Heather
I'm surprised at the amount of negative reviews, because I loved this book! My favorite element may be a drawback for other readers, but I loved that the majority of the conflicts were external, and the protagonists worked together against it. I get so tired of the miscommunication tropes; instead, these characters were refreshing in their openness with each other - discussing all the logical, sensible reasons they shouldn't be together... then falling anyway because they just can't help it. The side characters fit in nicely, and it was entertaining to watch the other couples fall into place, seeing them argue or resist each other, knowing they'll end up together eventually. I personally wanted the primary barrier (engagement) resolved sooner/in a more satisfying way, because there were enough other barriers between the love interests, but it wasn't a major issue for me. It's not a perfect book, but for me, any cons were minor, while the pros were high throughout the story. I felt the chemistry and connection between the main characters, loved the sisterly aspect, and especially appreciated the respect and partnership shown in our first couple of the series. Overall, a beautiful, enjoyable read for me.
I'm surprised at the amount of negative reviews, because I loved this book! My favorite element may be a drawback for other readers, but I loved that the majority of the conflicts were external, and the protagonists worked together against it. I get so tired of the miscommunication tropes; instead, these characters were refreshing in their openness with each other - discussing all the logical, sensible reasons they shouldn't be together... then falling anyway because they just can't help it. The side characters fit in nicely, and it was entertaining to watch the other couples fall into place, seeing them argue or resist each other, knowing they'll end up together eventually. I personally wanted the primary barrier (engagement) resolved sooner/in a more satisfying way, because there were enough other barriers between the love interests, but it wasn't a major issue for me. It's not a perfect book, but for me, any cons were minor, while the pros were high throughout the story. I felt the chemistry and connection between the main characters, loved the sisterly aspect, and especially appreciated the respect and partnership shown in our first couple of the series. Overall, a beautiful, enjoyable read for me.
Like most reviews here, there were things I liked and things I didn't. I thought the characters were good and the possibilities of the magic system were interesting. My two main issues were the worldbuilding and the pacing. This book was very hard for me to get into at the beginning, and I nearly didn't pick it up again after putting it down. I had several major unanswered questions - not the fun kind that keeps you reading, where you can't wait to find out how the author answers it later, but the kind of question where you think: "I must've missed something because this doesn't make any sense." It took far too long to find out how the magic system actually works (If you can use multiple elements, why bond with just one and limit yourself? Because you don't actually *get* magic until you bond... but that wasn't explained, just referenced later in the book as if we were already told that.)
Second issue was pacing. The stakes are made so high, so desperate, the time is so short for the protagonist to save the day... then the brakes are put on. It could've been an interesting quest, but because of the tension/time limit, I just kept wanting to hit Fast Forward, or jump to the end, making the bulk of the book uncomfortable to sit through despite relatively good writing. I agree with others who say this reads much more YA than adult, and does okay at that, but I do plan to continue the series, hoping some of the major pieces that are lacking for me improve now that the world itself is established.
Overall, this book reminded me a bit of Tamora Pierce, both her Circle series and Immortals/Wild Magic series, though not nearly as strong. Highly recommend those books if you reading this and wanted more. (Note: The romance didn't bother me as it did some other readers, but I get it. Similar element occurs in Immortals, though much later in the series.)
Like most reviews here, there were things I liked and things I didn't. I thought the characters were good and the possibilities of the magic system were interesting. My two main issues were the worldbuilding and the pacing. This book was very hard for me to get into at the beginning, and I nearly didn't pick it up again after putting it down. I had several major unanswered questions - not the fun kind that keeps you reading, where you can't wait to find out how the author answers it later, but the kind of question where you think: "I must've missed something because this doesn't make any sense." It took far too long to find out how the magic system actually works (If you can use multiple elements, why bond with just one and limit yourself? Because you don't actually *get* magic until you bond... but that wasn't explained, just referenced later in the book as if we were already told that.)
Second issue was pacing. The stakes are made so high, so desperate, the time is so short for the protagonist to save the day... then the brakes are put on. It could've been an interesting quest, but because of the tension/time limit, I just kept wanting to hit Fast Forward, or jump to the end, making the bulk of the book uncomfortable to sit through despite relatively good writing. I agree with others who say this reads much more YA than adult, and does okay at that, but I do plan to continue the series, hoping some of the major pieces that are lacking for me improve now that the world itself is established.
