I read this one after taking a small break from Jodi Picoult. Her books, no matter what order I read them in, just seemed to get progressively worse. I read this one after taking a small break from Jodi Picoult. Her books, no matter what order I read them in, just seemed to get progressively worse. But still, I began this one with a smile.
I wasn't exactly impressed. It was just a book. Not tremendously horrible enough for me to rant about, and not incredibly fantastic enough for me to rave about.
I just found the whole thing kind of anticlimatic. I get waiting for Jodi's trademark twist....but nothing. Did I miss it? Was it not even big enough for me to qualify a twist or was it simply not there?
I just think that she honestly didn't know how to explain Faith, so she just left it hanging. No conclusive endings here. Just unanswered questions. The more righteous among you might say "well, life has unanswered questions, so I suppose she was just being realistic." Well BOO. This is fiction, damnit! Make up some new fancy I-See-God disease if you have to!
It would have been something different if I liked the characters more. Mariah was a twit and Colin was a tool. The grandma was spunky, but a little stereoptypical. Even though Faith was supposedly the entire reason for the novel, I felt distant from her. One thing I can't understand is why Mariah was chosen as first person POV, and nobody else was. It would just make more sense to me if Faith was in first person if anyone was. Oh,and the relationshop between Ian and Mariah...Can you say sappy? I can. Sap sap SAPPY
But the writing was good like always. Picoult sure knows how to make a sentence. Even though there was less "OMG. This quote is so good! So true! So powerful!" this time around.
I shall conclude this review by saying I did not particularly enjoy this book, but it did provide distraction and allowed me to procrastinate my studying further. ...more
I am a little bit sad. For the past two weeks, my life (well, my book life) has been revolved around reading this series. I re-read the thrill rides wI am a little bit sad. For the past two weeks, my life (well, my book life) has been revolved around reading this series. I re-read the thrill rides which are Gone and Hunger-- then it was time for the main event, the newest installment in the Gone series. Lies.
I have to say it wasn't my favorite in the series. The flaws I had previously brushed aside in the first too became so blatant in this one that I couldn't ignore them. Don't get me wrong- it was still fantastic and I enjoyed it immensely, but it just wasn't my favorite.
The first disappointment was the length. Hunger was a monster, but this one was like it's runty cousin. I was confused about that. Usually books get longer as the plot thickens, and I didn't see why that wasn't the case for this installment. I mean, it was certianly possible to make it longer. There were plenty of loose ends and point that could have been ellaborated on. Perhaps he wanted to leave that to the next book (Plague!!). Also, maybe the fact that the time period for this one was shorter (only a few days as opposed to a couple weeks) had something to do it.
All the characters were great though. They become darker, more complex. Gone (yay for puns!) are the innocent children. Now they are intense. Every person to the smallest tot carries a weapon. Everyone is looking out for themselves, most concerned only about getting food. They aren't hesitant to kill, either, or do what they have to to stay alive. And yes, everyone lies. Big manipulative lies that are the reason for the title. Everyone is changed though, for the worse or for the better. We are also introduced to some new characters, which makes up for the loss of some of the old ones (kinda). I really think Michael Grant is accurate is portraying the desperation these kids would have.
The writing was meh. I mean, it was never amazing to begin with, but in this book it got worse. I think he should get a new editor. Many typos and things that didn't add up to previous infromation given in the previous books. Sam said Caine and him where half brothers, when they are twins. Dekka said she loved Brianna from first sight, where in Hunger, she said she fell in love with Brianna when they were imprisoned. And where did Astrid's powers go? After the first book, they are never mentioned again.
The plot was kinda jumpy. I really love how he tries to get everyone's point of view in, but it didn't pull together that nicely. It was very character driven, and there was less sci-fi (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). It was also more slow-paced than the previous two.
Overall, I still really enjoyed it. This is one of my favorite series. It's thrilling and thought-provoking and dark. All the things I didn't quite like about Lies, I shall attribute it to being a middle book in the series. I am very excited for Plague and cannot believe the release date is an entire year away! Fortunately, Michael did some foreshadowing, which leaves me with great material for speculation.
