Patrick Ness- Release.
RATING: 2/5.
Patrick Ness' books always make me feel stupid. It's like I'm not clever enough to truly grasp his intentions, because I can't figure out how the two stories combine. It felt like I was reading two books at the same time and they didn't mesh together in my head.
Adam's romantic moments with his boyfriend made me melt and it was good to see he was so supported by him. The sex scenes were nicely done. Also his friendship with Angela! That was one amazing girl.
The other story is about a Queen and a Faun. She is possessed with the spirit of a girl that was strangled to death and she is now on the hunt to get justice. The Faun is hopping along to sort of protect her? The story was really poetic, but I struggled with it. I didn't understand what this story had to do with Adam.. and why it was there in the first place. I just don't see what it adds to the overall story.
So yeah. I'm starting to believe Ness' work is just not for me?
Jennifer Donnolly – Lost in a book.
RATING: 2.5/5
The inclusion of Death/Love was interesting. I was confused by the first chapter, yet intrigued by the way this was going to play out. It was an unique twist to add to the tale.
The plot would have benefited from more character building for the Beast, but again, the author probably did so for the plot. The whole story is driven by Belle's unhappiness in the castle, so the more lonely she gets, the more desperate she wants to leave. The idea of traveling to this other world through a book was great; it was one of the things I loved about the live 2017 version. The darker turn at the end was nicely done.
In the end, it was enjoyable, but not mind-blowing and definitely not as close to the original tale as I thought it would be.
Samantha Shannon – The Song Rising.
RATING: 5/5.
I always struggle to review books in the middle of a series, so I'm going to be vague.
This sequel is all about Paige and her search to find a solution to destroy the new detection systems. They make it impossible for Clairvoyants to go out in public, so the stakes are high. This leads Paige into the heart of Manchester, where she may or may not be able to find help.
I also loved her struggle between following her heart in her romance or being the leader everyone expects her to be. The fact that the romance always take a back seat is something I really appreciate, since there are so many important things that keep Paige busy. It feels realistic, yet it never gets overwhelming. This book could easily be too chaotic to follow, but Samantha is able to keep it all under control. I need more!
Lexa Hillyer – Spindle Fire.
RATING: 2.5/5.
I thought it was great that this book features a blind character without giving her these over-the-top powers to make her bad-ass. Isabelle simply rocked and the fact she can't see added something extra to her personality. Aurora was less interesting to me, because she felt more distant. I couldn't connect with her, but I did like her part in the story. The switch from POV between the two sisters was distracting though and it made the story slow.
There could have been more exciting twists and turns, although I did like all the original elements the author put in the story; like the way the fairies take something before they bestow a gift on the princess and that we get to see Aurora's dream while she is asleep.
Overall, an okay book.
I'm not sure if I'm intrigued by Release and the two-storied-ness, or if that's a complete turn-off. I haven't read either book it's supposed to be paying homage too, and my guess is I won't be smart enough to get the metaphors or symbolism either haha. But I have really enjoyed some of his other stuff! Is it worth it for just the Adam part of the story?
ReplyDeleteI really liked The Bone Season but I haven't continued with the series yet. But it's always good when you enjoy the middle books! I had a feeling the Belle book would be a dud, which makes me sad :/
ReplyDeleteI used to do something similar for books that I either did not have much to say about, or I just didn't care that much to write a full review. I'm hoping I like Release more than you did, I fell in love with A Monster Calls but I have yet to read any more from him so far. And Lost In A Book... thanks for the heads up! I'll try to think of it as a separate story and not as a companion or retelling of BatB!
ReplyDeleteEee, such lovely reviews Mel :D Thank you for sharing about all of these. <3 Release sounds pretty good; with the romance. Glad you liked that part :D But ahh, the rest sounds awful :( I'm sorry :\ And oh, Spindle Fire. I couldn't make myself read that one :p I'm sorry you were disappointed too :\ Thank you for sharing all your thoughts sweetie. <3
ReplyDeleteI had to DNF Spindle Fire because I was so darn bored. I wasn't really a fan of either of the sisters, but I do absolutely love the cover!
ReplyDeleteRachel @ A Perfection Called Books