Michaela

My review isn't the most helpful but here we go.

nostalgic sigh This book holds a special place in my heart. At the age of twelve, it was the first book I truly connected with. It was the first book that had curse words, the first book where I felt genuine interest in everything the characters did. In so many ways, this book helped me and it was one of two books that I begged for, finally getting my own copy for Christmas at 15. It is also one of a few books that I'd happily read again.

This book, at least to me, was utterly fascinating. Perhaps it's due to the fact that I wasn't allowed to read vampire fiction when I was younger, or perhaps it's due the historical content. Either way, I very much enjoyed this book, due in large part to the sheer amount of research it took. There are many parts that I thought were embellished or simply untrue that turned out to be historically correct.

Perhaps it was because I had to read it for school over the summer. Perhaps it was because I was fourteen years old at the time. Whatever the reason, this seems to be one of those books that you either get, or don't get, and I have to be honest; I didn't really get it. My brain was hurting and my hand was cramping from the notes I had to take. However, I have to admit that it was interesting, even if I'd never read it again.

Ooo! A book got 5 whole stars! Usually, that means it did something extraordinary, and it did exactly that! I have never been so sure I wanted to buy a book in my life!

Beyond that, I suppose I should talk about the book. This book is utterly fascinating for a variety of reasons. For one, it's grounded in history but it's not bleak for the characters of color. Slavery is mentioned, as it somewhat has to be for a book set in the 18th century, it's not weighing heavily on the narrative. A second thing is that 

This book has one of the most iconic reveals ever, and I went in knowing how it would end. However, that didn't change the fact that I was hopeful that maybe, just maybe, the ending would change. Due to knowing the ending, I was also able to pick up on smaller details and foreshadowing, which is always fun.

I'm not very good at this so I'll keep it brief. Like some kind of idiot, I watched the movie long before I read the book. As a matter of fact, I still haven't finished the books because of a particular event that happens in the fifth one...I digress.

ahem

Anyhow, this is a book that I'd happily read again, hence the 5 stars. My initial reaction to the book was ‘I'VE BEEN LIED TO!' because I thought the first movie was good and was content with the information I had received from the movie and the fandom. But then I read the book. It is far better. I particularly like the titles of the chapters and Percy's little quirks. And Luke. Luke is my baby.

TL;DR: I watched the movie first, the book is better, shame on me.