And does anyone mind telling who the kids on the back cover are supposed to be? I'm guessing Brittney and Drake, but I'm not sure. ...more
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. Imagine my surprise when I received a 600 paged hardcover with a lovely cover. This book surpassed my expectationsI won this in a Goodreads giveaway. Imagine my surprise when I received a 600 paged hardcover with a lovely cover. This book surpassed my expectations. I enjoyed the characters, and soaked up the drama. I am forever a fan of family sagas, and this was a good one. I connected with Mary's and Percy's stories more than Rachels. The book just seemed to repeat plot elements over again once it got to the end. Sometimes the pacing would be off, as is the problem with larger books. It would be very detailed in some parts, and it would mention other events in passing. Overall, a very enjoyable novel. Entertaining and time-consuming. ...more
This book took me a while to read. Normally, I devour sequels in a day, but this took me four. I just couldn't get into it. I would have to grudginglyThis book took me a while to read. Normally, I devour sequels in a day, but this took me four. I just couldn't get into it. I would have to grudgingly set aside time to read it, just because I wanted to finish it and move on. I don't know what it was about this book that made me lose interest, but I have a few ideas. This book spent absolutely no time reiterating past events. This is in no way a stand-alone. So, if you want this to be your first Blue Bloods book, good luck. Even if you have read every previous book in the series (like me), you might want to re-read them prior to reading this one. I got lost a lot. There were many instance where I felt the author had just gave out a clue to a puzzle, but it went just over my head. I am still not invested in the characters. Maybe its the multiple perspective chapters, or the third-person point of view, but I just don't feel particularly attached to the characters. I don't care who Schuyler (what a weirdly spelled name) ends up with, and I have a strong dislike of Bliss. The only character I remotely like is Mimi, and she managed to progress through out the book. I don't know. This book was just all-right for me. By far the best part of it is the elegantly-crafted vampire lore, and just wish the author would cut out all the Gossip Girl-type nonsense. We get it. They're rich. They live fabulous lives I can't even dream of. De la Cruz should stick to the supernatural, as that is pretty strong. ...more
I've been wanting to get my hands on this book for ages. It was receiving good reviews and was promoted everywhere I looked.
This book, written in epiI've been wanting to get my hands on this book for ages. It was receiving good reviews and was promoted everywhere I looked.
This book, written in epistolary format (points for using a new word!), follows Juliet, an author living in London just after WW2, who receives a letter from a man living on Guernsey who happens to notice her address in a second-hand book he has. They begin a delightful correspodance and Juliet gets sucked into the story of Guernsey's occupation and of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
This book was so delightful and charming it was like a cute old lady. I've never read such a light-hearted book about WW2, and it was a nice change. I fell in love with every single character mentioned. Especially Isola. If it was possible for me to go into a book and kidnap a character, it would be Isola. It's only a pity she doesn't have any super powers. Anyway, I didn't find the letter format confusing, execept for the occasional confusion over the difference between Susan and Sophie. I got sucked into the book more and more as I turned the pages, and by the end I couldn't put it down. However, as it went on, it also got progressively less believable. So some mild disbelief-suspension is required to enjoy the book. I also felt I learned a lot about the Occupation.
I do completely recommend this book with 4.5 stars. It's only a shame that Ms. Shaffer died before the completion of her first novel. I would have read more things from her. ...more
I'm reading this book for English class. It's not exactly required, but if you do an essay on it, you get extra credit. Also, there is a scholarship cI'm reading this book for English class. It's not exactly required, but if you do an essay on it, you get extra credit. Also, there is a scholarship competition concerning this book, which I'm going to have a whack at. I think this is one of those books where the story is enjoyable as long as you don't look too closely at the ideas.
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All right. This book took me 13 days to read. Even though, technically, it is not the longest book I read, it sure feels like it.
Honestly, I will not rate this book, because I have no idea on how to rate it. I hated this book as much as I liked it. I didn't agree with the philosophy at all, but I found myself genuinely interested. The characters were frustrating, but complex. They were more like symbols than anything. Every single conversation was intense to say the least. Every single description and event was completely intentional. It was just a pretty heavy book. I'm glad I read it, and will most likely read it again when I have more reading experience. ...more
This book was an odd little novel, one I was not expecting.
