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| 1639730966
| 9781639730964
| 4.35
| 1,229,499
| Aug 15, 2013
| Feb 14, 2023
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really liked it
| First Thoughts | 12/29/23 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I enjoyed this sequel much more than the first book, I feel that there is much more exploration of the characters First Thoughts | 12/29/23 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I enjoyed this sequel much more than the first book, I feel that there is much more exploration of the characters, I saw them much more humanized and of course, I loved those plot twists! Plus, it has a super intriguing plot that keeps you hooked at all times. I enjoyed the second half more, but the whole book is overall a very solid sequel, and I will be continuing with this series for sure. Needless to say, it broke my heart more than once! I feel like after this book nothing will ever be the same as the story progresses. FULL REVIEW TO COME! ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 16, 2023
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Dec 29, 2023
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Dec 09, 2023
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Hardcover
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| 3.93
| 146,706
| Jul 08, 2014
| Jul 08, 2014
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really liked it
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I can safely say that this book exceeded my expectations, and despite the rating, which always ends up being a simple number, I have many positive thi
I can safely say that this book exceeded my expectations, and despite the rating, which always ends up being a simple number, I have many positive things to share today in this review, because despite being a bit cliché at times, I was surprised with a very addictive plot and an intriguing magic system, also a world that I found worthy of going through, so super excited not only to have read it but to continue with the series, as the author made me want to know what will happen. [image] source 3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐ ...more |
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1
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Feb 27, 2022
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Mar 16, 2022
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Feb 27, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| 1542030374
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| 1542030374
| 3.83
| 1,699
| Nov 01, 2021
| Nov 01, 2021
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really liked it
| thank you SO much to NetGalley & Skyscape for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This was a lovely book full of mom thank you SO much to NetGalley & Skyscape for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This was a lovely book full of moments to smile, but also to reflect on, I'm so glad I got to read this book unexpectedly this month. It was also refreshing to meet characters with interesting personalities and strong opinions, but also characters that have a lot of growth by the end, which I found realistic and well done. Plus, many beautiful scenes and a twist of its own that makes it very unique despite being a plotline we've read before. A great book with a cover worthy of having on our shelves! [image] You can find more book reviews & fun content in my blog A Book. A Thought. 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ In this story, we follow Tahira, a girl who dreams of becoming a fashion designer and after her internship falls through, she decides to go for the summer to work at her aunt's boutique in Bakewell, Ontario's capital, to get the experience she needs for her college application. Once there she meets Rowan the rugged gardener of next door and although she wants nothing to do with him she finds herself needing the "plant-boy" skills to win Bakewell's flower arranging contest, a contest that promises to take the winner to New York City and as Rowan could also benefit himself from the prize he agrees to help her. No one is more surprised than Tahira herself to discover that flower design is as amazing as fashion design and Rowan could be so much more than the arrogant boy next door. For of all places, it's in this part of the world that Tahira begins to blossom. This book was a breath of fresh air, I loved having the chance to read it even though it wasn't in my plans since I was approved last minute with an ARC. What I appreciate most about the book is that it has little details that make it stand out from other contemporary romance books, such as the fact that Tahira's parents are super supportive of her and I also like the honesty with which this book speaks without fear of being "too much", I feel that the dialogues themselves bring a lot of realism, but also a lot of awareness with the topics that are touched upon such as racism, the pressure of social media and the damaging side of it, and the prejudices within the fashion world. I think in this book those little details are what makes a great story. The writing style is great, I actually liked it a lot. The beginning of the book is a little flat, I think it needs some work, but then it picks up very quickly giving us a lot of great moments, a lot of information, and a clearer picture of the situations that makes you want to know what will happen to the characters, but always enjoying the journey, you know? I didn't feel in this book that I wanted to finish it because honestly, I was having an amazing time reading it. It has a very relaxed vibe, portraying the lives of these guys in a very realistic way, but also breaking some beliefs along the way, and that, coupled with the diversity that this book gives us is a winning combination . By the end, I was totally on board with the story, loving the characters and nodding emotionally, so... mission accomplished! As I was saying before, this book has a great focus on diversity with South Asian characters, very positive Muslim representation, and black characters, among others. We can say that we have been blessed to see diversity grow in books a lot over time, and in this book, you can really see the author's commitment to writing about it, and that made me very excited. We also have mentions of bisexual & pansexual characters, and also blind characters. So, basically, we can say that not only it's a diverse book with a lot of representation, but it's also rich at this point, because of the depth in touching on certain themes. The romances with the enemies-to-lovers trope can be a hit or miss for me these days, it must be because I've read it a lot in the past or something, but I feel picky about it. This book luckily ended up being amazing in romance, but at first, it took me a little bit to get into it, even so, I can tell you that you have nothing to worry about because if this romance managed to win me over by the end, I know you'll love it. We also have some friendship portraits and some interesting discussions in these aspects as well. Another point that stands out a lot is the discussion the characters have about the future, and which path is the right one to follow. They ask themselves questions such as whether it is okay to change your mind once you have everything "planned" and whether it is worth giving up because of unexpected external factors. The topic of discussing the future, and how it's touched upon is charming and I think it's one of those contemporary romances that goes a bit beyond that, by talking about issues that concern young people. A really lovely book, with the use of flowers that I had never seen before, in a way that makes an interesting and engaging plot become a very pleasant aesthetic to read, which gives way to photographic situations. Other than that, as a contemporary it's very solid, discuss important things that are very current, and also give us a wide range of representation and diversity. The romance is lovely, and even as someone who's quite picky about romance, I was very pleased with it, and of course, the characters are wonderful, characters with very unique and distinct personalities, strong opinions with a lot of conviction, but most of all... and best of all, in my opinion, they're characters that learn from their mistakes and grow a lot. A story about understanding that life doesn't always go as planned and that's okay, about accepting that there are many ways to reach the same goal, that you have to appreciate the little things, and that the very romantic romance hasn't gone out of fashion yet lol, which I love. I hope you decide to read it, it's worth it and if you're not convinced, just take a look at the cover!> First Thoughts 11/16/21 This was a very lovely book!!! from time to time I enjoy this type of story that although it touches on important issues is mostly fun and light, and this book isn't only that, but it also has a very strong growth in the characters. I liked it a lot, and I'm happy that the cover is just as beautiful! ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 07, 2021
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Nov 16, 2021
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Oct 27, 2021
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Hardcover
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| 0525426019
| 9780525426011
| 0525426019
| 3.40
| 42,138
| Sep 26, 2017
| Sep 26, 2017
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liked it
| This book was entertaining to read at times, as well as gripping at others, and above all very light within its genre, which makes it easy to read, bu This book was entertaining to read at times, as well as gripping at others, and above all very light within its genre, which makes it easy to read, but I must confess that I feel polarized about my opinion on the plot and the characters, as they didn't end up convincing me. I completely understand what the author wanted to do, though, and I also deeply admire that she dared to try a different genre, that has a lot of merit for me, but maybe I was expecting a heavier on mystery kind of book, more intense on horror as well, and maybe it fell a bit short this time. I also don't feel impressed by the character development either about the revelation and twists, which were quite disappointing. [image] 2.5/5 ⭐⭐ ...more |
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1
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Oct 02, 2021
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Oct 05, 2021
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Sep 30, 2021
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Hardcover
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| 0062643835
| 9780062643834
| 0062643835
| 3.81
| 11,252
| Apr 20, 2021
| Apr 20, 2021
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really liked it