Overall, this book reminded me a bit of Tamora Pierce, both her Circle series and Immortals/Wild Magic series, though not nearly as strong. Highly recommend those books if you reading this and wanted more. (Note: The romance didn't bother me as it did some other readers, but I get it. Similar element occurs in Immortals, though much later in the series.)
I adore Maeve Binchy's style - A Week in Winter was my favorite book the month I read it, and when I saw this, I knew I'd love it too. I love the way these stories focus on renewal, getting a new lease on life, and opening up to a new perspective. I did lower my score slightly, for the ending (no specific spoilers, just the general feel I had, but exit here if you want no info at all), which I felt could've been more definitive. I would've liked to know what happened, rather than read what characters thought might or could happen. Still a lovely read that I very much enjoyed.
I adore Maeve Binchy's style - A Week in Winter was my favorite book the month I read it, and when I saw this, I knew I'd love it too. I love the way these stories focus on renewal, getting a new lease on life, and opening up to a new perspective. I did lower my score slightly, for the ending (no specific spoilers, just the general feel I had, but exit here if you want no info at all), which I felt could've been more definitive. I would've liked to know what happened, rather than read what characters thought might or could happen. Still a lovely read that I very much enjoyed.
Exactly what it says, but expertly done! Entries give information on the flower itself as well as its meaning(s), along with funny and entertaining suggestions of who to send them to. The cherry on top is the section with examples of full bouquets with messages like "The It's Not That Hard To Send A Text Bouquet" and "The I Love It When You Leave Dishes In The Sink Bouquet". Great read!
Exactly what it says, but expertly done! Entries give information on the flower itself as well as its meaning(s), along with funny and entertaining suggestions of who to send them to. The cherry on top is the section with examples of full bouquets with messages like "The It's Not That Hard To Send A Text Bouquet" and "The I Love It When You Leave Dishes In The Sink Bouquet". Great read!
After the great experience of the first book, I knew I'd love this sequel - and I did! Wonderful to follow Marie, who was so enigmatic and mysterious in the previous book. Kuro & Joe are a phenomenal duo, and the chemistry between the three is just as present and palpable as before. The continuing exposure to varying Asian cultures and myths is incredibly enjoyable and just makes me want more. Genuinely hoping Drake continues with this series, because just these first two books lay the groundwork for a sweeping world and epic adventures. Not a 5-star because issues from previous books are still there, but greatly improved, and just another reason I hope to see more from this author/series.
After the great experience of the first book, I knew I'd love this sequel - and I did! Wonderful to follow Marie, who was so enigmatic and mysterious in the previous book. Kuro & Joe are a phenomenal duo, and the chemistry between the three is just as present and palpable as before. The continuing exposure to varying Asian cultures and myths is incredibly enjoyable and just makes me want more. Genuinely hoping Drake continues with this series, because just these first two books lay the groundwork for a sweeping world and epic adventures. Not a 5-star because issues from previous books are still there, but greatly improved, and just another reason I hope to see more from this author/series.
This book was a pleasant surprise! - not because I expected it to be bad, but because so many pieces were new to me! I'd never read the author before, I've never seen the mythic subjects combined the way they are here, and the emphasis on Asian culture and mythology, but still with familiar/well-known elements... overall, it was a brilliantly constructed world, and I immediately wanted to dive into Book 2 once I'd finished this. Not a 5-star, because there were some structure and some pacing issues for me, but the story itself was well worth overlooking the shortcomings.
This book was a pleasant surprise! - not because I expected it to be bad, but because so many pieces were new to me! I'd never read the author before, I've never seen the mythic subjects combined the way they are here, and the emphasis on Asian culture and mythology, but still with familiar/well-known elements... overall, it was a brilliantly constructed world, and I immediately wanted to dive into Book 2 once I'd finished this. Not a 5-star, because there were some structure and some pacing issues for me, but the story itself was well worth overlooking the shortcomings.
