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Medusa Girls #2
Sweet Shadows
Second in the high-concept urban fantasy YA series. Grace, Gretchen and Greer – three teenage descendants of Medusa who must unite and embrace their fates in a world where monsters lurk in plain sight. The triplets are now reunited, but their battle against the monsters of the abyss rages on. And as if training to become fully fledged huntresses weren't enough, the boys in their lives are causing them problems. Is Nick all he seems? And where's Thane? Grace is sure he's hiding something from her. As the girls discover more about their heritage, they find themselves in greater danger than ever. Can they face up to the sacrifices they must make in order to fulfil their destiny?"
344 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2012
95 people are currently reading
6075 people want to read
About the author
Tera Lynn Childs
59 books3,095 followersTera Lynn Childs may pretend to be a goddess, but she’s really just a normal person. Well, maybe not normal. She is a writer, after all. Her works include the mythology-based Oh. My. Gods. series, the Forgive My Fins mermaid romance series, the kick-butt monster-hunting Sweet Venom trilogy, and the Darkly Fae fantasy series. Tera currently parks her laptop in the Seattle area and spends her time writing wherever she can find a comfy chair and a steady stream of caffeinated beverages. Learn more about her magical realms and find behind-the-book extras at teralynnchilds.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
January 22, 2026
"Fate has a way of working out in the end." 🐍🦄🐒
this book was good, but definitely not as fun as the first book. i’m not exactly sure why i didn’t enjoy this one as much. perhaps it was because the characters aren’t as new to the whole monster hunting job anymore? who knows!
anyways, i really enjoyed the introduction of the new “monsters” that weren’t shown in the last book. it was also cool to see the characters beginning to view them in a different way.
can we talk about the plot twists? those were pretty insane! definitely didn’t see those coming. i audibly gasped multiple times while reading this book!
i will say that i’m sensing that two characters are going to become a couple…. and i am not into it. in fact, i’m a bit weirded out by it, but we’ll see what happens in the final book.
speaking of that final book, i’m quite excited to read it! judging by the way this book ended, it seems as though the next book is going to be better than this one. can’t wait!
would i recommend this book? perhaps.
would i read it again? i don’t know… maybe?
this book was good, but definitely not as fun as the first book. i’m not exactly sure why i didn’t enjoy this one as much. perhaps it was because the characters aren’t as new to the whole monster hunting job anymore? who knows!
anyways, i really enjoyed the introduction of the new “monsters” that weren’t shown in the last book. it was also cool to see the characters beginning to view them in a different way.
can we talk about the plot twists? those were pretty insane! definitely didn’t see those coming. i audibly gasped multiple times while reading this book!
i will say that i’m sensing that two characters are going to become a couple…. and i am not into it. in fact, i’m a bit weirded out by it, but we’ll see what happens in the final book.
speaking of that final book, i’m quite excited to read it! judging by the way this book ended, it seems as though the next book is going to be better than this one. can’t wait!
would i recommend this book? perhaps.
would i read it again? i don’t know… maybe?
July 31, 2015
This was a pretty good sequel. I maybe liked it a little bit less than book 1, hence my half star less rating, but I still did enjoy it quite a lot. There's not a lot to say about it really. It hasn't blown me away, it isn't something I'd ever reread, but I do want to read the last book in the trilogy some time soon, most likely next month, to find out what happens.
Only thing is
Only thing is
October 20, 2012
Despite being the descendants of the Gorgons and Medusa, these girls do not have bad hair days.
Go figure.
The kick-ass trio - Greer, Gretchen and Grace - have discovered that they're the much-anticipated Key Generation. But fancy title aside, being the Key Generation is more trouble than it's worth. There seem to be three groups of beings in this book:
Those that want to kill the girls BEFORE they open the door and unleash the monsters:
Those that want to kill the girls AFTER they open the door and unleash the monsters:
And those that will casually stand by and offer words of wisdom:
Overall this book really focused on the relationship between the three sisters and how each of them are brave, powerful and able to face the darkness in their own special way - whether that be seeing the future, teleporting them all away from danger or kicking ass to save the day!
Go figure.
The kick-ass trio - Greer, Gretchen and Grace - have discovered that they're the much-anticipated Key Generation. But fancy title aside, being the Key Generation is more trouble than it's worth. There seem to be three groups of beings in this book:
Those that want to kill the girls BEFORE they open the door and unleash the monsters:
Those that want to kill the girls AFTER they open the door and unleash the monsters:
And those that will casually stand by and offer words of wisdom:
Overall this book really focused on the relationship between the three sisters and how each of them are brave, powerful and able to face the darkness in their own special way - whether that be seeing the future, teleporting them all away from danger or kicking ass to save the day!
June 8, 2012
i NEEEEEEEEEED TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 29, 2022
More reviews at Mrs. ReaderPants.
REVIEW: As with Sweet Venom , I liked-but-did-not-love Sweet Shadows, and I can't help but feel a little sad about that. Both Sweet Venom and Sweet Shadows have everything going for them. I love the three sisters' characters and how they are still learning how to interact as siblings. I love Nick as a romantic lead, and Thane is a nice little mystery I can't wait to unravel. The mythology is interesting, and the action scenes are fun to read. Tera Lynn Childs is one of my favorite YA authors. But for both books, what should be a home run for me ended up being more like a third-base hit. Not bad, but not as exciting as it might have been.
