Read this book IMMEDIATELY. So amazing and well written.
585992
Such a super book. Great from the very start and it just keeps getting better. Narratively and historically, such a wonderful story.
712538
Amazing!  Absolutely amazing! I started reading this book because several friends were talking about it and a short while after I began I started to think that I wasn't going to like this book as much as everyone else.  I was so wrong!  I was sucked in  so quickly after that thought, I couldn't sleep, I just had to keep reading!  I like the twists and turns and was pleasantly surprised at how some of the hurdles the characters encountered were handled.  The character development was phenomenal.  The story and writing were very well done.  Many other reviewers talk more about the story line, I just want to say that this story made me get lost inside it, it made me feel love, loss, passion.  There aren't many books I would say that I would re-read, but this is one!  Highly, highly recommend this book.
358218
Oh my god--read this book! Right now. Just drop everything and start reading.
This is one seriously amazing book. Tierce has captured something so raw and so essential with her sparse prose, and this novel is truly unique--here is a book that isn't read as much as felt. Absolutely beautiful.
It's gritty and dirty and full of despair, but well worth the read.
3320348
One of the best books I've read this far. Unbelievable writing and character development. I feel in love with them all. I was constantly on the edge of my seat anticipating what will happen next. Their lives stayed with me long after I finished reading.
1789356
I will not bother to write a synopsis on this beloved book, as there are amazing reviews that shall tell you already. However, I shall try my best to list the reasons I give this a full 5 (if I could... a 10) stars.

The writing is fantastic. It is simple, polished, refined and almost lyrical if I may add. The writer's voice comes out wonderfully and is simply refreshing. Must I add the originality of the retelling? The idea of compasses, maps, etc. is phenomenal. I never knew that geography would be delightful (as I dreaded trudging through world geography class).
The characters, oh my goodness. The writing and plot was astounding, but the characters were such a breath of fresh air. I simply love main/supporting three-dimensional characters that are realistic and do not have a full-fledged black-and-white mindset (although Mother came close to it). I found a reason to love every one of the main/supporting characters. Rose is one of the most likeable heroines in  my opinion because she is one of the few lately in the ever-growing fantasy genre realm that is practical and logical and realistic. She is quite mature for her age, but considering her circumstances in the novel, it is understandable. Also, the White Bear's character is such a sweet relief from the typical sexy love interests with mysterious dark pasts because he's mostly... a real young man frozen in time (almost one because he's a White Bear to begin with).

The romance might not be to the general audience's liking because this novel has NO KISSING whatsoever in it, or any action that follows up with it. This novel shows relationship and character growth in a beautiful manner, true love so to speak.

All in all, I would recommend it to all ages because this is a beautiful book, I cannot stress it enough how much I love it. Also one should definitely give this a try because it is a relieving breath of fresh air that you would most likely need from this hectic world we live in. Originality in a retelling at one of its finest.
4722120
I really loved a lot of things about this book. I have more words to say about it but I haven't quite put them all together yet.

I did see the ending coming which means it didn't have as much of an impact on me, but I thought the writing in this book is so over the moon great that this book needed to be given 5 stars.

This book is incredibly well written. You really get in the mind of the main character and everyone in the book feels so real. The characters are so vivid and lovable. The story is engaging and I just really freaking loved every single minute of reading this book.  Please read it!
4463868
I cannot say enough good things about this book. This book is so beautifully written for any genre, age-group. I don't care that it's characterized as YA, this book can be read by anyone who loves to read excellent prose. The emotions I felt while reading this book were so intense - I found myself crying through most of it.

The characters and scenes are so well-developed that I could picture everything vividly in my mind. The heartbreak of this story had me sobbing for a good hour, but in a good way - because the book was just so amazing.

It's hard to put into words why this book is so good - is it the characters who are so vivid and raw? Is it the age and time? Is it the plot? It's all of that and more.

Do yourself and read this book and immerse yourself in the love of Eleanor & Park and the bittersweet tale of first love.
1741977
Magnus captivated, and this book pushes the plot even further. Magnus is simply undeniable, and it's facinating. I couldn't predict where the author was taking us, and that is priceless. Amazing book, and so highly recommend. Grab this one, but also be sure to grab the first book as well, which sets things up beautifully. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
978693
This was an incredible read. Fans of hunger games, divergent, and Harry Potter will be sucked into this immediately. So very creative and well written. Don't let the 'young adult' label turn you off of this one. I especially liked how it focused on books and knowledge being the things these young characters are seeking. There's no way to explain that that doesn't make it sound a bit nerdy but it's not. The well developed, diverse characters are far from nerds and are, instead, very real and identifiable. Loved this book and hope and pray it gets made into a movie!
2796897
One of my most favorite books I have ever read. I literally read it until the early hours of the next day because I couldn't put it down. Amazing, fantastic book... With incredible writing.
2076413
The writing in these two books is beyond amazing. Most books will let you use your imagination and picture the tale you're reading. These books let you live that imagination. I could barely put the books down at night. I neglected my duties at work trying to get in just one more chapter. It was riveting to say the least. The story was honest, but I will be a girl with a broken heart if there's not another book with a happy ending for these two. (Tiny spoiler, sorry) I need it like dusty and bliss need each other. I've never wanted to cry and scream or laugh reading a book before. This book had me in my feels and I was extremely sad knowing i wasn't going to continue reading about them when I was done. Please please please continue their story!
1011398
Dive into this book like I did. Very well written. Very quick read. Amazing life. Astonishing.

Do yourself a favor and read this incredible story. You won't be disappointed.
1449960
I don't want this book to end.  It is so good and so well written.  One of the best books I have read.
4768255
This book hooked me right out of the gate! It's amazing and well written. It makes you feel everything the characters feel! Be prepared to ugly cry! LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!! Definitely on my preorder list!!
161519
Amazing book-so well written and I finished it within a day! Hope there's another VERY soon! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
3963793
I breezed through this story!  Such amazing writing and flows smoothly.  I amuse there'll be another book on the series, and would be thoroughly upset if there isn't because it is just that good!
2443855
I can not believe how consuming, wonderful and well written this book was!  I loved EVERY single page and was not dissapointed with ANY part of it...  This is a story that COULD happen, probably HAS happened and will leave you feeling like it worked out the way it should have...  LOVED IT!