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Janelle Reads and Writes
Lover of the written word! Join me as I discuss books, both my own and those I've read and loved.
4.5 stars. Beautifully written and so original. This series is unlike any other I've read in the YA genre. My only issue with this one was that there wasn't enough Varen. I didn't want to just read about Isobel, I wanted more Varen!!! Hopefully next time. The ending was amazing. It made me cry. Can't wait to see what comes next!
a-MAZ-ing!!! Loved it! Wanted to read it again as soon as I finished. Definitely one of the best I've read this year!
Okay, so I had to give the book before this only four stars, just to show how much better I thought this one was compared to it. They are both great though, don't get me wrong! Determinant just seemed to have everything the first was lacking. I'm not even sure what that is, to be honest. In the beginning of Survival I found myself confused by the numerous flashbacks, and just trying to learn the characters and story. When I realized just what kind of book it was, I was SHOCKED, to say the least. The Author has a wonderful gift for catching me off guard, and I'd like to think that's not an easy thing to do. I can often tell where books are headed, but not so much with this series. The men in both books left me sighing. They confess their love like no other! Some of the sweetest exchanges I've ever read. (I just realized that this review is really like a combined review for both, but oh well. I don't normally do reviews at all, so you'll just have to bear with me.) Determinant from the very start had me hooked. Where the other one I had to take my time to get into, this one grabbed my attention instantly. Also the writing is so much more refined and flows wonderfully. Both books were awesome, but maybe one just a bit more so than the other ;) Can't wait to read more!
Wow. This book completely exceeded all my expectations. The story was so much more complex than I anticipated after reading the first book. Absolutely amazing. I don’t normally do reviews, but I had to for this one, because I was literally amazed once I had finished. It was like Fifty Shades meets Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The mystery and twists that happen blew me away. It was literally an emotional rollercoaster that had me sometimes putting it down for a minute just to collect myself. I’ve never wanted two effed people to get together more than I did Olivia and Caleb. I actually just wrote a guest blog on shades of grey in stories and how much I like them. (http://makingconnectionsgroup.blogspot.ca/2012/09/eden-west-by-janelle-stalder.html) This story has so many shades of grey it’s amazing. It’s one of those books that make you stop and re-evaluate your thoughts on what’s happening. How can you want these two people to get together when you know it’s SO wrong?! And yet you do! The author completely messes around with your common sense and rational thinking and has you rooting for two people who are beyond effed up. And yet, as the story unfolds and you’re smacked across the face with this revelation that literally broke my heart and had it bleeding for Caleb, you start to question if either of them are at fault for the way they are. It was literally such an amazing book. The writing is superb. The characters and story will stick with me for a long time. I though Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas messed with my mind, but this took it to a whole new level. I’m just thankful that it ended the way it did. I was REALLY scared for about 95% of the book, but once again the author threw me for a loop and totally made me happy. If it hadn’t ended the way it did, I’m not sure my heart would survive. I’ve always defended Fifty Shades against haters, explaining that the true story is not about the sex scenes, but about the character evolving and healing from a horrible past. This story shows that same growth in both characters, but even better. Definitely one of my favourites of the year!
Alright...I'm putting down Jane Eyre for this. Since I have to wait for Onyx, I'm going to fill that time with some more of J.Lynn's wonderful work! I'm looking forward to this one!!Update:
*sigh* Loved this!
This book has made me laugh out loud more times than I think any other book I've read. Not sure why, but I find it hilarious. The characters kill me! 
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It seems like I’m on this streak of awesome Dystopian books, and this book is no exception. I loved it! The writing was simple, and I mean that in the most complimentary ways! I wasn’t bombarded with descriptions overflowing with analogies and metaphors. The writing was to the point, and didn’t need all the extra ‘fluff’. The story itself was interesting and unique. I liked the characters and was sympathetic towards them and their situation. The ending surprised me, I wasn’t expecting it, but in a good way. It’s nice when a book doesn’t actually end the way I think it will. The only reason why I rated it four, and not five stars, was that it was a bit short. I think if it was longer, it would have given me more time to connect even more with the characters. I would have also loved to see more happen between Max and Ethan. Maybe more build up to their romance, or a background story as to how they met. Yes, I’m a bit of a romantic at heart. I don’t normally write reviews, so I apologize for making this so short, but there you have it! I needed to do it for Lissa lol And just so you know, Lissa, your Ethan sounds just as hot as creepy Patch lol metal parts and all! Amazing job love!
