Category: YA

YA

Review: The Corridor by A.N. Willis

Andge @ Down the Rabbit Hole

Series: The Corridor Series #1

the corridor -a.n. willisInfinite worlds. Endless possibilities . . .

Stel Alaster has never known life without the Corridor. It appeared suddenly seventeen years ago, the only portal to a parallel version of our world—Second Earth. Everyone on First Earth fears Mods, the genetically modified Second Earthers who built the Corridor. They are too smart, too strong, and have powers that can’t be controlled. Any Mod found on First Earth is branded, then detained in the Corridor’s research labs.

Only Stel has a dangerous secret. She has a power, too: She can open a portal to Second Earth . . . and several other parallel universes she’s discovered. If anyone ever finds out, she’ll be imprisoned, no better than a Mod or common lab rat.

But when the Corridor starts to fail, emitting erratic bursts of energy that could destroy First Earth, Stel must risk everything to save the people and world she loves. With the help of an escaped Mod and an infuriatingly arrogant boy from a third universe, Stel sets out to unravel the mysteries of the Corridor and stabilize it before it’s too late. The fate of every world lies in the balance. . . .

3.5 Drink Me Potions

Thank you Netgalley and Alloy Entertainment for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

In some ways, The Corridor surprised my expectations from the synopsis. First, it’s only set in 2032? Really? Portals exist so close in the future? I was really thinking more like…at least a century past that. Also, having just read a recent novel on parallel worlds (Parallel by Lauren Miller), I wasn’t quite as mindblown by the concept in this book. Let me break down my thoughts into simpler categories.

The concept and overall world building
I’m a little picky when it comes to world building, especially for dystopian worlds where things can get a little confusing. And in this case, I’m still scratching my head at some things that were literally dumped on my head at the very beginning of the book.

#1. I’m still a little lost as to what exactly the Corridor Facility entails. It has a mall and residence buildings? But also house the lab and offices that look after this portal to Second Earth known as The Corridor? Uh, so it doesn’t just relate to the Corridor itself? Is it like some small community area that’s fenced in? Then why do they take a light rail train to get to some Peak to view the Corridor? So confused…

#2. How BIG is this Corridor? I know it has lights shining through and metal framework to hold it up. But I’m imagining a gigantic rectangular…doorway thing. I don’t know about you, but that’s the best my imagination could come up with

#3. Uh, I’m guessing their technology advanced only in a minor way from ours? A Panel seems to be akin to a tablet/iPad? But who knows ’cause we sure don’t get much of an explanation. And IF it’s practically a tablet – why the heck do we not just call it that?

Anyway, besides confusion at certain things to orient myself in this moderately futuristic setting, the world building wasn’t really solid enough. Besides the presence of the Corridor and genetically modified people (aka Mods) that came from Second Earth, it almost seemed like every day life as it is now. I guess 17 years can only change a community so much, huh?

The concept, however, was intriguing. Maybe the setting wasn’t as well thought out or anything, but the premise was still compelling to continue. With our protagonist Estele (aka Stel) immediately gaining her freaky portal-making powers right from the get-go, the plot is boom-boom-boom. She finds herself in another world that’s separate from First and Second Earth. Uh oh. How many parallel universes are in this book? The pace picks itself up after a while, though I will admit it was a little slow at first while Estele was trying to figure out what to do with her freaky new secret.

The characters
Stel made a decent protagonist, although she initially annoyed me. She did nothing about her situation, going about life as if everything was still normal for her. She entrusted this secret to no one, not even her bestie for life Lissa. So much for besties for life. And not even to her brother Justin, although he never seemed like a viable person to trust such a harsh secret to. She eventually gained some guts and I admire her spunk to stick up for her father, a scientist who had taken a reputation beating. Scratch that. A reputation that turned him into someone people didn’t believe anymore. I was glad she wasn’t going to let people attack her dad like that, even the criticism coming from his own son.

Speaking of Justin. Urgh. That boy. I want to strangle him. From the start, he was distant and only mildly polite to their father. He took the side of the one person solely responsible for his dad’s reputation downfall, who also happened to have usurped him from the prominent position as Chair of the research facility. Like, WHY? How could he do such a thing to his own DAD? Especially when it’s clear he was the victim. Anyway. I don’t know if the author meant for us to hate him so much, but I’m not sure I want him to be redeemed so easily.

And relating to that, the male protagonist was kind of an ass too. Initially at least. Why do all the boys seem so rude? When I first met Cohl, I honestly thought his much nicer, friendlier and overall cool guy of a brother was gonna be the guy Stel falls for. Talk about a strange introduction. Am I supposed to like him afterwards? He spied on his brother and Stel, for goodness sakes. I’m not sure I fully understand his 180 change in attitude towards her when he seemed to honestly despise her very presence at their first meeting. This makes for a weird romantic chemistry between them. Not sure I fully believe in it.

