Review: a little disappointed (contains a few spoilers)
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 19, 2013
I was so excited for this book because I absolutely fell in love with the first book, Ember. I was blown away by all of the action and determination that the main character, Evelyn, had in Ember (of course I'm all for the strong heroines). When Evelyn was taken I was so heart-broken and ready to immediately pick up the next book to find out why, how, and what was going to happen to her. I also couldn't wait to see her and Jaden's relationship evolve, because I'm pretty sure every girl who reads this book will find him extremely swoon-worthy. I really don't want to give a bad review or be rude, but these are just my opinions of the book.I was really confused in many places throughout this book, the whole idea of this book just seemed so far off from the last one (even if there was things to tie it to Williams' last book like the Gaelen and Meoden). The dialogue throughout the book is what really had me confused. I had to reread sections several times over just to attempt to understand what the characters were talking about, and in many places still couldn't figure it out. I felt like sometimes there were just so many competing ideas that were going on between the characters, that it's possible even the author herself got lost in what she was trying to say.(*****SPOILER AHEAD*****)I didn't like the fact that Evelyn was thrown into a completely different world from the one she was originally in, in Ember (like the lodge and Tiver). Now, suddenly, she's surrounded by technology, has knowledge about different planets, and many things have a different name then what she's use to (like Crimto for coffee). You barely grasp the fact that the author is trying to base a series about different dimensions with different issues that need to be fixed, yet she still doesn't explain why Evelyn has to be the one to travel there to help, except for the fact she was 'needed' (hopefully in the next book it will explain that?). When the Gaelen speaks to the group at the end, like in the last book, it is extremely hard to follow. I understand that emotions are high at that point, and that the Gaelen is suppose to be a "higher" entity, but I could barely grasp the conversation. I know he was suppose to sound wise and all knowing, but it was honestly frustrating. I'm not sure if the author was just trying to keep so many things away from the reader so she had something to go on for the next book, or not, but in my opinion it was not the way to go. She left you in the dark about so much. Maybe that's because the reader was seeing the point of view through Evelyn's eyes, and by now we all know that Evelyn is (I don't want to say dumb, because she's not) extremely naive and innocent, but also has a lot of secrets kept from her by Jaden and Ikovos.I will say that I'm going to continue reading the series just because I hope that the next one will be more clear and concise with what's going on (especially during the conversations between characters). I also hope to learn more answers as to why the author decided to make her books about helping other dimensions or worlds. Also, for the love of God, help Evelyn understand everything that's going on around her quicker.