I just finished Divergent and let me go on record as saying I loved it! I cannot wait to read book 2 in the trilogy. I will wait though, until after lunch.
I find myself typically liking what the majority of my reader friends like. I'd like to think it is not a sheep mentality, but rather having a set of friends with similar tastes - that is something that makes people friends right? Similar tastes?
One of the books I am struggling with right now is City of Bones from the Mortal Instruments series. I really want to like it! I have been reading it for months now. It just can't hold me. I read it when I have nothing else to read. When there is something else, City of Bones gets put on the back burner. I really want to feel more engaged with the characters. I like some of the City of Bones characters well enough but just.. I don't know - I feel like it is lacking something. What though? How can I get more engaged with the characters so I WANT to keep reading it?
Let me back track a little. Sometimes love stories drive books. And if done right it is totally okay. Matched (from the trilogy that I cannot wait for book 3 to arrive already!) is a story that shows us the love story is key to the plot, BUT it is not a desperate set of characters who control and manipulate each other. They are strong independent people who love each other in healthy ways. Passionate and strong characters drive the story in a way that you don't feel trapped in a 12 year olds warped fairytale. Does that make more sense?
Anyhow, I just had some thoughts to share. I know we all read differently (and I know some of my friends really like Twilight - and you guys know where I stand so this is no surprise to anyone.) and I am glad we are not clones of each other. But.. what can I do about City of Bones? Any tips? Do they get more exciting as they go because let's be honest - Goblet of Fire was WAY MORE exciting than Sorcerers Stone.
Edit: I take back everything I said! I am SO ENGAGED NOW! So glad I stuck it out because I am completely and totally addicted now. And can we please talk about how awesome Magnus is? Holy cow!
THIS!!
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts on Twilight are pretty much identical. I can't believe I ever subjected myself to that rubbish. And don't get me started on Edward/Stalker Cullen. GAH.
I think for me, the appeal of City of Bones lies in the fact that I hadn't read anything like it before. I got in right at the beginning, so it was fresh and new. There are books now that have drawn ideas from it, so perhaps it seems a little less appealing with all the other choices out there. I loved the series, though I'm a little mixed on the books after #3. Books 1-3 are really great, for me at least, and they do get more exciting.
I think though, that the series should have ended after book 3, instead of continuing on for 3 more. that's just overkill and I can see how the prospect of another never-ending series would kill some of the interest.
Also, I agree 100% with your assessment of Matched. That romance was about as well-done as they come.
Thanks for the feedback Ems! I value your opinions greatly. You have turned me onto some really great reads I would not have found otherwise (Supernaturally FTW!).
DeleteI haven't quit City of Bones so maybe I need more time for it to click the way I hope for. I'll keep going. It is rare that I fully quit a book. And this isn't bad, like I already said, it just isn't sucking me in like I wanted. Maybe that's my issue, not the book - that is something I have considered.