I’m joining the outliers on this one. The book is getting 3 stars because the premise is a really good one, I love a story set in the glamorous days oI’m joining the outliers on this one. The book is getting 3 stars because the premise is a really good one, I love a story set in the glamorous days of 1950’s Hollywood and Harry Cameron is the best character in the book. For all of the strength in plot and character potential, this book just failed for me in execution.
The entire book is a tell and reminded me of a soap opera most of the time. There were many times that I rolled my eyes at awkward and unrealistic dialogue and scenes that unfolded so quickly that they felt contrived. There’s a twist at the end that was unexpected but it was delivered in such a melodramatic and rushed fashion that it was more disappointing than shocking.
This book had soooo much potential to be fascinating but it just left me unsatisfied in its delivery. I stayed for Harry and to find out what the big connection was between Evelyn and Monique. Harry was worth it.
I’ve not had a good run with TJR. She is widely loved but she just doesn’t appear to be a fit for me. ...more
The first half of the book was good - built tension in the plot, drew me in and I wanted to know so mUnfortunately, this book fell very short for me.
The first half of the book was good - built tension in the plot, drew me in and I wanted to know so much more. What happened, where did the boys go? And just about the mid-way point is when everything fell apart.
The writing style, the dialogue and the relationships were all awkward and contrived. I had a hard time believing these characters were in their 20s and 30s. They spoke and acted like they were in their early teens. Plus there was no scene or mood setting at all. It was all tell and the characters all just presented as flat. There was one scene where the author included a line to tell readers the character was afraid and it’s a good thing because nothing about that scene conveyed fear. It was bad.
There was a nice romance with great potential that was also handled badly. Again it was contrived, awkward and unconvincing. And don’t get me started on the world building or the lack thereof. That was a total cop out.
It seems to me this book took on way too much scope for this author’s ability to handle it. Either that or she needs a new editor. Or maybe both.
I really, really enjoyed The Wishing Game but this book was a disappointment. I struggled to finish. It looks like it will be a series so I’ll have to wait awhile for a hopeful return to the style of The Wishing Game with this author. ...more
This is an amazingly creative and intense story about the power of love in all its forms to overcome every adversity. So many topics are present - humThis is an amazingly creative and intense story about the power of love in all its forms to overcome every adversity. So many topics are present - humanity, selfishness, love, trust, loyalty. All presented in this sometimes wonderful, sometimes horrible world created in TJ Klune’s vivid imagination.
At the heart are unforgettable characters. Victor is the center of the story but, I have to say, that Nurse Ratched and Rambo will absolutely steal your heart. They are Victor’s best friends and true family and they are completely wonderfully funny and caring, especially amazing because they are machines. I could not get enough of those two and they are a constant presence of joy and humor throughout the book.
I really liked The House in the Cerulean Sea and I enjoyed this book even more. Funny, touching, sad, thought-provoking. So very enjoyable, imaginative, and unusual....more
Amazingly good! Such an unusual story of a strange world still so much like ours today but also filled with demi-Gods and lost spirits and all sorts oAmazingly good! Such an unusual story of a strange world still so much like ours today but also filled with demi-Gods and lost spirits and all sorts of unusual variations. But it all felt just right and so believable!
The main characters, Mercy and Hart, were developed with depth, thoughtfulness and caring and they were wonderful. Hart will steal your heart, though. Such a kind and amazing man (Demi-God) all around. Be ready for some serious tears, though. I sobbed for the last 40 or so pages.
Great creative and interesting story and characters! Sign me up for all future books by Megan Bannen!...more
That’s a DNF for me�.neither of the main characters are remotely appealing and I have no vision how they could ever connect as friends or something moThat’s a DNF for me�.neither of the main characters are remotely appealing and I have no vision how they could ever connect as friends or something more. Not enjoying it enough to take the time to see how it goes. ...more
This is a sweet, cozy little book with a kind and wonderful message about accepting and loving everyone, even if they are different. Linus Baker, a caThis is a sweet, cozy little book with a kind and wonderful message about accepting and loving everyone, even if they are different. Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is sent to a remote island to assure the special children housed in an orphanage there are safe and well cared for. What he actually finds is a group of amazing and very unusual children and their special caretakers. He also discovers his own strength, bravery and true desires as well as lots of love.
The children in this story steal the book! They are each unique and funny with wonderful personalities and quirks all their own. They also have big hearts and big love for each other, making their own very special family. I enjoyed their snarky commentary and dialogues the very most. So funny, imaginative and heartfelt! The book does get a bit repetitive and is a little longer than it needed to be but it will make you smile from ear to ear nonetheless!...more
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