Author: Alyson Noel
Series: Soul Seekers #1
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 306
Source: Raincoast Books (Thank you so much, RCB!!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon CA | The Book Depository | Chapters
Stars: 2/5
Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.MY THOUGHTS:
There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.
(summary taken from Goodreads)
This is probably one of the hardest reviews I've ever had to write! I tried to like Fated, I really tried to, but the writing was hard to get through, Daire was hard to like, and the story started so hard and slow that I had to re-start this a few times before I finished.
Daire was... difficult. As the daughter of a celebrity makeup artist, she was selfish, disrespectful, and your classic I'm-not-that-gorgeous-but-guys-love-me-anyways type of girl. I couldn't understand what she was doing most of the time or why she was doing it. By the end, she did improve a bit but only to the point where I tolerated her rather than loved her.
Fated was very slow-paced. The characters spoke in monologue. And as a grammar girl, I was constantly frustrated by how there were so many sentence fragments that it was hard to tell what was complete and what wasn't! There's something about Alyson Noel's writing that you'll either love or hate, and I just couldn't get into it this time around.
BUT: I really liked the supernatural aspect of this book! As a part of their Soul Seeker magic, they can sort of draw energy from the earth and channel it into cool things like merging energies with a cockroach. It was different from the razzle-dazzle I'm used to in a cool way. Also, I liked the dynamic of Cade's evil twin to Dace's good twin; Cade's villain to Dace's Prince Charming.
With a gorgeous cover and fascinating premise, Fated was a book that I wanted to like so much more than I did! Maybe it had to do with the fact that I wasn't a huge fan of The Immortals series either. But if you did enjoy her other series or if you want to give the cool magic of this book a chance, then you might enjoy this series too! Who knows? Maybe I'm just one odd fish out of the water. :')
BUY or BORROW?: Unless you really liked Alyson Noel's other books, then I think that I'd recommend you borrow this book first! It's really hard to get into at the beginning, and there's a 50/50 chance you'll love it, give or take.
-Mimi
Posts
GREAT review Mimi! I'm still eager to give this one a go as I haven't read her other series, but I won't get my hopes up :)
ReplyDeleteBut.. I am sort of scared to read about merging energies with cockroaches.
*cries*
Hmm I couldn't get through Evermore so maybe I should give this one a miss. Even though the cover is downright amazing. But if you don't like it, I think the chances of me liking it are pretty slim. Though I have read a few good reviews, given how I'm reacting to books these days I think it's better that I stay away. Love that you were able to be so expressive even though you didn't enjoy the book. A skill I'm yet to learn!
ReplyDeleteAmazingly honest review. I read a pretty decent antithesis twin book recently (redheads are souless) that you might like to try since you enjoyed the twin aspect.
ReplyDeleteI was never able to get into the Immortals either so I probably won't try it.
Great review. I started this book and couldn't make it past 20 pages. I started Evermore and couldn't make it past 20 pages. Coincidence?
ReplyDeleteI saw this in the bookstore but decided to walk by it ...
ReplyDeleteAwww. I hate when that happens. It's so much more difficult when you feel like it *should* be your kind of thing but then it turns out to be poorly executed! I wasn't a fan of Alyson Noel's other books so I think I'll probably give this one a miss unless it turns up in the library! Great review, Mimi!
ReplyDeleteI saw Fated and thought it was Sarah Alderson at first! Darn it, Mimi! I can't remember if you reviewed that one, but you really need to. Your awesomeness + the awesomeness of that book will make something super exciting. Anyway, back to this Fated. :D
ReplyDeleteWhat's with the name Daire? I don't know about English, but in my langauge, daire is a musical instrument so that weirded me out a little bit. I really really didn't like her Immortal series either, so this isn't really a surprise to me. I'm still sorry that you wasted your time, and kind of shocked... you never give two stars! You're really a glass-half-full kind of girl.
