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Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated The Glasshouse (Lavender Shores #6) in Books
Apr 24, 2018
love love LOVE this series!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 6 in the series, but you don't need to have read there other books to follow this one. They can all be read as stand alones. But they are all 4 and 5 star reviews, from me!
I keep flipping from 4 to 5 stars and back to four again, and I have no idea why I keep crossing the numbers out at the top of the page, so gonna split the difference and call it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for the blog!
A little bit more of an emotional read, this one. I felt for Harrison, I really did. I cried for him when he runs, first from Will then from Adrian. And cheered for him when he finds himself, after being someone else for everyone for so very long.
But equally, Adrian wrecks your heart too! While he fights for what he feels for Harrison in the beginning, then letting it all out and going all in, and when he was waiting for Harrison to come back to him. Oh Lord, the waiting was painful!
Harrison's brother Jasper plays a huge part here, and I think he should get a story too. Adrian's brother too, but to a lesser degree. He needs a happy ever after though, after such loss. OH!! Did I see that one being laid out?? Maybe not, we'll see!
But my overwhelming feeling (and ya'll know I'm all about sharing the feelings!) is that I want, no, I NEED the story of Adrian's uncles, Alex and Alan. Alex' diary was found in one of the couples (I forget which) house when they are remodeling. Adrian references Alex' diary here, and I so desperately want to hear their story. Although members of the Founding Families, they didn't have it as easy as the guys in Lavender Shores do now. I think THEIR story would be a welcome addition to this series.
As I read each one of these books, I find once I start, I cannot stop and I have read most of them in one sitting. They aren't short books, some 300 pages but everything just grinds to a halt when I start. So, please, keep them coming!
Ah stuff it!
5 full and shiny stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhe
This is book 6 in the series, but you don't need to have read there other books to follow this one. They can all be read as stand alones. But they are all 4 and 5 star reviews, from me!
I keep flipping from 4 to 5 stars and back to four again, and I have no idea why I keep crossing the numbers out at the top of the page, so gonna split the difference and call it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for the blog!
A little bit more of an emotional read, this one. I felt for Harrison, I really did. I cried for him when he runs, first from Will then from Adrian. And cheered for him when he finds himself, after being someone else for everyone for so very long.
But equally, Adrian wrecks your heart too! While he fights for what he feels for Harrison in the beginning, then letting it all out and going all in, and when he was waiting for Harrison to come back to him. Oh Lord, the waiting was painful!
Harrison's brother Jasper plays a huge part here, and I think he should get a story too. Adrian's brother too, but to a lesser degree. He needs a happy ever after though, after such loss. OH!! Did I see that one being laid out?? Maybe not, we'll see!
But my overwhelming feeling (and ya'll know I'm all about sharing the feelings!) is that I want, no, I NEED the story of Adrian's uncles, Alex and Alan. Alex' diary was found in one of the couples (I forget which) house when they are remodeling. Adrian references Alex' diary here, and I so desperately want to hear their story. Although members of the Founding Families, they didn't have it as easy as the guys in Lavender Shores do now. I think THEIR story would be a welcome addition to this series.
As I read each one of these books, I find once I start, I cannot stop and I have read most of them in one sitting. They aren't short books, some 300 pages but everything just grinds to a halt when I start. So, please, keep them coming!
Ah stuff it!
5 full and shiny stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhe
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Spirit Bound in Books
Feb 11, 2019
My first big surprise in this book was Rose actually taking Adrian's interest in her seriously, especially since I know that she is still head-over-heels in love with Dimitri, no matter his present state. This boggled my mind from cover to cover, even though I do like Adrian, but I am guessing she did it at first to honor her deal with him. Later on it became obvious that she does have real feelings for him - so the question is, what about Dimitri? I guess this becomes another Team Dimitri vs. Team Adrian. I don't think I am going to choose a side on this one, I'm just going to grab the final book in the series, Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, Book 6), as soon as it hits the shelves!
In other matters, I found it a bit unreal how fast and easily that Dimitri was able to track Rose - I would have liked to know some of the details behind that, such as how extensive Dimitri's connections are in the Strigoi world. Lissa's connection with Dimitri is intriguing, even though it is non-magical, especially since it so strongly resembles a parental role. What I immediately started wondering after that event is why isn't anyone notifying Dimitri's family, expecially Rose? Queen Tatiana makes me think of a grown-up version of Mia, before she became Rose's friend. I wish I understood more of her motives for what she does throughout this book, since it seems like she goes back and forth between tolerating Rose and hating her. I could be completely off-base on this, but I keep getting the feeling that Lissa is/was being groomed to inherit Tatiana's title. With the way that many of the Moroi and Dhampirs view Lissa as a goddess, it would certainly fit. Also, by the end of the book, it seems that Rose has all but forgotten about the escaped convict, Victor Dashkov. Maybe she just thinks that the "authorities" would handle him?
