By far the most mixed in terms of religious ideas and mythology. (For example, most Christian’s I know don’t hold a specifically listed place in Sri Lanka as “sacred” but all Christians were lumped together with a small minority that does think that, and we had lots of mythology creatures mentioned throughout that confuses with Scripture). It was consistent with the characters and tone and wrapped things up pretty well. Though the final “big bad” confrontation felt a little thin and too rushed for me. All in all, it was a pretty good finale to the story and I was invested to the point of finishing it in a day.
I don’t know that this was needed, but I did enjoy the first 2/3rsds. Once we stopped Fours backstory into Dauntless and moves into some of his POV in Divergent, I didn’t care as much. His actual backstory was interesting, but I felt the whole novella was pretty meh.
Honestly, this was the best written book from the series. It still had a lot of editing problems, and character development seemed a little out of place. I never understood how Lennox managed to get to the place we see her in for this book. The plot was quite scattered, and it wasn’t really an understandable flow to it. After reading all three, I actually think that if this series had been rolled into one standalone book, it would’ve been way better. She would’ve had more time to edit, vet, and really look at plot and structure a lot easier if it had just been one book. Having said that, as I’ve said in other reviews for the books previous, there was a lot of potential for this. It was just disappointing not to see it live up to its potential. The ending was quite odd. This is not biblically based in terms of events listed in revelation. However, there is a lot of Christian phrases, words, and ideas, that don’t seem to fit into the story. If Mandy had used revelation quotes, or things that were actually prophesied about happening at the end of the world, rather than throwing random stuff at the wall, it would’ve been better. If she had also just not made it an end of world Revelation type story, this would’ve made a lot more sense as well. It felt a lot like she just needed to pick a lane, and either have something that was very well entrenched in Revelation, or not at all. The final “big bad” confrontation scene was lacking. Everything was rushed, none of the characters made sense, and we didn’t get enough time with any of them to really feel anything for them outside of surface level. As I mentioned earlier, this was the best written out of the three books. I think this was the actual story that Mandy wanted to tell, at least that’s how it read. The first two books were just a lot of set up for this essential story. Which again goes into my point of Just making this book one rather than three small ones. Lots of potential, just didn’t hit the mark.
Nice ending for all the characters. I didn’t see certain. Things coming until book 2, but they did make sense. I had a good time, and some things that happened – I KNEW IT. I think our main character ended in a good place, and the progression of her love story as well as the plot in general was pretty good.
Well, I am on my way, but there are still more. I am glad that these can officially be checked off my list, and while I really enjoyed some, others I could take or leave.
Have you read any of these series? What did you think of them?
Sometimes you think you’ll love a book, and other times you’re not so sure. I love it when those expectations are shattered (in a good way). So, I’m reading books purposely that I think I won’t enjoy to see if (and hope that) I’m wrong about them!
Why I Won’t Like It: I tried reading the first and even second book of this series and I just couldn’t get into it. It wasn’t gelling with me, but when I saw the plot for this final book, I thought it might be worth hanging onto. I’m still skeptical, but we’ll see how we go!
My Review
Nail biting and pretty intense. Serious kidnapper, and horrible consequences if things aren’t handled well. Not largely enjoyable, pretty much awful situation from start to finish. In that regard, well written. I wasn’t connected to the characters anyway as I didn’t read the first two books properly. It was short, and written well for the length.
Why I Won’t Like It: Apocalypse books are not always interesting for me (pretty hit and miss), and when you add the Mayan element, I’m really unsure if this will be a book that will be too icky for me. I’m very uncertain, so I guess we’ll find out.
My Review
I read maybe three pages before I decided to give it up. I didn’t really have a desire to read this, knowing there would be some Christian themes, but also some mystical ones as well. End of the world, I wasn’t really interested in this kind of scenario – so I just decided to give up the fight before it began.
Why I Won’t Like It: This has an element of historical fiction buried into it. It’s not front and centre, but the first chapter certainly looks at it. There is a lawyer storyline throughout and while this can sometimes be interesting, it can sometimes be quite boring instead. So, I’m just not sure what to expect from this one.