| I'm so happy to be part of the blog tour of this book and share the excitement for its release with so many other readers, so Thank you to Dave from T I'm so happy to be part of the blog tour of this book and share the excitement for its release with so many other readers, so Thank you to Dave from The Writers’ Reads blog tour, it's a blessing since otherwise, I might not have read the book as soon as I did, and I really liked it! Above all, I think the friendship as such that's portrayed during the story is absolutely beautiful and I love how it's built and executed, it feels super real and honest, and I love seeing the characters interacting with each other and overcoming obstacles together, I think that's the true soul of the book, but there's romance in here and that's also good. [image] 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ You can find more of my reviews & fun content on my blog A Book. A Thought. In this book, we follow Kate and Anderson, two best friends whose bond seems to be unbreakable, but everything changes one day when their childhood crush returns to town. Turns out, communal crushes aren't so fun when real feelings are involved. This is a superfluid contemporary plot to read, that hooks you from the first moment, and it's very easy to feel close to the characters, these are three super important aspects so that I personally can enjoy a book within the genre, since although I like to read Contemporaries from time to time, I usually gravity more towards those who have darker or more magical aspects, so reading something like this one, much lighter and "mundane" in some way, is unusual for me. I ended up enjoying it much more than I thought I would, I think it has a solid foundation of friendship that's very pleasant to read, and I can say that itself is just enough to sustain the whole story until the end, it's a very well-created friendship, executed and thought out, so you want to know what will happen between them till the last page. Personally, don't think the conflict in itself is big enough for me, but I respect that it was for them and this conflict in some way has been helpful in establishing a deeper and more honest line of communication between themI, plus other things are revealed, some interesting situations and triggers extremely interesting scenes to read, so if you look at it from that perspective I think the conflict itself, of these friends sharing feelings for the same person, isn't the main focus or it's not what really catches you, you know? I mean, maybe it is for you and that's great! because it's also a great seasoning for the plot, but for me as a reader I was more interested in other aspects than that point as such, I hope you understand what I mean by this. Basically, the story is super-fluid to read, friendship is great and has wonderful family scenes too, but romance as such is perhaps not so protagonist for me. It's not the first time that I read the author, I've read, as most of us, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, so I was already familiar in some way with her writing style, which I find extremely relaxing to read, for some reason, I find it very easy to connect with her characters and get to feel really interested in everything that they do, I love that, I really recommend Becky Alberteli's books. It has its part kind of cheesy or cliche at times especially when portraying the experience of a teenager in high school since it's something I've read many times, but this doesn't mean that it isn't still entertaining and fun to read, I just think it's important to mention it in case this is something you don't want to find. In addition to student drama, there's also a musical going on, which I surprisingly liked in this book, it's very well done and these are moments of great enjoyment for the characters and that makes it almost cross the pages, it was very fun, that's for sure. The characters are great and they're very well created, each one of them, not only the main ones but also the secondary ones, have something that makes them unique and makes them stand out in wonderful ways, what can I say? I really adore the characters that the author creates, somehow they touch my heart. I loved Noah and Anderson, I would say they're my faves, but really they are all great, and I like how within the group we know a little about their lives and even though this happens in a superficial way, we can understand where each of their acts come from and why they're the way they are, which makes the characters feel even more realistic. I could mention in addition to Kate and the guys I mentioned above, Raina, Matt, and Brandie, all great. Maybe we could have more work a little more on some interactions between them and some dialogues I feel that sometimes they're a bit short, you know? but even so, these are very small details, the book and the characters in their entirety are incredible. To summarize my thoughts and feelings about the book, I want to say that I honestly enjoyed it a lot, I think the way in which Becky has given a deeper approach to friendship in this book was the right decision, this aspect made me love the story itself much more since even when all the elements are good, the friendship is absolutely stunning. I recommend it, no doubt, if you want to read a story that will touch your heart and make you feel many beautiful things inside, but also if you want to read a solid friendship that flows naturally and realistically. It has beautiful scenes that would have made the teenage me fall dead in love lol & it's simply that kind of book that although it explores a stressful and dramatic situation for the characters, it's super light and super easy to read at the same time, 400 pages that will pass you by as if they were 100. It's a great work of the author that makes me want to read much more of her in the future, I hope she continues to focus on this type of plot more focused on friendship because I think it will get better and better. Firts Thoughts 04/20/21 I really liked it! I didt expect that this book conveys so many emotions to me, but in fact it did, it was a super nice read, with moments of joy and fun, with that lighter side of the plot, but there are also moments of tension and emotions, and it's very well balanced, I also loved the characters ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 13, 2021
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Apr 20, 2021
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Apr 06, 2021
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Hardcover
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| 0062674129
| 9780062674128
| 0062674129
| 3.38
| 8,628
| Jun 16, 2020
| Jun 16, 2020
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it was amazing
| “I don’t actually think it always has to be your sole responsibility to make sure everything goes perfectly all the time” OMG, this book is “I don’t actually think it always has to be your sole responsibility to make sure everything goes perfectly all the time” OMG, this book is the sweetest thing, I loved it so much, definitely one of those cases when the story far exceeds my expectations. I feel that this plot touched my heart in many ways, the characters seemed very realistic and the topics it covers are very shocking, but they're well discussed and very well executed in my point of view. Politics isn't usually my jam, but I was still able to enjoy this contemporary romance very much, and that makes me very happy. [image] 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 07, 2021
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Aug 13, 2021
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Jan 03, 2021
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Hardcover
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| 006295993X
| 9780062959935
| 3.68
| 40,094
| Aug 04, 2020
| Aug 04, 2020
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really liked it
| “Sometimes the feeling of loss faded, more like a forgotten task nagging at his attention, or a misplaced item waiting to be found. But it nev “Sometimes the feeling of loss faded, more like a forgotten task nagging at his attention, or a misplaced item waiting to be found. But it never truly went away.” This book was very light and fun to read, I also adored the amount of Latinx representation we have, which I dare say it's almost 100% of the characters, in addition to this, I loved the family dynamics as such. On the other hand, I wasn't the biggest fan of romance, but I understand that this is something that usually happens to me especially because I don't like plots highly focused on romance, even so, I know that many people will be able to enjoy this factor & also the style of the author is very light and easy to follow. [image] 3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐ ...more |
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1
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Sep 24, 2020
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Sep 29, 2020
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Aug 31, 2020
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ebook
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| 4.16
| 14,066
| Sep 15, 2020
| Sep 15, 2020
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it was amazing
| Super grateful to Algonquin Young Readers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, I thi Super grateful to Algonquin Young Readers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, I think in the beginning it may have been difficult to read, but I'll explain more about that later, in general, it was incredible, and I managed to love this story more and more as it progressed to ended up in love with that ending. It has a wonderful progression, the author has done an incredible job with a fluid and easy-to-read style even when dealing with tough topics such as patriarchy, domestic violence, and femicides. This is a piece of work with many feelings that goes beyond football and manages to reach you in a raw and honest way, and I'm happy to have the chance to read it before its release date. [image] 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ...more |
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1
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Sep 07, 2020
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Sep 11, 2020
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Aug 26, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 4.40
| 711,178
| Mar 16, 2020
| Mar 17, 2020
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really liked it
| “Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.” Oh My, this book is SO adorable and meani “Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.” Oh My, this book is SO adorable and meaningful, I adored it. I think there's something so innocent about this story, where the author has totally focused on showing the warmest and most real side of the characters, especially the children, who then spread their dreaming spirits to the main character who's colder and more formal. I love it, this book reflects a lot on the purest side of the human being and how we can all have dreams and goals in life and fight for them regardless of our appearance or our age, or our current situation . I love it, especially the second half since I think that's where the book shows its true soul. [image] 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ You can find more of my reviews & fun content on my blog A Book. A Thought. In The House in the Cerulean Sea we follow Linus Baker, a man who works for the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, which means that he must ensure the well-being of children living in orphanages. Linus lives a rather drab and gray life until one day he's sent on a trip to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. This work is of utmost importance and of high value for Linus' bosses, although he still doesn't know why, with little more than a few simple files he arrives at this place with more questions than answers, and there he meets Arthur Parnassus, the caretaker of the children, and as the two begin to become close, many secrets begin to come out and Linus must make a decision that may change his life forever: destroy a home or watch the world burn. This book feels like a hug, it welcomes you with its very unique style and great narrative, it's highly focused on the characters, so I would say that it's character-driven, although also the plot itself and the idea that underpins everything is brilliant too, it's well built and the author has managed to make this whole fantasy/contemporary world easy to read, but it's still very complex. There are many paths that the author could have chosen to explore with this plot, but I loved that he stayed with the more human side of it. I love how we get to know this unusual group of children, and we grow more and more fond of them as we progress through the story. I also love