Based on a real life story about Glass who gets mauled by a mama Grizzly Bear and left for dead by two others. A harrowing tale of revenge and survivaBased on a real life story about Glass who gets mauled by a mama Grizzly Bear and left for dead by two others. A harrowing tale of revenge and survival, this will have most people on the edge of their seats.
I went into this with a ton of enthusiasm. Watched the movie first so that was a good experience. Read fifty percent of the book d didn't want to DNF it, so I skimmed the rest of the story. My main problem was it was told in an expository way and normally if it's a fantasy novel I would love it, but it wasn't and I grew so achingly bored. I didn't care about the entire back-story of these side characters, I didn't want to stop the momentum of what was happening to Glass by some side character's past. I grew impatient and decided I couldn't read at my normal pace, but since this is a review book I wanted to know how the book ended differently than the movie. I actually ended up preferring the movie ending because the book ending was just not my cup of tea. It didn't have the same grittiness and desperation as the movie. Of course the movie also had his son which was non-existent from the book, so that added another layer of retribution to Hugh Glass' character.
The book provides incredibly detailed back-stories about each character. All happening before Glass' arduous journey. The survival aspects are similar to the young adult novel Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. There were some elements like eating snakes, Buffalo bone marrow, Buffalo calf and even dogs that made me a little nauseous. The fight scene with the bear was incredibly well detailed and I could understand how the movie made it seem so real. Obviously there was a ton of scenes and whole chapters cut from the movie, but in the book it works so well. How every problem gets fixed, only to have another one stonewall Glass. It seemed way more realistic. Of course in Hollywood they would get rid of all this much-wanted detail, and the movie becomes a bare-bones plot. Leonardo DiCaprio acted well and I truly believed he deserved his Oscar for that performance. He had hardly any lines, but his facial expressions conveyed every emotion.
Whether you watch the movie, or read the book, you're going to want to delve into Glass's story of survival and obsession.
RATING 3/5
QUOTES
"I am drawn to this endeavor as I have never before drawn to anything in my life." (80)
"I won't pretend to have been his friend, but I respect a man who fights like he fought." (127)
"There was something to fear in an evil that could make men leave their old lives behind and live in such disgrace." (132)
"Know the stars and you'll always have a compass." (211)...more
An Electronic Advance Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review. Quotes have been pulled from an e-ARC and may be subject to An Electronic Advance Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review. Quotes have been pulled from an e-ARC and may be subject to change.
Honestly, I requested this based on the cover and the title alone. Didn't even read the description because I love going into a book blind! And I was mildly surprised at how much I liked it. Some parts are told in second point of view and I didn't have a problem because I've read books with that viewpoint and loved it.
Set in the prehistoric era I already knew I was going to finish this one, just from the setting alone. Julie Eshbaugh does a wonderful job of detailing the locations and setting up the minor story lines. Which isn't too much since it's all about the clans and how our main character needs to find a wife because naturally you need one in this age. It was funny reading about how a lack of girls was the main problem..Loved reading how a day in their lives were about because it is a lot of hard work. One is alway busy just trying to stay alive and to keep their family alive which is no easy task! The characters are a bit too one dimensional and I kind of wished there was more to each of them especially Lo who I pitied.
I love the parallels of Pride and Prejudice in the entire book. It was quite fun finding out that the male character this time had the prejudice and the female character had all the pride. Even Kol's mother had similarities to Mrs. Bennett. I wanted to feel like the clan were in dire need of other clans and that their way of life would soon be over, but it wasn't the case. I also really loved his younger brothers. They were sweet and I wanted to see more of their relationships. Even Mya's younger sister was a joy to read. The romance is slow-burn so if you like that sort of thing, you'll probably like this. I love slow-burn romances and Kol and Mya were great.
Overall, it's a finely written story and it made me grateful that I live in such a pampered and technology advanced era. Though it also makes me feel like an incredibly lazy bum lol.
RATING 3/5
QUOTES
"If cooking isn't the best way to attract the interest of a male, what would you say is better?"
"It's odd, I think, how the thing you love most in a person can also be the thing you sometimes wish you could change."
"Not just a mystery about the cold reunion I'd witnessed, but a mystery about you—about what experiences in your past have made you so rude and arrogant."
"I've seen you treat people as if they were beneath you."
"Some people can see things with their hearts. Others need to see them with their eyes."
