Title: Gilded Cage (Dark Gifts, #1)
Author: Vic James
Publisher: Del Rey Books, 2017 (Feb 14)
Genre: YA Dystopian, YA Fantasy
**I received a copy of this book freee from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This review can be found on my Blog, TeacherofYA’s Tumblr, or my Goodreads page
My Review:
I included both covers bc I have both copies…I received one free on Netgalley, which is the one I read, and I bought a U.K. copy, simply bc I love that gorgeous cover. Yes. We have all established that I’m a cover junkie, so when I tell you I bought the U.K. version (it was on sale, mind you), you can understand that it’s a problem, and I know I have it. First step is admitting you have a problem, right? (There’s also a gorgeous blue cover with a white Cage but I have no idea where that one comes from but it is STUNNING, TOO!)
Anyway…I had been looking forward to this book for gosh knows how long…yes, I said gosh. I kept putting off reading it, trying to wait for all the hype to die down…I needed a clear, honest read for this book. And I got one. So I’m happy.
Aaaaannnd…it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I’ll elaborate later.
First off, the blurb (in my own words as usual):
We start simply enough, from Luke’s POV…there’s a little Prelude chapter before that sets the stage, but that’s not important right now. What IS important is that we are immediately immersed into Luke’s POV, a young teen studying for his final tests during his sister’s extravagant birthday party. When a mysterious man comes to buy Luke’s dad’s prized rebuilt car, Luke puts two and two together: the huge party for his sister, the car being sold, his parents avoiding him while he’s studying…
They are planning to do their slave days.
In our dystopian world, there are commoners, like Luke’s family, and there are Equals. Equals (despite the odd name) are far from equal: they are people born with Skill. These skills can vary but essentially make them very powerful. In England, where our story is set, commoners must serve 10 YEARS of “slave days.” And Luke’s family has decided to start them now.
But it’s not just the parents who are starting: the whole family will be starting their days together.
Luke’s dreams of learning to drive are quashed: his sister Abi’s applications to medical school on hold, his sister Daisy, at only 10 year old: what will become of her? Abi assures Luke it will be fine; she has applied for the whole family to do their ten years together at the Kyneston Estate, home to one of the most powerful Equal families.*
*(I’m still not getting the Equal name at this point as they are obviously NOT EQUAL but that’s my own two cents)
When the van comes to take the family to the estate, they find out Luke has been left off the list: he is bound for the only other place one does their slave days….Millnoor. Families aren’t “usually” separated, but once you become a slave, you are no longer a person and have bo rights. Abi swears she’ll get Luke back, but Luke is headed to a place where jail would be considered a vacation.
The POV shifts often in this book, and we see the rest of the family arrive at the Kyneston estate. Magical doors will keep them in. The three sons all are different: Gavar Jardine is brooding with an illegitimate heir from a rendezvous with a slave girl, Silyen Jardine is creepy but the most talented with Skill, and Jenner Jardine was born Skill-less, a quality which makes him a pariah in the esteemed family.
While we jump from Luke and the harsh and brutal treatment of Millnoor, we also get POVs from Gavar, Silyen, and Abi, as well as Bouda, Gavar’s betrothed. We see what it’s like to be a slave and what it’s like to be Skilled. We see Luke’s beatings and desire to rebel contrasted to Abi’s desire to please Jenner and fit in. While she dreams of a possible love with the Equal boy, Luke struggles to make it through on garbage food and little sleep.
When an odd proposal appears in the Equal parliament to put an end to the slave days, all hell breaks loose. Millnoor residents catch wind and demonstrate while Equals laugh it off and remember the days before slave days were mandatory. They are adamant it won’t happen again…and what chance really do slaves have against their Skilled betters?