how everything flows so naturally and in such an organic and perfect way between each character, the relationships in the book and the bonds that are formed are very well achieved, they almost make you feel like part of the family, and I love that. It has a very personal tone that makes you think and a beautiful message behind that focuses on family and its meaning. What is a family for you? What does this mean? What is our true home? and OMG, I love that concept and seeing it develop among the children, as they're adopted among themselves as siblings and how Arthur, their caregiver, loves and cares for them in such a pure and honest way that it almost moves me. Caregivers in this world are supposed to remain neutral about their opinion of children and never cross that professional barrier, it's almost like taking good care of them but without feelings involved, so what Arthur does and his behavior has put his superiors, The Extremely Upper Management, on alert. I really liked the whole concept and how it develops, I think the characters are the protagonists and what stands out the most from the book, without a doubt. The writing style can be somewhat dense , ...I personally like it because I think it sets the mood for the reader very well and gradually makes you feel immersed in the plot, but I confess that it can be heavy. The book has almost 400 pages, it's quite average, but it feels as if it had more in someway, it took me a long time to read and although this doesn't minimize my enjoyment, I wanted to mention it just in case it is something you want to know. On the other hand, the descriptions seemed very beautiful to me, I want to live on that Island like yesterday and the ideas for each of the children are very original, with this I mean their appearances and their unique powers or abilities, which were something that I never read about before, so it seems to me that somehow that separates it enough from other books that may have some similarity to this one, for example, Miss Peregrin's Home for Peculiar Children. Personally, I think that the first half isn't as solid as the second, where I feel that you can see much more of the characters and each story as well as the relationships between them, and also the story really begins to have a clearer direction after the 200 pages. The beginning is good, it doesn't mean that I didn't like it, but if it seemed normal to me, I don't think they're at the same level. Maybe this is because it takes time to really feel inside the plot as such, but once you get to the Island and meet the children and their stories, you really want to stay there forever, I almost forgot that another place existed out there, it's very magical and beautiful. I want to talk separately about Linus as a character because I think he was so unique, it's a super-smart decision on the part of the author to choose a main character like him, since he's a man who's in his 40s and you can see that he leads a super monotonous and boring life, he's not satisfied with what he has, he mentions on occasions that he felt almost incomplete and depressed, and this you can see for yourself when he reflects that he doesn't have dreams or aspirations apart from his work, which he doesn't either love. I think it's brilliant to put this man with such a gray and sad countenance in such a magical, colorful, and excitingly unique place, because it shows a very strong contrast of these two realities, it was incredible to explore and I really appreciate this point, that's why I wanted to give it a separate paragraph. I also take the opportunity to say that I DEEPLY LOVE Chauncey, and this character wasn't only my favorite in the book, but will become one of my all-time faves, he's simply so unique, beautiful, and adorable, I want to hug him forever, he deserves all the good things in this world!! Apart from this, I adore all the characters, some of the children may not stand out as much as others for me, but they all have very marked personalities and you can get to see them as real people as they almost jump through the pages. Another thing I want to highlight is the relationship between Arthur and Linus which I love, it's not easy to give me a romance that I buy, but this one I take home lol. I think there's something so pure and real happening here and seeing the evolution not only of the relationship but also of the characters as individuals makes me feel immensely proud. I could talk about it for years but I'll be brief here, and add that my favorite thing about this is how it affects Linus so profoundly and makes him question things that he never thought would question about himself, transforming him in such beautiful ways. He's way too pure guys, I can't! Plus, there are SO MANY quotes that I took out of this book, it's very beautiful, I recommend it from my heart. Maybe this book hasn't been a full 5 stars, but even so, I'll not take away the merit it deserves, entering a book with many expectations is a challenge sometimes, so I may have felt slightly neutral about the story at the beginning, but towards the end already had my heart and it will be one of those stories that I can recommend for a long time without getting tired of. If you want to read something that makes you feel good inside, this is the book for you. I also recommend it if you want to read a funny, entertaining and magical plot, but with its little dark sparkles for moments as well. It's also SUPER QUEER, which is deeply appreciated, the representations when made with respect and loves really feel, you know? I also recommended it if you enjoy unique plots, but highly focused on characters, their developments, and evolution. It's a book focused on family, dreams, and hope. It shows you how beautiful really comes from within and how we should never judge by people's appearance, as this doesn't define us. I assure you that you'll fall in love with each of these "monsters" as they have been called so many times, but then you'll realize that the only thing there is a group of adorable and sweet children that all they really seek is love, acceptance, and a family. I've had one of the busiest months of my life and that's why it has taken me so long to read it, yet it's a beautiful book with a message of hope, love and acceptance. At first I wasn' sure where the story was going and I thought that maybe this would be one of those books that everyone loves except me lol, but especially from the middle to the end I loved it, I think that's where the true meaning of the book comes to light and I really enjoyed the experience reading it. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 11, 2021
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Feb 26, 2021
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Aug 04, 2020
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Kindle Edition
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| 3.60
| 2,411
| Dec 07, 2019
| Dec 16, 2019
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really liked it
| I had a lot of fun reading this little story!! In fact, I didn't expect to laugh so much and I love that, I have several thoughts to share about the c I had a lot of fun reading this little story!! In fact, I didn't expect to laugh so much and I love that, I have several thoughts to share about the characters in my full review soon, but in general, I like how diverse they're & the plot itself flows very well, as well as the romance and despite being a short story, I don't think it felt incomplete. 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ FULL REVIEW TO COME ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 14, 2020
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Aug 21, 2020
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Jul 31, 2020
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Kindle Edition
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| 1250250463
| 9781250250469
| 1250250463
| 4.27
| 96,951
| Sep 01, 2020
| Sep 01, 2020
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really liked it
| I really liked this book; I feel like it's one of those stories that feels cozy in a way but also has that touch of anticipation and danger that comes I really liked this book; I feel like it's one of those stories that feels cozy in a way but also has that touch of anticipation and danger that comes hand in hand with the magic and paranormal aspects of the story. I think it's well done, and although I didn't end up loving it entirely like I thought I would, I did have a great time with the characters and managed to connect with them and their journeys. [image] 3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 17, 2021
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Jul 05, 2021
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Jun 16, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 1777006627
| 9781777006624
| 1777006627
| 3.42
| 1,116
| Apr 28, 2020
| Apr 28, 2020
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liked it
| This little novel is the first in a series of novels about a Vampiric romance and isn't usually my type of reading, but I had a lot of fun with it, This little novel is the first in a series of novels about a Vampiric romance and isn't usually my type of reading, but I had a lot of fun with it, it's short and easy to read. Maybe this first book has a lot of information and the balance is strange at the end because the plot itself does not develop too much, but I still enjoyed it and I would like to continue with the rest of the novels in the future. I loved the construction of the world and the characters are interesting enough. [image] 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ...more |
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1
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Jul 27, 2020
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Jul 31, 2020
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May 31, 2020
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ebook
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| 0439023491
| 9780439023498
| 0439023491
| 4.33
| 3,712,125
| Sep 01, 2009
| Sep 01, 2009
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really liked it
