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atalanta_nins's reviews
82 reviews
The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 5 by Natsu Hyuuga
First five chapters is such an incredible arc in a way that it establish the new conflict for this part (although, I think it will continue in the next few chapters or other volumes so, hopefully it would turn out good).
Something about Maomao explaining to Lahan and Rikuson how the White Lady's magics works made me think. During the whole explanation and convo, there were parts how he mentioned Jinshi and Gaoshun and like how they would easily followed her explanation than Lahan's and Rikuson's (though Lahan's knowledgeable with numbers, it seems he has an inadequacy or certain limitations when it comes to such interests or world knowledge that Maomao had picked on). Also, it made me realize that though Maomao and Jinshi had an opposite background and upbringing, both of them are smart, in a way that jives with each other. Jinshi could easily pick up what was Maomao's thinking, there's something so profound about that fact.
Something very endearingly touching about Maomao redoing Jinshi's fake burn on his face. Probably because for the previous light novel, there were barely scenes of them together. Even now, it's clear that somehow there's this gap between them as Maomao is poor with poor family connections compared to Jinshi who is the younger brother of the current emperor.
Also that minute detail on chapter 9 to where Maomao ordered an alcohol and Jinshi just lets her and her thinking that she had caught on (contrary to Lahan and Rikuson on chapter 6)
Also, the white lady from Chapter 6 keeps reappearing (vaguely mentioned on Chapter 12) so there might be a possibility that this story will continue in the next chapters and will provide as another story arc (much like the Shi rebellion).
Also, maybe I'm judging all too quickly but Lahan doesn't seem to be an eccentric but rather a strange conniving sexist man coz like how he comments on Maomao (how he suggested to her to bear Jinshi's seed or something like that and like my initial thought was that maybe he'd raise the child as his own but like when Maomao explicitly said that when the theoretical child might be a girl, he would have married her, just for the throne?) and the other women in the banquet. I completely understand how Maomao is pissed and in my opinion, it's completely justified for Maomao to stepped on his toes.
Also, what bothered me was that Epilogue. There were two surprises there (obviously) so let me talk about it briefly and share my opinions with it.
So firstly, that scene between Maomao and Jinshi, like how he explained to her that she's also one of the candidates to be his bride but Maomao (much to Jinshi's chagrin) seems to be oblivious or undervalues her worth. Though, because The Apothecary Diaries is mainly on Maomao's perspective, there has been minute clues but I think she never considered herself as one because she doesn't want to be involved in the politics. I think, the politics only interest Maomao if the politics affect her way of living especially the poor people who always receive the endstick of the outcome or decisions of the palace. Also, though I certainly didn't like how Jinshi forced himself to Maomao and how Maomao somewhat played along with me there were things that bothered me around that. First is that it's on Jinshi's character to act out his frustrations on the oblivious Maomao, especially as Jinshi seemed to be the kind of person who is used to get what he wants. But like I think it frustrate him even more because it seems he had been direct on his want of Maomao while Maomao seemed oblivious to this (or acting oblivious, because I remember that time Jinshi bitten her from the previous light novels).
Second thought was that Maomao's response to that act. Somehow, it felt that Maomao only did that to caught Jinshi by surprise (maybe for him to loosen his grip on her so that she could get away) or that maybe Maomao is somehow curious? I also kept thinking about that time when Maomao talked about her parents, how she was sure that her biological mother also want to keep Maomao (remain pregnant) as if her mother didn't want Maomao, she could have just have her aborted (I think this was on the 2nd light novel).
And lastly, the other surprise but more like big reveal was Jinshi is not the Emperor's brother but his first son with Lady Ah Duo. This revelation bothered me because of countless reasons but mainly these reasons are more like questions.
Did the emperor knew that Jinshi is his child? Because it seems he sent Jinshi to the rear palace so that Ah Duo could see him from time to time. Also, I think it didn't occurred to me that Jinshi would be Ah Duo's (though it was hinted on Maomao's perspective as Ah Duo and Jinshi could played each other) because it was also heavily mentioned that Jinshi (somehow) looked strikingly similar to the former emperor (the idiotic, pedophilia emperor).