This is about Eliza Naumann, a normal girl who family has resigned themselves to her ordinaThis book was an odd little novel, one I was not expecting.
This is about Eliza Naumann, a normal girl who family has resigned themselves to her ordinariness. This all changes when Eliza surprisingly wins her school spelling bee, opening doors to herself that she never even knew existed. Eliza's family is strongly impacted by this sudden change. Her father, Saul, is a Jewish scholar, and is determined that his daughter use her abilities to the best advantage possible, resorting to the old leather tomes in his study for guidance. Her brother, Aaron, is thrown off by this sudden change of his father's affection, exploring any way to be closer to God. Her mother, Miriam, is not what she appears, and this sudden change in the family dynamic brings her secrets to light. All this happens because of one girl's ability to spell.
This book has a whole lot shoved in it. Jewish mysticism, Hare Krishnas, kleptomania, obsessive compulsion, complicated families, and spelling bees. It really is like nothing I've ever read before. It was more complex than I was expecting, and I read it slowly in order to soak it all in. The characters and all their actions wer well-developed and intricate. I just really enjoyed the journey it took me on. And, as an added bounes, my vocabulary has been hereby expanded.
I can see how it's not for everyone, and I don't exactly recommend it. This is a book people have to stumble on for themselves.
My only complaint was the ending, which I felt was a little unclear....more
I finally finished this book. It was assigned school reading, that had to be done after winter break. So guess what I spent my winter break doing! At I finally finished this book. It was assigned school reading, that had to be done after winter break. So guess what I spent my winter break doing! At first, I hated it. It was boring and I couldn't even stop reading it for threat that my English teachers head would explode. I was forced to persevere, and I'm glad I did. Once I got used to the sporadic pacing and style, I quite enjoyed it. Especially, the last book. The tone of the novel changed with the story line, as things became more and more tragic. The pacing was weird though, and there were intentional anachronisms which just added to the oddness. There would parts that were dreadfully boring to read then it would get all actiony, then White would go on a rant. It would also be very frank in some places, then overly detailed in others. I don't know. It was an experience, and I'm glad I (was forced to) read it. ...more
When my English teacher told us we had to read this book, I groaned. I already attempted to read it, and didn't like it. Nonetheless, I read it again.When my English teacher told us we had to read this book, I groaned. I already attempted to read it, and didn't like it. Nonetheless, I read it again.
This book centers on a group of British school boys who crash on a deserted island. They attempt to establish leadership but end up bringing out raw human nature.
I liked it better this time. Perhaps I matured as a reader from the last time I read it, or was just in a better mood. One thing I still dislike about it though is the prose. I often had trouble figuring out who was speaking and just often had a hard time following it. I did, however, pick up on all the symbolism and yada yada yada....
Anyway, I recommend this book. Everyone should try to read this once (or twice, in some circumstances) because its one of the books that you can always allude to when you want to look smart. ...more
It's been a while since I read Wicked Lovely or Ink Exchange, but I wasn't too confused going into this story. But I don't remember the characters beiIt's been a while since I read Wicked Lovely or Ink Exchange, but I wasn't too confused going into this story. But I don't remember the characters being so whiny! A majority of the book was angst or sexual tension, broken up by the occasional internal monologue. The second half was a little bit better than the first, because something actually moved forward in the plot. I don't know. I was never in love with the books, but I like them well enough. I just wish the author would stick to court politics and the beautiful scenery, as thats where I believe her books are at their best. I just hopes she cuts down on the whining in the next book.
This book was spectacular. I couldn't put it down. I loved Hannah's voice, and thought it was really creative how Asher did a simultaneous narrative. This book was spectacular. I couldn't put it down. I loved Hannah's voice, and thought it was really creative how Asher did a simultaneous narrative. This book was engrossing and will stay with me a long time.