| “We had to save you because you're the Mockingjay, Katniss," says Plutarch. "While you live, the revolution lives.” I loved this book, I e “We had to save you because you're the Mockingjay, Katniss," says Plutarch. "While you live, the revolution lives.” I loved this book, I even think I enjoyed it a little more than the first one, I think it's intense, darker and something very powerful is being put together as the beginning of the districts revolution, so I thought it was great! I liked how the author was encouraged to do something crueler, daring and real this time with very intelligent and well thought out plot twists, it also has scenes that take your breath away and make you even a little nervous for its huge impact. I think this book also had a great visual impact on me, I was able to live the reading in a very vivid way and I could imagine everything that was happening in a unique way, so I think that was a great factor for my enjoyment. [image] Source 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ You can find more reviews & fun content on my blog A Book. A Thought. Now that Katniss has survived the Games along with Peeta she should be more than happy, but things after the games aren't what she expected, her best friend Gale is a cold distance away, she has hardly spoken to Peeta and there are rumors about an uprising of the districts against the Capitol and all because of her. Katniss is still dealing with the pain and trauma that her participation in the games has left on her, but also now she'll have to face thousands of people on the Victory Tour through each district. Katniss will be put to the test like never before and should really prove in front of everyone how in love she is with Peeta because the consequences could be terrible. I really like this book because I think it has a darkness and a harder impact than the story originally didn't have, at least for me, I also see the characters facing very hard situations that make them have to face their worst fear and to themselves. Also seeing all the reality after the games is quite hard because although the lives of the boys are much easier now cause they're no longer hungry or lacking, things are super uncomfortable since they must live pretending to feel things they don't feel so that Snow, Capitol's president, doesn't kill them or kill their families. It's super awful to see how above all Katniss has to live with that constant threat behind her and those she loves, and her protective instinct takes over all the time, she's struggling a lot internally and it shows. I really liked the plot twists, I think they're well done and give a new face to the events, I like to go along with the characters to other districts, although my favorite part has to be when they should participate in The Hunger Games again, and That's like OMG, HERE WE GO AGAIN lol, but I really love that scene both in the book and in the movie, because it's full of meaning, loss, anguish, and mixed feelings, you know? it's very shocking. So the whole situation when they should go back to the Capitol and new characters come in and stuff, I loved. On the other hand, I really liked to see a more intense and tense political plot for everything that happened in the first book, it makes you stay on the edge of your seat to know what will happen. I also liked to know the origin of the Mockingjay, since it's something that doesn't happen in the movies, and I really liked it, it was a good detail, as well as Katniss's relationship with her father and mother, all that somewhat tragic family dynamics and chaotic it's very interesting to explore and even more so when things begin to be better in that aspect. “At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and face whoever wants you dead. The hard thing is finding the courage to do it.” Katniss is very brave in this book, and I think there's something very naive about her regarding what she generates or about the things that happen due to her, you know? But she's always willing to sacrifice herself for those she loves and fight to the end, even in this book where I saw her struggle a lot with herself and with her mixed thoughts and feelings. I think her scene with Snow is so powerful and dangerous, I LOVE that scene, is one of my faves of the book for everything it manages to convey in so few pages. Snow is such an interesting character for me, he's powerful and the author achieved very well this image of the villain, he's also intelligent and very strategic. I must say that I liked Peeta a little more in this book but only in the first half, then again it makes me nervous because it doesn't do much or doesn't contribute much once they're in the games, I know it's supposed to be the image of an Intelligent and capable boy, but I cannot connect since I feel that he's always an obstacle or a person to be saved. I liked knowing a little more about him and his personality, though, I don't think he's a bad boy, I just don't like him being so submissive and dependent, you know? On the other hand, I really liked the scenes of Peeta in the interviews, I think he's great at it. Gale is just Gale, I think he deserves better and he's a great guy, he's always fighting to want a better and fair life, I respect him a lot as a character, but even so I don't think he contributes too much to the plot either. I really liked Finikkin, he has a personality that I love and as the games go on you get to know him better and I like him even more. Johanna is fine, she's not my type of character maybe, but I think it was a smart idea to put her in the plot, and of course the characters of Haymitch and Effie I always love, I think they add a lot to the plot, especially great dialogues, and character developments. >And my honorable mention in this book is for Cinna, that gave us a lot for this beginning of the revolution, I adore him. I don't have much to add about the romance itself, I liked it a little more in this book, though, but it doesn't have that impact on me, and I'm very sorry about that because I know that many of you love the couple and that's great! I don't feel the connection with them as a couple, I think that everything feels forced and strange, I would understand more if there would be a friendship between them and in fact, I adore the scenes where they talk about what's happening to them and about their families, it's a beautiful relationship that when it switches to romance it's absolutely uncomfortable for me. I really liked how this book shows the humanity of each character, of those who live in the districts, but also of those who live in Capitol, which I think even some were much more sensitive and empathetic to what was happening. As well we can see Snow's cruelty and disgust for Katniss and honestly, for human life. But there's also despair in this character due to the power and fear that it will be taken away from him, and fear that what happened once with the uprising of the 13th district, now supposedly destroyed and inexistent, will happen again. “I wish I could freeze this moment, right here, right now and live in it forever.” I adore this book because I think it's full of valuable information and I know it's a book that very much anticipates what the war and the great confrontation will be, but it's super enjoyable and feels like a very solid book in itself that leaves you with a very complete and full feeling for the story. The ending is quite open and dramatic, I really liked it and I don't think Katniss knows what she's generating, this power-hungry movement that she started with wanting to commit suicide during the first games. I also loved the games, I don't think there's waste in them, they're harder and more impressive than the first ones, they're also more surprising and I adore the unique ideas that the author has had to develop it. I loved the book, I recommend the trilogy again, I think it's worth reading, it's exciting, unique and addictive, but it also discusses very current social problems. First Thoughts 05/27/20 Such a great sequel!! Despite being the first time I read it, this story feels super familiar to me due to the movies and I love that. I enjoyed this book and I think it's really complex and very well thought out and developed. I'm dying to read the last one. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 23, 2020
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May 27, 2020
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May 23, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 1250169216
| 9781250169211
| 1250169216
| 3.84
| 1,482
| Sep 15, 2020
| Sep 15, 2020
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it was amazing
| First of all, I want to thank Tor Teen for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest thoughts, celebrating "Latino Book Month" WOW First of all, I want to thank Tor Teen for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest thoughts, celebrating "Latino Book Month" WOW, I'm really impressed by the quality, intensity, reality, and depth of this story, I think it will be one of those difficult reviews to write due to the emotional charge that this book gives me with its pages. There's so much that I could share with you about the book, but I'll try to give what I can without spoilers, throwing all my thoughts and feelings here, so I hope it's understood. In summary, this book is a poem about the strengths and weaknesses of human beings. It's about overcoming fear & going in search of your own truth and your own destiny, I loved it, obviously! [image] 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 12, 2020
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May 17, 2020
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May 09, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 0062820257
| 9780062820259
| 0062820257
| 4.24
| 63,303
| May 05, 2020
| May 05, 2020
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really liked it
| “I’m not flaunting anything. I’m just existing. This is me. I can’t hide myself. I can’t disappear. And even if I could, I don’t fucking want “I’m not flaunting anything. I’m just existing. This is me. I can’t hide myself. I can’t disappear. And even if I could, I don’t fucking want to. I have the same right to be here. I have the same right to exist.” This is a book I appreciate so much that it simply exists, I think it's super informative and it teaches you a lot too, I think I'm wiser after reading it. The discussions about gender are very well developed, the author has really decided to go deeply into this aspect and give us the raw faces of what it means to choose to live as your true self despite the adversities along the way. I really liked that side of the book, I think it's extremely important that I highlight this point before starting with everything else. It's a content-rich book that portrays the story of a trans boy, but we also follow a super diverse group of characters so that's wonderful. On the other hand, there are some points that I didn't really LOVE that much: like the romance & the main character. [image] 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You can find more of my reviews & fun content on my blog A Book. A Thought. In this book, we follow Felix Love that secretly fears that he’s one marginalization too many — Black, queer, and transgender — to ever get his own happily-ever-after. When a student starts sending him homophobic messages and also posts photos of him before his transition, Felix plans his revenge, but he doesn't expect it to lead to a tangled love triangle. But while he tries to understand what he's feeling, Felix is immersed in a journey of self-discovery where he'll redefine his relationship with the most important person: himself. I think this book, as I mentioned before, is a beautiful journey of self-discovery, to learning to love yourself and be proud of who you are and that's wonderful, there are many positive things that I can say about this book and what it tries to do because it's very obvious how committed the author is with what he wants to tell, it's very clear and concise and leaves no cracks for questions. I think that this story has taught me many things and I'm deeply grateful that books like these are released into the world to be read by all kinds of people so that we can all open our eyes to the valuable and incredible diverse groups that fight every day to have their place in the community and for being heard. In this book, we focus a lot on the trans community, but there's also a lot of diversity, there are lesbian, gay, bisexual characters. We also have black & biracial characters. So it's a book that I know will help a lot of people feel seen and heard, which is beautiful. Now I want to leave this in the background for a bit since obviously that's super valuable and nobody can argue with that, so I want to focus a little more on the plot itself, to give you my opinion on that also. As the plot of this book gives us a lot in terms of personal research, Felix is trying to understand himself, discover what he wants to do with his future and how he feels about who he is and his relationship with others. Therefore, it's a great point of view to tell a story full of feelings and emotional moments of great significance, many of them I must say are very well portrayed, managing to convey a lot to the reader. In addition to seeing everything that a black, transgender & queer boy must live, it's very interesting to see how the other characters interact with him, from his friends to his family, as well as other members of the community. This topic is very well addressed, we see scenes, where he's marginalized, discriminated and even minimized by other characters obviously from an ignorant and terrible