Melissa
Concept is interesting, but the writing is juvenile and repetitive. I started counted how many times the word “screams” appeared.
3.5 stars. The writing was stilted and riddled with grammatical errors, and the first third dragged. The storyline picked up and halfway redeemed it, but only halfway. It is a vague and unsatisfying ending to a series for the most part.
I could not get into this book. I hated the witless, idiotic protagonist and her self-created pathetic life. She wasn't funny or likable, just weak. A third of the way through it I still had no idea where the plot (??) was going, and gave up. Disappointing.
Better than the first, but still not great. The writing (or editing) has improved some, but not enough. Still, I'm a sucker for Shade and Cal. Hoping for a redeeming conclusion.
Gave up. Poorly written, no character development, no discernible plot; petty, vain, shallow protagonist; even more clearly bachelorette-inspired than the first 3. I could overlook it in the first ones bc there were some redeeming factors, but this one...no.
So, I did not love this book. The writing was pretty dismal. This author needs a good editor and a thesaurus. The protagonist's motto is “anyone can betray anyone.” That's the originality in a nutshell–non-existent. The plot was all over the place, trying to leach off the selection and hunger games, but not having much of its own direction. I hung in there in hopes it would go somewhere, and it kind of did. Not earth shattering, but enough of a twist to keep me engaged. 2.5 stars.
These books are such a delight. Witty and sweet, charming and warm, with fascinating historical footnotes and tidbits woven throughout. Most of all, the mysteries are well-designed and intricate. Bravo, Mr. Kinsey!
Mixed feelings. Fairly enjoyable, but not fantastic. Author clearly did not do her due diligence about the time period. Pacing was very slow and the mystery was basic. I had it figured out less than halfway through. Characters were pretty compelling. On the fence about continuing, but if I do I will not listen to the audio; narrator was plodding and her inflection/phrasing was downright poor in places.
2.5 stars. This author loves to hear herself “talk.” Pages and pages of beautiful prose, but dead boring 90% of the time. Plot was sorely lacking, as was organization. Bummer.