So I don't normally do this, but I feel like I can't even talk about this book without mentioning all the crucialOriginal review posted on Lexi Swoons
So I don't normally do this, but I feel like I can't even talk about this book without mentioning all the crucial moments so...
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
What the eff was that!?!?!? I’m in shock…and angry…and also sad. Very, very sad! There just aren't any words to properly describe how I’m feeling but i'll try my best...
This book is very difficult for me to review. I've spent way too much time crying over it and analyzing every detail and have decided that this ending was tragic and beautiful and full of so much emotion that I can hardly breathe...but it was worth every second because at the end of the day that's the effect every great book should have on you.
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There’s so much that I want to say about Allegiant that I just don’t even know where to begin. I’m trying to keep a level head, but I can’t promise that my emotions won’t show up and cripple me in ways that you could never understand until you read the book yourself…so bear with me.
At the end of the day I have to admit that I feel betrayed. Betrayed by Veronica Roth, betrayed by Tris, and betrayed by my own emotions. This last book was supposed to be an end to all of my questions, to all of my angst, but I feel like Veronica took it to a whole different level and left me filled with more of both things. The story takes a dramatic turn of events and turns some of our favorite characters (read: Natalie Prior) into totally different people. I feel lied to, like everything I believed was never true and i'm just not okay with that. I understand why she did what she did and I guess that understanding applies to both Veronica and Tris. I just wish that it would have been handled differently. In the words of Tobias "I guess a fire that burns that bright is not meant to last" and that's what Tris was, a bold fire whose light shined through the darkest of times: his darkest times, and her own.
Now that I've shared some of my emotional baggage with you I'm going to make things easier and quicker and make a list of things that i'm NOT okay with in the book (because I've used all the energy I had left on thinking about):
-The factions serving as an "experiment" to the Government -The Government attempting to "reset" the people in the factions -Tobias NOT being Divergent (Broke my heart...changes everything we believe in, WTF?!?) - Evelyn being alive (seriously!?) - Marcus NOT dying (per V. Roth "Marcus just wouldn't die" but Tris can?!?!) - Tris dying (Not cool, Veronica. Not cool!) - David living after he killed Tris - And lastly, the fact that the death serum didn't kill Tris, but a few bullet shots did...after all that she's been through and that's how she goes out?!
So, I hope that after all of this you can see why i'm unable to function and why even though this was probably the most depressing series finale I've ever read, I can't help but acknowledge that it was a great one. For better or worse, my emotional damage reminds me of how a great book is supposed to make you feel. So to twist the words of Ollivander from Harry Potter: I think we can expect great things from Veronica Roth...After all, Allegiant did great things-terrible, yes, but great.
I have to start by saying that I really enjoyed this book, which is surprising to me because I honestly didn't exOriginal review posted on Lexi Swoons
I have to start by saying that I really enjoyed this book, which is surprising to me because I honestly didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I assumed it would be this fluffy teen-pop book full of shallow characters that I would instantly dislike, and it WAS in the beginning. Somewhere along the lines, between the drama and selfish dialogue, it became so much more than just teeny bop drama. There are actually real issues discussed in this book. Real emotions that are brought out by real drama. This book is about friendship at its core and the ins and outs of all relationships in general. "Nothing worth having or feeling is easy, but always worth it." Makes me wish more YA books covered this message more often.
Naomi & Ely's No Kiss List tells the story of two NYU freshman who happen to be best friends and who have lived across from each other in the same apartment building since childhood. They both love each other but aren't in love with each other. Well really, as the book says "Naomi loves and is in love with Ely, and Ely loves Naomi, but prefers to be in love with boys." That relationship has always worked for them, that is until Ely kisses Naomi's boyfriend, Bruce The Second. That kiss leads Naomi and Ely on a lonely road trying to figure out how the kiss (and the feelings it yields) affects their relationship.
Something that I absolutely hated about this book is the use of symbols in Naomi's chapters. for some reason the authors chose to have Naomi communicate using symbols for certain words. Like an "eye" for "I" and "ears" for "sound" and so on. I'm not sure what message the authors were trying to convey, but all it really did was annoy me. I STILL don't know what some of those symbols even mean!
