Be careful, this song might get right to your soul!
It’s hard to put into words all the emotions I felt while and after reading this book. So, let’s do this instead… Think of your top favourite song, listen to it in your mind, let it fill your heart with passion, let it vibrate through your veins. Is your skin humming? Do you feel like floating yet? Is a smile tattooed on your lips even though the notes are heartbreaking? Well, that’s close enough! That will do for now..
The first thing I loved is the world – so vividly cruel, chaotic and dark. I am not actually into night creatures, but every now and then there is an author who makes me reconsider this, who brings something new into the story, an author who makes even the darkest things shine bright. And this story is like a lighthouse in the middle of a moonless night.
Then there are the characters – drawn in so many shades of gray, not just good or bad.. strong but also vulnerable, scared but also determined, truthful but also driven by hidden motivations. I loved both Kate and August, I liked how they met, I understood why they decided to stick together, I was excited to see the tides turn with each step, and I can’t wait to see where their paths will lead them next.
(Btw, one of my favourite movies is August Rush. Hint: it involves music. ^_^ Thinking about this aspect, well.. music might be a good way to go, so August’s “power” is as enchanting as it sounds – though in quite a dark way.)
They are opposites in so many ways – August longs for control, Kate has it in her bones; he tries to hide, she likes to step into the spotlight; he wants to be “real”, she fakes all of herself; he’s a monster, she’s a real girl.. But what does “monster” mean anyways? And how do you actually become one?
This reminds me of how twisted the story is. And action packed, with so many turnarounds, and an ending that makes the reader scream for more.
As for the writing.. How can I define something that feels so right? It’s like Victoria’s words are my own thoughts – they flow in such a natural way that it doesn’t actually feel like reading, but imagining or dreaming. Brilliant!
The thing is.. Victoria Schwab is a hell of a writer!
So, yeah.. I deeply recommend this book. It’s one of my top favourite already and I hope that it will make your heart beat in the rhythm of my own enthusiasm.
Happy midnight reading!
First thoughts after reading
Sooo GOOD!!
Amazingly good..
Victoria-Schwab-ly good, if you know what I mean ^_^
I love the fact that this author stays away from the usual YA recipes, her characters stand out, they don’t follow a certain path, they have plenty of flaws too, so they stick to the gray zone and damn, I love them so much for that alone. And I loved the world itself, the creatures – not sure if they are original or not, didn’t read much in the genre, but they surely seemed to me.
This one deserves so much praise! Loved loved loved it!
ARC received for review, can’t wait to get my physical copy though 😀 Many thanks!
Top picture source
Yay! I can finally comment! This comments thing of yours HATE me!
Oh my God. I really want to read this book! To be honest, I read chapter 1 and 2, but I wasn’t in the mood! I don’t know how that’s possible, so I put it aside cause I was afraid my mad mood could ruin it. But I will read it! I’m already in love with the writing.
Well, it seems like it hates me too, if that serves as any comfort.
I just wanted to reply to a comment and it says that it has been removed by a moderator (I am the only one, for crying out loud!! and I didn’t delete a damn thing)
Anyways, I hope that you will enjoy this one. It had plenty of action and the characters were so lovely, I want to befriend them both ;)) I need to get my printed copy soon as well. 🙂
I still haven’t read it! *cries*
PS: I just realized I always say something about disqus, so I’ll stop now, for God’s sake! I even made an account and it still hates me!
There is plenty of time. You can read it when the next one comes out 😉
Yup, disqus seems to be a pain in the .. back; it helps with the spam, but it also prevents people from posting actual comments :((
Oh my god! I freaking love this book! I am absolutely in love with August and the perfectness of his character. He was well written. I love the story so much and Victoria Scwhab never fails to amaze me. I am super exited with book 2 (kinda disappointed that there’s no romance because i was shipping them so much but kinda happy too that there’s no romance because it’s out of the cliches) P.S am I the only one who had a crush on Leo? I like his character too.
I know the feeling, I thought this book was pretty awesome and the characters delightful! nnAfter reading more of Victoria’s books there’s a pattern, a bit less in the romantic department, yes, but I still enjoyed deeply the connection between these two. nnPS: it’s been too long, so forgive me if I don’t remember right now this Leo guy.. was that his brother?