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mayajoelle's reviews
743 reviews
Eye of the Oracle by Bryan Davis
3.0
SERIES REVIEW:
Similarly to the previous four books, this series is a mix of really good and kind of terrible. This one jumps back in time to pre-flood, then follows two (immortal?) characters as they observe world events for the next several thousand years. Books 2-4 jump back into present day with the characters we know from the other series (mainly focusing on Walter and Ashley in bks 2 and 3), plus adding some new ones (Gabriel!! Shiloh! Acacia!).
Good things: The writing improves from the first series. We get to know the characters better. Walter, previously mostly used for comic relief, becomes a major character and goes through a great arc. Ashley changes a lot too. The new characters are engaging. The romances are perfect. The ending is amazing. Some really cool miracles/magic elements.
Bad things: The Biblical element really gets twisted, as Nephilim walk the earth, Morgan and Nimiane (of Arthur fame) are on the Ark (??), the tower of Babel is actually...magical?, and spiritual powers keep popping up all over the place. Also, SO MUCH RESURRECTION.
Content: violence. Child sacrifice (observed). Sexual content. Genetic experimentation. Demon possession. Witchcraft (condemned).
Recommended for mature middle grade/YA readers who read the first series and can discern between God's word (which is very present here) and the non-historical, non-Biblical elements.
(Note: many of the pseudo-Biblical elements in the story may not be problematic for certain types of Christians. As a confessional, traditional Lutheran, I find them offensive and wrong, but some may not.)
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reread 2/16/2018
Similarly to the previous four books, this series is a mix of really good and kind of terrible. This one jumps back in time to pre-flood, then follows two (immortal?) characters as they observe world events for the next several thousand years. Books 2-4 jump back into present day with the characters we know from the other series (mainly focusing on Walter and Ashley in bks 2 and 3), plus adding some new ones (Gabriel!! Shiloh! Acacia!).
Good things: The writing improves from the first series. We get to know the characters better. Walter, previously mostly used for comic relief, becomes a major character and goes through a great arc. Ashley changes a lot too. The new characters are engaging. The romances are perfect. The ending is amazing. Some really cool miracles/magic elements.
Bad things: The Biblical element really gets twisted, as Nephilim walk the earth, Morgan and Nimiane (of Arthur fame) are on the Ark (??), the tower of Babel is actually...magical?, and spiritual powers keep popping up all over the place. Also, SO MUCH RESURRECTION.
Content: violence. Child sacrifice (observed). Sexual content. Genetic experimentation. Demon possession. Witchcraft (condemned).
Recommended for mature middle grade/YA readers who read the first series and can discern between God's word (which is very present here) and the non-historical, non-Biblical elements.
(Note: many of the pseudo-Biblical elements in the story may not be problematic for certain types of Christians. As a confessional, traditional Lutheran, I find them offensive and wrong, but some may not.)
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reread 2/16/2018
Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Caroline Fraser
4.0
Very good, but it will completely change the way you see the Little House books. Recommended for mature readers only.
The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini
3.0
Didn't recapture the magic of the Inheritance Cycle for me. Maybe a reread could change that, but I'm putting off returning to the books unless there's an official fifth volume.
This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years by Jaquelle Crowe Ferris
3.0
This book wasn't really for me. I've grown up in the church and already knew/understood most of what the author was saying. Recommended for new-to-Christianity older kids, teens, and adults who want a concise, well-written explanation of what it means to be a Christian.
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
3.0
I just... don't like this book. I appreciate that it's a classic, and I'm glad I read it (especially because it helped me understand Dust!) but I don't like it. There are racial stereotypes and slurs, and I just *cannot* relate to any of the characters, and the children are annoying, and the setting is bland, and... yeah.
3 stars because I *know* it's probably worth reading and it's endured. But. I will not be reading this again, ever. Here's praying my future children don't like it either, otherwise I'll be forced to read it with them ;P
3 stars because I *know* it's probably worth reading and it's endured. But. I will not be reading this again, ever. Here's praying my future children don't like it either, otherwise I'll be forced to read it with them ;P
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
3.0
I think if I reread this book, I'd like it more. I didn't particularly connect to the characters and disliked all the ships (esp. how everyone was passionately kissing very early in their relationships before defining anything or really knowing each other well). I don't remember the plot, world, characters, etc. very well so I'll reserve a final judgment. 2 stars for enjoyment (added a star because of my lack of memories).
The Last Stand by Paris Hansch
3.0
I had a hard time getting into this but ended up enjoying it. Not sure if I'll be purchasing future installments.
**Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.**
**Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.**