In James’s novel, we see what it’s like to think you’re free but still be caged…be caged and struggle to break free…
Yes and no. Fortunately, the only swear word in the entire novel is bitch…they call the headmaster of Millnoor the Overbitch. So that’s not too bad. And there are a ton of discussion subjects: the Equals vs the “slaves,” the Equals and their real “freedom,” Silyen’s calculating but giving attitude, Jenner’s freedom from Skill but his complete dependence on his family. There are so many dynamics here and the POV shifts allow a taste from everyone’s perspective: you can identify with the “bad” guys and realize some people may not really be bad but be more complex than that.
I’m thinking this would be a bit too advanced for a high school classroom but would benefit being used in s college curriculum and read through a lens of Critical Theory. Lexile doesn’t even score it so I would think to err on the side of caution and just use it in Higher Education, especially literature classes because of the dystopian aspect. A bourgeoisie vs proletariat conversation if learning about Marxist criticism would be a good balance.
So for my area of expertise, high school English, I give Gilded Cage:
Yes. But there are better options. Save this for the University.
Age Range:
This book has some slow parts. The dynamics as well are subtle. I think you’ll find that younger students could get bored. There is nothing really too risqué besides Gravar’s lusty appetites (and those are glossed over and alluded to), but to be on the safe side (that’s my motto) I would suggest 15 and up. High school students could read this because it IS YA, but I think the older, the better, and more advanced readers would be able to handle the pacing and the POV shifts (which can even drive someone like me a little crazy).
End Result
I had some problems with this book. First, we have a group of people dubbed “Equals” who are in no way equal to the common people. So who are they equal to? Wouldn’t it make more sense to call them “Superiors?” That confused me.
Then we have the POV shifts: we see Abi encounter something horrendous, and then before we can know what happens, we go through two or three other people, and by the time we get back to Abi, we’ve forgotten where we left off. The “love” she develops for Jenner doesn’t develop naturally and seems rushed bc we don’t get to see enough of Abi’s POV to feel the connection. The only real connection we get is for Luke…and it’s just not enough.
Finally, when you get through all the build-up and the book starts to go somewhere….BAM! It’s over and you are left with a major cliffhanger, begging for more. That always drives me crazy. Most of the book was talking and plotting and no action.
So…if you are looking to read Gilded Cage, you need patience and probably to wait for the sequel, Tarnished City. I would definitely wait on this book looking back now.
So I give Glided Cage ★★★☆☆. Or in my Rating Scale:
A lot of meh. And I was loving the concept, too. I’ll still read the sequel, cause that’s how I am…but yeah. Meh. Ugh.
Whatcha readin? Anything good and NOT meh? 😂
*Btw, don’t forget to enter my giveaway as there are TWO SIGNED COPIES OF HEIR OF ILLARIA up for grabs!*
Here’s the link in case you haven’t entered yet: My Rafflecopter Giveaway!
I didn’t qualify 🙄 Great review Steph!
LikeLiked by 1 person
But I guess I didn’t miss much. Btw, your gfx are awesome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What do you mean you didn’t qualify? For the book? Or for the giveaway?
Bc if it’s for the book, then yes, you didn’t miss much.
And I’m glad you enjoy my graphics! 😊😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes for the book. This one wasn’t available to Canadians on Netgalley.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, then you really didn’t miss out. I really never understood the whole,
it’s available here but not here scenario.
I get there are other pubs, but if you want exposure, make the book available everywhere: that’s my two cents on the subject.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am currently reading The Foxhole Court series by Nora Sakavic. It’s apparently way better than Gilded Cage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh. Is it dystopian?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, it’s a very unique contemporary series that I highly recommend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I think I know what you’re talking about. The one with the paw print on the cover? 🤔
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes! that’s the cover of the first book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok, I know which series you’re talking about. It gets good reviews all the time. I’m just not a big contemporary fan. But I’m glad you’re digging it! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually really don’t like contemporary either but I have to say that The Foxhole Court is in its own category. It’s like nothing I have ever read before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm.
