p0laris's review
4.0
Can I tell you how utterly excited I was to read this book? Tyger Tyger remains one of my favorite books read this year, and I was so excited to read more! Three pages into the first chapter of this book, and I was already reminded of why I loved the first one so much: the interaction between Teagan, her family, and her friends. The book begins moments after Tyger Tyger left off, and the entire family (plus a few friends) are living under one roof. Their relationships are great, and while they don't all get along, they interact in a way that is captivating to read about. Each character has their own quirks which makes for fantastic conversations, arguments, and competitions. The family dynamic is one that I definitely appreciate reading about.
In fact, my favorite scene from the book is one where there is a silverware-throwing instructional/competition. It was one of those things that just sort of happened because everyone was in the right mood at the right time. It wasn't even a big part of the story, but it made an impression on me because it was so fun and cute, and allowed everyone to bond. I have definitely been participant in more than a few similar, and seemingly random, events with my family that turned out to be unforgettable.
There is a lot of humor in this book. There was humor in Tyger Tyger, but this sequel really brings it. Having a lot of people around each other is bound to bring out the best and worst in anyone. Luckily, the best of these characters happens to be hilarious banter, and the worst happens to be irony and satire. :)
The only reason I didn't give this a higher rating (and believe me, I wanted to) is because at the end of the book, not much is solved. New problems are brought up or discovered, but only a few are resolved, meaning the story doesn't move forward a lot. This wasn't such a huge deal to me, since the rest of the book was so interesting, but I still would have loved to see more progress.
Overall this is a great sequel, and definitely a must-read for those who loved Tyger Tyger (and if you haven't read that, what are you waiting for?). Poetry and music still have a strong significance in this one, Aiden is still the coolest little brother ever, and Finn is even more swoon-worthy! Oh, and the bickering between Finn and Gabby? Priceless. Can't wait for the next one! :)
This review was originally published on my blog. See it at The Reading Fever.
I was provided with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In fact, my favorite scene from the book is one where there is a silverware-throwing instructional/competition. It was one of those things that just sort of happened because everyone was in the right mood at the right time. It wasn't even a big part of the story, but it made an impression on me because it was so fun and cute, and allowed everyone to bond. I have definitely been participant in more than a few similar, and seemingly random, events with my family that turned out to be unforgettable.
There is a lot of humor in this book. There was humor in Tyger Tyger, but this sequel really brings it. Having a lot of people around each other is bound to bring out the best and worst in anyone. Luckily, the best of these characters happens to be hilarious banter, and the worst happens to be irony and satire. :)
The only reason I didn't give this a higher rating (and believe me, I wanted to) is because at the end of the book, not much is solved. New problems are brought up or discovered, but only a few are resolved, meaning the story doesn't move forward a lot. This wasn't such a huge deal to me, since the rest of the book was so interesting, but I still would have loved to see more progress.
Overall this is a great sequel, and definitely a must-read for those who loved Tyger Tyger (and if you haven't read that, what are you waiting for?). Poetry and music still have a strong significance in this one, Aiden is still the coolest little brother ever, and Finn is even more swoon-worthy! Oh, and the bickering between Finn and Gabby? Priceless. Can't wait for the next one! :)
This review was originally published on my blog. See it at The Reading Fever.
I was provided with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
nogenreleftbehind's review
3.0
Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it back to our world and out of Mag Mell - along with some friends and with some knowledge of Teagan's past that they all could have done without. The Dark Man is still on her trail, but is trying to be more persuasive, by trying to go after Teagan's friends and family. When the group finds themselves back in Mag Mell on a search to stop the growing goblin inside of her.
While I enjoyed returning to Teagan's world again, I had a much harder time following this story than the first. There were more "main" characters, and they each had their own agenda. On the other hand, they each brought out a little more of the old mythology which I absolutely loved. This book seemed to fall into the trap that many second books in a series seem to do - it was more of a wrapping up of loose ends and setting the stage for more than a story that I could really get into. I'm hoping there's a third book still. I love Teagan, and all her family and friends, there just need to be a little less going on in the background.
While I enjoyed returning to Teagan's world again, I had a much harder time following this story than the first. There were more "main" characters, and they each had their own agenda. On the other hand, they each brought out a little more of the old mythology which I absolutely loved. This book seemed to fall into the trap that many second books in a series seem to do - it was more of a wrapping up of loose ends and setting the stage for more than a story that I could really get into. I'm hoping there's a third book still. I love Teagan, and all her family and friends, there just need to be a little less going on in the background.
buuboobaby's review
5.0
Argh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How long do I have to wait until the next book in the series is released???????????????
I liked In the Forests of the Night better than Tyger Tyger. The pace is unrelenting, the dialog crackles, and I love the characters. I don't love the wait until the next book!
Full review soon at www.mangamaniaccafe.com
I liked In the Forests of the Night better than Tyger Tyger. The pace is unrelenting, the dialog crackles, and I love the characters. I don't love the wait until the next book!