My Review
Interesting swapping between war time and current day – though I was way more interesting In the current day lawyer storyline. It was clearly some kind of “origin story” but I honestly just wanted to see more about how they could use the gift in the current day lawyer space. Tons of focus into the old man and war time scenarios, but a nice amount too on current character relationships more so than cases. Some more heavy focus on that in the middle portion, then a random short detour towards the end that I would have loved to have seen explored more. Pretty bland modern day characters for such an interesting hook, though Frank was the most interesting and fleshed out one. He was also the one I was least interested in hearing from as I wanted the lawyer storyline, not war deserter fisherman one.
Why I Won’t Like It: I’ve tried to read this book a few times already. Middle East war books aren’t really my thing, but I do want to read this one. Again, we have an apocalypse type feel, so we’re already a few counts against this one. I’m still willing to give it a shot, so final chance, here we go.
My Review
Alright, I will admit that I cheated a little on this one. I didn’t actually pick it up and read it at all. I looked at it again, read the blurb and decided that I wasn’t going to enjoy this book, so I donated it and decided to spare myself from the read. I’m sure it’s amazing, well written, and definitely worth it for some, but just not me.
Why I Won’t Like It: I read the first book via audiobook, and wasn’t super impressed. It was fine, but nothing spectacular. And, as it appears a theme in this experiment, another end of the world theme – I guess I am not naturally drawn to this genre of story. Final chance to see if this second book in a series is for me, and if not we might have to forgo the final one in the series.
My Review
Started out finding this okay but not super engaging but the second half of it actually pulled me in quite a bit more. I was invested the further into this book we got, I just wish it came earlier. I think the discovery of the different ways people have adapted to the crazy new world was interesting. The quest was fine, though Shelby felt a little much at times (I’m not a mum though so I suppose it might be due to that).
Historical fiction is not my favourite genre, but sometimes I find myself flipping the pages on a few. I decided that since it was a rarity, I would share some of the historical fiction books I read to show the wins and losses.
I must admit, this book surprised me. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, but the characters were fun, the story quite good and even though it was a trifle similar to many other books written in the time period, I think it stood its ground. I didn’t enjoy some POV head hopping, and I would have liked an extended ending, but otherwise it was most enjoyable.
I’m at a loss for words. Even now, sitting and trying to process how to formulate my review, I find it challenging to explain my thoughts.
I loved Ted’s writing before sitting down with this story, but now I have a new appreciation. He writes with a depth that is seldom found; with a passion for identity, God, and forgiveness that so many should hear and experience. I was deeply affected by this book (in a good way), and so grateful that I came across it. I find this book to have two parts, so I’m going to review it as such.
PART ONE – MAVIAH’S QUEST I don’t read historical fiction, but this story blew my mind. I’m a Christian, so the time period with Jesus was of interest. The story of Maviah (and what brings her to part two with Yeshua), was action-packed! The language was written in a way that I would suspect from early AD, which I found added to the experience. A journey unlike any I could imagine through the desert, with a fear of being hunted. It was thrilling, exciting, and exasperating! I was emotionally hooked and intellectually intrigued by where the characters would go next. Ted has a way of writing such authentic female characters, and Maviah was no exception. I found her difficulties with her identity and station in life (at the time of early AD, with being a woman and outcast) written with such insight. We could never fully understand what this would have been like, but Ted did an incredible job. I LOVED Judah! He is a beautiful character. Finding the hope that was needed in their situation with such kindness and strength. The interactions/relationships with Judah, Saba, and Maviah were great!
PART TWO – MAVIAH & YESHUA The way Yeshua was written felt utterly real. If I can’t meet him face to face, this book gave me a glimpse into what it could have been like – and I was flawed! I came to tears in several moments, saw Jesus and his ministry/life in ways I didn’t consider and felt a deep connection to my Father in heaven through this introduction to a different side of Yeshua. Having heard the stories many times before, I saw them in a new light and with a new appreciation of everything that was to come for his story. I went on this journey with Maviah, and that was a great gift. To see Jesus in a way that I hadn’t before.