However, thankfully, Willis keeps the romance limited so it doesn’t take away from the central plot focused on the Corridor and its possible horrendous side effects for the people on First Earth. For that reason, the latter third of the book really built up and left me wishing there was more after the last words had come and gone. The Corridor may be many things, but it took the idea of parallel worlds in a different direction than most people may initially consider, and the hint of conspiracy tied it all into a book that is definitely worth checking out at least.

Overall Recommendation:
Although the world building wasn’t particularly strong for a dystopian novel, the concept behind the Corridor and travelling between parallel worlds made it an interesting read. Mildly well-paced, Stel makes for a headstrong protagonist as she steps into her role and accepts the abilities she received. Other male characters were not as fun to read about and romance is far and few between, but The Corridor holds enough substance to carry through a worthwhile read even with these minor annoyances.

YA

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Andge @ Down the Rabbit Hole

Series: The Lunar Chronicles #2

scarlet -marissa meyerCinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison–even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

4 Drink Me Potions

Scarlet was not a disappointment after the high bar its predecessor, Cinder, set.

Even though the story follows Scarlet Benoit, there are still quite a number of chapters dedicated to Cinder and her predicament after the events of the previous novel. I truly appreciated that as I absolutely ADORE Cinder. That, however, also gives less time for us as readers to follow along with Scarlet and Wolf’s adventures as the book is split between all their different POVs.

First, I’d like to mention that the introduction of Cadet – I mean Captain Thorne was my favourite part. He is an amazing character, fun and laughable to offset the seriousness of Cinder’s attitude. They make a great pair. Friendship goals! No competition for Kai, no worries, but they are probably the best platonic relationship between a male and female I’ve seen in a long time.

Scarlet I couldn’t relate to as much as I did with Cinder. Maybe it was partly due to a diverted focus from just her as we swing back and forth between Cinder and Scarlet’s situations. But I just think that she’s a little too hot-tempered for me. Like, we’re first introduced to her and she’s seen pelting tomatoes at a wall behind the restaurant at which she’s supposed to DELIVER those same tomatoes. I dunno. Red temper for a redhead?

I DID enjoy the mysterious Wolf. I wasn’t sure what exactly he was. Wolf? Man? Both? And I definitely was wondering how he would fit into the overall plot that concerns Queen Levana and her goals for Earth. Let’s just say, I was pleasantly surprised to see how seamlessly Marissa Meyer was able to combine two fairy tale stories together with this dystopian world and its problems. Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.

Having Scarlet and Cinder’s lives collide was also done so well, especially in the midst of the battle scenes that were more prevalent in this novel. That was probably the part in the story that I kept waiting for. I am fully anticipating how their stories are going to mesh with Rapunzel’s next. Onto Cress!

The only thing about this book that I might complain a little bit about is that it personally didn’t push me to keep on reading as much as Cinder did. That’s not to say that it wasn’t a fast read or wasn’t enjoyable. It just didn’t…excite me as much. It could also be because of my love for Cinder was so much greater. The unfairness of her situation and her personality just made it so hard to not love her and want the best for her.

I could say a whole lot more for this review, but I think it’s come to that point where I have such high expectations for Meyer that it’s rather normal for everyone to hear how amazing this novel was. Whether as a part of the larger series or as a stand-alone novel, Scarlet pieces together more of the crazy adventures that await our fairy tale characters, as well as keeps the excitement and originality at a high level. She’s just one amazing author that writes beautiful stories. Enough said.

Overall Recommendation:
Scarlet was exactly as how I’d imagined it. Another great fairy tale story, this time centred on Little Red Riding Hood, with fun and realistic characters set in a creatively crafted dystopian world. I don’t know how Meyer does it. She takes these age-old people and spins them into something new and exciting, while staying true to certain essentials of the fairy tales. A definite must read! The suspense is ratcheting up.

YA

Review: P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Andge @ Down the Rabbit Hole

Series: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before #2

p.s. i still love you -jenny hanLara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.

She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.

When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Times bestseller To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing.

2.5 Drink Me Potions

Can I just first say that I’ve been DYING for this book for a whole long year? Ever since I read its predecessor, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, which mind you is THE book that got me into writing reviews, I was absolutely ecstatic to hear that there was going to be a second book. Could my life have gotten any better? was the question that flowed through my mind at that point.

And that is where all my hopes and expectations fell.

It literally hurts to write this review which is less than the 5 stars I was expecting. Where shall I begin?

The plot
It was just SO slow. For a good first half of the book, nothing REALLY happened. Yes, Lara Jean was enjoying her newfound relationship with Peter (my heart was screaming YES! ’cause I absolutely adore him…but I’ll get to him later). Everything wasn’t hunky dory or anything. It wasn’t THAT bland. That beautiful hot tub scene from the end of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before? Do you remember that? Well. Let’s just say, it’s become a publicized meme around the school. I know, heartbreaking right?