Fantastic review, Mimi. <3
I'm currently reading this (halfway through) and just like you I have such a hard time getting into it. I can't really connect with Daire and the story and really wish it wasn't this slow paced. Another problem: I read the first three books of the IMMORTAL series and absolutely looooved them (only stopped reading because I was waiting for the matching paperbacks to be released), so I had very high expectations for FATED... but sadly it's leaving me a bit disappointed, so I can completely understand your criticism, Mimi! Amazing review - thanks for sharing and showing me that I'm not the only one feeling a bit disappointed! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I've never read her Immortals series but now I'm not sure I want to. I think I'll give this a try eventually because the premise does sounds interesting, but I'll definitely be borrowing from the library. I'm an impatient reader that likes action from the get-go so I'm not sure I'll like it, but I'm always willing to try! Awesome review and sorry you didn't like it!
ReplyDeleteAll the best ♥
Mackenzie @ Oh, For the Love of Books!
Wow-I think this is the first really negative review I've read from you and I thought it was very respectful and honest. You shared what didn't work for you but also what did and gave recommendations for the people who might enjoy this book more. That's really the best you can do because not every book is going to work for everyone.
ReplyDelete"As the daughter of a celebrity makeup artist, she was selfish, disrespectful, and your classic I'm-not-that-gorgeous-but-guys-love-me-anyways type of girl."
ReplyDeleteI'm frustrated already! That type of girl irritates me to no end. It's possible I'm a little jealous and that fuels my irritation because I had exactly 0 guys fawning over me in high school, but honestly I don't think Daire and I would get along as reader and character:) I think I'll pass on this one, thanks for the review Mimi!
Oh, I saw this one and thought it had such a great cover. I'm sorry you didn't like it, but I can understand why it didn't work for you. I hope your next read is much better!
ReplyDeleteI really liked Evermore, but I haven't read anymore of her books. I absolutely love the cover. I'll probably just wait to get this from the library.
ReplyDeleteOld follower
Thanks for the honest review! I've only read one other review for this book and they liked it, so it's nice to get some perspective. NOT a fan of slow-pacing and annoying heroines.. Glad to hear you at least liked the fantasy of it though. :) I probably won't be reading this book.
ReplyDeleteHah like Maja I thought you were reviewing Sarah Alderson's Fated, I've seen this book around quite a bit and the premise does sound really good! It's just a shame that it didn't work out for you but thank you for the honest review :)
ReplyDeleteMimi, I was really surprised when I saw the stars for this book! It's so rare to find you give 2 stars to a book. Still, you sucesssfully write amazing and honest review! <3 It must be very hard for you to write a review on book you didn't enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI can totally see why this book is not really a keeper. Daire doesn't sound like my kind of heroine - I always have hard time with heroines I can't sympathize with! But like you said, the supernatural aspect sounds fascinating. I might pass this book - or later buy it simply by the gorgeous cover! xD
OH NO! This sucks! I've read a ton of mixed reviews about this book and I'm hoping to fall on the good side :( Sad to hear it didn't go well for you! I hate slow-paced books, especially when good characters aren't there to make it bearable!! Thanks for the great review! I'll be reading this one in June so… *fingers crossed*
ReplyDeleteI know you don't give out two stars lightly, so I know that "selfish and disrespectful" heroine must've really gotten to you! I've only read one of this author's books and didn't care for it, and everything you said here confirms that these books just aren't a good match for me. I appreciate your honest and thoughtful review, though.
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Midnight Garden
Honest review Mimi! :) :) And ... well, I bet Alyson Noel just isn't my type either. I haven't read her books, and I guess I never will :P :P
ReplyDeleteI liked the start of Immortals but towards the end it just went bad. I felt like I was reading a text book on metaphysics and new age thought with all that talk of crystals and reincarnation. This sounded like that too so I steered clear of it.