Another thing, this book had way too many POV changes! I mean changes between the two main characters, fine! But there were too many characters at play that really had no need to share their POV's. I feel like some of them kind of distracted from the main focus of the story.
Naomi, as a character, was a destructive, selfish, B! All she really cared about was herself for most of the book. There were a few times when you get to see a totally different side to her, the side that isn't selfish or cruel, the side that makes you really feel sorry for her because you see how hurt she is and how much pain she is in. Those were the moments I really connected with her.
Ely, as a character, was pretty much the same as Naomi. The only difference is that you can see his hurt more than hers. And because of his new relationship with Bruce The Second, you get to see him in a caring and loving position, something we rarely got a chance to see Naomi in.
Overall, I think the authors did a great job at showing us the emotions of both these characters and giving us a chance to really grow and connect with them. ...more
This book was absolutely perfect. Veronica Rossi stayed true to herself and her characters and gave them the endiOriginal review posted on Lexi Swoons
This book was absolutely perfect. Veronica Rossi stayed true to herself and her characters and gave them the ending that they deserved, total happiness. I love how every moment was full of action, emotion, and romance-oh, the romance! She did such a great job at bringing this series to an end and I couldn't be happier!
We pick up Into the Still Blue right where Through the Ever Night left off. As you can imagine, the aftermath of saving the Dwellers from the pods and bringing them to Tides compound was not as smooth a transition as we would have hoped for. Not to mention the disastrous results of Roar and Aria’s visit to Rim to save Liv. Things are off to rocky start for our trio, but after some time and drama and a few near death experiences, things clear up really fast.
I love the relationship between Aria and Perry. Their love is so pure and strong. They just know that no matter what happens, they’ll always love each other and be there for each other. It’s such a beautiful thing to watch every time they’re together. No matter what obstacles they have faced, they always persevere because of their love for each other. Of course, I have to admit that I am completely in love with Perry. He’s such an amazing person and I love that he was able to step up and become the leader that we always knew he was meant to be. Seeing him take charge and protect his tribe, protect his people, was such a beautiful thing to watch. Even in the beginning, when he didn't know Aria he still managed to save her life and protect her throughout their first journey, before they fell in love. And Aria has become such a kick-ass heroine. I love how she’s transformed throughout the entire series. She’s so strong and brave. So sure of herself and her strengths.
Then there’s Roar. My heart broke into a million pieces for Roar. He’s such a good person and seeing him suffer the way that he did was so unnatural to me. bad things shouldn't happen to good people…EVER! But in the end we see him begin to cope with everything that’s happened and finally become at ease with his new life. I don’t think I've ever prayed for a fictional character before, but I found myself praying for him to survive everything.
Then, somewhere along the lines, I actually started to like Soren and Brooke. I know, crazy right?! It turns out, they both had a lot of growing and learning to do, but in the end, when it really mattered. They were perfect. I loved seeing them change and finally become at ease with everything. So happy they ended on the right note!
And finally, can we talk about Veronica Rossi’s acknowledgments?! I literally almost broke down. I feel like her words make me want to do more, be more, than I've ever been. Like I know that I can achieve anything I out my mind to. If you haven’t read this book GO.READ.NOW! If you have, then I just hope that you’ll take a moment to really appreciate these words:
”Finally, thank you for letting me tell you a story about a girl and a boy who did something extraordinary. Your turn now. Find your heading, your Still Blue, and get there. I know you can.” V. Rossi, Into the Still Blue Acknowledgment
This has been such a bittersweet ending for me and I’m so happy and thankful to have been a part of this journey with Perry, Aria, Roar, and Veronica. Thank you Ms. Rossi, for creating a series that was absolutely perfect in every way!...more
Well I have to admit that this book was sooooooooooooo much better than its predecessor, Under the Never Sky. It Original review posted on Lexi Swoons
Well I have to admit that this book was sooooooooooooo much better than its predecessor, Under the Never Sky. It took me a while to actually get into the first one, while this book just flowed so much better and had me hooked the entire time. Not a dull moment was had!
I think the author did a great job with the characters growth as well. It was such a great feeling to see Aria go from a weak, scared Dweller to a strong, fearless Aud. I think that even though she resisted the outside world in the beginning, she fully embraced it when she learned the truth about what she was.