place, in such a real and hard way that it really makes you open your eyes to a whole new reality. On the other hand, we also see absolutely wonderful and golden scenes where characters grow in understanding and love, and others that simply support no matter what, giving unconditional love above all things. That's absolutely incredible. Both faces are real and exist, that's why I think they're very important to portray and in this book, it's done in a wonderful way. On the other hand, I have to mention some things that I didn't like, the most important point and number 1 of my mini-list is Felix. It was a surprise to me that this character doesn't resonate so much with me, I understand where many of his negative attitudes and emotions come from, even towards his own friends who support him because I know that he has had to go through a lot since her mother left him, until this revolution within him for not being entirely sure of his identity. But there's a moment where it seems to me that Felix could be selfish, self-center, and even cruel. Above all there are scenes with his father, where I can see that his father tries to understand him, learn and be there for him, but Felix continues to see all the negative side and refuses to listen, choosing to be quite hurtful with him or assuming things that he doesn't know, such as that his father doesn't accept him, being so that his father has paid for all his treatments and has always been there for him. I think there's a very fine line there, and I would have liked to see Felix more open to understanding the transition that his father is also going through. Still, I'm glad they finally have that talk at the end, they should have had all along. On the other hand, there's also a time where Felix treats Ezra (his best friend) in rude ways just because he comes from a rich family, making it clear that Ezra's problems aren't as valid as his own. Like these two examples, there are several scenes where the attitude that Felix calls "being Slytherin" goes a little further and ends up being a rather difficult character to understand at times. I absolutely want Felix to find his happiness and I was rooting for him throughout the book, but even so, I don't really like the way he is with others, and the negative approach of him all the time can be somewhat annoying and hard to understand. The second thing that I don't quite like is the romance (no one is in shock lol). The weirdest love triangle I've ever seen lol, is so messy all the time that if you don't pay enough attention you won't even know what's happening most of the time. I LOVE Ezra as a character, his way of being so free and his way of seeing life is so dreamy and thoughtful, I love that, he's the type of person that I would love to have in my life for long talks about existence, but his position as a love interest it's just not good for him, I understand his position and his thoughts are always the same, which I respect, but the romance, in the end, doesn't make much sense to me, I prefer that things have been unraveled in another way. On the other hand, I have to talk about Declan, this character is quite complex and I would have liked to know him even a little more, I think that towards the end the author has chosen to give him a negative tone to justify certain Felix's actions which I'm not sure about. On the other hand, Felix is Felix, you know? He's messy, he doesn't know what he wants and in a certain part, I understand him because he's a teenager and I was probably like that at his age, but at times I feel that he plays a little with the feelings of everyone around him. The romance in general terms and not to reveal too much is insta-love for me in all directions. I read several "I LOVE YOU" on the road in just a few pages, and I was like "OMG, THIS SCALE FAST" LOL, but it's just my opinion, obviously. .It also has lovely scenes, plus: beautiful discussions about who you are, what you want to be and the meaning of your identity, and the importance of self-love. So something positive always comes out of all this I loved the author's style, he gives us an extremely important story full of messages to remember, so obviously I would love to read more of his work in the future, I have King and the Dragonflies in my TBR so let me know if you've read it and what you think about it! & I also want to highlight the way in which this group of friends in this book is portrayed, they're all queer, and diverse, so I think you'll find a way to feel identified and seen with this reading. Without a doubt and despite some Felix attitudes, and the fact that romance doesn't seem to contribute much, it's a wonderful book in terms of focus, it's built for the reader to learn things and have a jolt of reality. It's revealing in many ways, getting to know in the first person what the daily life of a transgender person is like and the meaning of self-love, family, and friends is wonderful, hopefully, everyone decides to read it at some point. I confess that I have decided to up my rating, just because of the weight that this book has in terms of content, I think that approaching the life of a transgender person and taking it through these multiple scenarios where many things are put to the test, it's magnificent, makes you feel really part of what's happening and it's that kind of reading that opens your eyes and leaves something with you. I hope that you give yourself the opportunity to discover this story and that, as happened to me, leave you with some teaching or some positive thought to share with the world. Remember that love is love, we are all valuable and wonderful regardless of our sex at birth. Don't let anything define you just be yourself and move on, you're powerful! ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 04, 2021
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Feb 08, 2021
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Apr 30, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 0439023483
| 9780439023481
| 0439023483
| 4.34
| 8,966,161
| Sep 14, 2008
| Oct 14, 2008
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really liked it
| “You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.” I really enjoyed this book a lot, I had already seen the movies, so I'm n “You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.” I really enjoyed this book a lot, I had already seen the movies, so I'm not going to pretend that I didn't know what would happen, but anyway, the experience was great, super positive and I ended up devouring this book super fast. I think one of the best things it has is that it's very addictive and after finishing a chapter you want to read the next one immediately. Of course, the plot will always be my favorite factor, although I also enjoyed Katniss as a character, and knowing her thoughts was a great experience. It's tragic and shocking and keeps you hooked from the very beginning. [image] Source 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ You can find more reviews & fun content on my blog A Book. A Thought. I think it's funny that I actually explain what it's all about when everyone knows it, but I always do it in my reviews anyway, so I'll stay true to my structure and briefly explain what it's about. The story unfolds in the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts, which was previously known as North America. The Capitol is super hard with the other districts, and to keep them dominated, forces them every year to send as a tribute a boy and a girl from each district to participate in The Hunger Games, where only one will survive, all this broadcast on TV. Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12 and steps up her death sentence by offering herself as tribute in place of her little sister. Now Katniss must use all her survival skills to survive the games and along the way, she must make painful decisions against life and love. I really had a lot of fun reading the book and it was an experience that I enjoyed so much that it really happened very quickly, I read it in just a couple of days and loved how fluid and easy it's to read, even when there are very hard and heartbreaking scenes in the plot. One of my favorite things, in fact, is that the author knew how to handle moments of action and violence very well, obtaining a perfect balance with scenes of dialogue and calm. The plot itself is incredible, I know that now it's an idea that we all know very well, but at the time this was a brilliant and revolutionary idea that gave something new to the dystopian genre. I like how this cruel political power is built and how it establishes its power in people with fear, with The Hunger Games. I like the sadistic and controversial look of the people who live on Capitol over the games and the tributes, they enjoy it all like it's this big event of the year, you know? and that feels so bad, but at the same time, it's interesting to explore their motivations, how they have come to believe that what they do is right or why everyone agrees with it when the reality is that they force children to sacrifice themselves for their own fun. Although we follow the Katniss' POV you can really still have a pretty good look at all the characters and the general image of what happens in the districts and in the capital, together with this very different perspective that each one of them has. It's so hard to see how the poorest people have to live, the very precarious and degrading situations they must go through to survive ... that was super hard and sad to read, but obviously it's very well done and makes you intensely hate the Capitol for what they do and how they basically adorn mass murder with beauty and extravagance. Another factor that I really liked about the plot is the games themselves, in addition to the political factor that's very solid and very well thought out, the games are very entertaining to follow, even when you feel that tension because you see everything with Katniss' eyes, there's something just very addictive about that concept, and I really liked being part of that battle and also seeing the personalities of all the other tributes, which although it's played very superficially still makes sense to me. Maybe I liked this aspect because in general, I like survival plots a lot so it was perfect for me. “I am not pretty. I am not beautiful. I am as radiant as the sun.” Then we have the characters, as always, I'll talk briefly about the main ones or about whom I think is worth talking about. First, we have, of course, Katniss, our brave and kind main character, I really like her, I think there's something admirable and captivating about her personality that sets her apart from the rest, her survival instincts are wonderful, her sacrifice for her sister is admirable and I was also charmed by her kindness and solidarity with others, and I also think that her pov about the world where they live, although obviously full of resentment and anger, is very accurate and she's very mature for her age. Then we have Peeta, and maybe this is an unpopular opinion, I don't know, but I don't like him very much, I think he lacks a lot of personality and strength, even though he's Katniss' "love interest" and fellow tribute, doesn't have that impact that makes me worry about him or even makes me think about him, you know? feels quite secondary. I think that due to her soft personality he goes unnoticed in such a powerful plot. On the other hand, I have no opinion about Gale yet, so maybe in my next reviews I'll talk more about him, for now, .he seems to be a very noble person especially for helping Katniss and her family, as well as taking care of her own family with so much sacrifice, that's great, but I honestly don't have a connection to him Prim seems adorable to me, I don't know why but I want to protect her every time she appears and OMG, Rue is everything, I'll never get over her end. On the other hand, I like the characters of Haymitch and Effie because I think they give a lot