Wow, so I had a lot of questions while reading this book, but that's only because I really enjoyed it, and I am anxious to read the last one to get them answered! I read the first five books back-to-back and ugh, I really hate waiting!
In other matters, I found it a bit unreal how fast and easily that Dimitri was able to track Rose - I would have liked to know some of the details behind that, such as how extensive Dimitri's connections are in the Strigoi world. Lissa's connection with Dimitri is intriguing, even though it is non-magical, especially since it so strongly resembles a parental role. What I immediately started wondering after that event is why isn't anyone notifying Dimitri's family, expecially Rose? Queen Tatiana makes me think of a grown-up version of Mia, before she became Rose's friend. I wish I understood more of her motives for what she does throughout this book, since it seems like she goes back and forth between tolerating Rose and hating her. I could be completely off-base on this, but I keep getting the feeling that Lissa is/was being groomed to inherit Tatiana's title. With the way that many of the Moroi and Dhampirs view Lissa as a goddess, it would certainly fit. Also, by the end of the book, it seems that Rose has all but forgotten about the escaped convict, Victor Dashkov. Maybe she just thinks that the "authorities" would handle him?
Wow, so I had a lot of questions while reading this book, but that's only because I really enjoyed it, and I am anxious to read the last one to get them answered! I read the first five books back-to-back and ugh, I really hate waiting!
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I don't like Keenan right from the start. I get that he's in this political struggle and the only way he can be free is by effectively trapping a mortal to be his queen, but he fails completely in effectively getting anyone with any sense to actually like him. He's a jerk! The book makes little attempt at hiding the fact that he sleeps around with all of the "Summer Girls," and he knows how good-looking he is and uses that to such extremes that I kind of think that the Winter Girl is in the better position here. On the other hand, Seth is like the perfect guy in many ways - if you don't mind the tattoos and piercings. He's incredibly attentive to Aislinn's moods and needs, waiting months and months for her to even notice that he had feelings for her when he apparently could have had lots of other girls and chose not to. Chivalrous is how I would describe him, something that is not a common trait among young men nowadays.
Now as for the sexual conduct in this book, I would not want my girls to read this as teenagers simply because of how casually it is treated. The only reason this book would fit in the genre of Young Adult is because the characters are all "young adults." But the thing is, there are so many people my age and older who read this genre that this book would be more appropriately marketed as a YA for the "young at heart." Okay, off my soap-box now.
I really did love this book, I don't remember the last time I read a novel that so effectively put the fairy tales of old in the modern era. And making the fey both frightening and untrustworthy is much more realistic, instead of the Disney-fied literature that is common for young children. The romantic aspect also has some elements that deviate from the norm, since Aislinn prefers the mortal to the gorgeous, powerful fey. She also believes in saving herself instead of just being the "damsel in distress," which boosts her image even more with me. While this book revolved around the Summer and Winter Courts, the next book, Ink Exchange, is about the Dark Court, so that should be interesting.
Now as for the sexual conduct in this book, I would not want my girls to read this as teenagers simply because of how casually it is treated. The only reason this book would fit in the genre of Young Adult is because the characters are all "young adults." But the thing is, there are so many people my age and older who read this genre that this book would be more appropriately marketed as a YA for the "young at heart." Okay, off my soap-box now.
I really did love this book, I don't remember the last time I read a novel that so effectively put the fairy tales of old in the modern era. And making the fey both frightening and untrustworthy is much more realistic, instead of the Disney-fied literature that is common for young children. The romantic aspect also has some elements that deviate from the norm, since Aislinn prefers the mortal to the gorgeous, powerful fey. She also believes in saving herself instead of just being the "damsel in distress," which boosts her image even more with me. While this book revolved around the Summer and Winter Courts, the next book, Ink Exchange, is about the Dark Court, so that should be interesting.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Portable Veblen in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Okay, I admit it, I was totally drawn in by the cute squirrel on the cover thinking it'd be a quirky book. The description seconded that notion and sounded interesting so I was all in. While the book is easy to read (mostly) and has some interesting characters and situations, it has its problems and ended up just being an okay read.
