So, I've yet to finish season 2 of PJO, and I'll be honest. I'm not really motivated to.
To be honest, I have a lot of criticisms for this show, and just things that I'm personally disappointed with. Things I'd like to talk about and discuss with other fans.
But also, acknowledging that some fans do use criticism to be racist or just rude towards the actors (which is not okay, because they are not the ones making this show), any negative opinions on the show seem to be shut down straight away or dismissed. Which is why I'm discouraged to talk about it, because when I've tried previously, people seemed to entirely dismiss what I was saying.
Nevertheless, I will try to push through the show, I'm a few episodes away from the end, and hopefully review it. I think I'll mostly just be talking about my thoughts around the adaptation as a whole, since I waited for years so eagerly to finally get a "good" PJO adaptation.
Honestly, I was also pretty unmotivated to continue and complete, prooobably wont continue s3 onwards. First season seemed okay enough except for more minor stuff, but second season really threw me off too much. I need to reread the books to even be sure im correct in "this was changed" regarding some characters or plot points, but yeah. I know things cant be exactly the same and I went in with that attitude, but it just doesnt feel right?
And also, percy's inner dialogue we have in the books changes the vibe a lot, I think, and its not reeeeally recreated in any way in the show, so that doesnt help my perception.
Id seen much love and hype for the show beforehand and im glad, but it just didnt fully sit with me.
Yeah, I've had a similar experience. After the first three episodes, I decided to read the book with the show, which is probably making my viewing experience worse. But at this point, I feel like I'm watching to see how well of a job they did as opposed to just for enjoyment.
So, I've yet to finish season 2 of PJO, and I'll be honest. I'm not really motivated to.
To be honest, I have a lot of criticisms for this show, and just things that I'm personally disappointed with. Things I'd like to talk about and discuss with other fans.
But also, acknowledging that some fans do use criticism to be racist or just rude towards the actors (which is not okay, because they are not the ones making this show), any negative opinions on the show seem to be shut down straight away or dismissed. Which is why I'm discouraged to talk about it, because when I've tried previously, people seemed to entirely dismiss what I was saying.
Nevertheless, I will try to push through the show, I'm a few episodes away from the end, and hopefully review it. I think I'll mostly just be talking about my thoughts around the adaptation as a whole, since I waited for years so eagerly to finally get a "good" PJO adaptation.
I have somewhat mixed, but mostly good, feelings towards this book. There was a lot going on, so as usual, I'll split it up into parts.
My approximate rating for this book is 3.5/5
spoiler warning
Characters:
So, I think one of my main issues with the book early on was feeling disconnected from majority of the characters. With Janelle, Ellie, Hayes, David, and Albert Ellingham. With Janelle, she was never fully explored after the first few chapters and her relationship with Vi, I would've liked for her be somewhat closer to Stevie, like Nate was. He was one of the only characters that I actually cared about, because we got to see his bond with Stevie and the sweet gesture of taking her to the dance.
Also on a similar note as Janelle, I didn't really care about David. I understand that him being mysterious is part of the plot and storytelling, but I wish we'd seen at least a little more from him, in terms of gestures or conversations. The only thing we got was him coming to see Stevie's parents. While that was sweet, I don't think it was enough considering he's supposed to be her love interest. I did like moment where he found Stevie snooping through his room, since it gave him a little bit more depth.
Also, random side note, but I lowkey ship Flora Robinson and Leonard Nair. I don't know if it was intentional, but they had so much chemistry.
Other than that, I really liked Stevie's character. I feel like she was quite realistic, and I loved her friendship with Nate. Both of them are awesome.
Plot:
The plot is also something that threw me off. I came in fully expecting to see Stevie solve the Ellingham case by the end of this book. Instead, it became about Hayes, and Ellie, and a politician? I did like the twist of her ending up investigating Hayes instead, but at the same time, even that didn't reach a resolution. I know that there are two more books in the main series, so I'm assuming these two stretch out into those books. I'm not sure how that'll end up, especially since trilogies are often hard to do right.
Putting that aside, right now I don't really have many theories? Maybe Edward King is the Edward from the photo strips, and Frankie may be Ellie's mother? Or somehow connected to Ellie? Or she may just be David's mother. I don't really know what direction it's going to take.
On the Edward King being David's father plot twist, I was shocked. I actually found out earlier in a really roundabout way. I have a habit of reading the last page of a book, since it usually doesn't make sense at first, but then comes together slowly. And then David made the "dressed up to see the King" comment, which I found odd. I dismissed it at first, but then he told Stevie that his parents are dead, and from the last page I knew he was lying. And then it hit me that he mentioned King, and it hit me that his father being Edward is probably why the last page ended the way it did. So yeah. Once again, I have no idea what direction the next book are going to take
Overall Thoughts:
Overall, I did enjoy this book. It surprised me in quite a few ways, but that only made it more interesting. I did have a few things that bothered me, but they were small enough that it didn't really matter. I will be reading the next two books in the series. I'm aware that there's five books in total, but I'm not invested enough to read the side stories. I think this is a really good mystery book, especially if you want more of a light read. I'd definitely recommend it to people who are wanting to get into mystery.
And I'm still wondering how Ellingham academy fits a hundred students plus overnight staff if each dorm only has 6 rooms. Someone please explain.
I have around 50 pages left of the book, and so I think I'll save majority of my thoughts for the final review, I do want to talk a little bit about the direction this book has taken.
spoiler warning
So, I was going into this book expecting that Stevie would be working on the Ellingham case, and I was pretty disappointed by the lack of progress. I did really like that it took an unexpected turn and instead focused on Hayes' death.