"You are both so blinded by arrogance that you have become incapable of judging the value of a girl."...more
I am now haunted by Ruta Sepetys storytelling.. Well the story is fictional but the events and the "Gustloff" were real.. That is something to think aI am now haunted by Ruta Sepetys storytelling.. Well the story is fictional but the events and the "Gustloff" were real.. That is something to think about. But yes okay back to the book.
Wonderful story-telling. Quick chapters. Four different viewpoints. Pretty predictable. But in a good way. The journey is always the hardest and the characters are just trying to survive. Some parts were horrific to imagine and yet I'm sure are the real-life accounts of what actually happened. What separates the real from fiction, I do not know and I really don't want to know. The characters each had their own past and you can see how hard they're all struggling to be the person they were before the war started. I honestly didn't really think the romance was necessary, but if love can blossom even in war-torn stories, then I'm all up for it. Alfred was the creepiest one to read through, and I found myself skimming his entries mostly because they were diary-style and I disliked him the most with his disgusting "master race" thoughts.
War books are always so hard for me. After the masterpiece that was "The Book Thief" I am always open to reading anything and everything about World War Two. Even if it's from the German's viewpoint.
Things mentioned in the book that stayed with me for a long time.
"Pure bloods" were mentioned and I also wonder if that's where J. K. Rowling got this heinous word.. I wouldn't be surprised since it's from the Nazis.
The disgusting viewpoint of one German who only thought of himself while people were being murdered.
"Bodies were strewn like human confetti. Would I still get my medal?" (345) Grab this one if you're looking for a little piece of world history that is not widely known. How many other stories are hidden from the world's view just because it was in experiences through war? Now that is something I'm pondering after reading this.
RATING 4/5
QUOTES
"What had human beings become? Did war make us evil or just activate an evil already lurking within us?" (79)
"Sometimes living life is more instructive than studying it." (121)
"Yet amidst all that, life has spit in the eye of death." (275)
"Just when you think this war has taken everything you loved, you meet someone and realize that somehow you still have more to give." (315) ...more
The writing just flows and you're constantly worried about Brian. Having to survive with nothing else but a hatchet and the clothes on your back can'tThe writing just flows and you're constantly worried about Brian. Having to survive with nothing else but a hatchet and the clothes on your back can't be easy. I loved seeing how innovative his brain worked. Making tools from his environment. It was super impressive for a thirteen year old boy. I practically flew through the pages....more
An unsolicited Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review.
The new diet sweetener Solu is about to be launched but before it could bAn unsolicited Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review.
The new diet sweetener Solu is about to be launched but before it could be released to the world, Laurel and her best friend Viv has invited her to take a luxurious celebrity cruise where they will test out the sweetener first. Solu's goal is to make anyone who takes it, lose weight quickly and effortlessly. Then things start to turn for the worse, people start to get addicted to it. Together with TV host Tom, she must find a way to stop it from being released to the public before it gets worse.
I like how this opens up on a cruise-ship. It reminded me so much of my own vacation and I was so excited for Laurel and her friend to go on it. Things start out very normally and innocently and even though all the odd encounters with Tom felt too forced and staged, I thought it was cute they didn't fall in love instantly. Their romance was gradual and considering the mess that they end up in, wasn't too unbelievable like other YA romances in books. That ending just went crazy. I mean I couldn't even believe what I was reading, it was quite like a horror movie. You know those ones that start out so normally, only to have all the cast die by the end. Yikes. The reasoning behind Solu really didn't make any sense either. It was too convenient for me.
The writing flows well and I easily read this, but I think I lost the plot somewhere in the middle when things start going wrong. It felt like a zombie movie or video game at one point. I'm surprised the characters didn't end up with PTSD later. I'm not even sure if there's a sequel, but GoodReads says it's book one?
If I could describe this book, it'd be twisted. Twisty, turny and all sorts of gore, "Sweet" will have you wondering about why people want to lose weight so easily when the best way is to eat healthy and exercise.
RATING 2/5
QUOTES
"Maybe I'm happy the way I am! Maybe I don't want to feel what everyone's feeling." (103)...more
An Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review.
At first you’re left in the dark about lots of things. No anAn Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review.
