Genre: Young AdultSource: Library
Summary: Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan, an extremely talented musician, lives a fairly ordinary life. But when she meets a mysterious boy named Luke, she finds her whole world turned upside down. Soon, they develop a deep and undeniable bond of friendship, that eventually lead to romance. Here's where things get complicated; Deirdre finds out that she is a cloverleaf; one that has an ability to see faeries. Luke, on the other hand, is a gallowglass -- "a soulless faerie assassin." His next target? Deirdre.
Characters & Plot: 3 stars
The truth is, I didn't connect to the story and its characters as much as I wanted to. Even though the characters were believable and likable enough, I just did not quite get the "hang" of it. To me also, both the plot and the characters just didn't develop naturally.
Writing: 4 stars
I do have to say though, that I am impressed by Maggie Stiefvater's writing. She is very eloquent and romantic -- almost poetic. I felt that though I didn't care much about what's truly going on in the book, I wasn't getting tired of reading her words. They flowed without effort, and seemed very artistic in style. And in all fairness, never did it seem at all forced or contrived.
Overall: 3.5 stars
For me, Lament fell a little short. The story wasn't anything special, and I didn't get into the plot as much. Though I generally like the main characters -- as they are at least likable -- I'm afraid they didn't stand out as much. However, it's the poetic writing that ultimately made me appreciate it, and made me think that it was at least a worthwhile read.
The truth is, I didn't connect to the story and its characters as much as I wanted to. Even though the characters were believable and likable enough, I just did not quite get the "hang" of it. To me also, both the plot and the characters just didn't develop naturally.
Writing: 4 stars
I do have to say though, that I am impressed by Maggie Stiefvater's writing. She is very eloquent and romantic -- almost poetic. I felt that though I didn't care much about what's truly going on in the book, I wasn't getting tired of reading her words. They flowed without effort, and seemed very artistic in style. And in all fairness, never did it seem at all forced or contrived.
Overall: 3.5 stars
For me, Lament fell a little short. The story wasn't anything special, and I didn't get into the plot as much. Though I generally like the main characters -- as they are at least likable -- I'm afraid they didn't stand out as much. However, it's the poetic writing that ultimately made me appreciate it, and made me think that it was at least a worthwhile read.
Her writing is lovely, isn't it... Almost hypnotic. I quite liked Lament and have got Ballad on order, but I think that you make some valid points in your great review!
ReplyDeleteI really liked Lament more than Shiver actually. Maggie Stiefvater really is a great writer though. You should give Ballad a chance, I liked it so much more than Lament.
ReplyDeleteBallad is far better than Lament, in my honest opinion. I really think you should give it a chance, and I like Lament better than Shiver, which I didn't really like haha great review :)
ReplyDelete@Splendidbird: Yes, hypnotic is just the right word for it, thank you! Haha. I did enjoy it, just not my favorite I guess :)
ReplyDelete@Adriana: I have not yet read Shiver. I want to try it though, since I hear a lot of people raving about it.
I think I will read Ballad too.
@Melissa: I'm going to go ahead and reserve Ballad at our local library. I think I will read it. Like I said, I thought it was a worthwhile read. Not bad at all.
I really enjoyed both Lament and Ballad. I have recommended them to others and heard great things back from them! I think they are both worth reading!
ReplyDeleteGood Review! I have to admit, Lament and Ballad aren't my favorite books but Ms. Steifvater does have talent. I enjoy the Folklore she infuses her stories with. I have heard a lot about shiver and linger and will probably give them a go :)
ReplyDelete@Beverly: I believe they're worth reading as well. I'll check out Ballad whenever I get the chance.
ReplyDelete@KIKA: Thank you! Yeah, they aren't my favorites, but they're not bad either! I will continue to read more from Stiefvater mainly for her writing.
I'm reading Lament right now. I'm finding it kind of dull, but I'm only 60 pages in. Maybe it will get better.
ReplyDelete