Ok, I’ll give it a go. I trust your judgement. 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the e-book is 99 cents so not that expensive ;). If you need convincing there are a lot of videos on YouTube about this series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just another book series that needs to be squeezed into the crazy TBR!! I need to weed it out badly to make room!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oops sorry!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉 It’s ok bc I have really old books that need to go!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I love your rating scales! They’re adorable. LOL By the way, I’ve seen this book around for awhile and it does look interesting (minus the cliffhanger part… I HATE CLIFFHANGERS!!!). I guess I’ll wait for the entire series to complete before reading it. *winks* Anyway, terrific review, Stephanie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes, I should have waited but I had no idea it was gonna do me like that! I’m heartbroken! Why, Vic James, why?? ::shakes fist::
I’m really happy ppl are digging my rating systems bc I use only my iPad and it limits any sort of graphic design capability! This is all through a mobile device, so I’m always worried my blog looks like a hack created it! 😂🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha, your blog doesn’t look like that at all! Not even a bit. XD It’s easy to browse and I like the layout overall. ^^ For me, it’s already an amazing work because I can hardly do anything other than read on my iPad. :’)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, love! You made my week!! It’s hard to do it, but I was hoping it would work for everyone. It’s so hard to tell!!
Yay! 😊😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t worry, you’re doing pretty well already! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Dumbledore rating system is adorable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It took me forever to make so I’m glad you like it! 😊😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, I somehow won a copy of this on Facebook!😂
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s bc they are giving it away like crazy for some reason! I got a physical copy bc my friend got two…there’s all sorts of mailers that have it! I don’t know why they pushed this so much unless they knew it was gonna be meh. I like solid world-building, and this just had too many questions for me and no explanations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doubt I’ll ever read it but it certainly does seem to be everywhere.😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly. I think overexposure is a bad sign. 🤔
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least overexposure is better than indecent exposure! lmao 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Eh, I prefer indecent! (Oh, my! 😮)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh my indeed Stephy!😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see how the abrupt alternations POV’s can get frustrating, I was t too big on that with this book. I do agree with you, we needed more from Abbi but I do believe we Weill get that in Tarnished City. I gave a little prediction at the end of my review & Vic James confirmed it 😂 Luke def got the spotlight in this one. I don’t know if you watch Game of Thrones, but if you do, didn’t Bhouda give off Cersei Lannister vibes? I found her to be interesting. EPIC review Stephanie, hopefully book 2 is a step up 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually don’t watch Game of Thrones (don’t hit me!) but have wanted to. I am glad we will get more bc that cliffhanger killed me. I usually don’t mind multiple POVs as Michael Grant does it all the time, but this one was kind of jerky and you get pulled out right when you shouldn’t. If that’s the case, I’d like to be put back where I left off.
But I’m going to give Tarnished City a chance.
Glad you liked the review!! I have to write another one right after this (I hate doing that) bc one is due for a website. But that book was excellent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhhhh!!! *for shame* (Game of Thrones reference) I thought you would’ve been one to watch it since you read a lot of Fantasy as well 😂 I’m def picking up Tarnished City since I was left with a ton of questions. I’m actually currently racing against the clock/hours left today to finish Defy the Stars before it expires from my device smh 🙈 which review are you writing next?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wait…why is it going to expire from your device? Are you using Bluefire? I hate the app and only use it for Penguin First to Read. On NG, if you download to Kindle app, you keep it forever!! (I hate timed books unless it’s on Overdrive).
Anyway, I just finished two other books: my HP reread with my group (book two) and Winter Falls by Jacque Stevens (and though it’s an indie book with a cheesy cover, it was an excellent book!). Two five star reads right after so it made up for this one. But I will read the sequel as soon as I can: too crazy of a cliffhanger not to!!
