emma

Who's heard of second book syndrome?? Not The Dream Thieves, I can tell ya that much. So so so good!!! I am so invested in these characters. I swear I'm seeing things everywhere that remind me of these books. I saw a person the other day in front of an ice cream shop that looked exactly the way I picture Richard Campbell Gansey III. I love the way Ronan's character is progressing, and really how all the the characters are developing. I was living for the angst of Blue and Gansey's suppressed feelings for each other, and Adams rejection was painful but necessary. I love the dynamic between Maura, Calla, and Persephone. It's always a treat when we get to spend time with the adults of the story. And what a surprise the Gray Man was. Who knew a hit man could be so strangely wholesome. As far as villains go, Kavinsky was not my cup of tea. He was super annoying though, so I guess job well done. The villains so far have been a little weak, imo, but that doesn't really matter to me. This is a character heavy series and I'm loving it so far. Can't wait to start the next one. It's been so long since I've read a series, let alone one that I really loved.

The romance felt a bit abrupt but excited to read the next volume!

Ok so I liked this quite a bit! I'm a big fan of complicated, often unlikeable heroines, and Alex is definitely that. I loved the development of Alex and Dawes relationship and how they take care of each other. Dawes is a ride or die. I wish that the book had focused more on Alex's early days as Dante. I also would have enjoyed more of Darlington's perspective. All we got was little bits and pieces of Alex and Darlington's relationship. I'm sure that will be explored more in Hell Bent. I just could have used more time with the society's and Dante and Virgil, and less scenes of Alex getting beat up. I swear 90% of the book was just Alex getting absolutely demolished from all sides. The girls ribs could not catch a break. Overall, it was exciting and spooky. The twists really got me as well, but I'm pretty easily gotten.

For the most part I found Eileen's story more compelling than Alice's story. It was pretty to read most of the time but it was also kind of a slog to wade through. So much miscommunication happening. There were sections that I really enjoyed, like the wedding chapter. Overall, I liked it but I didn't love it. Can't see myself ever reading it again.

After reading both “BRIT(ish)” by Afua Hirsch and “Natives” by Akala, this just fell flat for me. The material in the book is very important but I did not enjoy Eddo-Lodge's writing style.