This book left me with a deep sense of acceptance and love that feels beyond words (although I’ve given it my best effort above). I hope you find/found a similar experience as you are exposed to the journey of Maviah and the teachings of Yeshua.
Pretty good story. I liked the romance in this book, the banter they had was quite fun. Satisfying resolution and I really liked the combination of historical fiction, mystery and romance.
I liked it. It was interesting, funny and had a touch of sweetness. It showed a strong woman without smashing you too hard over the head with feminism. I loved being able to see her just living her life without campaigning too heavily – so props for walking that line very well. The romance was cute. The mystery was pretty interesting. The theatre element was nice.
This book utterly destroyed me in the best way. It was beautifully written, held a lot of lovely insight into the potential life in Egypt while the plagues were happening, and relationships in those contexts. I was enthralled and challenged in all the best ways.
Some books just hit you in face and never stop reminding you that they are amazing stories, characters, or really anything else that you recall on a regular.
These are those stories. This is a list of books I will never stop recommending, because they were so impactful, that I wish everyone could enjoy them too.
The outcast daughter of one of the most powerful Bedouin sheikhs in Arabia, Maviah is called on to protect the very people who rejected her. When their enemies launch a sudden attack with devastating consequences, Maviah escapes with the help of two of her father’s warriors–Saba who speaks more with is sword than his voice and Judah, a Jew who comes from a tribe that can read the stars. Their journey will be fraught with terrible danger. If they can survive the vast forbidding sands of a desert that is deadly to most, they will reach a brutal world subjugated by kings and emperors. There Maviah must secure an unlikely alliance with King Herod of the Jews.
But Maviah’s path leads her unexpectedly to another man. An enigmatic teacher who speaks of a way in this life which offers greater power than any kingdom. His name is Yeshua, and his words turn everything known on its head. Though following him may present even greater danger, his may be the only way for Maviah to save her people–and herself.
Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for—her Choosing ceremony—would end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.
But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. The whispers contradict everything she’s been told; yet they resonate deep within. Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, but she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.
Christian missionary Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. A curious message from her grandfather leads Abby to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out.
But a larger threat looms. The world’s leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether.
As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father’s unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity.
Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that’s obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she’s made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she’s chosen. She’s still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she’s not sure she can write anymore. She’s beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a “scandalous” book. And the fact that she’s falling in love with her pastor doesn’t make things any easier.
Jack Carlson is dreading a class presentation when he suddenly finds himself transported to the Hadley Academy, a secret institution that tracks teens with unlikely gifts and trains them to protect the world from an unseen squad of killers. But Jack isn’t the only one who doesn’t know what he’s doing at Hadley. Despite indications that he is the one prophesied to end the ancient Reaper War, Jack appears to have no extraordinary abilities.
So when dark, mysterious forces grow, Hadley is in a confused panic. Much to everyone’s dismay, humanity seems to depend on Jack and his new teammates. Can Hadley’s rawest recruits push past personal struggles and enormous doubts, develop their dormant powers, and stop the spreading evil? And are they willing to commit to Hadley’s motto, “One Life for Many,” and make the ultimate sacrifice? The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted might be just the place for Jack after all.
Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.
His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone. Or does he?
In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.
But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves. Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer before it’s too late
Everyone in my family has killed someone. Some of us, the high achievers, have killed more than once. I’m not trying to be dramatic, but it is the truth. Some of us are good, others are bad, and some just unfortunate.
I’m Ernest Cunningham. Call me Ern or Ernie. I wish I’d killed whoever decided our family reunion should be at a ski resort, but it’s a little more complicated than that. Have I killed someone? Yes. I have. Who was it? Let’s get started.
Snapshot is a Science Fiction detective story following Anthony Davis, a cop assigned to Snapshot Duty. In this vivid world that author Brandon Sanderson has built, society can create a snapshot of a specific day in time. The experiences people have, the paths they follow—all of them are real again for a one day in the snapshot. All for the purposes of investigation by the court.