At first you’re left in the dark about lots of things. No answers, none whatsoever as to how or why the world became what it was until you get halfway through. But I still didn’t really care about this post-apocalyptic world. There is something cruel about the predator and prey “game.� They hunt people instead of animals for sport. It’s bad enough to murder animals if you weren’t going to eat them to survive but killing human beings because they’re not set to their standards??? It’s sickening. I couldn’t stand the fact that they were hunting people who were deemed by this society as “Less Than.� The way they classify people in this futuristic post apocalyptic world is a little horrifying. These are the forbidden categories: Radiation Deformities, Homosexuality, Incompatible Skin Colour, Political Dissidents, Nonapproved Religious Affiliations, Mentality Infirm. I can’t even deal with any of that. It makes them Less Than.. Less than a human being is anyone follows this. So basically all the characters are people of colour which I vehemently applaud but the story just lacked character development.
I tried to get into this story but I just couldn’t. So many short clipped sentence fragments, way too much dialogue, and instant love which became too nauseating to read. And I just didn’t care what the reason behind this predator or prey game they had or the fact they’re experimenting on twins.
Got 43% into it and couldn’t keep going. I tried really but I couldn’t bring myself to finish this.
RATING 1/5
QUOTES
"Flint means fire. A knife means survival."
"Live today, tears tomorrow."
"I can make it on my own just as well as you."
"I only beat up people if I have reason to. I don't have a good reason to beat you up."
"You're not only less than normal, you're less than human."
"If you want to change something, change it. Yesterday was yesterday; today is today."...more
Heart-breaking and tragic, Jersey goes through so much pain and loss that you couldn't blame her at all. Understanding what it means to lose "everythiHeart-breaking and tragic, Jersey goes through so much pain and loss that you couldn't blame her at all. Understanding what it means to lose "everything" is something she tries to understand. I can't even imagine having to go through tornado warnings on a daily basis. How terribly frightening. This is a must-read if you're looking for a realistic read. ...more
I started reading this from the library but then I had to give it back so I ended up reading the rest while I made several trips to the book store. ThI started reading this from the library but then I had to give it back so I ended up reading the rest while I made several trips to the book store. The last 100 or so pages I pretty much skimmed it to find out what happened..
Things go down and it was so sad to read :( but then a friend told me that Victoria Scott doesn't have the third book for this series so I don't even know how it will end. Here's hoping she gets a book deal for the last book or at least self-publish. How are we able to know the ending? And who wins????? I loved this series and having the ending open like that is pure torture.
I recommend not reading this series if you're not looking for a finale because right now I'm having serious withdrawal.....more
An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change.
Adam and hiAn Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change.
Adam and his best friend are in the computer lab at school when all of a sudden there’s a power outage. Not only do the computers go out, but people’s laptops and even cellphones. When they try to leave school, they find that Adam’s old car still works, while all the others don’t. What becomes of humanity when all of the technology they depend on is wiped out?
What I enjoyed about The Rule of Three was not the main character Adam, but his neighbour who becomes a confidante and all around leader. He seems to know more than anything else and is wholly prepared for any disaster. The things he would say were intelligent, witty and very wise. He quickly diffused any situation only because he’s a master of people. My guess was that he was an operative for the government. Another thing that I enjoyed about this was the location. It’s not every day you get to read a book based on a suburban city you know. I enjoyed reading about the neighbourhood and streets that I drive by almost every week. I also loved that this turned out to be a guide as to what happens when all electricity is gone. What do you do and how can you be prepared? (I really should stick up on bottled water and chlorine tablets)
Even though I enjoyed it, I also had some issues. This is a more civilized and realistic view of how the world would come to be if there was no power, and it’s not a bad thing. I’m just so used to books where everything is in chaos and people die left and right. I wished there was a reason as to why it happened though. I kept hoping for something to come from the ham radio waves, but there was none. I really wished there was a clearer view of why the power and all electronics as they know it has ceased to work. I also wanted a more clearer timeline as to how they events unfolded because I didn’t see it span the weeks it claimed to be. Also, I found the dialogue to be long and winded, and wanted more explanations. The ending also felt anti-climatic. I am hoping there’s more to this novel because GoodReads doesn’t even say if it’s part of a series.
Overall, I liked it! It was a fast-paced, comprehensive guide to what you should do if the end of the world is coming.....more
In the second novel, we learn that one of the characters from the first has lived. The war has stopped and it seems life has gotten back to a more civIn the second novel, we learn that one of the characters from the first has lived. The war has stopped and it seems life has gotten back to a more civil time. This character ends up being interviewed by a journalist and ends up delivering the story that picked up right where we left off.