I think Rossi's best character development was with Perry, though. Seeing his journey to becoming Blood Lord of the Tides was so great to read. It's amazing how his compassion and determination were seen as childish and weak in the beginning, but one incident earns him the respect and trust of the tribe. Meanwhile, he was doing what he had always tried his best to do, which was protect the Tribe. Proving his journey to be genuine and realistically showing that loyalty and trust are earned!
Now Sable, on the other hand, is a total dog! He is just as horrible as I imagined him to be! He seems "not-to-bad" at first. He treats Liv well and seems like he cares about her, but that's all a rouse! He has nothing but malicious intent and we later learn when certain situations involving Liv (and Cinder!) arise.
One issue I had with this book, which I also had with Under the Never Sky, is the lack of world-building. We still have no idea how the world ended up the way that is was, filled with Aether storms and people separated into different status groups (ie: Dwellers and Outsiders)
Another issue I had, which isn't a huge deal, is the cover of this book. I don't normally comment on covers, but this one really bothers me. I know that the guy on the cover is supposed to be Perry, but that's not how I pictured Perry at all! He's way to boyish and clean-cut on the cover...shouldn't he be more rugged and savage looking? Maybe it's just my opinion, but yea...that's not my Perry!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I think Veronica Rossi did a great job with this story!...more
For some reason nothing about this book really drew me in initially. The cover seemed blah, the synopsis was justOriginal review posted on Lexi Swoons
For some reason nothing about this book really drew me in initially. The cover seemed blah, the synopsis was just ok and the author didn't "sell" it to me when I met her at a signing…but after all of that I still felt compelled to read it when my good friend Jenn at Books and Swoons recommended it to me several times.
So read it I did and of course LOVED it because I love every book that she recommends to me, and now I’m left wondering why it took me soooooo long!?!?!??!?!!?
This book is categorized as a dystopian, but I think it’s got a bit of fantasy in there too so not entirely sure how I would label it just yet. We start off learning about the two the types of people in the world, one being the “Dwellers” that live in pods to protect themselves from the outside world of death and destruction and the other is the “outsiders” where there are tribes that have learned to live among the storms and destruction that occur. This world seems more of the dystopian type. I think the fantasy comes in when we discover that the Aether storms created certain mutations that gave some people “powers.” These powers are pretty much just extremely strong senses, Audiles can hear really well, Scires can smell tempers, and Seers can see extremely far and/or in the dark.
The MC’s were truly a great team in this book. We have Aria, the “Dweller” that lives in the main pod called Reverie. Then we have Peregrine aka Perry who is an “outsider” that was “twice gifted” as being a scire and a seer. Then the supporting characters come along starting with Talon, Perrys’ favorite and only nephew, who was taken by the Dwellers for reasons not fully known until the end of the book (no spoilery waters here folks :o)) and Vale, Perry’s brother and Blood Lord of the Tides. WISH there was more I could say about HIM but I could never form the words without giving everything away so for now I leave you with this: He is so shady!!!!!
Then of course we have Roar, who is Perrys’ best friend and in love with his sister Liv and my favorite, Cinder, the kid with the deadliest power of all. He can control the Aether through his blood. Pretty deadly when you realize that he doesn't even remember doing it!
Now to my favorite part, the swoons!!!
Perry, though a really tough guy, is also such a sweetheart! He saved Aria’s life MORE than once and even did it while he disliked her for “causing the Dwellers to take Talon by saving her.” I love that he fell in love with Aria and I love even more that it wasn't over night! Many books have love stories that happen way too fast, like why did you JUST meet and are already in LOVE!??!?! So yea, big plus to Ms. Rossi for her perfect timing in the love aspect of the story.
Now I would be remiss to not mention that this book is NOT A ROMANCE novel!!! Many people see it for the harsh world that it is. I, however, can pretty much find a love story in anything because that’s what I generally look for. So while this book is not really a love story, there IS a little something going on there.