ReplyDeleteTalk Supe
Thanks for your honest review. I like seeing what people did and did not like about books. I haven't read anything by this author before, so it doesn't sound like I'd want to start with this one. Maybe I'll give the Immortals series a try sometime. I think my sister might like it more than me, to be honest.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
That sucks it was so slow and hard to get through! I've seen this around a lot, but haven't actually dared to give it a try before. Not sure if it's something I should pick up now though! I'm glad you at least liked the paranormal aspect! Great review, Mimi. It sucks when we don't like books as much as we hope!
ReplyDeleteMy older sister got it, and I'm not so sure she's going to read it now :) Great review and I'm sorry you didn't like it!
ReplyDeleteI know you said you've tried Noel's Immortal series, but have you ever tried her any of her contemporary novels? Maybe that would be the way to go with her. I'm not sure myself since I've never read anything by her, but I've read a lot of similar thoughts about this novel as the ones you expressed. Sorry it didn't work for you. Hope your next adventure is much better.
ReplyDeleteBummer you didn't like this one as much as you wanted to! :( I personally have never found an interest in Noel's books. I don't know why - I just can never seem to get excited about them. We'll see though - maybe I'll give them a try someday...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the honest review, darling! I sure do know how hard it is to write a 2 star review!
Oh DAMN. These reviews are so hard to write, but you did so BRILLIANTLY, Mimi! It's a real shame this was a disappointment for you, but kudos for finishing it when you were clearly not loving it. I have a bad habit of stopping at the 100 page mark if a book is getting on my nerves haha. The magic aspect definitely sounds cool and intriguing, but not enough so to make up for the other failings. Though it's like the universe is trying to push this book on me after sending TWO unrequested copies! LOL.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of your thoughts, this is a fantastic review!
Not-so-good reviews are always the hardest to write! *pats you on the back* Well, I did see this one around but I wasn't that interested in it. What a pity you didn't like it! The author's other series have been on my TBR list for some time.
ReplyDeleteHeroines are such an important thing when it comes to books! Which totally makes sense, since we have to watch their world through their eyes. And then there's the pace, of course... Glad that the paranormal setting was still nice to read about! And WOW! I like that about good-and-evil twins ♥ Might read it someday just because of that LOL
Nice honest review, Mimi ♥ Have a wooooonderful Thursday :)
I'm not a big fan of this author. I really disliked her Immortals series so it sounds like I was right on deciding to pass on this. But I know some really enjoy her writing style but it's just not my thing personally.
ReplyDeleteHaha I am still giggling over the fact that you used the phrase razzle-dazzle :) Reason #57894 that I love you <3
ReplyDeleteAww, these are always tough to write. I've only written 2 reviews that were for 2-star books but they both stand out pretty vividly to me. Daire so does not sound like the kind of heroine I would appreciate although the magic DOES sound super intriguing. Who wouldn't want to merge energies with a cockroach?!
Anyway, it is such a shame that this one didn't float your boat. I liked the Immortals series TO A POINT (I stopped reading after a while...) and I love that gorgeous cover but I'm not sure if I'll take the time to read this now or not. Thanks for the honest review in any case! :)
Sonia
Like Wendy, I know you don't give two stars lightly so this book must have been super frustrating! I'm not a fan of the Immortal series, to say the least, so I'm going to give this one a pass too. It really doesn't seem like my type of book, especially since the selfish heroine sounds grating. Thank you for your honest review, Mimi!
ReplyDeleteI know a lot of people are huge fans of Alyson Noel, but for some reason, I've never really clicked with any of her books. Because of this, I wasn't really planning on reading Fated, and after reading your review, I'm convinced I made the right decision. I'm sure this book will have its fans out there, but given my track record with Noel, I just don't think I'm going to be one of them. Thanks for the review, Mimi! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's soo hard to write a not-so-glowing review but you did it brilliantly, Mimi. It doesn't sound like the kind of book for me... I'm not a fan of slow paced books unless they are really worth the journey! And character monologues aren't for me either. I'm sorry Fated wasn't for you but it's great that you still liked certain aspects of it. This book is a miss for me. Thanks for the honest review :)
ReplyDeleteOh honey... truly I wanted to read this one but... nearly every review I read so far was just ..meh! I wasn't a fan of The Immortals series either..I stopped after book 3? But I got hardly through book 3. so I was eager to give this series a true chance since the cover looks gorgeous and the idea great. But.. I think I might simply pass on these ones...
