Lauren Oliver
March 5, 2013
March 5, 2013
4/5 stars
This review was a bit tough for me to write. In the end I opted for a mini review because my conflicted and scattered feelings and thoughts shouldn't be indulged in a full review. This series.. it had its ups and downs. Delirium was a bit too sappy for me but that ending blew me away. Pandemonium was so different; with the completely new setting and characters and love interest.. then that damn mind blowing ending. Oh yea, Lauren Oliver is officially known as "the author with the horribly heart wrenching cliffhangers". I started Requiem with some reservations, especially since I heard from early readers how they felt the ending was too open ended. Also knowing that this is told from TWO POVs, Lena, the main protagonist, and Hana, her best friend, who barely showed up in the whole trilogy. Yup, I was a bit confused for why the author thinks I would care all that much about Hana.. in the beginning I was resistant, I would count how many pages until Lena's POV, literally count the pages. However, halfway in the book, I noticed that I am looking forward to both POVs, Hana gives us an insight on what is happening inside the walls we never would have been able to know just from Lena's POV. We find out how messed up her soon to be husband is, along with the whole system and something Hana did that I don't think I will ever forgive her for. Yes, my heart aches thinking about it. However I have to point out, Hana's last chapter was so captivating, it will definitely be a memorable chapter. As for Lena, I loved how kick butt she has become, such a contrast between the Lena before Alex and the Lena now. The whole love triangle between Lena, Julian, and Alex pissed me off so much. My heart broke for both and there was some parts where I thought Oliver was a bit unfair in. To put it simply, by the end I was really frustrated because what I feared happened. As for the ending, I personally would have hoped for an epilogue or something but I believe Lauren Oliver ended it on the faith and hope the characters have for the better future by getting a glimpse of what is to come. I appreciated it, but doesn't mean I loved it, I am a girl who appreciates her HEA or the case closed endings. (Inception anyone?!). I know this review is a bit too long but I have to say that I am quite sad for the ending of this trilogy. It was one of my first ever dystopian trilogies and the reason why I fell in love with this genre. I can't wait for the show (which got cancelled, i wrote this review months ago!) and also any new dystopian books Lauren Oliver is planning on writing.
Series:
Requiem (Delirium #3)
Hallowed (Unearthly, #2)
Cynthia Hand
January 17, 2012
3.5/5 stars
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand is the sequel to Unearthly, a series that is about angels and their mission in life. Clara finds herself in the unknown. She wasn't able to fulfill her purpose and is now just waiting to see what will happen to her. Of course in Hallowed we finally get a ton of questions answered. Such as Clara's heritage. However I did not appreciate the whole Christian angle. I am Team Tucker 100%. Heck, even if Tucker somehow opts out of this whole thing, I would prefer Clara to stay alone rather than pick Christian, so there. Also, can I just ask what the hell is up with Jeffery? I mean I kinda knew something was up with him but that ending? I am annoyed at him for pulling that, especially with the whole family drama going on. I wished there was more Tucker and Wendy. Wendy barely shows up and I was a little sad at that. However I love Angela and can't wait to find out more about her. Ok, why the 3.5 rating? 1. I did not enjoy the romance and Hand trying to force Christian on all of us *ugh* , 2. Nothing much happens in terms of the purpose and all, yes we find out so much about Clara, her mom and even her dad but that's it. 3. I needed a big showdown! Something to motivate me to pick up boundless but so far I am a bit meh about it. Overall, Hallowed was an entertaining read but I did find it boring at parts and also a bit too long. I am hoping that with Boundless we get a bit more action and get a great conclusion to this paranormal trilogy.
Series
Unearthly (Unearthly #1)
Hallowed (Unearthly #2)
Boundless (Unearthly #3)
I still haven't read Requiem because I'm so afraid to end the series and what will happen to Julian baby! As for Unearthy, I only gave it 3 stars but I heard the rest of the series is great so it's still on my to-read. Love your mini-reviews, Juhina! Really bite-sized!
ReplyDeleteI still have to read both these series, and I have heard great things about them both. I'm especially excited for Oliver's books. Requiem sounds like a fantastic end to a trilogy. I love the sound of the characters and just the overall general concept. As for Unearthly, sorry this didn't work out for you. I want to meet Tucker...everyone seems to like him! lol ;p Hopefully, you'll enjoy the third book much better. Great reviews, Juhina! :D
ReplyDelete~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
I have Requiem on my shelf but I still haven't read it. I just adore the Unearthly series. Great reviews.
ReplyDeleteI have seen so many mixed reviews on Requiem. I've only read the first book. The love triangle thing would tick me off a lot to I'm sure. I also like my HEA's, and I don't think you review was too long at all. I really appreciate it. I'm steel brooding over Allegiant. I have Unearthly, but haven't read it yet. I appreciate you honesty on that one to, because I don't think I will be in any hurry.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely enjoyed Requiem more than I did.. It got a unique 1 rating, because I hardly hand them out to books. The ending was just not my taste.. I didn't like Christian at all, so that was also a turn-off for me! This series is another example of a bad-last book (in my opinion), so be prepared for Boundless :p
ReplyDeletehahahah I am SO team Christian!!!!!! Bring it on, Juhina! lol unfortunately (for me), I think the third book is going to be Team Tucker so I've been too chicken to read it. You can let me know how it goes ;) Also, I think Richelle Mead can give Lauren Oliver a good run for her money for the 'most cliff-hangers' award. Loved the mini reviews!
ReplyDelete