Also, it' weird to say but this felt like the shortest of the light novels that I have read (or maybe that is just how I feel since this one has fewer chapters compared to the previous one).
I can't wait to read the sixth one. Off I go.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Something about Maomao explaining to Lahan and Rikuson how the White Lady's magics works made me think. During the whole explanation and convo, there were parts how he mentioned Jinshi and Gaoshun and like how they would easily followed her explanation than Lahan's and Rikuson's (though Lahan's knowledgeable with numbers, it seems he has an inadequacy or certain limitations when it comes to such interests or world knowledge that Maomao had picked on). Also, it made me realize that though Maomao and Jinshi had an opposite background and upbringing, both of them are smart, in a way that jives with each other. Jinshi could easily pick up what was Maomao's thinking, there's something so profound about that fact.
Something very endearingly touching about Maomao redoing Jinshi's fake burn on his face. Probably because for the previous light novel, there were barely scenes of them together. Even now, it's clear that somehow there's this gap between them as Maomao is poor with poor family connections compared to Jinshi who is the younger brother of the current emperor.
Also that minute detail on chapter 9 to where Maomao ordered an alcohol and Jinshi just lets her and her thinking that she had caught on (contrary to Lahan and Rikuson on chapter 6)
Also, the white lady from Chapter 6 keeps reappearing (vaguely mentioned on Chapter 12) so there might be a possibility that this story will continue in the next chapters and will provide as another story arc (much like the Shi rebellion).
Also, maybe I'm judging all too quickly but Lahan doesn't seem to be an eccentric but rather a strange conniving sexist man coz like how he comments on Maomao (how he suggested to her to bear Jinshi's seed or something like that and like my initial thought was that maybe he'd raise the child as his own but like when Maomao explicitly said that when the theoretical child might be a girl, he would have married her, just for the throne?) and the other women in the banquet. I completely understand how Maomao is pissed and in my opinion, it's completely justified for Maomao to stepped on his toes.
Also, what bothered me was that Epilogue. There were two surprises there (obviously) so let me talk about it briefly and share my opinions with it.
So firstly, that scene between Maomao and Jinshi, like how he explained to her that she's also one of the candidates to be his bride but Maomao (much to Jinshi's chagrin) seems to be oblivious or undervalues her worth. Though, because The Apothecary Diaries is mainly on Maomao's perspective, there has been minute clues but I think she never considered herself as one because she doesn't want to be involved in the politics. I think, the politics only interest Maomao if the politics affect her way of living especially the poor people who always receive the endstick of the outcome or decisions of the palace. Also, though I certainly didn't like how Jinshi forced himself to Maomao and how Maomao somewhat played along with me there were things that bothered me around that. First is that it's on Jinshi's character to act out his frustrations on the oblivious Maomao, especially as Jinshi seemed to be the kind of person who is used to get what he wants. But like I think it frustrate him even more because it seems he had been direct on his want of Maomao while Maomao seemed oblivious to this (or acting oblivious, because I remember that time Jinshi bitten her from the previous light novels).
Second thought was that Maomao's response to that act. Somehow, it felt that Maomao only did that to caught Jinshi by surprise (maybe for him to loosen his grip on her so that she could get away) or that maybe Maomao is somehow curious? I also kept thinking about that time when Maomao talked about her parents, how she was sure that her biological mother also want to keep Maomao (remain pregnant) as if her mother didn't want Maomao, she could have just have her aborted (I think this was on the 2nd light novel).
And lastly, the other surprise but more like big reveal was Jinshi is not the Emperor's brother but his first son with Lady Ah Duo. This revelation bothered me because of countless reasons but mainly these reasons are more like questions.
Did the emperor knew that Jinshi is his child? Because it seems he sent Jinshi to the rear palace so that Ah Duo could see him from time to time. Also, I think it didn't occurred to me that Jinshi would be Ah Duo's (though it was hinted on Maomao's perspective as Ah Duo and Jinshi could played each other) because it was also heavily mentioned that Jinshi (somehow) looked strikingly similar to the former emperor (the idiotic, pedophilia emperor).
Also, it' weird to say but this felt like the shortest of the light novels that I have read (or maybe that is just how I feel since this one has fewer chapters compared to the previous one).