The only thing I DIDN'T like about the book was the ending. And there was nothing bad about it, honestly. I just wish there was one last quote to finish it. It felt like there should have been a quote, but I’m sure whatever it lacked in this book will be overflowing in the next!...more
I just have to warn you that this review totally dips into spoilery waters. Actually, it’s the whole spoilery oceOriginal review posted on Lexi Swoons
I just have to warn you that this review totally dips into spoilery waters. Actually, it’s the whole spoilery ocean so read with caution....
This book was everything and nothing that I wanted it to be. As I’m sure you know there’s still so much loss that I’m mourning right now and I can’t seem to let certain things go without feeling a tinge of sorrow. And that ending…I need a moment to process this *rereads chapter again*
The secret revealed in the end, the one that hundreds of people died for, fought for, was kind of a crock of BS! I don’t know about you, but I feel like I was just slapped in the face. How did this happen?! Why did this happen!? And what am I supposed to believe in now, after all is said and done?! Well I guess that’s the point isn’t it? Nothing is over, not really. And I honestly don’t understand why this huge revelation was soooo hard for Marcus to tell Tris, I mean after it finally came out it’s like…yea, he really could have just told her. I feel a huge relief knowing that what was hidden for so long from the Factions is now revealed, but I just don’t think that it was something that should have cost hundreds of lives and it definitely was not worth the secrecy and lies between Tris and Tobias. Good job, Marcus. Good job!
And let’s talk about Tris! I mean, WTF is her deal!? I get that she’s grieving her losses and battling the fear and pain inside of her, but come on now. This was ridiculous! She turned into a lump of mush pretty much. Her life is in shambles and people are trying to kill her on a daily basis, but oh yea hey, let’s not take a gun for protection because I’m too afraid to shoot it!?! I understand that she’s hurting and I would be trembling with fear at all that has happened and that has been lost, but at the end of the day she needs to suck it up and keep pushing on because so many people depend on her strength.
But thank heavens for Tobias! I mean, he is just the swooniest thing ever! I swear my heart melts for that man, it really does. Everything that he says and does is just so strong and brave and perfect…Can I have him? Please? Pretty, pretty please?? Seriously though, Tobias has his own demons that he is dealing with and has lost so much as well, but he is able to handle it a lot better than Tris. Of course he had his moments of douche-bagery, but he still kicked ass and embraced the broken shell that was Tris.
And let’s not even talk about Jeanine because I am so mad…………………what’s that you say? You want me to tell you this? Well only because you insisted and I’m not one to disappoint… This will be the only real spoiler I give because I just have to say what’s on my mind about this. So here it is: I’m baffled that our “villain” Jeanine did not get the ending she deserved. After all the chaos and mayhem she created and as smart as she was, I feel like her death was just too cheesy. She didn’t even have a chance to fight, to defend herself, to do anything but cower in the corner. Now if there’s anything we’ve learned about Jeanine, we know that’s she’s not a coward and she’s way too smart to be undefended. So why did she die begging for her life? Why was she stabbed one time causing her death? That’s not the Jeanine we know. That’s not the death she deserved! I expected this grand finale fight, duel to the death, one man left standing. Instead I got one stab and a plea for her life. Not cool Veronica, not cool!
But overall, my heart still yearns for this story and it has left me reeling for Allegiant. I loved the fast paced action and yes, of course the love story between Tris and Tobias. I must know what happens…but I fear that I will not like it, I fear the book will leave me feeling more hurt than ever and I don’t know if I’ll be able to bounce back from it. I feel it will crush me beyond repair…I pray that I am wrong!...more
Soooooo....OMG! OMG! OMG!!! This book..THIS BOOK!!!!!! I mean there really aren't any words to describe how I feOriginal review posted at Lexi Swoons
Soooooo....OMG! OMG! OMG!!! This book..THIS BOOK!!!!!! I mean there really aren't any words to describe how I feel about this book. To say it left me hanging is an understatement...it left me dead. Dead on the floor. Maybe i'm still breathing, maybe i'm not...I can't even tell right now. Like Juliette, I constantly had to remind myself to just breathe.
Unravel Me picks up where Shatter Me left off, with Juliette and Adam as the new-comers to Omega Point. Omega Point being the "safe haven" for special people like Juliette, people with powers. There are some great strides made with our main characters in this book and there are some not so great strides made. Lets get started!