The story centers around Veblen, a temporary secretary and amateur Norwegian translator who hides her wounds and feelings of inadequacy with optimism, mediation, and oh yeah, she talks to squirrels, mainly one in particular. Along with her is her fiancee, Paul, a neurologist on the verge of a breakthrough with a device he patented that could prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Joining them in their journey are their dysfunctional families. I really felt sorry for Veblen growing up and enduring her narcissitic, hypochondriac mother; she was a piece of work, but I do think she really cared for Veblen. On the other hand, I thought Paul's parents seemed very nice and I mostly found Paul to be somewhat of an ass and priggish. While he changes by the end, it didn't feel very authentic as it seemed as if it happened a little too hastily, even with the circumstances. The parts with Paul at his work were mostly boring and definitely way too long. While I see how it could add to the whole consumerism angle, it didn't add to the overall book and could have been trimmed. The squirrel didn't play as big a part as I thought it would, but the little parts were sweet and added a little magic to the book. Also, the illustrations and pictures in the book were a nice touch and the appendices were cute.
I liked the book as a whole but felt like it was two stories that would have been better off split into two separate entities. Mostly, it was a study on dysfunctional families and coming to terms with pieces of your life that weren't happy and accepting what cannot be changed. The book is not nearly as funny as the description led me to believe and I more found it amusing and/or cute. Basically, it was more dramedy than anything. I don't regret reading it, as it was entertaining, but not something I'd read again.
<i>3.5 stars</i>
Received to review through Amazon Vine.
The story centers around Veblen, a temporary secretary and amateur Norwegian translator who hides her wounds and feelings of inadequacy with optimism, mediation, and oh yeah, she talks to squirrels, mainly one in particular. Along with her is her fiancee, Paul, a neurologist on the verge of a breakthrough with a device he patented that could prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Joining them in their journey are their dysfunctional families. I really felt sorry for Veblen growing up and enduring her narcissitic, hypochondriac mother; she was a piece of work, but I do think she really cared for Veblen. On the other hand, I thought Paul's parents seemed very nice and I mostly found Paul to be somewhat of an ass and priggish. While he changes by the end, it didn't feel very authentic as it seemed as if it happened a little too hastily, even with the circumstances. The parts with Paul at his work were mostly boring and definitely way too long. While I see how it could add to the whole consumerism angle, it didn't add to the overall book and could have been trimmed. The squirrel didn't play as big a part as I thought it would, but the little parts were sweet and added a little magic to the book. Also, the illustrations and pictures in the book were a nice touch and the appendices were cute.
I liked the book as a whole but felt like it was two stories that would have been better off split into two separate entities. Mostly, it was a study on dysfunctional families and coming to terms with pieces of your life that weren't happy and accepting what cannot be changed. The book is not nearly as funny as the description led me to believe and I more found it amusing and/or cute. Basically, it was more dramedy than anything. I don't regret reading it, as it was entertaining, but not something I'd read again.
<i>3.5 stars</i>
Received to review through Amazon Vine.
I didn't just love this book. I loved this book. It's moving. This book isn't just a biography of Rory Feek's life. It's the story of a true love, that will last beyond death. A love that is strong and unbreakable no matter the circumstance. It is a book that left me smiling, and left me with tears. This is a book that will be with me forever and I will turn to it many times over.
As a woman who is married to her best friend, I couldn't imagine going through what Rory did with Joey. I wouldn't be able to stay strong and move on. It would be too heart shattering, in my opinion. But, through reading Rory's story, I know I can do it. I know I can remember the good things, the fun times, the inspiring moments that my best friend left me with. Rory's story is filled with hope and faith. The way he talks about Joey is incredibly moving and I loved feeling a part of his life, if just for a little bit.
Reading this book, however, opened new feelings for me! I followed this story closely, especially since my husband knew Joey and Rory somewhat for a time, having bounced at the Longbranch in Raleigh, NC where a lot of country singers got their start. I followed the singers' story, how Joey was battling her cancer but determined to live life a certain way. I followed the pictures of their beautiful family and sweet baby girl! I was utterly devastated when I read of Joey's death, and sweet little Indie with out a mama! Oh how my heart ached for them all. But, the words that Rory penned in this book truly helped me to see life in a new way. Truly inspiring!
