Tag: YA

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Review: Firefight in Darkness

Firefight in Darkness (Dryad Quartet #2)by Katie Jennings

I give this book a 3, almost a 3 1/2.

Okay

This is the second book in the Dryad Quartet to tell the story of an orphan, but these two characters are as different as night and day. When I read Breath of Air, I knew I’d like to have a friend like Capri, but when it came to connecting with a character, Blythe would be the one to win me over. I like Blythe for so many reasons, but for some reasons I’ll try to explain, I didn’t like her story as much.

First off, I should say that I do like this book and am enjoying the series. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment. I really appreciate how the tone of this book reflects the attitude and personality of its main character, just as the previous book did. For that reason alone, I could be happy enough to keep reading the series; just to see how the other books are written. Breath of Air was sweet and simple, just like Capri and Firefight in Darkness is rough and complicated, just like Blythe.

I guess what my disappointment boils down to is expectation. I didn’t think I had any expectations going into this book, but obviously I did if I’m feeling a little let down while still being very pleased with the overall story. Looking back on it now, I realize that the reason I feel disappointed is that I felt like Breath of Air seemed so natural and easy, while Firefight feels a little pushed. I feel like the character of Blythe and the many hardships she endures in this story are a little forced. I feel as if the story is trying too hard to be rough and tough. There are even a few times in the story when Blythe admits, only to herself, that she’s showing off purposely being tough so no one can see her being weak. The problem is, I kinda felt like that’s what was happening for most of the book.

Aside from that, though, the story was great. Blythe’s almost bad girl persona did suit me well and when she meets Jax, it doesn’t take a genius to see where it’s going to lead, but it was fun watching it all happen. I’d say the only other character I had any issues with was Dante and not because he was the bad guy. My problem was that he seemed to be so horribly evil, but then showed a silly side when he threw a temper tantrum that was eventually turned back into a sinister evil action. I guess I just didn’t understand why a character that was supposed to be so evil stopped to care long enough to get his feelings hurt.

My last pseudo-complaint is about the ending. I liked the ending and I liked all the action leading up to it, but the transition between the action and conclusion seemed non-existent.  It all happened so fast and calm that I kept expecting someone to jump out of a bush and start another battle to break the peace, but that was it. There was conflict and drama and then, there wasn’t. I like happy endings, so to speak, but I do sometimes expect them to take a little more effort.

All in all, the story was really good. There was more action and development of the mythology behind this series, which is always a favorite for me. So I didn’t like Blythe as much as I thought I would, but that doesn’t mean you won’t love her. I’d say if you’ve read the first one, this is definitely worth a read.

See my review of the book 1 in The Dryad Quartet, Breath of Air.

This review has been posted to GoodReads. If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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Review: Sacrifice

Sacrifice (Gryphon #3) by Stacey Rourke

I give this book a 4.

LikeIt

Okay, so the Conduit of the Gryphon has always been terrified of garden gnomes and now she has a reason for it, but I’m jumping ahead of myself.

Let me go ahead and tell you why I didn’t give this great story a five and then move on. Celeste is great, she really is, but her dim-wittedness is starting to drive me crazy…that’s it. I wish the Gryphon would make her smarter.

There is so much I want to say, but I usually make a point not to give away spoilers, so bear with me. I’m just going to list a few things I wish I could elaborate more on.

1. Love continues to be in the air for the Garret family, but not for too long.

2. The title is soooo fitting, it’s almost sad just how much so.

3. Mom finally shows up for a while.

4. There is another really cool conduit to meet, thus my specification in the first sentence. Go back and take a look and see my subtlety.

5. The mystery, or lack thereof, concerning Alex keeps developing…Again, here’s why I wish Celeste was smarter.

6. Titans in this mythology are very different from others I’ve read, but I’m liking them for what they are.

7. There’s something about blondes in this series.

And lastly, I’m ready for this war to finally start.

On a personal note, I’m sad that the book covers are changing with the release of the fourth book. I liked the old covers.

Now back to those gnomes…no that would give too much away.

See my review of book 2 in The Gryphon Series, Embrace.

This review has been posted to GoodReads.

If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

 
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Review: Divergent

Divergent (Divergent, book 1) by Veronica Roth

I give this book a 5.

LoveIt

Here is a story that is simple and yet compelling all at once. It’s YA and I like it, no question, which is really saying something for me.

As with all dystopian novels, there is a ridiculous amount of struggle in this book, but if there wasn’t it wouldn’t be dystopian. I don’t know if anyone else feels this way, but this story screams irony to me. Factions are somehow established to keep order and bring peace to this world seemingly built of wreckage, but the characters in the book don’t seem to realize how their factions are flawed and will be their ultimate demise (just a prediction).

Beatrice starts out as a small and meek member of the selfless faction and through a series of hard to imagine, understand, and believe events ends up being, Tris, a semi femme fatale member of the brave faction. There is a great deal of violence to this story that may be all shock value, but I like action in my movies, so why not in my books. There are several unanswered questions remaining when this book comes to an end, but I didn’t feel like I was lost in my understanding. I know what I know about the story and assume the rest will be explained later. Even if my questions are never answered, I’ve enjoyed the intrigue.

While this is a great novel for teens, I wonder if younger teens will be able to grasp the meaning of it all. I enjoyed the story immensely, but could understand why someone who is either a true fan of dystopian works or who isn’t a true fan of YA works might have problems with it. In any case, I think it’s worth a read just to find out whether you like it or not.

*I can’t imagine what Hollywood will do to this story on the big screen. I’m a little scared.

This review has been posted to GoodReads.

If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords