Randi
It took a little bit to get into and sort out what was going on, but it was still interesting enough to plow through the confusion. I guess it wouldn't have been so hard had I remembered it was based on the Baba Yaga folklore and had a better understanding of her story to begin with, but I still loved it. I especially want to get more acquainted with Russian and Eastern European folklore now! Definitely an enjoyable read.
Second read: loved it! Forgot how gruesome it got but I liked it because it brought a sense of Halloween into my summer
Even better than the first, in my opinion. Perhaps it was the fact that they're now in another world entirely, trying not to stand out and find each other and a way back home? Either way it was enchanting and my heart raced the whole time!
Very descriptive and excellent use of diverse subjects. A little too much projecting from Hersey himself for my taste, otherwise would've given another star.
Very juvenile. It almost hurt sometimes how naive the character is and seeing the world through her eyes.
So, it's written in the same style as World War Z and The Martian (interviews, recorded conversations, journal logs, etc.) which - until The Martian - I didn't think I was a fan of. This was a really fun conspiracy-filled ride. I personally liked having the explanations of various motivations on a global scale being just out of reach enough for me to not have thought of them myself, but easily understood once laid out. The only real downside is that it's #1 in a series that isn't wholly out yet. Grr.
There was quite a bit of language, which is kind of to be expected, but it tended to get a bit distracting at times. It was almost painful to remember how much teenaged hormones control you and mess with your logic. Ugh. But overall a good book that I enjoyed.
It took a long time to sit down and read this. I'm easily made uncomfortable by religious zealotry, and at least one early character introduction made it clear that that was “their thing.” But, after years of cringing away from it, I finally read the book. And I really liked it! I'm excited to continue the story and see where Vasya goes from book one.
Angst and secrecy became a divisive factor among the characters, and then the addition of actual research on my part into the landscape of the town and surrounding areas set me off so bad that I couldn't bring myself to continue reading. It's a shame, because the idea behind the book was really intriguing.
I was really interested in this book, at first because of the premise which I found fascinating, but then also because I have friends from Bixby. I read this book and was very entertained, but something bothered me about it. I couldn't put my finger on it until I started the second book and actually googled Bixby and talked over the landscape setting with my friends. If anyone bothers to read this and then google it, you can understand why I'm offended by the irresponsible writing exhibited by the author. I suppose I took it for granted that an author who chooses to use an actual place would research it and possibly some of the history. Just a thought.
DNF. Not really in the mindset for a book set in a time where women were considered - by science - to be inferior in every way. It was just rubbing me the wrong way the whole time. I really did try, though. Maybe another time.
I basically wanted to know how it ended, and Funke did a great job of keeping the possible outcomes vacillating in your mind!
I enjoyed it enough to download the next book, though if I'm honest it's mostly because I'm still trying to figure out who is who in this tale of time travel and wiped memories.
This cookbook has it all! Down-home recipes, fancy recipes, exotic recipes. It's so fun and easy to navigate.
It was an enjoyable book. I liked that it was basically the background of every YA fantasy novel set in modern times. That part was utterly hilarious.
Just WOW! Came for “Stories of Your Life” but was blown away by the others in the collection, as well. Definitely going to be looking into other collections of his work.
I liked it. Ached for the ending to come out right, and it finally did (of course). Very enjoyable read.
It was so long ago, but I remember liking it. I only gave it three stars because my opinion may be clouded by memory. I'll have to read it again...
A charming, cozy fantasy that has me giggling and anxious for the characters without the stakes of books like Harry Potter or the Scholomance (both of which I adore).
Despite an irregular publishing schedule I am eagerly awaiting then next installment and encourage EVERYONE else to join me!
I really enjoyed this book, which one might not assume based on how long it took me to read it. It was lyrical, honest, and beautifully introspective.
I really enjoyed it. Of course, it's hard not to enjoy a Percy Jackson book. The ending was satisfying yet infuriating!
This book was really fun. I listened to the audio book and had never experienced a layout like this one: each character was played by a different actor. I really enjoyed not having to guess who was speaking all the time! Also, music plays a vital role in this book, and they actually wrote music to go along with the lyrics written in the book.
Perfect for me when I was taking an intro to art and drawing class (took my mind off the art enough to not over-concentrate, and distracted me so I could spend a good deal of time working on it).
The main character is a foundling who is not very pleasing to look at, but she has the most beautiful singing voice - a treasured trait in her country. Through several peoples' good and bad intentions, she is thrown into the royal court and turned into a scape goat. She must do all she can to clear her name, but being the very caring and insightful person she is, she knows that those responsible for her shame are not fully responsible for their actions. How to achieve justice and mercy at once? It's quite a quandary, and makes for great reading!