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Magic or Madness
The Engineer of Human Souls
The Maze Runner
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More Than This
I thought I'd be disappointed by this, because it began to end pathetically. It was beginning to lose its magical hold on me, but then Marisha did something so wonderful and "sovereign, deadly, perfect" to counter a frail decline.I really do not want to give any tidbits of this book away. It's long and half the journey sometimes seemed pointless, but when you see what you thought you came for, you might have a little freak out. Or maybe you'll sigh contentedly like I did, contrary to my normal reaction to unanswered questions.
And would it have been worth it, after all,
Would it have been worth while,
After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor—
And this, and so much more?—
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
Would it have been worth while
If one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,
And turning toward the window, should say:
“That is not it at all,
That is not what I meant, at all.”
The problem is that this isn't your normal story, and I'm sure you're rolling your eyes and snorting "I've heard that before," but there really is no other way to describe it. This book deserves the ending it was graciously given. The most revealing thing I will really say is that if Cordova wrote a book, this is probably how it would end. Maybe more eerie, though it is already a little disconcerting.
This is a beautiful book and I'd cry if I hadn't already decided to move on, much like Cordova's actors.
Just got sent a UK first. I am going to devour your words with relish Mr. Ness. Patrick Ness. Pat Ness. Nessie. Er, I don't know what's happening anymore.
This book is like reading the Disney version of The Beauty and the Beast (to the point where you're quoting "you will join me for dinner. That's not a request!"), but without all the Stockholm Syndrome BS. Paige is repulsed by her lack of freedom. She doesn't find the her lack of power and abundant helplessness (at first) even remotely sexy.
This is what I love about this influenced work (oh, come on! The flower in the bell jar was a dead giveaway, and as many have argued this story is hardly original).
I wouldn't say this is the next Harry Potter (it's more adult). I wouldn't even compare the author with Rowling. They're not even writing about the same thing or setting or theme. But Shannon knows her way around words beautifully, and these days a mark of good writing is not how much are "original" ideas, it's about how you present a retelling. It's about how you let other work influence your writing in all the right ways. And it's about what you bring to what you've borrowed.
Instead, if you liked the Disney version of The Beauty and the Beast; Diana Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle; Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone; and Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, you will probably find yourself in their displaced and bleak future London with throwbacks to the 19th century. By the way, this whole history of Ireland bit is wonderful. It feels legitimate.
There are very few insignificant and predictable elements, and an abundance of complex relationships (Nick, David, Liss, Carl, Seb, Jax, Warden, Didion...). There is no insta-love or false emotional need for someone else. In fact, at the end, they part ways because they have different goals and duties to themselves and others. And this is what I love about this book. Everything feels like it has history; like there is something beyond what you are first introduced to. And that is the greatest advantage Samantha Shannon has honed within her writing. She has played the info dump card so sneakily, it's easier just to assume we'll come back to so-and-so's history at a later point.
That being said, I'm annoyed I have to wait for the next 6 books. I'll be nearly middle aged by the time they're all out. Ugh.
Also, anyone reminded of Gaston whenever they read about Jaxon? Except Jax is clever and is not afraid of thinking ("A dangerous pastime—" "I know. But that whacky old coot is Belle's father, and his sanity's only so-so.")
One of the best sequels in a trilogy that I've read. It may not be much in the way of progressing the main love story, but goddamn does it drop all these awesomely gasp-worthy little tidbits. What I love about this book is that I really couldn't predict a single thing (other than the love bit...pretty standard soap opera drama/forced amnesia deal. And Ruby makes up for all her little weak moments, and even her giant weak moments from the first book (which is the most important thing).
Also, Cole. I ain't takin' hate from no one about this. He is awesome, hilarious, and cooler than Lee. Suck it. Also he is my age, which makes me feel better about reading teen books.
I heard a rumour this one is about the different kinds of cheese and how they are all awesome in their own way—even if you are allergic to blue cheese.
What can I say?Other than: OMGlob, life is so sad, imperfect, and really goddamn dumb. Despite all the heart pains this sequel induces, the story and characters are worth every freaking stab. Keep an eye out for Hana. She's a firecracker, and possible source of ass-kickery.
Full review will be released in September.
So, I said I wouldn't read this, but turns out it's pretty decent. Unsurprisingly, my favourite "essays" were by Kendare Blake and Michelle Hodkin (who never ceases to amaze me with her brilliance). And Kami Garcia actually managed to stir a little emotion in me with her comparison to John Hughes movies. This can be a fun read if you enjoy analyzing your literature. I would definitely recommend this to a MI uber fan, especially with the movie coming out soon. It rehashes old plot twists and some of our favourite characters and what makes them tick.
If the dark ever spoke to me I'd be even more terrified. In this book, dark is like your creepy Uncle Pete who always asks you to open his bottom drawer (oh, shut up).
Definitely a work of imaginative non-fiction (little added bits that likely never happened or are not actually true but make the story interesting).
Good for hipsters really into Hemingway who do not actually care much for a large bio. >____> Okay, and maybe just a gimmicky thing to have.