Full review soon at www.mangamaniaccafe.com
casadilla12's review
3.0
3.5 stars. In my opinion, there is a lot to like about this book. The mythology itself is incredibly neat, and makes for a cool world with wondrous and scary creatures. The dialogue is fantastic, and the family dynamic is chaotic and fun. The romance is not an overbearing part of the story, which is refreshing, because the world and plot stands on it's own two legs, and doesn't need to rely on a romantic subplot to bring the drama.
There is something about the writing, though, that makes the emotional scenes less impactful than they could be. It feels like the book is underwritten, perhaps? But this second book also doesn't seem to have as much going on as the first book, plot-wise. It's a lot more waiting around for the Bad Guy shoe to drop. Either way, it feels like some things are missing from the storytelling at times, and whatever it is, it makes it harder to sink down into the story and care about the characters. It's an abrupt writing style, and paints a more 2D picture of the story instead of a 3D one. Don't know if that makes sense, but that's the best way I can describe the reading experience. Still a fun story, though.
There is something about the writing, though, that makes the emotional scenes less impactful than they could be. It feels like the book is underwritten, perhaps? But this second book also doesn't seem to have as much going on as the first book, plot-wise. It's a lot more waiting around for the Bad Guy shoe to drop. Either way, it feels like some things are missing from the storytelling at times, and whatever it is, it makes it harder to sink down into the story and care about the characters. It's an abrupt writing style, and paints a more 2D picture of the story instead of a 3D one. Don't know if that makes sense, but that's the best way I can describe the reading experience. Still a fun story, though.
dsneediii's review
4.0
It was as good as the first but the ending was what really made the book for me can't wait for the next book to come out.
kas_the_crow19's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
owlishbookish's review
5.0
This review is from my blog, Starting the Next Chapter.
In the Forests of the Night is the continuation of the story surrounding Teagan Wylltson and Finn McCumhaill, whom we met in the first book of the series, Tyger Tyger. As the pair tries tirelessly to evade everything from ferocious goblins to spiteful social workers, they come to important realizations that will shape everything they are... and everything they will do. What will they sacrifice in order to keep Tea's family safe and stay together? Only time will tell.
Having come to terms with the issues I had with Tyger Tyger, I very thoroughly enjoyed this book. Almost from the first page there was something going on, which made for a very energetic story line. There are wonderfully funny examples of dialog between the characters that kept me smiling and laughing (at least, when there weren't moments of great peril). Each character has a distinct personality. None come off flat through Hamilton's words and I felt as if I knew them already. I still haven't figured out who my favorite is between Tea and Finn. I suppose we can call it a draw. They are both that well done. The world-building is as strange (in a good way) and mystical as ever. It is even enhanced further by the addition of never before seen places for Tea and Finn to discover. The main problem encountered by Tea and Finn is just as dire as you would expect and I became very nervous for them as they set out to solve it. I was definitely kept guessing at every turn, which is something I adore in a book. I couldn't have been happier when the book ran its course.
I can not say enough just how much I loved In the Forests of the Night. I flew through the book in a matter of hours due to just how enthralling it was. Kersten Hamilton has begun something wonderful with this series and I can not wait to see just where it goes. Even though this book hasn't hit store shelves yet, I am already eager to read the third! If you're a fan of fantasy and mythologically-based books, you should definitely give this series a try. With In the Forests of the Night, things just keep getting better.
Obligatory legal statement: This ARC was provided to me free of charge by the publisher. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.
In the Forests of the Night is the continuation of the story surrounding Teagan Wylltson and Finn McCumhaill, whom we met in the first book of the series, Tyger Tyger. As the pair tries tirelessly to evade everything from ferocious goblins to spiteful social workers, they come to important realizations that will shape everything they are... and everything they will do. What will they sacrifice in order to keep Tea's family safe and stay together? Only time will tell.
Having come to terms with the issues I had with Tyger Tyger, I very thoroughly enjoyed this book. Almost from the first page there was something going on, which made for a very energetic story line. There are wonderfully funny examples of dialog between the characters that kept me smiling and laughing (at least, when there weren't moments of great peril). Each character has a distinct personality. None come off flat through Hamilton's words and I felt as if I knew them already. I still haven't figured out who my favorite is between Tea and Finn. I suppose we can call it a draw. They are both that well done. The world-building is as strange (in a good way) and mystical as ever. It is even enhanced further by the addition of never before seen places for Tea and Finn to discover. The main problem encountered by Tea and Finn is just as dire as you would expect and I became very nervous for them as they set out to solve it. I was definitely kept guessing at every turn, which is something I adore in a book. I couldn't have been happier when the book ran its course.
I can not say enough just how much I loved In the Forests of the Night. I flew through the book in a matter of hours due to just how enthralling it was. Kersten Hamilton has begun something wonderful with this series and I can not wait to see just where it goes. Even though this book hasn't hit store shelves yet, I am already eager to read the third! If you're a fan of fantasy and mythologically-based books, you should definitely give this series a try. With In the Forests of the Night, things just keep getting better.
Obligatory legal statement: This ARC was provided to me free of charge by the publisher. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.
ravencrantz's review
4.0
I didn't expect to read this book. I really enjoyed the first one, and figured I'd read this one eventually, but never really gave it a second thought. I just happened to find it on a shelf at the library and figured hey why not? I enjoyed the first one so much, the second one should be fun, right?