I highly recommend this book to all with 5 stars and nothing less. It's a story of one man's journey with the love of his life and their struggles with battling her terminal cancer. It's a story of one man's faith in God. It's a story that is truly amazing and you will definitely need a few tissues as you read through these beautifully written pages. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/booklookblogger-review-this-life-i-live-by-rory-feek/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
As a woman who is married to her best friend, I couldn't imagine going through what Rory did with Joey. I wouldn't be able to stay strong and move on. It would be too heart shattering, in my opinion. But, through reading Rory's story, I know I can do it. I know I can remember the good things, the fun times, the inspiring moments that my best friend left me with. Rory's story is filled with hope and faith. The way he talks about Joey is incredibly moving and I loved feeling a part of his life, if just for a little bit.
Reading this book, however, opened new feelings for me! I followed this story closely, especially since my husband knew Joey and Rory somewhat for a time, having bounced at the Longbranch in Raleigh, NC where a lot of country singers got their start. I followed the singers' story, how Joey was battling her cancer but determined to live life a certain way. I followed the pictures of their beautiful family and sweet baby girl! I was utterly devastated when I read of Joey's death, and sweet little Indie with out a mama! Oh how my heart ached for them all. But, the words that Rory penned in this book truly helped me to see life in a new way. Truly inspiring!
I highly recommend this book to all with 5 stars and nothing less. It's a story of one man's journey with the love of his life and their struggles with battling her terminal cancer. It's a story of one man's faith in God. It's a story that is truly amazing and you will definitely need a few tissues as you read through these beautifully written pages. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/booklookblogger-review-this-life-i-live-by-rory-feek/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Leaving Time in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Jenna Metcalf is thirteen years old and more than anything, she wants to find her mother, Dr. Alice Metcalf. Alice is a doctor who studies the behavior of elephants, specifically, grief. She goes missing when Jenna is just three years old and there was a tragic accident at the Elephant Sanctuary where they lived and that her parents owned/worked. Jenna doesn't believe that her mother would have ever left her behind, so she enlists the help of Serenity Jones, a once famous psychic who helped to find missing people and Virgil Stanhope, a private detective, who was on the police force and was a part of the investigation of the accident at the Sanctuary. With their help, will Jenna be able to find her mother? And when she does, will she be disappointed by what she finds?
I have enjoyed reading Jodi Picoult novels for a long time. They always leave me with different kinds of emotions. Some happy, some sad, sometimes confused. Leaving Time was no exception. I felt a connection to each character. With Jenna, I felt sadness of the loss of her mother and her plight to find her. For Alice, a felt compassion for her work and the situation she was living in. For Serenity, I'm not quite sure my feelings about her, but she was a caring force in Jenna's life. For Virgil, it was pity, that he was unable to get his life together and accomplish his goals.
Listening to this book I was intrigued by the subject matter. Based on the idea that "an elephant never forgets" it was fascinating to learn about how elephants interact with humans and with each other, especially after they suffer a loss. A lot how we as humans grieve. This is another book that will make you think and keep you on your toes, covering subject matters of wildlife, mental illness and supernatural abilities. In the last 5% of the book there was a twist that I didn't see coming and it made me rethink everything I had just read/listened to. This is why Jodi Picoult is one of my favorites.
My favorite line from the book: "...there was a tear in the fabric I was made of and he was the only color thread that would match to stitch it back up."
I have enjoyed reading Jodi Picoult novels for a long time. They always leave me with different kinds of emotions. Some happy, some sad, sometimes confused. Leaving Time was no exception. I felt a connection to each character. With Jenna, I felt sadness of the loss of her mother and her plight to find her. For Alice, a felt compassion for her work and the situation she was living in. For Serenity, I'm not quite sure my feelings about her, but she was a caring force in Jenna's life. For Virgil, it was pity, that he was unable to get his life together and accomplish his goals.
Listening to this book I was intrigued by the subject matter. Based on the idea that "an elephant never forgets" it was fascinating to learn about how elephants interact with humans and with each other, especially after they suffer a loss. A lot how we as humans grieve. This is another book that will make you think and keep you on your toes, covering subject matters of wildlife, mental illness and supernatural abilities. In the last 5% of the book there was a twist that I didn't see coming and it made me rethink everything I had just read/listened to. This is why Jodi Picoult is one of my favorites.
My favorite line from the book: "...there was a tear in the fabric I was made of and he was the only color thread that would match to stitch it back up."
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated Baby Teeth in Books
May 11, 2019
Was in my top 20 reads of 2018
Oh wow. Where do I even begin? I had heard so many great things about this book I just had to see what all the fuss was about… They weren’t wrong at all. What a bloody brilliant book! Amazing to think this is Zojes debut. WOW! Literally amazing, outstanding. This book will be going straight into my top 20 of 2018! A well deserved five stars. A must read. A must buy.