For those saying that Hannah's reasons for killing herself were stupid, keep in mind that they aren't your reasons, they are hers. Those reasons were enough for her to end her life. It was to show the reader that despite what you may think in the moment, suicide is never the answer and there is more to live for. Asher doesn't want Hannah to appear strong for that would defeat the purpose of his novel. ...more
Everyone had read this book but me, so I needed to give it a try.
This book is about Grace, who was attacked by wolves when she was 11 years old. EverEveryone had read this book but me, so I needed to give it a try.
This book is about Grace, who was attacked by wolves when she was 11 years old. Ever since then she has been obsessed with the wolves that live in the woods behind her house- especially her yellow-eyed wolf- the one that saved her all those years ago. Every summer her yellow-eyed wolf becomes a yellow-eyed boy named Sam, but his time as a human is being numbered. Now that Sam and Grace have met and confronted their feelings, nothing will keep them apart.
I didn't love this book, but I definitely liked it. My first impression of this was that it was Twilight for Jacob fans, but that's not exactly true. The only thing that made me think of Twilight was the whole "sleeping together without actually sleeping together" thing. If my mother read this book, she would be checking my room 10 times a night, making sure I wasn't getting cozy with some strange-eyed boy. The writing was much better than Twilight however, and Grace was a much better heroine. Enough of the comparisons though.
Books like Shiver get my hopes up. I mean, boys like Sam don't exist. And if they do exist, they are gay. Sam likes cooking, poetry, writing sentimental love songs, taking girls on dates to candy shops and book stores.....
Grace is cool. Even though her parents need a stern talking to. Jeez, they might be a plot device, but they are a plot device that needs parenting classes. I liked Isabel though. I can't wait to see more of her and read more about her "perfect ringlets". Trust me, if you read this book, you are never are lacking in detail. Every thing is described very well. Some would even say beautifully.
Overall, a good YA fantasy book. While I won't rant and rave about it, it didn't make me run for the hills.
Oh, and the cover is very good. I didn't even see the wolf on there until I had the book in my hands. And the drop of blood is a very nice touch.
This book is one of the most thrilling and addictive books I've ever read! The incredibly paced plot and the abundant twists and turns made it nearly This book is one of the most thrilling and addictive books I've ever read! The incredibly paced plot and the abundant twists and turns made it nearly impossible to put down. Don't be intimidated by the length, it reads very quickly, and you'll be wishing for more by the end. I do have a couple complaints though, that I'm willing to ignore in order to give this book 5 stars. The characters are all very young, so don't expect the most challenging dialogue, and don't expect closure at all from the ending. The novel was also unexpectedly thought provoking. You'll ask yourself many questions, such as "what side would I be on?" "what role would I play?", and the best question, "what superpower would I get?" I vastly recommend this novel to all, and I hope you'll read it. ...more
I've seen this book in libraries, on best-of lists, and pretty much everywhere. But I've always dismissed it because of the cover and the premise whicI've seen this book in libraries, on best-of lists, and pretty much everywhere. But I've always dismissed it because of the cover and the premise which just seemed corny and something meant for 14-yr-old StarWars fans. So I was surprised when I saw my math teacher reading it. My math teacher is pretty, in her early 20's, and a conservative Bible-thumper, so I was curious to what she saw in it. Once I see somebody with a book in their hands, I become very nosy. Her rave review convinced me to read it.
What can I say about this book is that it's very fun and entertaining. I read it in one day. The sci-fi itself was pretty basic, and the most interesting part for me was Ender's trials at Battle School. Even though I had trouble following the null gravity battles. I did not understand Ender's explanation at all. It seems I would not be fit for Battle School :(
The most unbelievable part for me was the age of these kids. They were very young, yet talked like your average adult. I understand they were supposed to be genius's and everyone was chosen as the best in something, but the only I saw that in Ender. I wish I could have known the other characters more.
The "twist" ending didn't surprise me as much as the final chapter did. It just seemed so completely different from the rest of the book. I'm not sure whether or like it or not. This book definitely made me think in places.
Overall, I recommend it to sci-fi and non sci-fi fans alike. I'm interested to read the sequels to see what happens to their universe afterward, if I can find them at the library. The library has a nasty habit of only carrying some books in a series- and never the ones I want....more
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