And yes, I’ll have to get GoT on Netflix or something and watch from the beginning?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wait what?!?!?! Wish I had spoken to you about this last week! 😱😱😱 its no longer available to dl, its been archived 😭😭😭 I use Blue Fire a lot because Kindle tends to give me formatting issues with a lot of books. Now that I know they don’t expire, I’ll be downloading & checking them on the Kindle app 1st 🤦🏻♀️ thank you Stephanie. I’ll be up very late tonight reading this book, it’s good but I also do not like reading under pressure. GOT is a HBO show, not sure if they make it to Netflix since they have their own subscription service now. Indie books are awesome! I never look down on them, many Indie authors have made it big & later had cover changes once signed to a major publishing house so that’s cool you support them as well 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t stand reading under pressure either. My Bluefire app is all wonky too anyway. With Penguin, that’s all that will work, and you have to give them back. With Kindle, once you allow under settings to let NG or Edelweiss email your Kindle address directly, they keep forever. I have Flame in the Mist, A Million Junes, and Flora Banks from Penguin, and if I didn’t want to read those so bad, I wouldn’t even use Penguin. I hate Bluefire bc if the book downloads funny, then when I try to redownload it, it says my Adobe ID isn’t correct.
If you ever need help with getting Kindle files on your app, let me know. I’m sorry as apparently you aren’t the only one not to know this. Though if you use Overdrive for ePub, they shouldn’t have expiration dates, so that’s another place. There and iBooks if you have an iPhone/iPad.
I’m a big indie supporter…this one took Stealing Snow and made it look 10 times worse than it already was. Hopefully the review will be up tomorrow.
I don’t have HBO anymore I don’t think…I may have to find a way to stream episodes.
DM me if you need help with any unarchived books!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again Stephanie, I really appreciate it 🙂 I have Given to the Sea, Flame in the Mist, & A Million Junes (Skipped Flora Banks cuz I can’t read these all that fast, tempted though lol) through Penguin as well. Kourtni just recently tweeted about Penguin changing due dates & I noticed they did this with Given to the Sea smh, not cool. I’m actually going to add Edelweiss to Kindle now, noticed after your comment that I only have Netgalley approved to go there, I’ve heard others have experienced the same issue with Bluefire as you, so weird. Its either Bluefire or Kindle to give some people issue. I’m going to see how I fare on Kindle with my Edelweiss galleys. Bluefire works great formatting wise for me but the deadlines are short & not cool when you get approved last minute for a book you requested many months ago. Hopefully better than before but if not, i’ll def DM you 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes please do, because the only issue you should be having of they are getting emailed is a cover that says Uncorrected Galley on some. They shouldn’t look like Docs. Let me know how it goes! Good luck love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alternating*
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are lots of mixed reviews on this book but the story does sound interesting and I really want to give this a try. I recently finished The Rose Mark by Connie Suttle. It was pretty slow read and not exciting as I thought it would be. For my next book I haven’t decided yet but I’m going to soon. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have not heard of that one…what is it genre-wise? I am always looking for recs even though my TBR is huge, lol!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is a fantasy genre and mostly suitable for mature YA readers or 14 above.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will look it up!! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve seen this book around the blogosphere quite a bit but I didn’t really know what it was about until now! I just REALLY loved to look at the cover ahaha. It sounds like it touches on some interesting topics but it also sounds a bit problematic in some places. As for the “Equals” name, I’m thinking it might be satire? Irony? Not really sure. Sounds a bit too confusing for no reason. But I think I’m still interested in reading this one, mostly because I want to hold the book and covet the cover a bit LOL. Great review, Steph!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh, you’re like me: welcome to the #coverlove club! Maybe we should make a weekly meme where we just gush about our fave covers??
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAAAS. That would be amazing 😀 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let’s do it then! I’ll figure out something when I get home, but I think it would be really fun 😍😍😍!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeeeee! So excited 😀 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can pick a day of the week and that usually has a boring meme and do it then 😂🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen to that LOL. Monday doesn’t have a lot of memes does it?? Or Thursday?