of personality to the plot and new points of view about everything that happens, they're very interesting characters. Needless to say, I didn't like the attempt of romance lol, OMG, don't hate me, but I don't see the chemistry between Katniss and Peeta at all, and she drives me crazy when she starts to think about her feelings for him and for Gale, honestly, I was very bored when anything romantic happened in the book because it doesn't seem as solid or interesting as the rest of the plot. Also, I feel that I don't understand very well why all that resentment of Katniss towards Peeta t the beginning, I understand that a situation that happened when they were children united them in some way, but it doesn't make much sense to me. Katniss is angry and then she thinks she loves him and then Petta is angry and then they love each other ... I don't know, it's so unproductive for the plot. I liked the "show" that takes place between them and their love story, though, it's smart and I like how it unfolds, although, in reality, I don't believe it for a minute lol. I really like the structure of the world, I like to know how everything is made up and how they live in each place, it's super interesting for me, and I also like to know more about each district and its ways of life and what they do to survive. The contrast between life in the districts and life in the Capitol is so enormous that it's shocking to see how life is so easy for some of them but so hard and sad for the poorest, it's heartbreaking. “Destroying things is much easier than making them.” So in summary, I really enjoyed the book, I know there are times when I didn't enjoy the interactions between Katniss and Peeta, but still, in general, it's a smart plot with good twists and the ending seemed good to me, and I like that it's kind of open and uncertain, that will always open a great curtain of possibilities for the next one which is exciting, even when I know what will happen, I know it will be fun to relive the story reading it for the first time. And of course, if you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it, it's easy to read, the paced is great although it's also an intense plot that hooks you and transmits many emotions, so I think that anyone could enjoy it. First Thoughts 05/20/20 As expected, it was a lot of fun, so I'm happy to finally have decided to read the trilogy! I LOVE the concept of these books, I think it's one of the best dystopias out there & the plot is brilliant. ...more |
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1
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May 18, 2020
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May 20, 2020
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Apr 14, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 4.56
| 455,570
| Feb 06, 2020
| Feb 06, 2020
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really liked it
| I wasn't expecting this volume to be deeper and darker than the previous ones, but it certainly was, I think the author wants to cover many problems a I wasn't expecting this volume to be deeper and darker than the previous ones, but it certainly was, I think the author wants to cover many problems and although I feel grateful for it, at the same time I think that some situations are too hard and deep to be touched so lightly, as the eating disorders situation. Even so, I enjoyed the book and I'm so happy with the incredible amount of diversity that's in this volume and as always we have healthy romantic relationships and too adorable, but also a very beautiful group of characters who lean on each other and learn from their mistakes. I adore Tara and Darcy, their relationship is incredible. I also liked seeing a bit of the life of older characters who also represent diversity and their support with the boys. This story never fails to make me smile even though it also made me feel super bad for Charlie and all his past being bullied by guys at school, in addition to other super triggering situations that he must have lived. The story has his funny moments, though, that allow you to smile.... 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ...more |
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1
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Apr 02, 2020
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Apr 02, 2020
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Apr 02, 2020
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Paperback
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| 0765387565
| 9780765387561
| 4.18
| 1,175,524
| Oct 06, 2020
| Oct 06, 2020
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it was amazing
| “What is a person, if not the marks they leave behind?” Addie Larue is one of the best books I've read this year so far, which really says a lot a “What is a person, if not the marks they leave behind?” Addie Larue is one of the best books I've read this year so far, which really says a lot already. I love the way the author has decided to shape this story, making it feel like much more than a girl who wants to live forever and a demonic being who takes advantage of it, it's so much more than that, it's a plot that covers many interesting points to highlight, among them it discusses the meaning of living, the meaning of memories and love & also in some way shows human vulnerability and the importance of leaving a mark where we pass . I really loved it, it's a book to read many times. [image] 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You can find more of my reviews & fun content on my blog A Book. A Thought. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue follows the story of a young French girl named obviously Addie LaRue who aspires much more than she "should" for a woman of the time (1714) she doesn't want to marry who her parents say or live forever raising many children in the same small village, she wants to see the world and do much more. Therefore, in a moment of despair, Addie asks for help from a dark god and he comes to her call by giving Addie what she wants the freedom of eternal life, but this is a dark being and has its tricks, and this freedom that she wants so much comes with a trap and it's that she will be forgotten by all those who touch her life. I'd read in reviews before I read the book that this was more like a biography of the main character, and I agree with that, it feels like reading an intimate diary at times and this makes it even more special because it gives a lot of clarity to the story and a very strong realistic touch. I adored this book as obviously you have already realized, I think it's done in a very successful way from the little information that is given in the blurb to the structure with jumps in time in which we get to know Addie's journey since her youth to becomes who she's today. It's also a book that's really written with a lot of feeling behind it, and you can realize it by everything that it transmits while you read it, not only the characters are all very good, but so are the dialogues, the beautiful landscapes, and scenarios, as well as the lyrical internal monologues and moments of reflection. I think this is the best work of the author so far, and I can say this comfortably having read almost all of her works. Schwab has created an excellent character with millions of layers and deeply explores not only this but each of the characters that appear in the book, especially Luc & Henry, who are key hinges for the movement and development of the plot. I love that the author shares with us a bit of the process that led her to write this book and how she decided to do it, and also why it has taken her so many years, knowing that gives even more weight to the story and you can realize the great work and care behind this book, it's really a very marked labor of love that has been created here and I love being part of her project from my place as a reader. Surely I'll be reading all her future works since I believe that her evolution over the years has been magnificent both in her MG, as Young Adults, and in this case, her impressive work in the Adult genre. I would describe this book as lyrical because it almost seems like poetry at times, it has an impeccable level of writing and the power to convey every feeling that the main character is going through in a very raw and real way. As I mentioned at the beginning, this book discusses many things about human beings and consciousness, it also shows us as vulnerable beings, showing our violent sides, our fragility moments even in our moments of greatest happiness and hope, and we explore all those feelings hand in hand of countless characters that touch Addie's life. And this is when the big question that this book asks you indirectly comes: Is it worth living forever if no one can remember you? It's very interesting for me to explore this question and also see how Addie goes through all the stages during her curse, you know? from the pain of the loss of her loved ones to the happiness of living with the greatest freedom without ever facing any consequence, being able to go where you want and do what you want. But we always have that feeling of ... is it really worth it? Personally, I couldn't imagine life without the people I love, but it's much more painful to think that one day they forget who you are and when they see you again and you manage to start this conversation they take their attention away from you and forget you again completely. This is what Addie lives every day in the 300 years that she has been alive and is very nostalgic to read, because there comes a point where she accepts it and moves on, surviving despite everything, but still, you know that there will always be that feeling of sadness behind for not being able to really share anything with anyone else ever. It's very hard and that's why when Henry appears everything changes and a world of new possibilities opens up in front of Addie along with a million illusions and hopes. Addie is a wonderful character to explore, you can also notice her growth in a very marked way through each page and how she becomes wiser and wiser over the years, but I also love to see how despite having lived terrible things she never loses that spark of curiosity and love for people, I think he's a very brave and inspiring being. “Books, she has found, are a way to live a thousand lives--or to find strength in a very long one.” I tend to be very vague about the characters in my reviews because I'm afraid to reveal too much and that you'll lose the excitement to find out for yourself, so you know that I'll not say everything, but I'll say enough. At first, didn't like Henry, which changed drastically once something great about his life was revealed, and I loved it, I love when an author has the power to make me change my mind about a character so drasticallyI, I actually understood a lot about his attitudes that at first, I didn't tolerate. I think this is a solid and vulnerable character, something that Addie needed, and something VERY weird happens to me here, and I finally ended up preferring the good guy in this story, always talking about his relationship with Addie, not as individual characters. The chemistry between Henry & Addie is palpable and I enjoyed it a lot, I adored the more mundane things that they did together and how they connected in such a unique and cosmic way, it was very romantic, I'll admit it. But on the other hand, we have Luc, and I'm a sucker for a good villain, what can I say? lol, even so, this time, I preferred Luc as an individual character and in fact, I would read a whole book about him if I could, he's such an intriguing, dark, powerful, and magnetic character, he really has everything I usually love in a character. I like how he's not really what he seems, but this evil being that only comes to take away your soul, basically, but although it sounds a bit cliche, it's not at all, this character owns scenes that take your breath