Until I Die by Amy PlumMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nothing makes me quite so happy as spending time with characters I love. I fully expected Until I Die to suffer from the middle book syndrome but, despite a few symptoms that were obviously present, Amy Plum managed to make the most of it. Of course it wasn’t as eventful as Die for Me, and I’m sure If I Should Die, the last book of the trilogy, will be much more exciting, but Until I Die was a satisfying read in every way.
The fact that I recognized the villain(s) right away and that I was able to see right through their schemes didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I don’t read this for the mystery, I read it for the setting and the fabulous characters I’ve come to see as friends. I’m not just talking about Kate and Vincent here, the entire group of revenants is very dear and familiar to me, I feel like I’ve known them all for ages. I missed Charlotte a lot in this book, she was always one of my favorites, but I understand why she had to leave and I had Jules to distract me (and make me laugh) with his womanizing ways.
I hate it when a huge part of the plot is built on lack of communication between partners. Most of the problems Kate and Vincent found themselves in could have been easily avoided. All Vincent needed to do was tell the truth instead of constantly asking Kate to trust him and let him handle things. Even though he was just trying to spare her feelings and avoid shocking her further with grim facts of his existence, I thought it was condescending and just a touch stupid, especially because she handled everything he threw at her so well before.
On the other hand, a part of me is glad that Vincent has a flaw I can rant about. Everything else about him is just so perfect and he and Kate are one of the sweetest couples in YA literature, at least to me. I love that they never doubt each other and that they always consider each other’s feelings, even when it requires sacrifice. Their relationship is very mature and healthy, and the big moment they had in this book was handled elegantly.
The fact that I pointed out a few negatives doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the book. In fact, I remain a huge fan of this trilogy and I truly don’t know how I’ll wait a whole year to find out what happens to Kate and my poor Vincent. (Did I just write ‘MY poor Vincent’?! Hah, yes, I suppose I did. Shut up, brain!) Hurry up, Amy Plum! I will be OLD by May 2013.
A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher for review purposes.
Great review Maja I really enjoyed this one too and I also found it predictable but it didn't bother me too much. I loved the characters in this one and the romance which actually feels more mature than in most YA novels.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this, Maja. I, for one, didn't have such a good time reading Die for Me. I may give this series another chance based on your review, however.
ReplyDeleteAs always, your review rocks :)
xoxo
To be honest, I've been ambivalent to this series. I couldn't get over the smorgasbord of all paranormals into one being called the 'revenant'. I found the book downright creepy at times. I just don't think this series is right for me and I can't muster up any excitement to continue the story, but I'm glad that despite your flaws with the book you enjoyed the story.
ReplyDeleteYikes! I still haven't read book one, but good to know that this installments avoids the typical pitfalls.
ReplyDeleteThough, I have to agree with you about problems purposely being made between the couple just because of a lack of communication. That's so frustrating to encounter.
It's good to hear you enjoyed this, Maja! I guess there's always the risk of second book syndrome, but I'm glad that didn't really have much of an impact on this book. Although Die For Me wasn't my favourite read of all time, I did enjoy it enough to want to pick up this one (though perhaps not immediately). I look forward to reading it! Nice review my lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's times like these when I think that we're so similar, Maja! <3 I always hate it when books suffer from the Middle Book Syndrome too (especially if you loved the first one) so I'm really glad that this wasn't the case with Until I Die! :) You just made me more excited to read my copy than before -- the characters were my favourite part (Jules! Kate! Vincent!), and even though I'll probably miss Charlotte too, it made me smile how you said you loved having one flaw about Vincent to rant about. He really DOES seem perfect, doesn't he? LOL! x)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful review as always, Maja! <3 I wasn't supposed to read this until May... but I think I might have to make an exception! :P
Great review my sweet =)
ReplyDeleteRegardless the bad things you mention, I am still totally dying to read this book ^_^ and I think that I will also remain a big fan of these books whether I find negatives points or not. Second books in a series sometimes are like this, and then the next books totally keep kicking asses! =D
Thnx for sharing!! ^.^ muah!
★Dazzling Reads★
So glad this didn't suffer the "second book syndrome" where noting of note happens! Lovely review, as usual Maja. Happy to find another fan of this series. I love the setting of Paris, too! I found Amy Plum described the city so vividly, I felt I was there (in Die For Me). Were you just raving about the romance in this one? Do I need to let you borrow my tiara? You sound a little like a "vanilla queen" to me, in your review! :D
ReplyDeleteOh, no, I wouldn't dare touch your tiara, Your Majesty. She did a great job with the setting this time too. It really was a treat. I can't wait for you to read it so we can gush together.
DeleteYou can borrow it, seriously! ;) I can't wait 'til I get to this one either.
DeleteEEEEEE! I am so excited to read this book, Maja! I absolutely adore Die For Me and the awesome Vincent Delacroix and I am really dying to read Until I Die.
ReplyDeleteAwesome review, Maja! ♥ So glad you enjoyed it!
Loved this review. I really need to read it sooooon. x <3 im not sure if i have commented already but just to make sure.. Great one Maja x
ReplyDeleteƸ̴Ӂ̴ƷFICBOOKREVIEWSƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ
Great review! I can't wait to read this one... I discovered the series when I took part in the Revenant Week, and fell in love with Vincent and Jules.
ReplyDeleteVincent does sound so terribly mature! At least in Die for me. I don't know how he can fall in the old "not-speaking" routine. But I think precisely because he's so much older, he thinks he knows better and can protect Kate... Ah well. Who am I kidding. I don't care if the wrench in their relationship was love of Polka... I'd still read the book!
Amazing review Maja! Everyone seems to be gushing about this book and I can't wait to read it now myself. :) I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteIrene (Eureka Joe's)