LikeLiked by 1 person
So Coverlove Monday? Or Coverlove Thursday? I’ve been trying to think of names for it, I know Monday is What are you reading but I don’t do any memes now, so either is good for me. I don’t know what Thurs has…you might be right on Thursday. Which is of course today. We will have to do it starting next week bc I have to pick up my mom from the airport, but I think this would be really cool. Just trying to think of a catchy name?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think Coverlove Monday or Thursday sounds good!I’m leaning more towards Thursday perhaps?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mainly that was all thought process there…it just kind of exploded. We can be more logical but I had to just do like a total stream of consciousness to get my thoughts out,
But yes, this will be awesome! A meme for you and me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yaaay! And It’s always good to get your thoughts out. I dont usually have anything to post regularly on Mon or Thrs so either day is good with me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I’ve hopefully got some time to throw something together! Sounds like Thurs is the day to do it! 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kk, let me know of there’s anything I can do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got it. Prob would help if we DM about it on Twitter! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been hearing a lot of the same comments from other bloggers on this one, which is too bad, because I really did want to read it. I just don’t think I have room on the TBR for MEH right now. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah. I was disappointed bc I love almost ALL dystopian literature that I read. I didn’t MIND it, but I definitely won’t be rushing out to grab book two. Maybe if I get around to it. I’d skip it as there are much better reads out there. 😉😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry, lady! That’s a bummer. At least it was still a three star, I guess.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it wasn’t bad so it wasn’t a waste of time. It was just….forgettable. I fear by the time book two comes out I will have forgotten everything. Oh well. There’s a lot of books out there: someone did the math, and even if you read 100 books/year, you’ll only be able to read like, 4,000 books in your life. So I’m going to make sure I read only the ones I want!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that someone did that math. That definitely makes you want to be more selective with which books you’re reading and spending your time on for sure. I could not agree more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, right? Now that I know I’m trying to be WAY more selective! I mean, I usually read about 100/year. 4,000 isn’t much. Not when so many come out all the time! 😩
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m usually around 100/year too. I’m on pace for 200 this year right now, but I think I’ll slow down this summer. It’s impossible to stay on top of all the new releases!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And don’t forget the older ones that are good and might have gotten missed! Those are the ones I try to make sure I read with my Beat The Backlist challenge!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right?! I think I’m on pace with my Beat the Backlist right now, but I honestly need to calculate it. LOL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t seen a lot of love for this one around the blogosphere. I don’t really feel like picking up a MEH book! Hmmmm maybe some other day! Lovely review ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I totally thought I would be the one to love this one. I was wrong. I have already forgotten a lot of the plot, but can remember more about the book I read before it that I loved…so that’s never a good sign!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you enjoyed this book Stephanie, just sorry it maybe wasn’t as good as you hoped it would be. I didn’t really mind th POV shifts between Abi, Luke and all the other characters but I can definitely see how it may have been a bit confusing, specially if it seems to jump in the middle of action in Abi’s perspective to a slower part of Luke’s story. Also I wasn’t a fan of the romance between Abi and Jenner either. I’m kind of hoping that’s either put to one side of developed more in the second book.
Also the blue cover with the white cage is from the UK ARC, I don’t know why they didn’t keep that cover because of the three it’s actually my favourite.
Great review for this book as well! 😀 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. That cover is SPECTACULAR!! I wish I had a UK arc of it just to have on my shelf. I would totally trade my bland US one for it.
Glad you see what I meant…I’ll still read book two…it just won’t be as exciting for me now. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, and I’d love to see what the rest of the series would look like if they kept that cover design. There’s just something about it I love more than the final versions they went for.
Well I still hope you’ll enjoy book two a little more. You never know it may end up really surprising you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I’m keeping my fingers crossed. You know I love a good dystopian novel. And I agree…the blue one is gorgeous. Have you seen the U.K. cover for book two? Black and Orange. Ick. I don’t know what ours looks like yet but I’m hoping for more action/romance. How much you wanna bet Luke and “Angel” hook up?? 🤔😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do know, and here’s hoping the second one will be a better dystopian novel for you than the first one was.
