the show with her sass, backbone, and her ability to show courage even when she feels none herself. Overall I rated this book 4/5 🌟 and I recommend it for its representation of Black and Jewish POC as well!
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
www.bookishpisces.wordpress.com ✨
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── Clarence doesn't want to go to school, he'd rather sit and listen to stories about what life use to be like when there was color. He wants to imagine a life where his father isn't so okay with leaving him for Ganedyn, a paradise for those who pass on. Mostly, he wants adventure and a distraction from the growing danger of his world around him and when he encounters his neighbor adventure is exactly what he gets.
The reapers' numbers have been dwindling for some time and it gets harder to keep the balance between worlds and reapers and humans intact. The humans are nothing but a nuisance on life itself and the reapers have other intentions for their futures, ones that require the help and easily persuaded minds of humans, a sinister plot is brewing and our realm isn't the only one in trouble.
Author R.K. Gold spins an adventure full of life and death, nature and its beauty, and three kids who carry the weight of multiple worlds on their shoulders. A read that will be sure to leave you with an introspective heart and a smile on your face.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
So I did this whole thing a little backwards and I read book two before I read Beds Are For Flowers, this should have made it more difficult to understand the story but with the way R.K. writes I had no problem jumping back and forth, as a friend I admire his passion and his unique perspective with his writing and as an author I love his ability to take you on a ride and make a completely captivating story. Let's get to it✨
As far as main characters go I had no trouble at all falling in love with Clarence, he's headstrong, willing to prove his worth, and the annoying little brother we all can't help but love. Clarence is tasked with finding The Reaper in The Tree and of course he doesn't even hesitate to reach out a helping hand, oh and the hands of his friend Wakoba and older sister Jessi. They also manage to snag a reaper with the help of a flower from a certain Neighbor's garden.
While on this adventure you encounter magical creatures who's sole purpose is to make sure the kids don't reach their destination and an apathetic reaper who seems to care only for his own wellbeing and outcome. Let me just say that if I encounter a cottage in the woods with weird ladies sitting at a table, I'm running far in the opposite direction. The children also go through their own self discovery during the trying adventure, each of them coming to important realizations that only further their development in the second book.
The most beautiful aspect of this book was the nature, everything is connected human and reaper alike; Ganedyn and our realm as well. The Reapers are able to manipulate aspects of their power with their scythes and draw their power from nature as well so for my fellow earth lovers, this is the one you want to read. The question of what happens after we die is also brought up within the pages of this middle grade fantasy as you watch young Clarence and his group of heroes deal with grief and accepting the death of loved ones.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── Wrap-Up:
If you're a fan of middle grade novels pick this one up. It's a quick read, as well as being a story that will stick with you even after you're done, I've fallen in love with these characters over and over again for their humor and humanity and their willingness to make mistakes. The ending is exciting and I couldn't help but to speed through the pages. Special shoutout to Jessi's character for being a complete badass and stealer of the show with her sass, backbone, and her ability to show courage even when she feels none herself. Overall I rated this book 4/5 🌟 and I recommend it for its representation of Black and Jewish POC as well!
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
www.bookishpisces.wordpress.com ✨
lexielucas101's review
3.0
A heartwarming read about death, nature, and confronting one's fears. A tad confusing at times due to similar names of the adults, but with distinct characters and some vivid imagery.
skysbookchat's review
5.0
I really enjoyed the book, wont deny I struggled a little to get into the story at first but that didn't last long at all. Wasn't long and I was nose deep into the story, kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting and waiting to know what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the fantasy of it and it gave me similar vibes to a movie I once watched called bridge to terabithia. Gave it 5 stars!!
brewin4books's review
5.0
Take time to adventure
I loved every moment in this book. There was so much to explore and I felt like I was right there with character. All their emotions were mine and learned lesson just as they did!
I loved every moment in this book. There was so much to explore and I felt like I was right there with character. All their emotions were mine and learned lesson just as they did!
hmbarker's review
3.0
3.5 stars!
I truly enjoyed this diverse middle grade novel about balance and finding hope in the face of fear. I thought it’s concept was unique and clever, though at times a bit confusing. Overall it had a great message and I’m excited to see where the sequel goes.
I truly enjoyed this diverse middle grade novel about balance and finding hope in the face of fear. I thought it’s concept was unique and clever, though at times a bit confusing. Overall it had a great message and I’m excited to see where the sequel goes.
tuvash's review
5.0
I loved this book!
First I would like to thank the author, R.K Gold for the generous gift of this book for free! And also for the amazing friendship, we now have!
My favourite part of the book was the world in itself. It reminded me of the giver but with a hint of scythe as well. The way R.K describes the world is amazing, he truly knows how to use colours!
It was easy to extinguish the characters. My favourite characters where Jessie and Wakoba for sure!
The plot was driven easily by the characters and the world, which made the book easy to read and also quick to read.
I definitely recommend this book to people who love books like the giver and scythe.
Beds Are For Flowers is definitely a book you should give a try!
I can't wait till I get to read the second book!
First I would like to thank the author, R.K Gold for the generous gift of this book for free! And also for the amazing friendship, we now have!
My favourite part of the book was the world in itself. It reminded me of the giver but with a hint of scythe as well. The way R.K describes the world is amazing, he truly knows how to use colours!
It was easy to extinguish the characters. My favourite characters where Jessie and Wakoba for sure!
The plot was driven easily by the characters and the world, which made the book easy to read and also quick to read.
I definitely recommend this book to people who love books like the giver and scythe.
Beds Are For Flowers is definitely a book you should give a try!
I can't wait till I get to read the second book!