Davis’s job as a cop on Snapshot Duty is straight forward. Sometimes he is tasked with finding where a criminal dumped a weapon. Sometimes he is tasked with documenting domestic disputes. Simple. Mundane. One day, in between two snapshot assignments, Davis decides to investigate the memory of a call that was mysteriously never logged at the precinct, and he makes a horrifying discovery.
Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation. When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.
Choosing to flee with the Hebrews, Kiya finds herself reliant on a strange God and drawn to a man who despises her people. With everything she’s ever known swept away and now facing the trials of the desert, will she turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?
I loved these books enough to recommend them over and over to people (depending on what that person likes to read, of course), and I am so glad that I found them.
What books have you read that absolutely shattered you, never leave you, or are the first ones that come to mind when you need to recommend something to people?
books that have people working in television, going on television or even just venting about television are something special. we all watch it, but do we think about the behind the scenes? well… i got a chance to read some stories that have a theme or focus on people who work in tv and movies, and here are the results.
Enemies to lovers, a mountain small town, broadcast journalists and some amazing banter… yeah this one had it all and more.
The laugh out loud one liners that always accompany Bethany’s books were on point, with two characters that were like oil and water… sort of. Biting back and forth in a hilarious exchange (particularly Sebastian’s side) we followed their relationship from first first exchange to last. From Brynn’s attempt to gain back the trust of a whole nation from a live television slip up, to Seb’s mysterious past and current responsibilities, these two and the people around them were a great combination.
While Sebastian was my favourite of the two characters – having just a bit more likability than Bryn – I enjoyed the development of all. The plot moves smoothly and we got a lovely ending to boot!
Brynn and Sebastian May hate each other, but I loved them 🙂
Interesting look into Hollywood from a Christian perspective. Simultaneously we get a storyline about two girls at college and trying to work stuff out, figure out their own faith and whether they are missing out on what the world has to offer, or if it would really end in a disaster.
I loved the movie making stuff, but the story about the girls I could have skipped. It felt like two completely different books to be honest.
There was also surprised sexual assault happening so be aware if that’s a trigger for you. Not what I was expecting from this book to be honest.
Some serious topics were explored and they were okay. It did make the book a little heavier, especially in certain moments, but a lot of people are too scared to even go near some of that stuff so props for that.
Quick and easy to get through. Funny and meaningful moments scattered through wounds and attraction that all parties are trying to fight. For no reason at all. Forgiveness is hard to come by, but a slow burn romance during an across the world competition was the perfect place to be thrown together and figure it out. In front of reality tv cameras and “the world” when it airs. I liked it, and felt the character development for well within the plot and country hopping. It was nice to see and hear about various countries and places, and characters were likeable enough – though I did find Millie more likeable overall.
Funny, engaging and sometimes frustrating. Fake fiancés, the wake of reality TV drama and coming to terms with your life, romance and faith – this book had it all. There was a even a small mystery to ferret out, so nothing lacking.
The banter was fun, the characters feisty and romance cute. I hate miscommunication and there was a bit of that, I also find it frustrating when people refuse to forgive just because they feel like being mad some more, but all in all, it was pretty good.
The ending felt… missing. Stilted. It was a little unusual and left a lot of open ended questions (especially for a stand alone book). However, it was enjoyable and had me laughing aloud and close to throwing things against the wall on more than one occasion.
A really great look into not only dating in the craziness of celebrity, but with a heart that wants to stay true to Gods ways within relationship. Fake dating is always a fun trope and this threw a cool twist in the mix. I loved the Christian themes that were touched throughout, not just about relationships with each other, but with God too. I can see the sequels now and I’m excited for them. I think that Toni has an incredible way of giving a funny, inspiring and really depth filled story. Love it!
well, i know there are so many more, even in my own collection (i see you “waiting for tom hanks”) but that’s what you get for now. have you read any others recently that you loved? tell me what they were.
Okay, sometimes I admit that I am not good at reading series in order. For the most part even when a book is AMAZING it can be difficult for me to jump back into the character’s world and continued plot.
