Jenn

JennThis book made the list of books that took far too long to finish. It was a great story with a few twists I didn't see coming but I put it down after the first 100 pages because I wasn't sold with the story that was given to me by that point. The villain was pure perfection. Her evil doings, attitude, and introduction were nothing short of fantastic. With that exception, the introduction of the 3-4 main characters in this story did not wow me. Their growth and involvement developed beautifully but their initial reveal was slow, at best. Overall, a great story. Just stick with it because the last 2/3 of the book was great.

JennSo far, it's my favorite book of the series. I love Nesta's tale and seeing her point of view from the beginning to how she deals with her trauma. 100% recommend reading

JennRemarkable ending and perfect setup for the possibility of more books. Every aspect from the Subtle Knife was enhanced, and the character developments were key to the finale. Heart felt, warm, tender moments ofset by the brutal war and battles. The tear jerking, gut aching moments of death, betrayal and goodbyes was balanced so nicely with the love and wonder between the characters and the new worlds. I've read how many thought the author 'bite off more than he could chew' in the religious aspect of the story and how it was a dull ending by comparisons of its predecessors but, personally, I believe he played it off well. He didn't knock the concept of heaven and he'll but simply portrayed his own take of a corrupt system and how it needed mending. Simply, it was a fictional rendition- not to be taken as fact or opinion, but as a means to bring a higher purpose to 'the good fight'. Most of the time issues boil down to religion both in fiction and reality and that is why it was so important and key to the story telling. It was his incorporation of 'dust' that brings all of this together.

JennImpeccable follow-up to Golden Compass. So much action, death, betrayal, tears, love, longing. I didn't know it was possible to still have such a childish love for a story, but, low and behold, here I am. On the edge of my seat to see how this ends.

JennThe 'Queen of Mystery' owns her name with this story. I love Sherlock holms-like stories. This one also had a criminal minds feel, in the sense we needed to get into the killers head. Very intuitive puzzle piecing and clever throw-offs. I truly did not suspect the killers or even the true eye-witness until the very end. With how grim of a death tale it is. It was also mild.

JennAn interesting take on the Headless Horseman tale that does not actually center on him. This is a very disney-esk story. Great for many ages and very smooth to read.

JennSuch a heavy story. The birth of a cult, deception, abuse, rape, murder, found family, love, and mystery. The type of murder mystery I thought I would never read but fell deeply in love with. Such ingenuity of telling the story from the understanding of 3 different people and only one of whom speaks in the past tense. Spectacular book!

JennThe film adaptation of this book was one of my favorites as a child. Now that I've read it, I am astonished by the difference. The order is different, the events are more elaborate, and the ending is drastically different. I know movies can not always portray the book perfectly, down to the last detail but WOW was it botched. This story is heart wrenching and brutal in every chapter. There is minimal "down time". Not once did I loose interest. Such a statement story. Highly recommend delving into this series if you love stories with impending war, fantasy elements, prophecy, and familiars.