Release Date: June 11, 2013 / Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
I expected to like Rush a whole lot more than I did. It had a unique 'game' concept, but I didn't feel it ever really delivered. It just wasn't believable to me, and I was easily irritated with those in charge because they never gave clear cut answers.
Maybe I wouldn't have been as bothered with all that had I liked the characters. I didn't have any sort of connection to them. The protagonist Miki wasn't that bad, but I felt she was trying too hard to be tough and brave. And I thought she was quick in falling in love with Jackson, who annoyed me throughout because of his cryptic ways. I couldn't bring myself to believe in them or their romance. I'm also getting really tired of reading about the bitchy, manic best friend of the main character. Why is it always like that? In this case, it was Miki's friend Carly. I couldn't stand her. As for the rest of the characters...they pretty much fell flat to me.
Rush had an interesting premise, but I wasn't entirely convinced by either the plot or the characters. I'm glad I had a chance to read and finish it though. I just don't think it's enough for me to want to read the sequel.
Release Date: July 23, 2013 / Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I didn't go in to A Really Awesome Mess with high expectations, since the reviews I had seen weren't giving it much praise. But I did hope I would be able to at least finish it. What I couldn't have predicted was how much I would enjoy the story! I really love when that happens because I had a hard time putting the book down.
The chapters alternated between the point-of-views of Emmy and Justin. Both of them were hilarious and had me cracking up so many times! They also sounded like real teenagers with real, serious issues. The relationships they built and the adventures they shared with their new friends seemed genuine and had me grinning. Because those much needed friendships clearly had a hand in helping each of them deal with their problems, even if some of their issues would never entirely go away. Overall, I thought Emmy and Justin and their group of misfit friends were great and relatable characters, and I know they were the reason why I was glued to the book and why I was having so much fun reading their story.
A Really Awesome Mess kept me entertained from beginning to end. The plot and the characters were touching and humorous. It was such a fun read! While not everything was resolved for Emmy and Justin, the ending was still fitting and satisfying. I'm so glad I gave this book a chance.
It's too bad you didn't like Rush as much as I did. I really enjoyed that one. But I can see why it wouldn't appeal to most readers. The second book is one I haven't heard much about until now. It sounds good!
ReplyDeleteA Really Awesome Mess sounds great! I remember seeing the cover somewhere. I'm definitely trying it now!
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