Brandes has created not only an imaginative world for us to escape to, she's created such an imaginative plot! I think this might just be my 4.5 stars
Brandes has created not only an imaginative world for us to escape to, she's created such an imaginative plot! I think this might just be my favorite world of hers for multiple reasons. Let's see if I can list them:
The characters - Cain is such a great character that we can all relate to in some ways. But it's the side characters that really make this story stand out. The Emperor, the spores, all of them are just so well written. You think you know who to trust until BAM - Brandes uncovers a truth you didn't see coming. I love being surprised in this way, and she certainly surprised me.
The biblical allegory - I mean, I don't know if this was intentional, if it's just me, or maybe a combination of the two. There is a huge story of good versus evil. But the thing that makes this stand out - Cain has to figure out who is really good, and who is really evil wearing sheeps clothing. Sound like anything we've read in the bible? YEP! And I love how Brandes brought this to light. It made me pause and reflect on how or if it's happening in my own life. I was so into this concept guys. It is really my favorite part of the whole book.
The plot itself - I mean getting infected and you start sleeping for periods of time until you're sleeping more than you're awake, and while you're sleeping you are literally in some sort of nightmare world!? Um yes please. And let me just say - it's not too scary when I say nightmare. I don't like super scary. It was just creative and fun, and yeah a teeny bit scary at times when you think about it, but nothing that made me hide under my covers. But this point just proves just how amazing Brandes head works. I mean I kinda wanna like look inside her brain for a bit. Actually maybe I don't lol.
The bravery of Cain - You can pretty much tell by the story synopsis that Cain is going to try and save everyone, so no spoiler there. But let me just say that Cain's bravery during this entire story was really encouraging to me. And by that I mean he's a character we can kind of look up to. He worked hard, he fought back, he kept going. We can learn a lot from his character.
I truly could keep talking about this book. Though I read an ecopy, I know I want a hardcover for my shelf. Plus that cover is so amazing!!! Guys, if you are into fantasy worlds, I highly recommend this book. It was fantastic!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Wow. How am I just now jumping on the Kristen Young train when it’s the final book in a series!? I’ve had my eye on her books for awhile. The covers jWow. How am I just now jumping on the Kristen Young train when it’s the final book in a series!? I’ve had my eye on her books for awhile. The covers just speak to me! But I just wasn’t able to get to reading them, until now. And while I started with book three, which seems silly, I actually okay with it. I was able to keep pace and really enjoyed it.
First of all, Young is such a talented writer. She had my attention right from the get go, and honestly it didn’t let up. I read it all in one day. In fact, I’m pretty sure if I went back to the beginning, I could binge the series in a day. Maybe two at most. Everything is balances perfectly. Dialogue, action, emotions, fun, faith, and so much more.
Second of all, she brings you into the storyline, which is totally out of our realm (that’s the awesome part about reading YA Dystopian and Sci-Fi), but makes it seem totally normal. I could see everything play out in my head like any book. And for the record, this would make an awesome series or movie! Wink wink producers! But really, Young has created a setting that I want to jump into. Even during the scary times.
Cadence is a character I’d love to hang out with. I feel like we would both get into some trouble together. I really enjoyed watching her character grow, and try to solve the “puzzle” she was given. I just need to go back and read books one and two so I can spend more time with her!
Flight is a book that teens will love, adults will love, and everyone in between. I highly recommend this book, although don’t be like me and start on book three. Just save yourself the time and start with book one ...more
This book was filled with fun, adventure, confusion (in a good way - the Alice way), lots of nods to the beloved Alice in Wonderland story, and so mucThis book was filled with fun, adventure, confusion (in a good way - the Alice way), lots of nods to the beloved Alice in Wonderland story, and so much more. I really don't know how Ella wrote the way she did - there's so many parts to the storyline. Knowing how to write confusing riddles and questions (on purpose of course), keeping the characters straight in her head, and putting all the action to paper. Not to mention the Wonderland Trials - how brilliantly they were put together (sorry no spoilers here). My goodness it was so fun to read. It brought me to my childhood and watching Alice on tv for the first time. But it also worked my brain - trying to solve all the puzzles Alice had to solve. SO FUN!!!
And that ending! Um..... I need the next book like right now please. Wow, it packed a punch. A big punch. It was everything I wanted and more. Every twist and turn was exhilarating. Sara Ella writes so descriptively that you feel as if you are part of the story, and you are the one trying to solve all the riddles. You see Wonderland come to life before your eyes, or at least in your imagination! I cannot stress enough how fun it was to read this story, because it was.
I highly recommend this amazing retelling to you. It is my favorite of the year - full of fun, playfulness, strategy, and so much more. I could even hint a faith thread in there, though it honestly could be my own take. You don't have to see stuff in order to believe it. You just believe. Ah! I can't believe I'm done reading this for now. This is a book I can see myself rereading more than once before the next installment comes out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
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