Continuing to read this series in preparation for our trip to Universal Studios Florida this fall. I flew through this one! Only one book left to go--Continuing to read this series in preparation for our trip to Universal Studios Florida this fall. I flew through this one! Only one book left to go--I think I can make it!...more
(And I hate that J.K. Rowling has sort of ruined it by being so terribly awful, but I'm focusing on the story anI've never read this series... I know.
(And I hate that J.K. Rowling has sort of ruined it by being so terribly awful, but I'm focusing on the story and how much it means to my wife and also that we're going to Universal Orlando this fall.)
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and there's no review I can provide to add any depth to the many already written. Getting lost in another world is fun sometimes. :)...more
I'm not sure I can adequately review this book, because the magical world within is so intricate that it feels wrong to judge it. I still get a littleI'm not sure I can adequately review this book, because the magical world within is so intricate that it feels wrong to judge it. I still get a little confused reading this series, with all the dreamers and Zeds and Moderators and dreaming worlds and real worlds, but I love it anyway. Perhaps the most amazing thing about book 3 is that it made me like Declan, ha! Overall I found this to be a fitting end to the trilogy, even if it dragged just a bit in the middle. 3.5+ stars....more
WHERE ECHOES DIE is a totally mesmerizing story written in Gould's gorgeous prose. I was completely drawn into the town Courtney Gould can WRITE.
WHERE ECHOES DIE is a totally mesmerizing story written in Gould's gorgeous prose. I was completely drawn into the town of Backravel, Arizona-- a place where there are no cars, cemeteries, or churches. It seems like a picturesque place built among worn military structures. But Beck's mom started out writing an article on Backravel and eventually the town consumed her until her death. Now Beck and her sister Riley are spending two weeks in Backravel for a supposed vacation. But for Beck, it's so much more: she has to know why she lost her mom to Backravel.
This is an amazing fantasy tale that explores grief in deep and beautiful ways. The methods Beck uses to deal with her mom's death are not always healthy, but they are nuanced and touching. ECHOES is haunting in so many ways. Time just seems to move differently in Backravel. It's a mystical place, though not necessarily a good one. Gould uses the stark desert landscape to her advantage, creating an atmospheric story that is truly creepy and unsettling. You can feel Backravel as you read--see it, imagine the characters, sense the heat rising off the car-less streets.
The story dragged just a little for me slightly after the halfway mark. I needed Beck to be better to Riley, to communicate more, and things to move just a little faster. Otherwise, this was a great read. A wonderful spooky fantasy page-turner with a sapphic bent.
I received a copy of this book from Wednesday Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review....more
In the second book of the Dreamer trilogy, the Dreamers are finding the source of their power (the ley line) diminished. Ronan Lynch and his mentor, BIn the second book of the Dreamer trilogy, the Dreamers are finding the source of their power (the ley line) diminished. Ronan Lynch and his mentor, Bryde, set out to restore it, along with Hennessy, but it seems to mean leaving everyone they love behind.
As with every Stiefvater book, this is a magical and beautifully-written tale. It centers on dreaming, family, and friendship. We still get the POV from Ronan's brothers and Hennessy's dreamed copy, Jordan. In the Dreamer trilogy, the Dreamers can dream worlds and bring back what they dream--anything from magical cars, ravens, and even people. It sounds wonderful, but sometimes what they dream is a nightmare and has horrible consequences. A group of people (the Moderators) believe the Dreamers are going to ruin the world and are out to kill them all.
The story is often a little weird and sometimes I found myself avoiding it. Other times, I was completely sucked in. A few twists blew me away, and I am so amazed how fantastic and imaginative this series can get. By the end, I was totally lost in the Dreamers battle for the world (in their eyes), and I'm looking forward to reading book three....more
Alessa is a Finestra, revered in her society for a magical gift that is supposed to magnify the power of her partner, called a Fonte. The only problemAlessa is a Finestra, revered in her society for a magical gift that is supposed to magnify the power of her partner, called a Fonte. The only problem is that Alessa keeps killing her Fontes instead. Three weddings, three funerals. Now a foreseen swarm of demons is heading toward their island, and Alessa must find a Fonte before it's too late to save her homeland. Her fellow islanders are frustrated and turning against her, so Alessa hires an outcast named Dante to protect her. Dante helps her refine her gift, but his secrets may also doom them all.
At first, I was not sure I would enjoy this book. It felt long and confusing as could be. There is a lot of terminology to learn, and it did not seem like everything was explained very clearly. It took me some time to get into the story. However, once Dante appeared on the scene, I was totally sucked in. Not that Alessa (aka Finestra) isn't a great character. She's pretty awesome--spunky and tough, but thoughtful, too. However, Alessa and Dante's friendship and chemistry made the story for me.
I loved the themes in this one--learning to work together versus tackling problems alone; not fearing the unknown; and pushing back on tradition. I guess all of those hit home for me! I am a sucker for a heroine coming into her own. And Dante was the best--who doesn't love a brooding hero with a (secret) heart of gold, right?
This had a rather abrupt and worrisome ending, but there's a sequel. I'll need to read that right when it comes out! Also, fun fact, my daughter's (very awesome) second grade teacher is thanked in the acknowledgements of this book! 3.5 stars. ...more
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