I can't wait to read the sixth one. Off I go.
The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel): Volume 4 by Kevin Steinbach, Natsu Hyuuga
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A lot of undeniably unexpected plot twists. Will caught you by surprise
Also noticed how as the story progresses, though it still contains some mysteries, politics seems to have contributed largely on the story. Also, you learn a lot of new things, so if you aren't familiar with the political history in the story, you might not find this intriguing or interesting (I'm southeast asian so I'm a bit familiar because some of the aspects of the stories are common in our history and country).
Chapters 18, 21 and 22 are the stand out chapters for me as it answered what and why the things that happened from the previous chapters happened. It also answered some questions unanswered from the previous chapters and light novels.
Although, I am not sure I understand some of the things that are revealed here, hopefully, they'll be adapted completely.
Also, that Epilogue is just the right amount of wrapping up the story, not expecting anything for the next one as even the end of this is a good one (though, admittedly, there's still much that needs to be discussed and questions answered).
Also noticed how as the story progresses, though it still contains some mysteries, politics seems to have contributed largely on the story. Also, you learn a lot of new things, so if you aren't familiar with the political history in the story, you might not find this intriguing or interesting (I'm southeast asian so I'm a bit familiar because some of the aspects of the stories are common in our history and country).
Chapters 18, 21 and 22 are the stand out chapters for me as it answered what and why the things that happened from the previous chapters happened. It also answered some questions unanswered from the previous chapters and light novels.
Although, I am not sure I understand some of the things that are revealed here, hopefully, they'll be adapted completely.
Also, that Epilogue is just the right amount of wrapping up the story, not expecting anything for the next one as even the end of this is a good one (though, admittedly, there's still much that needs to be discussed and questions answered).
The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 3 by Natsu Hyuuga
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
So it seems I might have finished this book easier compared to the last one (probably because I don't know what's going to happen). But here are just my takeaways (spoilers):
My Favorite chapters are 12, 16 and 19 from this volume.
Ick finding out that the former emperor bed the empress dowager when she is around 10 and he's almost in his 30s
What the fvck was that story at the end of chapter 14. Does the former emperor has an oedipus complex apart from being a pedo?
Also, there were parts of the novel itself that remains to be a question and hopefully might be answered such as:
Why was Gaoshun punished to be a eunuch? Is he really a Eunuch? Also, that story at the end of chapter 14, some parts of it were a bit hazy or inexplicable to me
My Favorite chapters are 12, 16 and 19 from this volume.
Ick finding out that the former emperor bed the empress dowager when she is around 10 and he's almost in his 30s
What the fvck was that story at the end of chapter 14. Does the former emperor has an oedipus complex apart from being a pedo?
Also, there were parts of the novel itself that remains to be a question and hopefully might be answered such as:
The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 2 by Natsu Hyuuga
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 1 by Natsu Hyuuga
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
So after almost a month since I started reading this, I finally finished it. I actually loved that I read it (though I have watched the anime) because I get to have a glimpse of the character's inner thoughts and feelings. Apart from that, there were things from the anime that I didn't quite understand. I could have been reading the manga but as the light novel seems to have gone further compared to the manga, I decided to read the light novels.
There's nothing much that I could have told you but if you watched the anime and enjoyed it, tried reading the manga or the light novel to keep yourself updated. Also, I really loved how this novel has a lot of genres but I think it's main genre is mystery (please do correct me if I'm wrong). Hopefully I'll finished the next one in a shorter span though. I kept procrastinating reading this gem when I clearly shouldn't!
There's nothing much that I could have told you but if you watched the anime and enjoyed it, tried reading the manga or the light novel to keep yourself updated. Also, I really loved how this novel has a lot of genres but I think it's main genre is mystery (please do correct me if I'm wrong). Hopefully I'll finished the next one in a shorter span though. I kept procrastinating reading this gem when I clearly shouldn't!
Diary of an Oxygen Thief by Anonymous
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Okay, so this book is one hell of an emotional roller coaster. It tugs on you, like a dangle or a hook, that feeling you get when you're scared at something but can't help yourself to peek and see what's underneath. I think this is what the book is.