So Lara Jean is fretting and embarrassed. Her sisters are equally helping her deal with it in their particular ways. But it truly was not worth half a book to focus on. Yes, Peter showed off his gallant side (*happy sigh*), but even that didn’t entertain me for long enough.

The writing style also seemed so disjointed. Some chapters were so short. It was literally one event, and then you jump to the next event which could be a day or whatever later. And then onto the next event in the next chapter. There wasn’t a whole lot of flow, like Jenny Han was sticking short constructed pieces together. It wasn’t the most enjoyable format, especially when things were already going quite slow substance-wise.

Then things just got downright UGLY in the next half. I shall start off with…

Lara Jean
I like that she’s still her unique self, being half Korean and all. Jenny Han is still amazing at integrating such cultural aspects into the story. But I was just SO annoyed with Lara Jean in this book. She was too jealous and mistrustful of Peter’s friendship with his ex. Mind you, I don’t particularly like her either. She’s truly a dog (and I mean that in a not-so-nice way). But to be wrought with jealousy to the point that she would mistrust Peter’s intentions wasn’t pleasant to see unfold.

John What’s-His-Name (he has a REALLY long name – which I don’t care about)
And then there was John. The other guy that the synopsis hinted at. I don’t understand why Jenny Han had to bring him back. Was there really nothing else to give this story substance?

Okay, maybe the answer is yes, considering the first half wasn’t all that great with substance either. But still. He felt so unnecessary. Please. A random love triangle thrown into the middle of the SECOND novel? It was already a little weird with the neighbour/good friend Josh in the last novel, but I actually liked him more because he was someone Lara Jean knew. John just kind of…popped up. She may have known him in the past, but I, as the reader, sure as heck don’t give a crap about him. He wasn’t MY past crush.

I admit I may be a teensy bit biased ’cause I love Peter, but still. My reasoning is sound. Lara Jean shouldn’t have tried to get herself to rekindle such feelings for John when in reality, I felt she was never quite over Peter.

The OTHER characters
That leaves me with the characters I did still enjoy, even with minor irritants.

Margot, Lara Jean’s older sister, seems to have forgiven her for the uh, minor problem with Josh (Margot’s ex and one of the crushes). However, things are NOT la-la land for Margot & Josh. I was a bit sad. I don’t know. I didn’t love them as a couple even in the previous book, but to me, if they weren’t with each other, it just felt weird seeing them with different people.

Kitty, the younger Song sister, was as wild as ever. I’ve always had such a strange liking for her. I wouldn’t exactly want such a manipulative yet still adorable younger sister in real life, but I can’t help but like her. I love that both sisters are so unique and made in a way that both complements Lara Jean as well as showcases what a sisterly relationship looks like. It’s not always perfect, and there may be HUGE differences between the girls, but they have each others’ backs at the end of the day. The Song girls united. I loved that.

Oh, and that brings me to Peter. Ah, Peter Kavinsky. First, I’d like to mention that I missed seeing Josh in this novel. He was rather big in the previous one, and he just wasn’t relevant I suppose in the sequel, considering Lara Jean got over him and what not. Still. I missed his presence as the good family friend he was. I suppose it was realistic. Not everything can go back to the way things were after relationships get complicated.

Okay, back to PETER. He made my day in the story. I was so tired of reading it. That breaks my heart to say. I SO, SO hoped it would have been a fun read. I even bought it on the very first day it came out. But seeing Peter’s actions and dialogue, I think this novel showcased his personality really well. We got to see the better side of him in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, but as a boyfriend? That was something new. He may be a lot of imperfect things, but he tried his best for Lara Jean. I may have despised what she did to him, but I appreciated how the author handled their relationship in the end. It wasn’t as open ended as the previous book, but it gives a lot of hope and a wonderful message.

Relationships aren’t going to be easy, and people may even get really hurt. But at the end of the day, it’s worth jumping into. What’s one of my favourite sayings? It’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. It’s pretty applicable here.

I wish I could say the good outweighed the bad, but I couldn’t handle this book. It may have been my HUGELY escalated expectations, but I think it just didn’t hold the kind of substance I look for in a novel. I’m quite saddened to say I’m rather disappointed.

Overall Recommendation:
I waited forever, or so it seems, for P.S. I Still Love You. I absolutely ADORED To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before that I thought Jenny Han could do no wrong when it came to a sequel that had my very favourite people in it. She has a way with making her characters come alive. From the Song sisters to Lara Jean herself, there is the cultural aspect of being half-Korean and holding onto that heritage, while still giving each girl a very distinct personality. I also hold Peter K to the highest regard when it comes to male protagonists. That being said, with such love comes high expectations, and occasionally, a great fall into disappointment. I’m sad to say that the plot was extremely slow and held far too little substance. The focal points were unnecessary and rather childish in my opinion. So with a saddened heart, I must say that I recommend enjoying the first book and maybe only reading this if you must see how Peter and Lara Jean’s relationship unfolds (and refolds ’cause it’s complicated and messy that way).