When I read the description of this book I was a bit wary to buy it. It is obviously marketed for middle and high school students and it is an older bWhen I read the description of this book I was a bit wary to buy it. It is obviously marketed for middle and high school students and it is an older book series with very little reviewers. Because it is the only book I have seen on Amazon with a solid 3+ star rating from everyone (and because I devoured the Pretty Little Liars books for the same target audience) I decided to give it a shot. I was surprised at how enjoyable it was. I found it to be a sort of lighthearted combination between the Ghost Whisperer TV show and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (I'm embarrassed to admit that although I am in my mid-twenties I still love watching reruns of the first couple season... can't break a 16 year habit I guess). Shadowland is humorous and definitely kept me interested � I finished it in two short sessions. I only had three issues with the book that warranted a 4 star rating. I was a bit annoyed with Suze's tendency to develop a crush on any guy that shows her the slightest bit of attention, living or dead. I know she is 16 but come on! The phrase “kick butt� was used waaaay too much. I understand it is a teen book and don't want to advocate profanity, but I cannot take anyone who uses that phrase seriously and I thought it made her sound like a seven year old child, not the tough chick she claims to be. Considering worse words are used in overabundance, bitch and fag I believe it was, I think the author could have matured the language a little or just found a new phrase to use. Another reviewer also mentioned her excessive use of “I mean� and wow, they were not kidding... Lastly, Suze names her new stepbrothers after 3 of the 7 dwarves and always refers to them by those names in her head. It got a bit confusing when their real names were used because I'd forget who was who. She calls them the dwarf names on accident all the time and they never question it either. I just thought that was kind of weird lol I guess I'm just being nitpicky. These are just small things I thought about while reading the book, but nothing that would dissuade me from reading the book or liking it. If you're sick of all of those overdramatic teen paranormal books and want something fun to read I suggest trying this book....more
Reading this book was a similar experience to reading Defiance by C.J. Redwine. I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but I didn't feel any desire to pReading this book was a similar experience to reading Defiance by C.J. Redwine. I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but I didn't feel any desire to pick the book back up later. It took me over a month to finish a book that was 5 or so hours. That's pitiful, whether it's because of me or the book.
I now know what people mean when they complain about the metaphors and strikeouts. I didn't mind the strikeouts at first, but they became so overused and for the most part were completely unnecessary.
He saved my notebook. Adam saved the only thing I own.
What was the point of the strikeout there? And what was with some of these metaphors?! I think she dropped a bunch of words she liked into a hat and picked several out at random in order to create a sentence. All these gimmicks did was overshadow a decent story line. Sure, it wasn't that original or anything, but not much dystopia is nowadays to tell the truth.
I found the end of the book to be pretty interesting so I increased my rating to 3 stars. 3 stars can go either way for me. Maybe I'll continue on, maybe I'll give up on the series. I think I'll stick with this one and see where it goes. And if I do, more Kenji, please....more
I loved the plot in this story, and I found myself surprised during many moments of the book. As someone who has never really been overweight, this stI loved the plot in this story, and I found myself surprised during many moments of the book. As someone who has never really been overweight, this story made me feel sad for those women who are and are willing to do anything to lose it, and I could feel their distress even though I have never been in their place. I didn't find the story to be confusing like some reviewers did, and I didn't feel like there was too much going on at one time to follow. My only issue (hence the four star rating) was Hayley's character. She was completely unrealistic. I understand this is a fiction series but come on! Many people loved her part in the plot but I just found it too ridiculous to take seriously....more
I enjoy Ragan's writing style and do not find her to be the poor writer that other reviewers claim she is. Her stories are easy enough to follow, but I enjoy Ragan's writing style and do not find her to be the poor writer that other reviewers claim she is. Her stories are easy enough to follow, but still leave you with enough surprise at the end. I was not a fan of Hayley's character in the least, but this book changed my mind a little. The last few pages made me feel so sad for her. The plot was pretty good, and I wouldn't say the ending is shocking, but definitely not what I initially expected. I hope this is not the last book, because I find myself wanting to know what else could happen in Lizzie's life, and I feel like the writer could definitely come up with more great material to use....more
If you like mysteries and books about serial killers then this is great read. I read several reviews saying this book was sick and you need a strong sIf you like mysteries and books about serial killers then this is great read. I read several reviews saying this book was sick and you need a strong stomach.. so not the case. Nothing is described in too much detail, and five minutes of Law & Order SVU is more graphic than the content of the book. The romance part of the book does not overshadow the main plot either, and that can be a problem in similar stories. This book is written from each person's perspective, which I like because one narrator can make a book one-sided and boring. I found the characters in this book genuine, with the exception of Hayley.. she was a little to far-fetched for me and becomes more so later in the series....more
It's wild that the victors don't enter the arena until there is exactly one third left in the book, but it never feels slow or boring. I appreciated tIt's wild that the victors don't enter the arena until there is exactly one third left in the book, but it never feels slow or boring. I appreciated the new characters much more this time....more
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