This book would have been alright if I was new to the genre- but I think this type of supernatural romance is played out. I would have forgiven it if the main character had been funnier or the mythology intriguing. But no- girl finds out she has supernatural powers, falls for dark, mysterious bad boy who knows the secrets to her new life but won't tell, and an ending that resolves nothing. On top of that, there were fight scenes after fight scenes that didn't really do anything for me. So, this one wasn't my thing. 2 Stars
Showing posts with label 2 stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2 stars. Show all posts
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Angelfire by Courtney Allison
This book would have been alright if I was new to the genre- but I think this type of supernatural romance is played out. I would have forgiven it if the main character had been funnier or the mythology intriguing. But no- girl finds out she has supernatural powers, falls for dark, mysterious bad boy who knows the secrets to her new life but won't tell, and an ending that resolves nothing. On top of that, there were fight scenes after fight scenes that didn't really do anything for me. So, this one wasn't my thing. 2 Stars
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Hexbound by Chloe Neill
BOOK BLURB
Lily Parker is new to St. Sophia's School for Girls, but she's already learned that magic can be your best friend-or your worst enemy. That's why Lily has to learn how to control her newly discovered paranormal abilities while fighting the good fight with her best friend Scout as they take on Chicago's nastiest nightlife-including the tainted magic users known as Reapers...
My Review
The entire time I read this, I kept checking my Wishlist on Amazon.com, trying to pick out what I wanted to read next. I don't think that was a good sign. I also found myself making excuses for putting the book down (I don't usually volunteer to do dishes or take out the trash). Here goes...
Characters
I don't want to be too harsh, but none of the characters were developed from the last novel, and they have nondescript personalities. The dialogue is stilted and unrealistic. OK, that was harsh, but honest. What teenage boy calls the girl he likes "kid" or "kiddo"? I think the author was going for Buffy-esque quipping during tense, dangerous moments, but it just did not translate.
Plot
I think part of the problem is that I lost interest in the series since it has been about a year since I read the first one. But, yeah, I totally missed the climax- it was very noneventful from start to finish. Nothing really seemed to happen. I am also a bit confused on the Adepts' purpose- they don't really seem to do anything but walk around and hope to thwart an evil plan. I'm sure it will be developed in the future books- there was a bit of foreshadowing about smaller plot lines, but nothing ever really happened.
Relationship
No fireworks. It's like Jason and Lily immediately became an old, married couple. I predict that the relationship will be over in book 3.
Overall
Just about the only good thing I have to say is that I love the cover and look of the book. However, I doubt I'll continue on in the series. Two Stars :(
Monday, January 3, 2011
Kiss It by Erin Downing
Book Blurb
A girl’s gotta do who a girl’s gotta do.
Chastity Bryan has never been shy about going after what she wants. And when sexy, mysterious, so-not-from-this-town Sebastian walks into Chaz’s life, she knows in an instant that what she wants next is him. Chaz has no intention of playing for keeps—but she most definitely has intentions. Who needs true love when you’ve got true lust?
Sebastian has no idea what he’s in for—but maybe neither does Chaz….
My Review
So, I read some other reviews about this book before posting my own, because I really didn't know what to say. Other people seemed to enjoy it a lot more than I did, so bear that in mind as you read this.
Characters
I didn't like Chaz! She is confident, loyal, and preoccupied with boys- not bad ingredients for a teen romance book. I actually should have identified with her more- smart, from a small town, eager to get out. I think my problem is that she reacted to things in ways I never would, and so even though she is a likeable character, I just couldn't really connect. I could never get a grasp on her feelings towards anyone in her life- she seemed ambivalent a lot of the time and didn't act in accordance with her feelings. Something just seemed a bit off about her. The rest of the characters were pretty flat. Intriguing, mysterious love interest. Best friend who is a complete opposite and foil to main character. Intrusive mother. Etc.
Plot
Light on action, heavy on Chaz's inner turmoil and musings. Not a lot happened from start to finish, which is realistic for a small town I guess. There were events that happened to each of the minor characters in the book which Chaz reacted to. Not my favorite.
Relationship
I liked Sebastian and Chaz. They are the one part of the book that redeemed itself for me. The attraction was there, the tension was there, and the mysterious reason for not being able to be together for 90% of the book was there. I liked wondering who Sebastian was, and watching Chaz figure it out.
Overall
Unfortunately, it was an "ehhh" book for me. Nothing is inherently wrong with it, it's just not my thing. I'd have to give it 2 stars based on my own enjoyment.
Chastity Bryan has never been shy about going after what she wants. And when sexy, mysterious, so-not-from-this-town Sebastian walks into Chaz’s life, she knows in an instant that what she wants next is him. Chaz has no intention of playing for keeps—but she most definitely has intentions. Who needs true love when you’ve got true lust?Sebastian has no idea what he’s in for—but maybe neither does Chaz….
My Review
So, I read some other reviews about this book before posting my own, because I really didn't know what to say. Other people seemed to enjoy it a lot more than I did, so bear that in mind as you read this.
Characters
I didn't like Chaz! She is confident, loyal, and preoccupied with boys- not bad ingredients for a teen romance book. I actually should have identified with her more- smart, from a small town, eager to get out. I think my problem is that she reacted to things in ways I never would, and so even though she is a likeable character, I just couldn't really connect. I could never get a grasp on her feelings towards anyone in her life- she seemed ambivalent a lot of the time and didn't act in accordance with her feelings. Something just seemed a bit off about her. The rest of the characters were pretty flat. Intriguing, mysterious love interest. Best friend who is a complete opposite and foil to main character. Intrusive mother. Etc.
Plot
Light on action, heavy on Chaz's inner turmoil and musings. Not a lot happened from start to finish, which is realistic for a small town I guess. There were events that happened to each of the minor characters in the book which Chaz reacted to. Not my favorite.
Relationship
I liked Sebastian and Chaz. They are the one part of the book that redeemed itself for me. The attraction was there, the tension was there, and the mysterious reason for not being able to be together for 90% of the book was there. I liked wondering who Sebastian was, and watching Chaz figure it out.
Overall
Unfortunately, it was an "ehhh" book for me. Nothing is inherently wrong with it, it's just not my thing. I'd have to give it 2 stars based on my own enjoyment.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Wake by Lisa McMann
Book Blurb
Not all dreams are sweet. For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody- notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.
She can't tell anybody about what she does -- they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.
Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant....
My Review
Wake is about Janie, a girl who can't help the fact that anytime anyone falls asleep near her, she gets pulled into their dream. The style of writing is a bit jerky. Here's a sample from the text:She can't tell anybody about what she does -- they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.
Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant....
My Review
"Captain comes in.
Closes the door.
Sits behind her desk and takes a sip of coffee. Crosses her legs. Leans back in her chair and looks at the two teenagers."
I found the writing off-putting, but it might just be not my cup of tea.
Characters and Relationship
I liked the characters, Janie and Cabel, and I liked the way their relationship unfolded. However, this book just raised a bunch of questions. Why isn't an 18 year old more curious about her unique ability? Why can she do this? What is she going to do with this? I have way more questions than impressions of either character.
Plot
I thought this was a very cool idea for a book. I love supernatural elements, and I find dreams fascinating. As intrigued as I was in Janie's ability, I was frustrated by the many plotlines that were just left hanging. I hate finishing a book and feeling like there was no resolution, and I definitely got that feeling with this one.
Overall
I know the author left the book in a way that will inspire readers to buy book #2 in the series. I'm not going to rush to do it. I think that the series could get a lot better from here, but for this one, I give it 2 stars.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)