As, the previous novel, we’re bounced around from several plot lines making it hard to decipher what’s going and who is still alive and what else has escalated. This type of pacing had me so confused and I hated how it bounced and forth. There is also a lot of military jargon used and even though it was incredibly detailed and written well, I didn’t care too much about it. I cared about the characters and their stories. I cared about what was going on with all the civil unrest. Even though it was hard to care about any of these characters, I still wanted to know who was behind these nuclear attacks. Sad to say I didn’t get my answer.
I still don’t understand Gordan’s thought process. I know he’s trying to survive, but he does this in the most basic android like form. Like he’s not human and incapable of emotion or empathy. Only when the ending came did I find any semblance of a human emotion.
If you enjoy fast paced reading about the end of the world as we know it, then this is for you. If you’re looking to connect with characters, this book is can be passed on....more
What started off as a promising read, only went downhill. I wanted to like this so badly. It had the beginnings of a wonderful post-apocalyptic novel What started off as a promising read, only went downhill. I wanted to like this so badly. It had the beginnings of a wonderful post-apocalyptic novel which I adore. This one, not so much!
The characters are all so one dimensional. They happen to have perfect lives. Being a perfect husband to his doting wife and two kids. What I didn't understand was the senseless acts of violence, murdering people all in the name to defend their supplies. The main character Gordan didn't even have the decency to morn. It was like he was a robot who could care less. Also, the sudden act of wide spread looting and murders came fast and hard. I wouldn't know if this is the case, or if it would even happen, but my surprise at all the people they killed. I just couldn't understand how the character is okay with that. I have a friend in the Marines and he's never been okay ever again. There was one indication that he might have had nightmares but it wasn't the focus. I felt it was unnecessarily violent.
Even the minor story lines with the General, the president and Sebastian. I came to despise all the characters and I couldn't care less what happened to them....more
An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change.
Now THAT isAn Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change.
Now THAT is one epic ending to another wonderful trilogy. I can't believe it's over. There's no more Alex, Darla, Ben or even Ed. From the very beginning this story had my heart racing, mind swarming and hands sweating. This post-apocalyptic story COULD happen. The super volcano can happen. The repercussions that these characters go through can happen in real life. And that's what makes it brilliant. Mullin has a way with developing his characters through several arcs and spins and heartache. You end up feeling all of these yourself. Then there are the short bursts of action sequences cut in with the story that keeps moving forward. We have villains everywhere we look. Down to the mayor who tries to do what he thinks is right, to the sadistic enemy that reminded me a lot like the Governor from the Walking Dead. This has more of a what-would-you-do-to-survive type of book, but it's also loaded with witty characters, incredible pacing and realistic, but scary problems like cannibalism (to say the least) *shudders*
Characters like Alex and Darla are hard to find. Their strengths also become their weaknesses. Their intelligence and strategies to overcome the need to protect their settlement is clearly evident throughout the book. Loved that they were flawed characters as well. Especially Alex's mom. Now she held a grudge so downright confusing that I didn't even understand her woman logic. When it's finally revealed, I can't say her motives weren't selfish. I thoroughly disliked Mayor Petty and Red. Then there's the sweet and almost hilarious dialogue with Ben, the incredibly intelligent military strategist that Alex goes to. I cracked up and laughed out loud when Alex asked him, "What's up?"
Scarily realistic, the Ashes trilogy by Mike Mullin will be one of my favourite survival stories of all time. Hands down, a series I will re-read when I can. Definitely a must-read to add to your collection. I LOVED every second of this book and I did NOT what it to end. Such an underrated series, and I know that I'll be recommending this to everyone who loves a post-apocalyptic survival story....more
A finished copy was provided by the publisher for review.
A very realistic portrayal of a teenager trapped in his high school after the biggest blizzarA finished copy was provided by the publisher for review.
A very realistic portrayal of a teenager trapped in his high school after the biggest blizzard his little town has ever seen.
There are certain realistic situations the teens had to go through such as where will they get food? How did they did heat to keep themselves warm? What would they do for fun? You know the basic necessities to keep on surviving. There was lack of relationships being developed as well. They pretty much sat around and did nothing. In that situation, wouldn't you be plotting to get out or figure out a way to contact the outside world? Their plans were highly illogical and completely ridiculous. I couldn't even read the part with the go kart because you just knew what would happen. And that ending came out of nowhere. I thought it would have been built up slowly but it didn't.