At first though, I wasn't expecting anything big, because I think that the first book is clearly established one of the most unexpected plot twists I may have read so when I read the second book, I could understand somehow if it wouldn't live up to the first book. It did, but I realize it like after fifteen chapters in. So, be warned and SPOILERS AHEAD:
Basically, following the first book, Pip has been somewhat established as a crime/mystery solver not just in her town but across the country. Of course, with fame comes a bunch of haters, not just people from the internet but also people in her town. So, diving into this book, I kept thinking what would be the next mystery that Pip will be solving and then it presented itself. One of her friends, Connor Reynolds, (who initially in the first book seems to have a crush on Pip) has an elder brother (who is on the same year as Andie Bell, Sal Singh, Naomi Ward, Nat De Silva and Max Hastings) named Jamie has gone missing after the memorial for the death anniversary of Andie Bell and Sal Singh. To be honest, I wasn't that invested in the first few chapters in, as it slowly unfolds and somehow I kinda believed that they are not looking for a missing person but perhaps a body. But like when the chapter where it was 3 days since Jamie has gone missing comes up, I felt this rush inside me like how Pip felt she needed to wrap things up as the more time she can't solve the mystery, the more high the stakes that Jamie may not be a person they'll be looking but perhaps a body. Also, I love the inner turmoil in Pip's, because she learned, in this book, that there is such a vague and questionable area between right and wrong. That there might be right actions for a bad cause and wrong actions for a good cause. Also, Pip had accepted herself, that this obsessive and a bit rash as she was during the mystery solving, this is in fact a part of the real her. And that's alright. She has grown.
So back to the story, like Pip, even I as a reader do not know what is going on and how the disappearance of Jamie Reynolds had come to be. Like, they kept digging things about Jamie that contradicts his personality and how they knew him. I kept thinking who would want to hurt Jamie, and how could you connect that. Also, a bit of an additional, it also fucking frightened me when they are trying to catfish this Layla Mead, that they chatted "Hello Pip, you are getting close :)" with a smiley thing at the end like you can't help but think if they were being watched as of that moment.
I wouldn't explain or narrate a lot of the things that have happened in the book as I was taken by surprise too as it soon unraveled in the last few chapters. I also genuinely thought that Jamie had died somehow and couldn't even grasp the connection of what the hell is happening. Of course, it wasn't until like the very end that the mystery had soon unfold, what was the cause and what the hell is happening. And to be honest, I don't have any idea that it would have come to that conclusion. Like, I don't know, but even I couldn't see what was happening until the very part of the book, the same time it dawned on Pip, what the mystery is about and what really is the mystery unfolding in her very eyes.
I wouldn't spoil you on that part, what was the mystery is about, because it was so hauntingly disturbing in a way that questions your morality. I just felt dumbfounded somehow, or maybe the mystery is meant to be narrated that way.
Anyway, I want to talk about Pip relationship with Ravi because they are indeed one of the best and healthiest relationship I may have read in the YA genre. Ravi has always been supportive of Pip (as she was even back on book 1) and calls out Pip when she seems to have strayed. It reminds me of this scene from a korean drama I have watched that to be able to stay good and true, you need atleast one to keep you on the right path, even just atleast one person who will tether you to do the right thing.
Also love the character build-ups of the following: Cara Ward, Connor Reynolds, Jamie Reynolds, Nat De Silva and Stanley Forbes. But especially particularly on Nat De Silva.
If you remember, Nat De Silva has been one Pip's POI for the murder of Andie Bell and because Pip had created a podcast surrounding the Andie Bell murder case. Though, Nat had hated Pip because of this, it was also their hatred for Max Hastings that had brought them closer together. And thanks to Nat, Pip had been closer to solving the missing Jamie mystery. I kinda understand Nat's anger or hatred on Pip and the way she explained it to her makes sense as a character and I love, love it when women help each other.
Although, like Nat and Pip, I fucking hate it that Max Hastings, a serial rapist had gone free, just because he has money and power. And as much as I hate it, it is true that justice is blind sometimes, not everyone who are sentenced are actually criminals and not everyone who roam free are actually innocent.