So, I decided to rapid fire (kind of) sequels to some of the series that I had started… let’s go!
A lot darker than the first. Little to no hope throughout was a theme. Dark emotions, dark choices, refusal to let go and revenge and darkness the guiding force in pretty much all characters. Powers are interesting, and it makes the fighting great. Just wish the characters were a little more likeable and a little less of a combined whine and bloodthirsty mess.
No overarching plot, mostly mini stories of characters who have a slow burn style relationship over mostly letters on multiple deployments. I think I got it all in that sentence.
While I didn’t mind the characters and the mini stories were pretty interesting, I am a plot person and there wasn’t one. The blurb made it seem to be something we could latch onto but it took most of the book to get there and it was really anti climactic.
While I could appreciate the military stuff for a while, without a plot to anchor it, I lost interest fast. There are definitely things to like in here, but it just wasn’t my pacing or style enough to enjoy it.
Fear is the real enemy to freedom.. that’s what this book focussed on. After the first book, this one was disappointing. The danger didn’t feel as extreme, I don’t like time gaps, and I wasn’t as connected to Remko as I was with Carrington in the first book. The ending was…. Conflicting. I know why it was written that way, but I don’t quite buy it. I also hate that the next book has a HUGE time jump (two decades). The lessons were great, and deep understanding was good. For me, it just wasn’t enough to raise my rating like the first book did.
11 months after reading the first (Raiders From The Sea)
Boring. I was so bored. First book we had some action pushing things forward, but this was just a few different POVs of running through the forest and avoiding the people chasing you. I was bored. Not a huge historical fiction person and this period with Vikings and stuff is not my fav either. I lied these books as a kid, but I can’t really remember why. A little sad that I didn’t enjoy it but it was quick and the first book was better.
DNF halfway with a skip to the end. HUGE and very serious trigger warnings: Suicide (graphic), pedophelia, child abuse, murder/death, injury detail, violence. I jumped to the end curious to know the solution before planning to continue but had already slugged through a graphic suicide description, so was already on edge. When I read some of the ending I didn’t even finish, and put it aside disgusted. Honestly, good job by the author for making me so uncomfortable and icky feeling that I couldn’t even read it, but I was officially done at this point.
The first book was really a regular kid figuring out he was a guardian angel in training, and what such a different life and calling really looked like. Exploring all the amazing spiritual things he had no idea had been around him the whole time. This second one continues his “training” (even though the teachers he encounters don’t actually teach them anything and basically leave him and his fellow trainees flapping in the wind) but it didn’t have the same feel. There was still a fascinating story, filled with amazing beings that you only read about in pages of scripture, but there was also a lack of growth for me. These angels were left to basically figure everything out themselves, a massive hurdle is placed in front of our main character and yet, there is almost no support that we see in most of the pages. The draw to these stories is the same as book 1, but the follow through felt weaker. Like we aren’t given as much information as we should have been. I still enjoyed the ride, don’t get me wrong, but some of this was so frustrating that I got pulled out of the story.
3.5 years after reading the first (Defier:The Girl Who Stood)
Ummmm, how do I say all the things I want to..? I’m just going to info dump it all in this review I suppose.
I still maintain that this story had so much potential! It was a while since I’d read the first so it took me a while to remember everyone, but once I did… oh boy.
I like the character of Lennox, her journey at the Sparrow compound learning everything would have easily fit into the first book. I don’t know what exactly our third book climax is leading towards, except for one very obvious plot point.
Our villain didn’t feel deserved. I don’t understand how this one guy is the “big bad” at all. He’s basically a bully with money.. how is that a superior villain? It’s not.
The writing, I finally realised, is a big problem for me. There are VERY well written sequences – particularly within the action that goes on – but most of this book reads like it was written by an absolute novice writer. Phrases that are amateur at best are littered throughout this book. I’ve read great writers and not so great, and I’m sad to say this one falls in the category of writing that just isn’t good. It needed severe work before it was published in my opinion. It’s not even writing style that I’m objecting to, it just reads like a first draft, which is not what you want.