It’s not often a book takes over my life but this one did and must have been one of the quickest books I’ve ever read. I well and truelly devoured it. I was hooked. I was captured by these pages. I haven’t read anything similar to this story before either. This book hit me hard especially as I have a little girl myself.
Hanna has to be one of the most nastiest, evil, manipulative, clever and twisted child/character I have ever read! I couldn’t even begin to think how I could cope with a child like that poor Suzette. Suzette is one strong character and mother I wouldn’t be able to deal with what she did. She handled herself very well under the circumstances but sometimes I felt she went a bit too far with her responses.
This book will have you divided feeling angry, upset and shocked for the most part but towards the end you start to feel sorry for Hanna and the family, shocker I know but that soon turns back into anger don’t worry! So yes, this book will mess with your feelings A LOT. Just when you think things can’t possible get worse… THEY DO!
This is a book that you won’t be able to put down at all. You will want to read this in one sitting! A real page turner with shock after shock. I can’t stress enough how much you should read this and let me know what you think… previously published under the title Baby Teeth. I look forward to more by Zoje Stage in the future but the expectations are going to be hard to beat after this one. Brilliant.
Is Hanna just one misunderstood child? How would you have dealt with the circumstances in this book?
It’s not often a book takes over my life but this one did and must have been one of the quickest books I’ve ever read. I well and truelly devoured it. I was hooked. I was captured by these pages. I haven’t read anything similar to this story before either. This book hit me hard especially as I have a little girl myself.
Hanna has to be one of the most nastiest, evil, manipulative, clever and twisted child/character I have ever read! I couldn’t even begin to think how I could cope with a child like that poor Suzette. Suzette is one strong character and mother I wouldn’t be able to deal with what she did. She handled herself very well under the circumstances but sometimes I felt she went a bit too far with her responses.
This book will have you divided feeling angry, upset and shocked for the most part but towards the end you start to feel sorry for Hanna and the family, shocker I know but that soon turns back into anger don’t worry! So yes, this book will mess with your feelings A LOT. Just when you think things can’t possible get worse… THEY DO!
This is a book that you won’t be able to put down at all. You will want to read this in one sitting! A real page turner with shock after shock. I can’t stress enough how much you should read this and let me know what you think… previously published under the title Baby Teeth. I look forward to more by Zoje Stage in the future but the expectations are going to be hard to beat after this one. Brilliant.
Is Hanna just one misunderstood child? How would you have dealt with the circumstances in this book?
TheBookMother (105 KP) rated Because You'll Never Meet Me in Books
May 13, 2019
Electric charged teen angst meets Stranger Things sci fi
We've all heard that it is easier to tell a stranger something than it is your own family before but Because We'll Never Meet takes this onto a unique new level.
Ollie and Moritz are introduced as penpals and we find out they both have very special gifts that connects them together.
Throughout the story we begin to find out more about their interesting lives such as Ollie being allergic to electric and living in the woods, and Moritz being somewhat of a Daredevil character who has no eyes but can read and see despite this.
We begin to learn about their lives and the complex emotions that they are battling alongside the normal teenage angst.
Both are very isolated and alone with only each other for comfort. They each give one another a purpose in writing letters.
They find solace in one another and it really is endearing how they encourage and empower one another and confess their deepest darkest feelings that they feel they cannot speak to anyone else about.
The plot comes to a head when Moritz reveals how the boys are connected and there fall out on both sides changes both of the boys' lives forever.
You cannot help but love the characters and the humour element is one that is quite surprising but makes for a great read.
The hints towards how the boys' are connected is present throughout which makes you want to find out more and more.
I really did enjoy the book and it did remind me slightly of Stranger Things with a sci fi experiment feel to it and I very much appreciated the Marvel / superhero references.
This book highlights and brings home the troubles of finding yourself and where you fit in as a teenager but also that you shouldn't be ashamed of who you are no matter how different you may be.
It is fairly different from what I've read recently and I thoroughly enjoyed how the author set the tone and pace of the book.
It is certainly worth a read and makes you think twice about things we all likely take for granted everyday such as friendship, sight and electricity!
Ollie and Moritz are introduced as penpals and we find out they both have very special gifts that connects them together.
Throughout the story we begin to find out more about their interesting lives such as Ollie being allergic to electric and living in the woods, and Moritz being somewhat of a Daredevil character who has no eyes but can read and see despite this.