All in all, this story is getting better and better but also so disturbing somehow that I felt bad for anyone suffering to the same sufferings as some of the people they could relate to in the book. But that's what books should be, like art, it should comfort the disturbed and disturbed the comfortable. But in the case of this book, we have to accept that life is like that sometimes. We win and we lose. But despite the losing, we have to stay vigilant and stay hopeful, that good things will come to people who do good, and bad things follow bad peple.
At first though, I wasn't expecting anything big, because I think that the first book is clearly established one of the most unexpected plot twists I may have read so when I read the second book, I could understand somehow if it wouldn't live up to the first book. It did, but I realize it like after fifteen chapters in. So, be warned and SPOILERS AHEAD:
Basically, following the first book, Pip has been somewhat established as a crime/mystery solver not just in her town but across the country. Of course, with fame comes a bunch of haters, not just people from the internet but also people in her town. So, diving into this book, I kept thinking what would be the next mystery that Pip will be solving and then it presented itself. One of her friends, Connor Reynolds, (who initially in the first book seems to have a crush on Pip) has an elder brother (who is on the same year as Andie Bell, Sal Singh, Naomi Ward, Nat De Silva and Max Hastings) named Jamie has gone missing after the memorial for the death anniversary of Andie Bell and Sal Singh. To be honest, I wasn't that invested in the first few chapters in, as it slowly unfolds and somehow I kinda believed that they are not looking for a missing person but perhaps a body. But like when the chapter where it was 3 days since Jamie has gone missing comes up, I felt this rush inside me like how Pip felt she needed to wrap things up as the more time she can't solve the mystery, the more high the stakes that Jamie may not be a person they'll be looking but perhaps a body. Also, I love the inner turmoil in Pip's, because she learned, in this book, that there is such a vague and questionable area between right and wrong. That there might be right actions for a bad cause and wrong actions for a good cause. Also, Pip had accepted herself, that this obsessive and a bit rash as she was during the mystery solving, this is in fact a part of the real her. And that's alright. She has grown.
So back to the story, like Pip, even I as a reader do not know what is going on and how the disappearance of Jamie Reynolds had come to be. Like, they kept digging things about Jamie that contradicts his personality and how they knew him. I kept thinking who would want to hurt Jamie, and how could you connect that. Also, a bit of an additional, it also fucking frightened me when they are trying to catfish this Layla Mead, that they chatted "Hello Pip, you are getting close :)" with a smiley thing at the end like you can't help but think if they were being watched as of that moment.
I wouldn't explain or narrate a lot of the things that have happened in the book as I was taken by surprise too as it soon unraveled in the last few chapters. I also genuinely thought that Jamie had died somehow and couldn't even grasp the connection of what the hell is happening. Of course, it wasn't until like the very end that the mystery had soon unfold, what was the cause and what the hell is happening. And to be honest, I don't have any idea that it would have come to that conclusion. Like, I don't know, but even I couldn't see what was happening until the very part of the book, the same time it dawned on Pip, what the mystery is about and what really is the mystery unfolding in her very eyes.
I wouldn't spoil you on that part, what was the mystery is about, because it was so hauntingly disturbing in a way that questions your morality. I just felt dumbfounded somehow, or maybe the mystery is meant to be narrated that way.
Anyway, I want to talk about Pip relationship with Ravi because they are indeed one of the best and healthiest relationship I may have read in the YA genre. Ravi has always been supportive of Pip (as she was even back on book 1) and calls out Pip when she seems to have strayed. It reminds me of this scene from a korean drama I have watched that to be able to stay good and true, you need atleast one to keep you on the right path, even just atleast one person who will tether you to do the right thing.
Also love the character build-ups of the following: Cara Ward, Connor Reynolds, Jamie Reynolds, Nat De Silva and Stanley Forbes. But especially particularly on Nat De Silva.
If you remember, Nat De Silva has been one Pip's POI for the murder of Andie Bell and because Pip had created a podcast surrounding the Andie Bell murder case. Though, Nat had hated Pip because of this, it was also their hatred for Max Hastings that had brought them closer together. And thanks to Nat, Pip had been closer to solving the missing Jamie mystery. I kinda understand Nat's anger or hatred on Pip and the way she explained it to her makes sense as a character and I love, love it when women help each other.
