Should let the characters and story grow up.
922686
The story felt somewhat rushed but overall a succinct ending to what amounts to a typical teen novel. While the characters and story lines were interesting throughout the series, the "must keep it Disney like" feel left me feeling as though it was rewritten to be for the preteen crowd.
1525477
I found this book hard to review. I like the characters and I found the story interesting. The beginning kept me going and wondering what would happened and where everything was going. However at some point in the middle of the story the pace seemed to change and the line of the story turns into a more high school-teenagers fun dilemma. Im ok with that, I enjoyed those books and this one has a great potential, the characters aren't annoying and the Institute is interesting. The problem is that in my opinion it doesnt match the starter story that I wanted to know more about. The descendants are the offspring of what we knew as Greek gods and they lived longer lives than humans. Elyse is around 89 year old although looks like a 18 year old. Honestly the idea is not bad but just like the other descendants I find hard to believe that the extra years on Earth didn't give them a more profound and mature personality! My other concerned is the romance among Elyse and William. I like both and they are great together but if they are truly destined to each other I think the relationship should be showed as deeper and not just mention as I feel like I know him forever.
But in general it is a fun book, easy to follow with the classic idea of a chosen one to free us from the oppressor government with the addition of a school for power-magic people.
4932645
The writing is flowing and engaging. Tamisin is a mature heroine and surprisingly solves diplomatic and political problems as more of an adult, then her 2000+ year old fairy queen mother, who comes across as a blend of self absorbed 13 year old with permanent temper-tantrum, (a.e. poorly done). The king of goblins is rather flat and a convenient figure to complete the story. Cousin Nico was well done, I hated him from the begging for being so mean. His mother Lidia was sketchy and her meanness was poorly reasoned out. Over all it was an interesting read, but it has room for improvement. It is and average YA read.
1987479
Better than some of her last few Stephanie Plum books, but her characters really need to grow up.  Cute at the beginning, but not so much any more.
4099283
The story was O.K., many writers have been using the "let's shake them up" ploy. I am tired of the cliff hangers, waiting a year for the answers and having books end like it's a given you will buy the next book just for the answer, how about buying the next book because you really like the style and writing?. Also after becoming invested in the main characters, have them totally change or -SPOILER ALERT- kill them off (she did mention the dog/wolf was 10yrs old).The goal might be to keep us talking but how about keeping us reading and enjoying?
803835
I found the alternating chapters between the 2 main characters a little tedious after a while. I would like the story to just develop. I enjoyed the story.
1571681
Good story probably could have been developed a little more, also there should be a clear break in scenes try double spacing so we know that a particular scene is over
1185846
I read the short-story prequel and really liked it; I couldn't wait to start this series.
I actually listened to the audio for this book (reviewed on Audible), rather than read it.
Overall, a fairly decent start. I am interested in what will happen and how the characters develop. However, I also hope that the writing style matures. I often feel the characters only converse in order for the author to have a way to explain concepts to the reader. I'm missing a good narrative that lets me draw my own conclusions. And, right now, I'm not attached to of the characters - they don't seem to have much emotional depth or seem to have very realistic motives or actions.
So, overall, not too bad, but I'm hesitant to recommend it yet. If the series improves (as I truly hope it does), then I'll revise this review to encourage reading it.
1910435
It's a book for teens or maybe young adults.
The story is well intended but it's not as catchy. It's a mix of fairy tails that overlap with the real lives of a group of junior high friends in Orange County. The characters should have more depth and the story could speed up a little, maybe adding ups some intriguing elements. But mostly it's all about the characters and more developed personalities.
2029449
I thought the story line was great but I would advise the author to work on developing the "personalties" of the characters a little more.
4714281
Better story but still quite not there yet literally. It tries to tackle too many isssues, too many characters involved and thrown into each other's lives haphazzardly. I like that the main characters work together now.
3433853
Might be a more enjoyable read if protagonist was a more likable character.
1024840
A story, even a short one should stand on its own. Sequels are most effective imo when you are hooked on the characters and willing to join them on a new adventure.
398431
Nice cast of characters and not all survive.  Some well thought out set ups for future storylines. Characters do need to be fleshed out more but perhaps that is for future issues.
2035498
The characters at times make you want to scream ":Grow Up!"...and were not really that likable. I prefer to be rooting for someone in the story. MOst of these people deserved what they get.
4450129
The storyline is getting repetitive and now I need it to end OR develop more characters.
2377830
I like that the characters grow and change it this story.  Parts move pretty quickly, but most is well developed.