Yeah I’m not really a fan of the UK covers, I kind of prefer the US ones, but I’m not a huge enough fan of this series to order all the way from US just for the prettier covers.
Possibly, I feel something is more likely to happen between her and the doctor though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, Book Depository lets you order whatever cover you want…so I love that. And free shipping? You can’t beat that!
Hmm…her and the dr, huh? Interesting…I’m sure you’ll get a copy of the next one before me bc the author lives out there. You’ll have to let me know if you get that right away how it is…I’m dying to know what happens in the next one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No you definitely can’t beat that. I have had a fair few problems with BD in the past so I’m a bit so-so about ordering from them at times.
Well it’s just what I think, it could go in a completely different direction because I can be way off base with my book theories sometimes. But yeah I’ll be sure to let you know! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, you’ll prob read book two before me so you better let me know if something DOES happen with the dr!! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Possibly, and of course I’ll let you know. If you get to it before me though you’ll have to let me know instead! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got a deal, honey! And I love your new profile pic! I’m thinking of getting someone to take a pic of me in the same position as my stock photo so it looks the same, but it’s the real me. I absolutely adore yours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh thanks so much Stephanie. This was one my sister took of me in Copenhagen, I wanted one that was more recent and well that one was.
Ohh that would be a good idea, I kind of love seeing other people’s profile photos and how they change. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t know you had probs with them before…I have only used them once and it was for a book for Sammi. I think I usually use BookOutlet bc they are so cheap. But I love the idea of ordering any cover I want.
What kind of probs? I want to be careful…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah I think I must have just been unlucky. When I’ve gotten in touch with them they’ve always been very good about getting back to me and fixing the issue so that’s something.
Oh the idea of ordering any cover is a good one.
Well once I had an issue where I ordered a book with one cover on the website, and it turned up with a completely different one. Totally screwed up my whole matching series theme but luckily I was able to return them. And actually an issue I’m still trying to sort out is, last week when I ordered a book from them, they changed my account twice for one book. I’ve had to go through my bank to get that sorted!
LikeLike
Me too, I actually love to see the person behind the icon, so it’s hypocritical of me to feel that way and not do it myself. Though I have real pics of me on my Goodreads and my Instagram, most people I don’t think make the connection. Someone once thought the pic I used WAS a pic of me! So I am thinking it’s time, but I want that same familiarity so people know it’s still me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually tend to think of people as whatever picture they have as their icon, whether it’s them or not. There’s someone at my work who has a profile picture of Basil Brush, so that’s forever how I see him now. I knew this wasn’t a picture of you but for some reason, because I’m on WordPress more than GR and I see this profile pic of you most, it’s how I see you now. That will change if you change your profile pic though! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I completely understand. As you were the girl forever with a cup in front of her face. And now you look totally different than how I imagined you. I really hate those Snapchat filter pictures that turn people into animals bc it obscures their face so much that I can’t tell what they look like. Tiff’s isn’t bad: just the flowers and some eye sparkles. But she who shall not be named has one that make her eyes gigantic and it has glasses and it’s a little unsettling.
But I love your new pic bc it’s you! And you are a cutie pie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah that was a couple of years old photo so it was about time I updated it. There are just very few photos I have that don’t have someone else in them as well. I’m not really a fan of snapchat in general so I’ve never used them, but my sister uses those filters. Luckily I know what she looks like already! 😀
Aww, thanks so much Stephanie. 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok I don’t like those probs at all!
