Title: Cicada (Cicada #1)
Author: Belle Whittington
Publisher & POD: CreateSpace, Sept 13, 2012
Genre(s): Young Adult (Fantasy)
Rating: 2/5 stars
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The beginning of the book felt like it was going to be a summer fun read, especially with the group of friends graduating, the happy, summery feel you get when you are having the time of your life. However a UFO sighting turns their life upside down and they try to find out what they just saw. The chase to finding the truth began. I personally thought this part took way too long. Almost half of the book was of them trying to find out WHAT they just witnessed, and even till the end, there were so many unanswered questions. I just didn't really enjoy how there was so much build up to what is out there but then we get a simplified explanation and a sad farewell to the graduates and a very confused me. I just hoped the complication was resolved in a better more interesting way and just gave justice to all the chase and anticipation that have been building up through the book. Also, lately I've started having issues with protagonists finding out they are in love with their best friend in the last couple of chapters, and unfortunately this happened in Cicada. I had a feeling it was going in that direction, but I prayed that it wouldn't. So I really did not enjoy the romance. However while the beginning was enjoyable, the ending was out of the blue and I felt it was a bit too rushed. Cicada had the potential to be more but in the end it was an ok read.
Title: Bittersweet
Author: Sarah Ockler
Publisher & DOP: Simon Pulse, Jan 3, 2012
Genre(s): Young Adult (Contemporary)
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
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I really thought Bittersweet would continue on the streak of loving every contemporary I've been reading lately, however i'm sad to say that it did not. I am disappointed by Bittersweet since I was expecting something as good as Twenty Boy Summer. However I did enjoy it but I had several issues with it. Hudson, the main protagonist gave up competing professionally in ice skating when she found out her father was cheating on her mom. 3 years later Hudson isn't happy being in her hometown, only making cupcakes at her mom's diner. She secretly starts practicing ice skating for a competition but Josh sees her and asks for her help to teach technical tricks to his hockey team. Now instant sparks fly when Josh and Hudson meet, then insert love triangle. I hate how now every single book is forcing love triangles that make little sense. Also, I really didn't like how Hudson kept on nagging, ignoring her best friend, saying she can't wait to leave her town. I was fooled in thinking this book would be like Ice Princess (2005) movie, however it barely had any ice skating, not even her teaching the hockey team, also not much cupcake making, but a whole lot of whining and complaining. However I really liked Hudson's 8 year old brother, Bug. He was hilarious and a genius! I also really liked how some chapters began with a phrase and a corresponding recipe for a cupcake that matched the mood of the chapter. Bittersweet was a cute but cliched contemporary. I do recommend it to contemporary fans, but just don't compare it to Twenty Boy Summer.
Oh no! It's a shame neither of these worked for you. I've been going back and forth with Bittersweet, but I'm not sure if it's worth my time to be quite honest. Thanks for the helpful reviews!
ReplyDeleteI tried reading Bittersweet but I lost interest in the story quickly, I didn't even know there was a love triangle. Sorry to hear you didn't really like either of these books but thanks for sharing your reviews.
ReplyDeleteI have had a copy of Bittersweet for AGES but haven't gotten around to reading it. (I've never read an Ockler book though...)
ReplyDeleteCicada was one that I've been debating picking up as well, but I've seen a lot of reviews just like yours. So I guess I'll skip it too.
-Jac @ For Love and Books
Great reviews! Cicada definitely sounds interesting, but it sounds like there's not enough expaining going on in the book, and I don't blame you for being frustrated by that!
ReplyDeleteI read and liked Bittersweet, but I know what you mean about Hudson being too whiny at times. I wanted to slap her on a few occasions! =)
Aww, I'm sorry that you didn't really enjoy Bittersweet!! I liked it, but agree that it definitely wasn't as good as Twenty Boy Summer. I do wish there was more ice skating, and the love triangle was a bit annoying. Nonetheless, I did end up enjoying it more than you did!
ReplyDeleteCicada looks interesting, but it does sound super boring. I like to have action and answers while reading, and Cicada seems to have neither, so I think I'll pass on that one.
Fabulous reviews! <3
Too bad about Bittersweet! Although I was never really tempted to read it, most of my friends, including my bestie, really liked it. Too bad it didn't work for you.
ReplyDeleteI love the mini reviews, short but defintiely informative.