away, extremely disturbing and terrifying that will leave you thinking. So brilliant!! In addition, all the secondary characters are very well described, they all come to life and are incredibly powerful individual beings to read. Oh, and super important detail about the characters is that both main characters are bisexual, I think it's important to share that, because, in addition to being incredible, it's very well managed and described, super naturally, I loved it, and I know that many of you will know to appreciate it. As you read about the life of Addie LaRue you can see that an element is always there by her side lived in every scene and that's art. This is a book that focuses a lot on art of all kinds, we meet characters who are painters, writers, and even musicians, and in each of their works there's a bit of Addie even when they're not aware of that, and that's a way of living through time too, of being reflected and portrayed. It's simply so beautiful, I don't think I have words to express certain scenes or moments, because each of them has a special meaning and a unique touch, you just need to discover it yourself. I honestly don't think I can put into words what this book makes you feel, it's something more than words really. It's so beautiful, it has the strength and power of a story that you want to read a thousand times more only to suffer again, feel the sorrow, get excited, love, and be happy as much as the first time. It will take you through all the emotional states of the world, and there are scenes that are very hard-hitting and graphic so I recommend discretion (scenes such as sexual abuse) but still, it's a book that will make you think even long after you've read it and that's why it's so worth it. Let me add that it's 100% atmospheric and at times, especially with the jumps in time from one era to another, it makes you feel inside a fairy tale at times of those very dark ones, it also teleports you to sad scenes that will break your heart, and then it will be in scenes full of color and life which you don't want it to end. And that's Addie LaRue, is a roller coaster of emotions made a very poetic and beautiful book. I couldn't recommend it enough. The title of the book is perfect and I want to cry every time I remember the meaning it has in the story and how the story ends, Just BRILLIANT & heartwarming “Three words, large enough to tip the world. I remember you.” So with that, I'll end my review because I could talk about it forever, needless to say, that I'll be re-reading it at some point without a doubt, it's too beautiful to read it only once, and I feel that now there are many details that I'll be able to see more clearly and meaningfully. I highly recommend this book if you want to read something of another level kind of good, a book that will make you think about what it is really to live and how you should see life, it really speaks a lot about appreciating the small and simple moments, cause even those moments change our lives and leaves a mark on us. I also recommend it if you want to read a love story that's much more than that at the end and if you want a nostalgic plot that will take you on a journey through the most beautiful and iconic places in the world by the hand of wonderful characters. And also the dialogues are exceptional, as well as the descriptions of the surroundings and each scene. My God, I love this book and I really hope it means a lot to you and that you can enjoy it too, it's worth reading & it will make you feel in another world completely while you read it, it's a great experience. First Thoughts 03/14/21 SO lyrically beautiful, almost poetic!! I've loved it completely. I've read almost all of the author's books, and while I enjoy her style, none have touched me as deeply as Addie LaRue. This book is SO beautiful and tragic all at the same time. I'm very excited to share my thoughts on it soon, there's so much to discuss, but in short: just BEAUTIFUL, I'm kind of speechless right now. A book that has the power to make me shed tears deserves my respects and is absolutely worth reading. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 02, 2021
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Mar 14, 2021
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Mar 27, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 0399256776
| 9780399256776
| 0399256776
| 4.31
| 222,787
| Nov 05, 2013
| Nov 05, 2013
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really liked it
| “Sometimes, the sun sets earlier. Days don’t last forever, you know. But I’ll fight as hard as I can. I can promise you that.” Ok, let's st “Sometimes, the sun sets earlier. Days don’t last forever, you know. But I’ll fight as hard as I can. I can promise you that.” Ok, let's start by saying that thinking about this book makes me want to cry, so I don't promise it will be a good review lol. I loved this book, even though my rating is the same for each book, I think this is my personal favorite, it's VERY intense and super tragic, but also the characters are SO mature here, I'm 100% proud of them. This book is full of feelings and hard-hitting moments, it's really shocking. And it made me remember how one of the biggest factors that stands out throughout all these books is brotherhood, and I don't know why I haven't mentioned that before! but brotherhood is wonderful and something that I value so much, and we can see and feel a lot of that in these books. [image] Source 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ You can find more of my reviews & other content on my blog A Book. A Thought. Champion takes place 8 months after Prodigy and the characters are now separated making each of them their lives after having somehow succeeded in the previous book. June's now preparing herself to be a Princep, which is a super important position and if she wins it, will be the new right hand of the Elector & on the other hand, we have Day who today is very well-loved and recognized among the people of the Republic, who respect him for being their hero. Day is going through very tough times regarding her health. Unexpectedly the Colonies decides to attack one day and things become more chaotic than ever. At this point in the story, I'm wishing someone would give my babies a break, they've been through so much and lost so many people in their lives that it's ridiculous, I swear. I felt very much in this book the feelings of mental fatigue to which the characters are exposed and it's so real and so well done that it can really be felt through words. I feel that this book represents the heart of the story because we see the most vulnerable and sensitive side of each of the characters, not only of Day and June, but of each secondary character that also has an impact on the story. “It hurts every day, the absence of someone who was once there.” Also, the matter of the infected is getting more and more out of hand and now there are cases in the Colonies, so they threaten to start a war unless the Republic gives them the vaccine, a vaccine that they don't have. All this generates a huge tension and fear, and doctors think that Day's younger brother, Eden, could have the cure in his blood for this new and terrible virus that kills people because he's one of the children those who have experienced in. This fact of the disease hits even more strongly in this book because despite the fact that many people have been sick, this time the social classes don't matter, everyone is at the mercy of it and much worse they could end up being overthrown by another nation because they don't have access to a vaccine. All this affects the characters a lot, I saw a more mature June taking things in such an admirable way, I think she has grown a lot as a person, she's always putting the Republic before herself and I see her willing to do anything for then people. As well as Day, on the other hand, but he's more focused on taking care of his brother for fear of him being hurt and obviously I understand this because he has already lost his entire family, so makes sense that he thinks about the welfare of his little brother before anything else. Also, he has to deal with the deterioration of his own health, which broke my soul, I felt so bad seeing him feel weaker every day, it's a huge impact. I've seen other characters grow a lot too, like Tess and Anden, who I think have a lot of growth and maturity in this book. Seeing Thomas and Jameson was very interesting too because even though they've both had very cruel roles in the story, in this book they take completely opposite positions which is very interesting to follow. I loved the scene of Thomas talking to June about his brother, I think it was very harsh and cruel but full of powerful feelings. “I scream for everything that has gone wrong. I scream for everything broken in our lives.” The romance scenes in this book are 10/10 I'm absolutely in love with these two and every time they're together I die a little!! It's difficult for me to ship something nowadays, but June and Day conquered me they have undeniable chemistry and it's truly beautiful and powerful to read. I feel a little disappointed with how things turn out in the end, I divide the ending into two parts, the first is when our boys face the "villains" of this story and that's the part that has disappointed me, I feel that everything it's solved very easily and conveniently. And the truth is that I think that one of the weakest factors, in general, is the construction of these villains or the opposite side to our main characters. It doesn't have the power or presence necessary to really feel threatened by them, you know? so that was pretty "meh" for me. On the other hand, the final outcome... I just LOVED IT! It's super tragic but beautiful at the same time, and makes you feel all the feelings, it broke my heart. It's the kind of bittersweet ending that I always enjoy in my books, it leaves you smiling and crying at the same time, it's a wonderful mix of feelings and the author has done an exceptional job in that regard. I loved this book, is absolutely addictive and touches this like family, and the purposes of each character in their lives, it talks about the struggle for ideals and what it's worth sacrificing for a life in peace. It's very deep, but at the same time, it's full of action and moments of tension that keeps you super expectant. This is a super solid trilogy, solid in the plot, solid in writing and solid in characters! so I couldn't stop recommending and I'm very happy that there's a fourth book, I don't know what it is about, but I'm 100% willing to read it very soon! First Thoughts 03/31/20 That ending, guys!!! ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 27, 2020
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Mar 31, 2020
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Mar 27, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 0399256768
| 9780399256769
| 0399256768
| 4.23
| 268,759
| Jan 29, 2013
| Jan 29, 2013
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really liked it