Juliette: I totally loved that she regressed back to her claustrophobic, paranoid, and self-conscience ways in the beginning (and middle) of this book...ok not the nicest thing to say, but it's for good reason. I would've highly doubted that she could miraculously become a super hero over night. This poor girl has been emotionally abused her whole life! She was locked away and left alone for the world to forget about her. I would be more surprised if she didn't have a meltdown at Omega Point. When we last left off in Shatter Me, Juliette seemed powerful, strong, even understanding and full of confidence about her powers and new life when she arrived at Omega Point, but it seems completely natural for her to lose all of that when she finally settles down and realizes that Omega Point is just a cell. It's underground, full of rules and restrictions. Just like at the asylum. Plus she isn't used to getting so much attention [read: Castle can be a little overbearing at times lol] I did not, however, approve of the fact that she was constantly whining about something. She seemed so completely immature and i'm sure she was just as immature in Shatter Me, but it didn't bother me then...it bothers me now. Maybe that's because I expected her to grow up a little bit and mature somewhat but............I guess I was wrong. Stop whining Juliette and get your $h!t together, girlfriend! We're at War!!!
Kenji: I absolutely LOVED Kenji in this book. In Shatter Me, he was such an insensitive jerk, but he totally transformed in Unravel Me. Getting to know the real Kenji was so awesome. It’s like he went from being a forgettable character in Shatter Me to being a beloved childhood friend.Turns out he's strong, brave, smart, and everything else in between. Which naturally that also makes him super schmexy too!!! (hehe)
Adaaaaaam! I know, I know, I'm biased, but I swear I love my guy!!!! It breaks my heart that him and Juliette are having the “issues” they are having. It’s like, after everything they have been through, they deserve at least a sliver of a happy ending and it just never comes for them…it’s always one thing after the other. He’s such a kind, sensitive, and protective hunk of perfection, that it breaks my heart to see him so sad and beaten down about the situation. Ms. Mafi, you're killing me with this!! I can’t take the emotional distress of it all. Please, please, PLEASE help a sister out and give me the ending I want!!
Warner: OH.MY.GAW. I mean seriously Warner, why did you have to become so darn irresistible?!? I get that you’re all in love with Juliette, but becoming this sweet, charismatic, charming and honest guy is not what I was prepared for. Not that I could EVER take my heart back from Adam (because Adam literally stole my heart <3) but I have to admit that there were a few moments that I may have swayed just a tad and was just as smitten with Warner as Juliette was. Come on, talk about transformations?!?! Plus, HE HAS DIMPLES! So yea, total swoon factor going on Warner!
So here are my emotions, use what little life is left in them and be prepared to hyperventilate at least once while reading this book!!! ...more
I have to admit that I had really high hopes for this book. So naturally I feel a little let down by it. I mean, Original review posted on Lexi Swoons
I have to admit that I had really high hopes for this book. So naturally I feel a little let down by it. I mean, after If I Stay was such a beautifully heartbreaking story within the first chapter. I kind of expected this one to be jut as emotional and beautiful. That's where the let down is for me.
My biggest thing is that Adam turned into such a douche! Actually a selfish and kind of heartless douche! I mean I get that he was broken hearted by what Mia did and by the whole situation but I really feel like his character should've handled it a lot better. I mean even when he finally sees Mia again and spends all that time with her that night it just all seems so forced and fake and that's because it's just not him. That's not who he is. Now don't get me wrong. I get WHY he would turn into the person he did but I just don't get how he could turn that way. That's not the Adam we knew from If I Stay. That's not the Adam we saw fight to see Mia in the hospital. Not the Adam we saw beg her stay in the first place. It's just not OUR Adam. But I guess you can never know how certain situations can change people and maybe this has always been the route Adam would take. I just thought he was stronger than all of that. Really, I think I'm just kind if fed up with all of my favorite characters changing their whole personality so suddenly. It just doesn't seem right to me and that seems to be a recurring theme lately that doesn't sit well with me. But im rambling...lets move on.
On a bright note, I am happy at the outcome of the relationship. Though not so happy on the road that took them there, it's still what I had hopes for the entire time and the author just wouldn't have done the book or the characters justice if she had chosen any other outcome. The ending was a little disappointing because it's just not what I saw happening in my head.