We begin to learn about their lives and the complex emotions that they are battling alongside the normal teenage angst.
Both are very isolated and alone with only each other for comfort. They each give one another a purpose in writing letters.
They find solace in one another and it really is endearing how they encourage and empower one another and confess their deepest darkest feelings that they feel they cannot speak to anyone else about.
The plot comes to a head when Moritz reveals how the boys are connected and there fall out on both sides changes both of the boys' lives forever.
You cannot help but love the characters and the humour element is one that is quite surprising but makes for a great read.
The hints towards how the boys' are connected is present throughout which makes you want to find out more and more.
I really did enjoy the book and it did remind me slightly of Stranger Things with a sci fi experiment feel to it and I very much appreciated the Marvel / superhero references.
This book highlights and brings home the troubles of finding yourself and where you fit in as a teenager but also that you shouldn't be ashamed of who you are no matter how different you may be.
It is fairly different from what I've read recently and I thoroughly enjoyed how the author set the tone and pace of the book.
It is certainly worth a read and makes you think twice about things we all likely take for granted everyday such as friendship, sight and electricity!
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) created a post
May 28, 2019
Bee (0 KP) rated Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen in Books
Jan 29, 2018
Let me start by saying I did not like Clariel. My favourite character, by far, was Belatiel.
My issues with Clariel stemmed from her selfish nature and the lack of positive thoughts she had for her parents. I understand her feelings in some regards, her mother was barely there, but her father did his best and she looked down at him constantly. I suppose this is reminiscent of young people thinking they know better than their parents and to see it written down makes it all the more infuriating.
I understood her need to go back to Estwael, but I was hoping for a change of character after her parents were murdered. This didn't happen. Instead, she continued to think selfishly and expected everyone else to avenge her parents while she lived out her dreams in the forest. It was only after her Aunt Lemmin was arrested for no reason did Clariel change her mind, and even then, when she saw the Clayr marching to the castle, she became selfish again and wanted to leave it all to them to deal with. This didn't sit right with me, as she'd had nothing but high praise for her Aunt, and yet when she needed rescuing Clariel was thinking of leaving because there were other people to do the job for her.
Let's not forget also, how she planned to leave Belatiel, passed out, in the middle of nowhere so she could, again, leave for the forest; only returning when she had to save his life.
I adored Belatiel, though. His personality and charm more than made up for Clariel's selfish attitude. He knew what he had to do, and it wasn't for any personal gain, it was because it was the right thing to do, for everyone. He wasn't completely without flaws, however. I felt sorry for Denima after she got upset that he and Clariel would be intimate behind her back, especially with Bel saying he wouldn't do anything like that and then professing his love to Clariel and denouncing Denima as 'just a friend' after she'd left. It was pretty darn obvious how she felt about him.
All in all, the book, despite Clariel, was fun to read and I can't wait to read Sabriel. Hopefully she'll be a little less annoying.
My issues with Clariel stemmed from her selfish nature and the lack of positive thoughts she had for her parents. I understand her feelings in some regards, her mother was barely there, but her father did his best and she looked down at him constantly. I suppose this is reminiscent of young people thinking they know better than their parents and to see it written down makes it all the more infuriating.
I understood her need to go back to Estwael, but I was hoping for a change of character after her parents were murdered. This didn't happen. Instead, she continued to think selfishly and expected everyone else to avenge her parents while she lived out her dreams in the forest. It was only after her Aunt Lemmin was arrested for no reason did Clariel change her mind, and even then, when she saw the Clayr marching to the castle, she became selfish again and wanted to leave it all to them to deal with. This didn't sit right with me, as she'd had nothing but high praise for her Aunt, and yet when she needed rescuing Clariel was thinking of leaving because there were other people to do the job for her.
Let's not forget also, how she planned to leave Belatiel, passed out, in the middle of nowhere so she could, again, leave for the forest; only returning when she had to save his life.
I adored Belatiel, though. His personality and charm more than made up for Clariel's selfish attitude. He knew what he had to do, and it wasn't for any personal gain, it was because it was the right thing to do, for everyone. He wasn't completely without flaws, however. I felt sorry for Denima after she got upset that he and Clariel would be intimate behind her back, especially with Bel saying he wouldn't do anything like that and then professing his love to Clariel and denouncing Denima as 'just a friend' after she'd left. It was pretty darn obvious how she felt about him.
All in all, the book, despite Clariel, was fun to read and I can't wait to read Sabriel. Hopefully she'll be a little less annoying.