| “He is beauty, inside and out. This is a pretty solid sequel, which I apprec “He is beauty, inside and out. This is a pretty solid sequel, which I appreciate a lot because it's what I expect when reading sequels, you know? there's new information, new characters and also new conflicts that make the plot move more and develop in a deeper way, especially knowing more about the past of our main characters and they also begin to know each other on a deeper level. I saw a lot of internal battles in the characters and that kind of thing makes me feel like I think it's the beginning for their true growth. I really liked it, it has a greater effect in terms of action scenes and obviously as I already mentioned, it's more focused on the characters as such. But I found it a little over-descriptive at times. [image] Source 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ You can find more of my reviews & other content on my blog A Book. A Thought. Prodigy takes place just seven days after the events of Legend and we follow June and Day escaping from the Republic to survive. We follow a Day that has lost to much to this point and is really tired and with a thirst for revenge and a June shocked by the cruel truth of a reality that she thought she knew very well & from here everything becomes a game of doubts, betrayals, and politics. I know that in my previous review I mentioned that Legend was more focused on the plot, but I think on the other hand this book has focused more on the characters and has brought them to life for me, you know? This is the point where I really know that I'm fond of them and I want to see them be happy because they've already lost too much in their short lives. But it also focuses a lot on the revolutionary and political side, which I also enjoyed very much, I think that the author has decided to capture the political intrigue in a very realistic way, that really worked for me. We'll see a lot in this book on The Patriots a group of rebels who want to overthrow the Elector who's at the head of the Republic, and I haven't talked about this group because it was quite secondary in the first book, so I want to give it recognition right here. The Patriots are a great protagonist of this book, both June and Day are super involved with the new concept and new ideas of these rebels. And you know how it is, if you've read dystopia before, there's ALWAYS a group of rebels who want to overthrow the existing government, it's a widely used factor that you already expect to find, so obviously it's not a surprise, I knew this topic would be more explored at some point, and although it's cliche, I enjoy the new perspective that it gives to the plot. You can see more clearly what's happening and how corrupt the current system is. I also appreciate this new group of people because they give June and Day a lot to think about and this is when they see themselves debating many aspects of their lives with themselves and what they want to do with their future, what has brought them together and what factors could separate them. I promise you that everything is super addictive and you want to know what will happen urgently because there's a feeling of intense tension while reading the book. “You know, sometimes I wonder what things would be like if I just ... met you one day. Like normal people do. If I just walked by you on some street one sunny morning and thought you were cute, stopped, shook your hand, and said, "Hi, I'm Daniel.” I'm absolutely on board with romance, and I know I said it was cliche and maybe it is, but OMG, it's very good and engaging. There's so much sexual tension between the characters, each dialogue between them was torture and I loved it. In this book, I feel that for the first time something real begins to form between them and although it's unrealistic, the blind trust that both have in each other is shown despite being so different and having such a different upbringing from each other. Even so, I can say that romance is a secondary point this time and maybe that's why I enjoyed it more, it's more intense in politics. As for the characters, I'll be super brief because I don't want to give too much info, but I do want to share a little of my thoughts. I'll talk about June and Day in general because they're the main characters so I'm always talking about them and I don't want to be too much lol, I like that both characters are put in uncomfortable situations because this makes them have to make decisions based on their instincts and sometimes they make mistakes, which makes them grow in many ways. This is a book where doubt is the protagonist, both boys come from different worlds, so when what they always knew to be true is unmasked, everything gives a 360-degree turn and their lives become very chaotic, that's why they begin to have doubts about themselves, their destinies and their relationship. On the other hand, we have Tess, and I found her quite annoying in this book, she begins to express her love for Day and things get a little messy, and all that drama bored me, but on the other hand, I like that she wants to help and that she's looking for her own place. Razor is a super important character for this plot, he's the current leader of the Patriots, a super complex and mysterious man who will give us more than one surprise. Anden is a character that took me by surprise, I didn't think I was going to like him and all the time I was distrusting him but he ended up conquering me and I think he's a very mature boy with very clear thoughts and ideas for the Republic, he's responsible to this plot give such a new and interesting turn. Then we have Thomas who gives ur one of the most shocking revelations for me in terms of Metias, I really liked it, but I would like this to be more explored in the future & finally, I want to mention Kaede and say that I love this character, she was in the first book too, but I feel it makes more sense to mention her in this one where she's absolutely wonderful, rebellious and risky and incredible, I adored her. “Love is illogical, love had consequences--I did this to myself, and I should be able to take it.” The world is expanding more and more with each book and I really appreciate that, in this we know more about the Colonies a place that seems to be more organized, technological and perfect but it has its secrets, we don't know much about it yet. The ending is so sad and unexpected, it leaves you undoubtedly wanting to read the third book immediately, guys MY FEELINGS!! Marie Lu knows how to give us epic scenes with many feelings and unexpected twists, that's for sure!. I can't say much more that I haven't already said cause spoilers, but I highly recommend that you read it if you haven't already done so, these books are very entertaining and once you get hooked it's very difficult to stop reading. I loved this sequel, it's solid, it's political, it has more depth in terms of characters & interesting twists. First Thoughts 03/27/20 That ending made me feel so SAD, OMG, my feelings!! I loved this sequel, I think it focuses more on revolution and politics, and while I think the relationships are the weakest part, I still really enjoyed Day and June scenes thogether, I know they aren't the most incredible couple I've ever read, but their scenes are full of feelings and are really addicting, I loved them, I'm shipping a lot! I also like how the typical "resistance" takes an interesting and unexpected twist, which will open up possibilities for the rest of the story & finally notice a greater depth in secondary characters, which I really appreciate ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 24, 2020
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Mar 27, 2020
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Mar 24, 2020
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Hardcover
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Sofii♡ (A Book. A Thought.)
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romance
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really liked it
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Dec 29, 2023
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Dec 09, 2023
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really liked it
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Mar 16, 2022
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Feb 27, 2022
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really liked it
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Nov 16, 2021
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Oct 27, 2021
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| 3.40
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liked it
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Oct 05, 2021
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Sep 30, 2021
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| 3.81
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really liked it
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Apr 20, 2021
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Apr 06, 2021
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| 3.38
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it was amazing
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Aug 13, 2021
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Jan 03, 2021
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| 3.68
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really liked it
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Sep 29, 2020
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Aug 31, 2020
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| 4.16
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it was amazing
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Sep 11, 2020
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Aug 26, 2020
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| 4.40
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really liked it
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Feb 26, 2021
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Aug 04, 2020
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really liked it
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Aug 21, 2020
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Jul 31, 2020
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| 4.27
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really liked it
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Jul 05, 2021
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Jun 16, 2020
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| 3.42
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liked it
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Jul 31, 2020
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May 31, 2020
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| 4.33
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really liked it
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May 27, 2020
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May 23, 2020
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it was amazing
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May 17, 2020
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May 09, 2020
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| 4.24
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really liked it
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Feb 08, 2021
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Apr 30, 2020
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| 4.34
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really liked it
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May 20, 2020
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Apr 14, 2020
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| 4.56
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really liked it
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Apr 02, 2020
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Apr 02, 2020
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| 4.18
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it was amazing
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Mar 14, 2021
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Mar 27, 2020
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| 4.31
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really liked it
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Mar 31, 2020
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Mar 27, 2020
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| 4.23
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really liked it
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Mar 27, 2020
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Mar 24, 2020
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