Overall, it was still a great book and I highly recommend reading this story!...more
I'm in a weird place about this book. I wasn't 100% impressed with it, but I didn't completely dislike it either.Original review posted on Lexi Swoons
I'm in a weird place about this book. I wasn't 100% impressed with it, but I didn't completely dislike it either. Overall, I feel that there were tons of things that the author could've (and should've!) done differently but there were also a few things that I know he did well. Let's discuss!
Charlie , as an overall main character, is a mess! That's right! I said it! He's a MESS! This poor kid has got some serious stuff going on and we don't know exactly what it is. I believe that Charlie has some form of Autism, but I don't know for certain. I feel like the author should have confirmed (or denied) my suspicions. For some reason, he didn't touch on Charlie's "issue" so much as other life factors that could also have contributed to the way Charlie is. Maybe the purpose of that was to take away the focus of Charlie with "a mental issue" and focus on all the life events that have happened to him. I'm not sure, but I do know that this definitely could've been handled differently.
I absolutely LOVED Charlie's two best friends, Patrick and Sam! They were both such fun characters to read. Especially the love interest between Charlie and Sam. She was older than him, but saw him for who he was and appreciated that he saw her the same way. Even aside from all the "issues" she saw him have she managed to keep her cool and still be by his side which shows strength and love on her part.
And Patrick! Ahhh love Patrick! Getting to see his character and his relationships was great. He's such a fun person and so loving to Sam and Charlie (and Brad!) I loved that we got to see a gay character in a book. I feel like I never see enough of it and honestly, it's a great side to read. Seeing his struggles with Brad and the fight that happened was tough but necessary. Unfortunately, these are issues that still happen to people today and it's sad that Brad was so embarrassed by the situation that he played out the only person he actually loved, Patrick!
There is actually only ONE thing that I really hated about this book...Charlie cried for everything. EVERYTHING! I mean, I get that he has some emotional issues to work through and he wasn't even aware of them in the beginning, but he really needs to work on THAT! he cried for every little thing. Someone smiled- he cried, something smelled good- he cried, the sky was blue- he cried. Dude, WTF!?!? So yea, that was an epic fail!
But, overall, after writing all review I have to say that I liked it way more than I realized. Obviously there's way more going on that I didn't write about an you can make your own opinions about those, but I think this was a decent book and there were some good moral issues going on that really make you think. So go forth and read, swooners!...more
For the sake of conversation, which i'm pretty much completely incapable of at the moment, let's pretend that you have no idea how much you're going to love this book...let me just tell you this. YOU.WILL.LOVE.IT!!! So go forth and read it...STAT!!
Now down to the nitty-gritty...I loved the main character, Beatrice Prior aka Tris. She's such a strong character while still showing her vulnerable side. She's constantly learning and taking knowledge from everything she sees..Her courage, strength, knowledge and selflessness are all reasons that she's unable to confine herself to just one faction, making her "Divergent", which is kind of a beautiful thing in their world, though the leaders definitely don't see it that way.
Then there's Four aka Tobias, for those of you who were a little confused about the love interest, because I know I was, they are the same person, so no worries! There is so much we learn about Tobias in such a short time. Wish I could actually tell you everything, but sadly, I can't! But I will say this: Tobias is a great guy! I mean, he may not seem like it at first but he really is...I love his strength and intelligence. He's so brave without even trying and so beautiful in everything that he does. You can't help but to fall in love with him.
Then there's the Factions. Dauntless for the brave, Abnegation for the selfless, Amity for the kind, Erudite for the intelligent, and Candor for the honest. I love that in this Dystopian world we see that people, as a whole, haven't really changed that much. I mean, extreme? Yes, but not that different than what we are now. Even the Dauntless have some Candor qualities in their honesty in disliking people and distrusting them. These things are never hidden. And the Erudite have some Dauntless qualities about them in the sense that they are brave when it comes to wanting to defend what they believe is right and true.
So overall, I leave you to go forth and read this book and watch the movie and love it as much as I do, as much as thousands of people do, and decide what we must all decide, determine what you know to be true in your heart...It's time to take your aptitude test and chose your faction...but, are you Divergent?...more
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