Of you pick a book out with a certain look online, that’s the one you want. They use to have the copy of Perfect Ruin that I want, but now only Abe’s Books has it. But if I ordered that and they sent me a diff cover, it would defeat the purpose. And I’m sure their shipping isn’t very quick so that could be annoying. Double charges would make me REALLY mad, so I don’t blame you on being sketched now. They were the only ones who had a The Scarecrow Queen, so I friend did order that for me…but I have never ordered something for myself from there. I’d only order one book bc they no longer have Perfect Ruin, and it’s the Night Circus cover with the vintage look. I love that but it’s only available in the U.K. Not even on Amazon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No that’s what I thought. When I spoke the customer service they did say there’s no guarantee they can send specific covers but then why not say that somewhere on the website? I managed to get a refund from my bank but BD have 45 days to potentially dispute it and if they do an investigation need to go ahead. So here’s hoping they don’t!
Well if you do end up ordering from them here’s hoping you have a better experience than I have. I’m sure you will though, guess I’ve just been unlucky a couple of times! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nah, see, I would order bc of a specific cover or it’s not worth it! I’ll try it, but one bad experience like that and I won’t use them again!
I hope it works out for you! Or I’ll have to put the hurt on them! 😠
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah normally I do the same, I’ve started just ordering new releases from them that only have one cover so it doesn’t happen again.
Here’s hoping it does work out! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Beth!
I haven’t downloaded Snapchat…maybe one day? I just don’t see the point still…but then again, that’s how I felt about Insta and Twitter, and look at me now. So maybe I’ll try it? 🤷♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could never be bothered with it. I can barely deal with the social media I have and I just don’t see the point in Snapchat, I dunno.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be my only reason for ordering through them…unless there was a book I found on sale that I didn’t find somewhere else (eBay) bc of the free shipping. But their prices aren’t as competitive…then again, I have a lot more choice being here.
I hope it works out!! I really do. 🤞
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mainly order from Amazon, which I love, but occasionally there isn’t a book on Amazon that is on BD so I kind of have no choice.
Thanks! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your review! I personally really enjoyed this one. I thought she did a great job with the multiple shifting of PoV. I do admit though, I was surprised to see you thought this might be a bit complex for high school classroom discussion. Is this due to the PoV? I am just comparing this to what my daughter reads and feel she would find this a welcomed change of pace. So curious as to what lead you to that decision. After all, you are the teach 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Though I find the dynamics interesting, it really wasn’t the material but the pacing. I recommended for 15 and up, so I do think it will work for young readers, but I cannot find enough material for discussion at that level. Books like Hunger Games and Divergent have strongly fleshed out story worlds…this one didn’t seem to as much to me. Though I think there could BE discussion topics there, I find it would probably benefit those studying Marxist theory more. Using a critical lens with this material can help students find more hidden subtext. I just think for high school it’s too slow paced…that’s pretty much it.
I do think it’s good for readers outside the classroom though. Do you get what I’m saying? Sometimes I don’t word things right…
LikeLiked by 1 person
No it makes sense 🙂 I think sometimes to though.. I tend to compare all high school reading and discussion to my daughter who is actually taking AP and honors classes. I often forget that a lot of things work for her or are okay with her because she is tackling some things on a college level already. I can definitely understand that perhaps criticizing it from a socialist standpoint would be of more value and not necessary high school level for all. Thanks Steph 🙂 Now am I making sense haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That should be socialist aspect not standpoint.. sorry. Too tired tonight haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review! The premise behind this book was definitely something that often came up in the reviews of other people and had me curious and all. Quite unfortunate that it was just meh.. ugh.. in the end! Hopefully the next book will be a lot more impressive! 🙂
– Lashaan
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope so as well: there was so much promise and it all fell flat instead. I was very disappointed. It won’t keep me from book two but I won’t be swinging from rafters to get it. Hopefully the action will pick up significantly! I have read some good stuff since then though so that’s all that matters!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe the name Equals is supposed to be ironic and manipulative, trying to convince others this is normal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a theory someone just told me…I hadn’t thought of that. It still bugs me a bit, though, tbh.