Even then, the progression towards an actual investigation and some sort of resolution is pretty slow. Even now, with only 50 pages left, Stevie's just now figured out that Hayes' death wasn't just an accident. Did no one think to start asking these questions earlier? Did no one speak to Beth about the type of person Hayes was and figure out that there was something off?
Another thing, I feel like while Maureen Johnson is trying to make it very clear that Stevie is attracted to David, the chemistry is just not there. I do really want to root for them, but the chemistry is disappointing.
I'm really curious to see what'll happen in the next few pages, since there really isn't a lot left.
Truthfully, I haven't gotten very far into the book yet (80 pages in). To begin with, I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style, but I've adapted to it.
The characters and setting all seem quite interesting, and I do like the concept of having two timelines (Stevie and the Murders).
But I find myself a little bored. So far, we've only really gotten introduced to Stevie and the campus. It feels like a lot of the stuff if being reiterated rather than being expanded upon.
In the other timeline, we're getting the narration of what happened, but it's so cut up that I'm struggling to feel the suspense or tension.
I think I'll get more hooked once Stevie actually starts investigating
Also, someone explain to me how Ellingham Academy houses 100 students plus staff
To revive this account, I'll be reading Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson and providing updates as I go along.
It's a YA mystery about a girl, Stevie Bell, who is starting at a new academy. The place has a mystery behind it, as the founder's wife and daughter were kidnapped and killed. The case was never solved, and now Stevie is determined to be the one to crack it.
I'm excited to start reading. There should be an update soon. I've also been watching season 2 of PJO, and I have a lot to say, but I'll probably do a full review once it ends.
I just finished the series (except for the heir, but I'll get to that soon).
This was just a journey. So many things happened, and so fast too.
I mean, the whole Maxton finding out about Aspen like that was just….woah. AND AMERICA'S DAD DYING? AND THE QUEEN? that broke my heart. BASICALLY EVERY MAXTON AND AMERICA MOMENT EVER.
I've heard about this series for a few years now, and at first, I was indifferent because YA romance novels am I right?
But if you're considering reading this series, DO IT.
First of all, it's an adorable romance, but it's also so much more than that.
The bonds that form between the girls selected for The Selection are absolutely precious. As well as the friendship between America and her maids.
And let's not forget America's lovely family (except for Kota, we don't like him). May and her dad were two of the best side characters in the entire series, I love them.
Also, AMERICA SINGER. She does some pretty stupid things and gets into so much trouble, but I cannot find it in myself to be mad or hate her for it. You know why?
She's so true to her morals, no matter the consequences.
I am still not over the prison scene and I never will be. I love her for that
Yeah, basically, I am in love with this series and definitely recommend it.
(p.s. the acknowledgments and author dedications alone are so worth reading the books for)
But like, seriously, this is one heck of a series and I do not regret reading it instead of finishing my assignments like I was supposed to.
Classic friends to lovers with plenty of banter and cute moments.
Also, I liked how the friendships were presented, with the obvious tension due to competition, but overall healthy friendships with people not being too shitty.
There's nothing about this that makes me go "oh my god I love this" but at the same time it's not like "wow, this boring af."
It's more of a comfort book tbh. Especially if you're a romance reader, the tropes and cliches are ones that you're most likely very familiar with, making it an easy read, but at the same time still making things interesting.
*spoiler alert*
One part I didn't like too much was the end when America just kinda accepts Aspen. Like he broke your heart after promising to stay with you, and over something as stupid as not being able to spoil you, and you're just gonna let him walk back into your life and kiss you like nothing happened? Damn, have some respect for yourself
I've been gone for a while, but I am back and I have lots of things to cover.
For books, I've recently finished reading The Glass Queen, which I loved and will post a review for. Currently, I'm reading Along for the Ride and The Night Circus.
As for the movies/tv shows, I've been watching the Moon Knight and Bridgerton (I know I'm late to it but better late than never right?). I'll start updating on that.
I have also gotten into Anime again, so look out for posts related to that as well.
Um, finally, there's going to be a lot of comebacks soon. I'll be focusing on the Le Sserafim debut as well as the TXT and BTS comebacks if you're interested.
I'll just give a quick summary of my thoughts on the book so far, so bear with me.
So. At first, I hated Margo.
She seemed extremely ignorant and was so......quirky in an annoying way.
Then...we got deeper into the story and my view on things completely changed. From the clues she left behind, she felt more real, she was no longer some amazing being, but just another human.
And honestly, I kinda saw the reason behind those clues. She was known to everyone as this fearless girl, someone who did all those amazing things, someone who didn't....care in a way, idk how else to explain it.
But maybe she also wanted to be treated as another person, someone who wasn't just adventures, fun and carelessness.
I liked that.
....
Then Quentin became annoying.
I fail to understand how Quentin, after realizing that there's more to people than what you see in them, gets annoyed with Ben for not caring as much as he does about Margo going missing.
Like, dude, if some random girl who wasn't Margo went missing, you wouldn't care either. Ben and Margo have no relation, at all (unless my memory decided to forget an important detail).
So why would Ben be concerned about Margo, who to him, is just another girl? It's so frustrating to read Quentin get annoyed with Ben, and even have a fight on the matter.
Also, I stupidly read the ending of the book, like the last 3 pages or smth, so now I know how it ends and I am very happy.
It's bittersweet, definitely, but I think it gives us closure.
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