The parts where we all of a sudden talk very seriously about God were so out of place, I didn’t know what to do with them. It wasn’t weaved in nicely, it was slammed in the middle of a scene and shoved down your throat. Like I said in my review of the first book, I love Christian fiction but his wasn’t hitting over the line for me.
The general plot of this second book was pretty interesting, but it was wrapped up in so much poor writing and cliche lines that it was almost impossible to keep track of a thread that kept me engaged.
I’m so disappointed in these comments because again… it has so much POTENTIAL to be an amazing story. So much. It just didn’t make it through the pages. If this had gone through maybe another four or five draft passes, heavy content editing and revisions, it could have been great.
Well, that was certainly interesting. Mostly, it was easy to recall where things had left off, but some of those were harder to pick up after reading (especially when it had been quite a while since the first one was read!).
I’m sure there are more, but hopefully I can keep going with the series above so I can flip the page on the stories above!
I am a musician and there’s just something about a book that calls to me from a musical standpoint. so, i decided to look at books that did just that – fiction stories that were about music! Let’s see how they did.
Fun ride. Basically like that movie “I Spy” but instead of a boxer, it’s a singer, and instead of a buddy cop drama it’s a romance… sort of. I actually really liked the story and how they folded in the characters together. Some of it had to suspend my disbelief, but what else is new 😂 There were parts that felt like even in the world of these characters wasn’t realistic or believable. For me, I also felt the flashback memories of the characters pulled me out of the story and slammed me back in just by saying “the memory faded” over and over. I would have liked maybe a smoother way to bring these across. It was quite witty and I did like the dynamic of the two main characters. I actually appreciated the ending (don’t come for me!) but there was also a bitter sweet feeling across the entire book. Lots of grief and traumatic background to propel the characters forward.
This had elements that could have been good if the main characters weren’t so insufferable. What kind of grown ass woman let’s her mother run her life and take away her phone, not tell her how much money she’s making or even where they are going and what shows they booked until the last minute, chose her outfits and not say a single damn word? None that I know. Intellectually I can understand if you’ve lived under someone your whole life, it would be difficult to break out of that – but she’s married with a kid! And nobody is saying nothin? Heck no! It made no sense. I was excited for the singer on the road aspect, interested to see how that would affect a husband and child left behind, but Travis seemed like a spineless whiner, and Destynee was a personality-less blob. I don’t know why we had a Christmas countdown when the story had basically nothing to do with it. The ranch sections, personally I found to be quite boring. The story is about two people in a marriage but there’s zero romance in here, and they spend the whole book apart. There was so much about this book that either didn’t make sense or didn’t seem to fit.
It wouldn’t be a Karen Kingsbury book without drama, drama, drama. This kind was pretty good though. A look into the darker side of a singing/talent show, and how it changes you even with the best of intentions. POVs from a start eyed and well intentioned contestant, a former winner who wants to let newbies in on the potential pitfalls of fame, and a judge who felt the call of God but ignored it for fame and is trying to find her way back. We saw a few more people too, but these were really the main focuses of the book, and it was an eye opening experience. I do believe this is largely the experience of people chasing fame. We weren’t designed to be worshiped or put on pedestals, and this kind of story happens all the time. It felt real, heart strings were tugged and frustrated exclamations uttered out loud.
A combination of a Little Mermaid and Ruth from the Bible story mashup. I like how Melanie does this combination, and thought it actually worked really well together. It was nice to see how the story points from Little Mermaid were going to be incorporated (like having no voice), and it was quite a good story all up.
Good look into the K Pop world – dealing with double standards and really high expectations and sacrifices for following your dreams. I liked the story, though the ending was a bit of a let down (a quick read of the second book also doesn’t seem worth picking up for me). I liked it overall
While I do enjoy seeing a behind the scenes look, or understand another creative and musical persons motivations and process, these books seem to be a little hit and miss for me. Even so, I will always be drawn to a book about music in some way just like others are drawn to books and stories about sports heroes or entertainment. We like what we like.
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