Sort of.
There was still the fairy tale aspect of the story, which I love. I love all the background in Irish mythology. I love the speech patterns Finn has, I can really hear him speaking in an Irish accent. I love that the relationship between Finn and Teagan is there, but it's not in your face when the plot really matters. I love the visuals of Mag Mel, and the new creatures we encounter, but there was just something lacking in this one that the first one had. Maybe a specific villain? Fear Doirich is still the main baddie, but we hardly see him. Now it sounds like Mad might be the mastermind behind the whole thing and not Fear. And then there's the whole Tea is turning full goblin now because Kyle licked her face...I don't know. The plot seemed to jump around a bit. We never really find out about those two old ghost people that keep following Teagan around, but maybe we'll learn more about them in the next one? Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this book. There's just that something missing that tends to happen in the middle of a trilogy. All the more reason to read the final installment, really. Man, the writing is so beautiful.
Of course, this book also shares the title from one of my all time favorite authors, [a:Amelia Atwater-Rhodes|17082|Amelia Atwater-Rhodes|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1287788587p2/17082.jpg], and that's ALWAYS a plus in my book.
Sort of.
There was still the fairy tale aspect of the story, which I love. I love all the background in Irish mythology. I love the speech patterns Finn has, I can really hear him speaking in an Irish accent. I love that the relationship between Finn and Teagan is there, but it's not in your face when the plot really matters. I love the visuals of Mag Mel, and the new creatures we encounter, but there was just something lacking in this one that the first one had. Maybe a specific villain? Fear Doirich is still the main baddie, but we hardly see him. Now it sounds like Mad might be the mastermind behind the whole thing and not Fear. And then there's the whole Tea is turning full goblin now because Kyle licked her face...I don't know. The plot seemed to jump around a bit. We never really find out about those two old ghost people that keep following Teagan around, but maybe we'll learn more about them in the next one? Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this book. There's just that something missing that tends to happen in the middle of a trilogy. All the more reason to read the final installment, really. Man, the writing is so beautiful.
Of course, this book also shares the title from one of my all time favorite authors, [a:Amelia Atwater-Rhodes|17082|Amelia Atwater-Rhodes|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1287788587p2/17082.jpg], and that's ALWAYS a plus in my book.
bwilcox's review
2.0
...........nothing happend. Except a bad guy was stabbed with a spoon. The End.
schomj's review
4.0
It's not the fastest paced tale out there, but there are so many things I enjoyed about this book that spending the first two-thirds on the set-up was totally ok with me.
What I liked:
1) the humor
Was the first book this funny? I think I need to re-read it, because I laughed lot in this one.
2) the character relationships and the developing romance between Teagan and Finn
I loved how Teagan kept reminding Finn that just because she loves him, she's not giving up college or her dreams for him, and how Finn completely accepts and supports that decision. I also love how Teagan's father handles their relationship:
3) Choices and becoming
This is maybe just a personal thing, but I get annoyed with a lot of the predestination/fate stuff in PNR/UF because it so often seems like a cop out, an excuse not to try or compromise or commit to anything. Therefore, this theme that Ms. Hamilton develops, of making choices and becoming who you choose to be, for good or ill, just delighted me:
What I liked:
1) the humor
Was the first book this funny? I think I need to re-read it, because I laughed lot in this one.
"I'm a librarian," Mr. Wylltson said. "We practice believing six impossible things before breakfast."
"Like rabbits with pocket watches?"
"Like library funding will be available next year."
2) the character relationships and the developing romance between Teagan and Finn
I loved how Teagan kept reminding Finn that just because she loves him, she's not giving up college or her dreams for him, and how Finn completely accepts and supports that decision. I also love how Teagan's father handles their relationship:
"Tea," he said, taking his hand away. "I know you think you love Finn. And he thinks he loves you. But love is something that grows. You've really only known each other for a few weeks. He's a fine young man, and very serious about this. But walk together a little longer before you decide about something like marriage. A lifetime is a long time to be together."
"What if it's not?"
"Ah." Mr. Wylltson was quiet for a long moment. "You have to live each day as if you are creating the future, Tea. As if what you do will last."
3) Choices and becoming
This is maybe just a personal thing, but I get annoyed with a lot of the predestination/fate stuff in PNR/UF because it so often seems like a cop out, an excuse not to try or compromise or commit to anything. Therefore, this theme that Ms. Hamilton develops, of making choices and becoming who you choose to be, for good or ill, just delighted me:
Teagan admitted "I hate it. I hate what I've done. But I've started down that path, haven't I? It's in my blood."
"You've got choices, like any other creature," Finn said. "You can stumble down that road, pretending you can't help it. You can curl up and die of regret and sorrow for what you've done. Or you can get up and fight, even though the battle might be lost."
...
"There's no such thing as 'destiny,' Abigail. Just becoming. Choosing to become what you were created to be, or choosing to walk away from it."
...
"Even Choirboy says Thomas is a bad guy"....
"I've no doubt of it," Mamieo agreed. "But I should have considered not only what he's been, but what he's becoming, shouldn't I? And what part I have in that."