My ratings stay below 5 unless it 's among the best books
How good is that book?
This book was a big surprise. My ratings stay below 5 unless it's among the best books I know. The story is captivating. I loved it. The writing is outstanding. Even though it's fantasy sci-fi, it's logical, makes sense and has great insights and lessons. I was able to anticipate several things, which is a good thing - it didn't go off on some lame tangent attempting a plot twist fail. There are interesting stories within the story. Stephanie is a very talented writer and we're lucky to have her. She does write from a female perspective (slightly girly), but that's hardly noticeable. Mainly, the male behavior and lack of male considerations like leadership or security (in this context) were more of an external way a girl might think/observe a guy as opposed to realistic male thinking or behavior. The only thing I thought this book lacked was an opening background chapter to give better setting and perspective. The opening is hard to follow and I got the same complaint from a young less experienced reader (who kind of lost interest over it). It's like you wake up looking through a microscope with no context for what you're observing, so disorienting might be a better description. You don't want to lose readers of such a fantastic book with that kind of opening. The very ending also was short on details to make it more plausible and believable - specifically, how they were "found".I can see why they were quick to make a movie of this book - it could be really good. Hopefully, the same level of attention and budget as the twilight films, as it could be really bad too. I am really looking forward to the movie and am glad that I finished the book first, because I know there's no way to fit all of the story in. Either way - movie or not - read the book! It is more than worth the time. 