Eh. The whole book bugged me. Just needed a firmer story world imo. But I’ll see about book two and give it another chance…sometimes book two makes up for book one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, sometimes the first is needed to set the story and then you get to enjoy the second one more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes…normally I am good with book one…but with books like Stealing Snow and this one, I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt and just see how the second one goes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe you should.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice review, Steph! Sorry to hear it wasn’t all that great for you. I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve been wanting to. The concept sounds intriguing. And you’re right, that cover is love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The concept SOUNDS intriguing and at first you’re all, yes this is good stuff! Then it drags on and on and on and on….and you get the idea. It just wasn’t enough world for me to grasp. I mean, the Equals who have power make these people do slave days for 10 years. With their power, they could make them slaves forever! So why not? There are a lot of questions that arise while you read. Let me know what you think!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh, I see. I’m not sure that I’ll like the dragging on part… I really don’t like books that are super slow paced and drag on. So, I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll still read it, so I’ll let you know what I think when I do! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’ll be eager to know. You may love this one. I just think the story world needs a little building to get it going. And more romance and less POV shifts.
Hell: just give me the book and I’ll do some rewrites and itll be fine then. 🤣
I’d wait for book two to be handy when reading as well bc the end is a little frustrating.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh, I see. Ok, cool. Thanks for the heads up! I may just wait till book two is readily available then 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aye, I’ve seen a TON of reviews for this books.. some love it, some dislike/hate it… and I’m still stuck in the middle trying to figure out whether to squeeze this read in some time in the near future or not… 😀 Loved your review though… it’s the good thing about reading multiple reviews… you get so many different thoughts and feedback…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, though I’m sure my meh response didn’t help in your decision making. Let’s just say I would put this off until book two, 🤔😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah ye, the Evil Cliffhanger! Good point though.. I will wait 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an amazing review. I’ve seen this book around quite a bit in the blogosphere and was thinking of reading it until your review pointed out the multiple points of view, I can’t read books with more than two.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, then skip this one…there’s a lot of different ones.
I’m going to read the sequel, but it’s not high priority for me. Hope I helped you dodge a bullet! 😉
LikeLike
You definitely did help me dodge a bullet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what I’m here for: to take the bullets for others!
LikeLike
Awww I’m sorry this ended up being a bit more of a meh read for you, Stephanie. I can definitely see why the POV shifts could throw you off. They didn’t really bother me but now that I think about it that could be a reason why the romance between Jenner and Abi did pretty much nothing for me. I didn’t care for it at all. In fact, I kind of shipped Silyen and Abi rather than Jenner and Abi and that might have to do with the actual scenes where they interacted versus the short ones with Jenner. Also, I think the whole use of Equal was meant to be ironic since they aren’t. I found it weird at first too. Anyway! I’m glad you’re still going to read the second book. I’m so impatient for the second one after that cliffhanger! I need it to be September! 😣
Great review as always!! 💕😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks love. You nailed it all right on the head! No chemistry, odd timing for the POV jumps, and a story world that’s a little faulty. Just need more…and I’m hoping i get that in book two! So I’ll be patient and hope that one will explain more. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!! And definitely no chemistry. I don’t think anything could convince me to ship Jenner and Abi at this point lol. Hopefully book two does have more! I’m betting it will. 😁♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, too bad this one had some issues 😦 But if you do end up reading book II, I’ll be really interested to read your review of it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh you know I will…I can’t resist a cliffhanger! But it’s not a priority right now…got lots of books that are a priority first! At least it doesn’t come out for awhile!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is on my april tbr. I’m sorry that you didn’t enjoy it much. Hoping that isnt the same for me. great review, Steph ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some people loved it! I’m just not a fan of the limited world-building. Some people have suggested it was done intentionally so I’ll still read the next one! 😉
LikeLike
I felt similar to you on this one – it was an OK read but forgettable. I couldn’t remember a single character’s name when I went to review it a few weeks later. It’s not bad, but there’s a lot out there that are better. Great review.
LikeLike
Exactly my sentiment! You took the words right out of my mouth.
I’m glad you liked it! Stick around bc I would love to have you here!! It’s nice to meet you! 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person