What I felt was unrealistic was the amount of snow that fell in the span of a couple of days. (Mother Nature can't be that cruel!) I also didn't enjoy how the boys perception of the girls were, like they were treated as sex objects and not as people. And I'm sorry but some of the characters decisions aren't incredibly smart. Why sleep on the floor when you can get gym mats? Why go out in the blizzard when you're the only adult? *thonks head on the wall* Also the characters didn't develop as I thought they would. I also had a problem with the pacing because it was so incredibly hard to stay focused on the story. I only wanted to find out if they get rescued, which is the one reason I kept going.
Recommended to borrow this one for lack of development but a very interesting and realistic concept.
Characters Hardly any development but each character has a distinct personality.
Pacing Quite slow in the beginning, but finally develops in the middle.
°ä´Ç±¹±ð°ùÌý&²¹³¾±è;Ìý¶Ù±ð²õ¾±²µ²Ô Completely embodies the entire story-line.
Plot Wonderful story about survival and what happens when teenagers are left to fend for themselves.
A realistic survival story that will make you think twice about the decisions you make as a teen....more
I loved the concept of having robots be the controlling power and the humans helpless against them. This book reminded me of the Will Smith movie, I, I loved the concept of having robots be the controlling power and the humans helpless against them. This book reminded me of the Will Smith movie, I, Robot.
The world building did need a lot of work since I couldn’t find any in the first couple of chapters. I’m hoping there will be more about the fascinating history of the robots and how and why they came to be. I constantly assumed a lot of things and formed my own opinions because there were not a lot of detailed answers.
The writing felt like it was a movie script and not an actual book. It’s set in third person point of view, and the use of the character’s names drove me crazy. It was constantly repeated and when there’s a constant repetition n books, my eyes tend to glaze over.
Revolution 19 is one book that is so fast-paced, it doesn’t let you go until the very end....more
The transformation inside Alex is quite apparent in this one. Her thoughts travel towards the monster inside her and it slowly starts to change her. RThe transformation inside Alex is quite apparent in this one. Her thoughts travel towards the monster inside her and it slowly starts to change her. Reading it was terribly creepy. I couldn't help but shiver when she starts to think about the most oddest things. Cannibalism included. (ICK!) In an almost disgusting array of detail, you're privy to the hunger pangs of people who eat people. I seriously couldn't stomach this, and even had to put my book down because I was eating at the same time.
The multiple plot lines was rather extensive, yet even though one chapter ended on cliffhangers I was still tied to the entire story. I couldn't help but keep reading only because there were so many revelations and twists and turns, it made my head spin. The only problem I had with this was that there WERE too many characters and so many plot lines, that I did have to remember where each character left off. After a couple of these, I started to get used to it, and was excited every time that character appeared in a chapter. I was going to rate this 3, but I felt it was too low because this had so much plot development, that it literally blew my mind. So many things happened, and it was all incredibly crazy in the end.
Overall, if you enjoy post-apocalyptic novels like I do, then run out and grab this one! It's not to be missed....more
Imagine a world world people have objects embedded in their bodies. Eyes stuck in the ground, carnivorous vines eating you alive, ick! The setting is Imagine a world world people have objects embedded in their bodies. Eyes stuck in the ground, carnivorous vines eating you alive, ick! The setting is so very disturbing. And I couldn't help but love it. The writing is so vividly descriptive that you literally inhale the pages. I know I did when I read this. This series just gets better and better. There's a couple of twists and turns in this one and I really just like where Julianna is taking the story. I just want to know more about why it happened.
There's four point of views, so if you're not into that then you may have trouble reading it. Although after a while, I got used to the viewpoints and looked forward to reading their stories. All the characters we know and love are back, only this time they might have answers. Even though there's a fair amount of characters, I still enjoy reading Pressia and El Capitan's points of view. They held my interest the most. There's a little romance building and budding between some characters and not to mention some unrequited love happening so even though Fuse is set in a post-apocalyptic world, you can't forget about the dramatic relationships between the main characters.
Fuse is wonderful addition to the Pure trilogy, and I can't wait until the final book. Purely addicting and enthralling, I think it has something for everyone. It's even worth reading just to read about the vivid descriptions!...more
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