My 9 year old loved this book. There is a lot of fast paced action and some twists and turns. I was less impressed. The writing and character developmMy 9 year old loved this book. There is a lot of fast paced action and some twists and turns. I was less impressed. The writing and character development were just OK. And I kept expecting the plot to go in more interesting and complex places than it eventually went. ...more
DNF about 2/3 of the way through. The plot climax was for some reason in the middle of the book. Neither of the main characters seems very interestingDNF about 2/3 of the way through. The plot climax was for some reason in the middle of the book. Neither of the main characters seems very interesting or engaging, too flat and static. Such a shame because the concept sounded so exciting....more
Lovely. I very much enjoyed Opal's perspective on the "animal" world and the boys. And the Cloud Lady! Lovely. I very much enjoyed Opal's perspective on the "animal" world and the boys. And the Cloud Lady! ...more
This book feels impossible to describe. It was both entirely engaging and sometimes boring. A lot of things happened while at other times it felt likeThis book feels impossible to describe. It was both entirely engaging and sometimes boring. A lot of things happened while at other times it felt like nothing was happening. Above all else, it was inventive and unique in terms of world building, magic used, and narrative voice. It has that quality that some books have where it stays with you days after finishing it. I'm not sure I'd recommend it to every fantasy fan, but I really enjoyed it in the end....more
So, I love the characters and the intricate web of the world Bardugo has created. But I agree with others who say there is way too much plot in this bSo, I love the characters and the intricate web of the world Bardugo has created. But I agree with others who say there is way too much plot in this book. It felt like one of those stories that has 5 different endings that just keep unspooling. Like (view spoiler)[ even after they come back from hell the second time, there are still more surprises. (hide spoiler)]...more
I am torn about this book. I liked many parts of it, but also I felt like parts dragged on for way too long. And it seemed like it ended just as it waI am torn about this book. I liked many parts of it, but also I felt like parts dragged on for way too long. And it seemed like it ended just as it was getting good. I got quite bored of the main character struggling with human morality. I understand the point. This is a vampire who is actually compassionate and empathetic. She demonstrates how excruciating it could be to actually live forever, to not be able to die. But, come on already. She's been singing the same tune for hundreds of years.
Also, I wish the book had more in it about the actual god of endings....more
Apparently I'm just not super into books/stories about The Fae. But, I did enjoy this one more than most, mainly because of the giant juxtaposition ofApparently I'm just not super into books/stories about The Fae. But, I did enjoy this one more than most, mainly because of the giant juxtaposition of the rational main character with the chaotic fae world. It was much more interesting to read than the typical human lost in the fae world romance story. Though there was a bit of romance here, too. But it was so delightfully one sided. I did love the audio book reading....more
I do not usually enjoy spooky books, but this one was just so perfectly spooky. And like spooky in a way that added to the plot and story instead of jI do not usually enjoy spooky books, but this one was just so perfectly spooky. And like spooky in a way that added to the plot and story instead of just gratuitously added for shock value. And maybe spooky is easier when it's in a fantasy setting. It's the spooky of old fairy tales. Anyway, the number of mind bending twists and turns in the books and the author's unflinching willingness to just launch into unexpected violent pushed this review up from 4 to 5 stars. I feel like I need to read it again to fully wrap my mind around it....more