Although, like Nat and Pip, I fucking hate it that Max Hastings, a serial rapist had gone free, just because he has money and power. And as much as I hate it, it is true that justice is blind sometimes, not everyone who are sentenced are actually criminals and not everyone who roam free are actually innocent.
All in all, this story is getting better and better but also so disturbing somehow that I felt bad for anyone suffering to the same sufferings as some of the people they could relate to in the book. But that's what books should be, like art, it should comfort the disturbed and disturbed the comfortable. But in the case of this book, we have to accept that life is like that sometimes. We win and we lose. But despite the losing, we have to stay vigilant and stay hopeful, that good things will come to people who do good, and bad things follow bad peple.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Okay, so I just finished this book and all I can think is Woah. You know, for a YA novel, this book creatively narrates the whole story without sounding so juvenile but has that innocence for a YA book. The writing is incredible, as it was well-paced and makes you really question what is happening and that all I can say is maybe the only YA aspect of the book is the fact that our main lead, Pippa Fitz-Amobi is only a teenager. Apart from that, the book is a great start if you want to delve into mystery/thriller genre and if you are just starting to read (better try reading YA, as most YA books are easier to read than the classics, especially if you're like me who isn't a native English speaker).
So, a bit of Spoilers Ahead:
I do not have any problem/s about the book although, (hopefully this is not too cocky of me), I actually had my eyes on Mr. Ward less than 10 chapters in. So it actually bummed me out that Pip removed his name so soon on her POI because Mr. Ward was easily the most suspected person in the POI. It solidify during that chapter where Pip and her friends decided to have a camping on the woods, he's the logical and rational suspect who'd most likely do that as he's one of the early POI. Also, there was something hauntingly disturbing in his comment about Andie dressing up provocatively and him calling that out that sounds so pervert and also like he have two daughters and he'd give a comment like that on a girl the same age as his daughter? Hmm, that's just weird to me somehow. What I didn't expect and probably just clicked on my mind the same time it did for Pip was that there would be another player in the murder and it's someone that you kinda wish wouldn't be the suspect. Also, Pip was right, that weirdly enough, there were people in her POI's who maybe not criminally indicted but are morally corrupted or bad. And in a way, it's easier to think of them as evil even when they are not criminally indicted as they do morally questionable things that makes you decide if they are evil or not. Anyways, I knew from the get go that this is a trilogy so off I go to the next book. Hopefully, it's as thrilling as this one and just as many twists and turns like this one.
So, a bit of Spoilers Ahead:
I do not have any problem/s about the book although, (hopefully this is not too cocky of me), I actually had my eyes on Mr. Ward less than 10 chapters in. So it actually bummed me out that Pip removed his name so soon on her POI because Mr. Ward was easily the most suspected person in the POI. It solidify during that chapter where Pip and her friends decided to have a camping on the woods, he's the logical and rational suspect who'd most likely do that as he's one of the early POI. Also, there was something hauntingly disturbing in his comment about Andie dressing up provocatively and him calling that out that sounds so pervert and also like he have two daughters and he'd give a comment like that on a girl the same age as his daughter? Hmm, that's just weird to me somehow. What I didn't expect and probably just clicked on my mind the same time it did for Pip was that there would be another player in the murder and it's someone that you kinda wish wouldn't be the suspect. Also, Pip was right, that weirdly enough, there were people in her POI's who maybe not criminally indicted but are morally corrupted or bad. And in a way, it's easier to think of them as evil even when they are not criminally indicted as they do morally questionable things that makes you decide if they are evil or not. Anyways, I knew from the get go that this is a trilogy so off I go to the next book. Hopefully, it's as thrilling as this one and just as many twists and turns like this one.
Plus One by Elizabeth Fama
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I wouldn't say a lot about this book, just that: this book has a great beginning and has a promising world-building. Classic Dystopian with a bit of political topics that includes Racism and Classism. Maybe because it's YA, that I find it lacking somehow? I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and I was hoping for a continuation. I felt this has a potential to be a good dystopian series but sadly it never went up.