Almost immediate DNF for me, but my reasons not to read may be your reasons to pick it up... I know that this is a murder mystery, and dark turns are to be expected, but for me, personally, the first chapter was just too much all at once. I think it was well crafted, in that it was very visceral for both positive and negative emotions, but again, just too intense for what I can take. Trigger Warnings for Prologue and Chapter 1: talk of suicide/contemplating suicide, violence, implied SA. I've read other Patterson books and don't by any means think he's a bad writer, I was just not nearly prepared for what this book dished out page one. But that may be just what you're looking for, so I won't write it off for other people.
Almost immediate DNF for me, but my reasons not to read may be your reasons to pick it up... I know that this is a murder mystery, and dark turns are to be expected, but for me, personally, the first chapter was just too much all at once. I think it was well crafted, in that it was very visceral for both positive and negative emotions, but again, just too intense for what I can take. Trigger Warnings for Prologue and Chapter 1: talk of suicide/contemplating suicide, violence, implied SA. I've read other Patterson books and don't by any means think he's a bad writer, I was just not nearly prepared for what this book dished out page one. But that may be just what you're looking for, so I won't write it off for other people.
This book is easily my favorite of the Ender quintet, though for a time I wondered why this book specifically was the one I would consistently go back to. Part of it is my love for observant characters (including extraordinarily observant characters that seem almost psychic, like Andrew/Ender or Sherlock Holmes), but the other part is how much of a reward this story is for the pain of Ender's Game. It truly is the second half that shows the first book is a story half-told.
[Spoilers for Ender's Game here] While EG is brilliant, it follows the systematic breaking down of a boy's mind and body (to the point where he actually, physically collapses). SftD is the opposite - the systematic, hard-won but surprisingly gentle rebuilding of a man who is uncertain if he deserves the new chance at a second life he's offered. The most impressive part to me is the extreme yet believable nature of Andrew's compassion. I feel the connection between him and the Piggy named Human, and the brotherhood forged between them in a single meeting comes through.
My love for this book actually makes the later books harder to love, because where Andrew ends up is where I want him to be able to stay... but while I'm in this story, it's a beautiful life to see.
This book is easily my favorite of the Ender quintet, though for a time I wondered why this book specifically was the one I would consistently go back to. Part of it is my love for observant characters (including extraordinarily observant characters that seem almost psychic, like Andrew/Ender or Sherlock Holmes), but the other part is how much of a reward this story is for the pain of Ender's Game. It truly is the second half that shows the first book is a story half-told.
[Spoilers for Ender's Game here] While EG is brilliant, it follows the systematic breaking down of a boy's mind and body (to the point where he actually, physically collapses). SftD is the opposite - the systematic, hard-won but surprisingly gentle rebuilding of a man who is uncertain if he deserves the new chance at a second life he's offered. The most impressive part to me is the extreme yet believable nature of Andrew's compassion. I feel the connection between him and the Piggy named Human, and the brotherhood forged between them in a single meeting comes through.
My love for this book actually makes the later books harder to love, because where Andrew ends up is where I want him to be able to stay... but while I'm in this story, it's a beautiful life to see.
One of my favorite comfort reads to go back to over and over - while there are some big differences between this book and the Disney adaptation so many know, it gave me an even richer story to enjoy, with surprises and characters I came to love dearly (no pun intended). An older writing style might take a little getting used to for any not expecting it, but it's well worth it. Beautiful descriptions, wonderful mix of cozy & peaceful vs exciting and tense, this is a brilliant journey to go on, with a layered, satisfying conclusion. I can't say it enough, one of my favorite reads I've ever found, and I'm so glad I did!
One of my favorite comfort reads to go back to over and over - while there are some big differences between this book and the Disney adaptation so many know, it gave me an even richer story to enjoy, with surprises and characters I came to love dearly (no pun intended). An older writing style might take a little getting used to for any not expecting it, but it's well worth it. Beautiful descriptions, wonderful mix of cozy & peaceful vs exciting and tense, this is a brilliant journey to go on, with a layered, satisfying conclusion. I can't say it enough, one of my favorite reads I've ever found, and I'm so glad I did!