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, most of the reviews I've read about Alyson's books were not great. THat's why I never really requested for this book, I dont think that her writing is my cup of tea. But still it sounds interesting. Im sorry that this one disappoints. Hopefully the next read will be better Mimi. Great review! <3
ReplyDeleteƸ̴Ӂ̴ƷFICBOOKREVIEWSƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ
Not your fault, it happens sometimes. Well when a book isn't for you, it's not. But the nice thing is that you tried. I'm quite mixed about the Alyson Noel books, si I don't read a lot of them. thanks for your review though.
ReplyDeletemonologue? Bleh. I haven't seen very many great reviews on this one so I'm not sure I'm interesting in diving it. I wasn't impressed with Alyson's other series (I just read book 1 though). Slow paced books usually bore me. Thanks for taking one for the team Mimi! ;)
ReplyDeletewow!sorry you didn't enjoy it.
ReplyDelete~Shane @Itchingforbooks
new follower
Aww, Mimi! It's a shame you didn't like it that much. I haven't read any of Alyson Noel's books and I haven't seen many great reviews of those either. Great honest review, btw. :))
ReplyDeleteAww, Mimi... I'm sorry you didn't enjoy this more but thanks for the helpful review! I think I can already tell this book will not be for me. I wasn't a huge fan of Alyson Noels other books, so I will have to pass on this one. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like we felt much the same Mimi! I liked the idea of it all but it fell pretty flat for me too. :(
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi! I know what you mean..I read Fated for..5 days? or more? It was hard for me, too. What really made it difficult for me was the pace, too. I wanted it to be fun and fast. But nope. I didn't focus on Daire..I didn't like her but I liked how she got close to her grandma. I loved the story world - the Upperworld, Lowerworld and Middleworld and everything in them. Great honest review!
ReplyDeleteFragments of Life
"And as a grammar girl, I was constantly frustrated by how there were so many sentence fragments that it was hard to tell what was complete and what wasn't!"
DeleteThat is my biggest complaint about this author. She doesn't seem to be able to write a complete sentence. I don't know why more people don't call her on it. (I saw Fated in the bookstore and was drawn in by the lovely cover, but I thought I'd check it out online first. My suspicions seemed to be confirmed: the writing is just as bad as in the Immortals series. I'm going to give this one a pass.)
Sorry this one was disappointing. But I think the selfish main character, coupled with the slow pace would have turned me off also. I do however like the idea of the evil twin brother and want to know what happened to him growing up? Were they raised together or separately?
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, I'm sorry to hear that this book was so disappointing! I've read the two books from her Riley Bloom and I quite liked them. Not the best written books ever, but they were sweet and had a certain charm :)
ReplyDeleteI don't really know about this book. The cover and synopsis looks great, but after reading your describtion of our main "heroin" I don't think I'm going to like this one.. For now, I'm going to leave it. Thanks for your honesty. Writting a negative review is never a fun thing to do, but you did a great job :)
And I've added your link to my 'Blogs I love roll' down in the side bar ^^ Just wanted to let you know :D
Ooohh GRAMMAR GIRL? MEEE TOOOO! Well...especially when writing essays and reading people's stories/essays/and BOOKS. Urghhh I feel like I'll be seriously frustrated by the sentence fragments as well :/ I've never actually read Alyson Noel's books before :/ Now I'm so scared to start this book!! OMG. Daire sounds like the most ANNOYING girl ever! But I'm still glad you liked the supernatural aspect :) Thank you for the honest review, Mimi!~ Since I have two copies of this, I feel like I really should read it...but I'll be cautious :)
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