I have seen some whopper 5-star reviews for Sweet Shadows, and I know that my students will enjoy it. I have so much faith this series that I am including it on my school's 2012-2013 Lone Star Plus list. I do not add books to this list lightly--many of my students take my book recommendations as gospel, and I cannot let them down. Again, I have no major complaints; I just feel like, for some reason, I didn't connect with it the way others have.
Please don't take this review to mean I didn't like Sweet Shadows--I really did. I think my expectations were just too high, and I hate it when that happens.
SMALL SPOILER:
THE BOTTOM LINE: I'm underwhelmed, but I am positive my students will like it much better than I did. Reading Sweet Venom first is highly recommended.
STATUS IN MY LIBRARY: We have two copies of Sweet Venom. Sweet Shadows is not out yet, but I will be ordering multiple copies of both books when it comes out in September. I plan to include both on next school year's Lone Star Plus list.
READALIKES: Oh. My. Gods. series (Childs); Percy Jackson series (Riordan); Cronus Chronicles series (Ursu); Goddess Girls series (Holub)
RATING BREAKDOWN:
Overall: 3.5/5
Creativity: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Engrossing: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Appeal to teens: 5/5
Appropriate length to tell the story: 5/5
CONTENT:
Language: none
Sexuality: very mild--one very small kiss on the lips
Violence: mild-medium--descriptions of monsters and fighting that are descriptive, but not bloody; Gretchen carries a knife at all times
Drugs/Alcohol: none
REVIEW: As with Sweet Venom , I liked-but-did-not-love Sweet Shadows, and I can't help but feel a little sad about that. Both Sweet Venom and Sweet Shadows have everything going for them. I love the three sisters' characters and how they are still learning how to interact as siblings. I love Nick as a romantic lead, and Thane is a nice little mystery I can't wait to unravel. The mythology is interesting, and the action scenes are fun to read. Tera Lynn Childs is one of my favorite YA authors. But for both books, what should be a home run for me ended up being more like a third-base hit. Not bad, but not as exciting as it might have been.
I have seen some whopper 5-star reviews for Sweet Shadows, and I know that my students will enjoy it. I have so much faith this series that I am including it on my school's 2012-2013 Lone Star Plus list. I do not add books to this list lightly--many of my students take my book recommendations as gospel, and I cannot let them down. Again, I have no major complaints; I just feel like, for some reason, I didn't connect with it the way others have.
Please don't take this review to mean I didn't like Sweet Shadows--I really did. I think my expectations were just too high, and I hate it when that happens.
SMALL SPOILER:
THE BOTTOM LINE: I'm underwhelmed, but I am positive my students will like it much better than I did. Reading Sweet Venom first is highly recommended.
STATUS IN MY LIBRARY: We have two copies of Sweet Venom. Sweet Shadows is not out yet, but I will be ordering multiple copies of both books when it comes out in September. I plan to include both on next school year's Lone Star Plus list.
READALIKES: Oh. My. Gods. series (Childs); Percy Jackson series (Riordan); Cronus Chronicles series (Ursu); Goddess Girls series (Holub)
RATING BREAKDOWN:
Overall: 3.5/5
Creativity: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Engrossing: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Appeal to teens: 5/5
Appropriate length to tell the story: 5/5
CONTENT:
Language: none
Sexuality: very mild--one very small kiss on the lips
Violence: mild-medium--descriptions of monsters and fighting that are descriptive, but not bloody; Gretchen carries a knife at all times
Drugs/Alcohol: none
January 15, 2016
3.5 stars. Quick and fun book. I was really frustrated through most of the book, but it is entertaining and I look forward to seeing how the cliffhanger ending is resolved.
Likes:
* Replaying of last scenes in Sweet Venom so we can easily pick up the story again
* Greer is getting more attached to her siblings
* Key Generation - Gretchen, Grace & Greer, descendents of Medusa the Gorgon
* Mission, if they choose to accept it: open lost door to demon world to restore balance and serve as peace keeper guardians between humans and monsters or seal door forever
* Switching points of view between 3 sisters
Dislikes:
* Grace and Greer's parents don't seem as cool as they did in the first book
Buddy Read
Oracle's Note:
Asian: eating kim chee at Korean restaurant, Milo making origami
Questions:
Likes:
* Replaying of last scenes in Sweet Venom so we can easily pick up the story again
* Greer is getting more attached to her siblings
* Key Generation - Gretchen, Grace & Greer, descendents of Medusa the Gorgon
* Mission, if they choose to accept it: open lost door to demon world to restore balance and serve as peace keeper guardians between humans and monsters or seal door forever
* Switching points of view between 3 sisters
Dislikes:
* Grace and Greer's parents don't seem as cool as they did in the first book
Buddy Read
Oracle's Note:
Asian: eating kim chee at Korean restaurant, Milo making origami
Questions:
June 7, 2014
All I'm willing to say is that Sweet Shadows is better written than the first book of the series, and the main characters do have better performance and wits than the previous book. But the story and the Greek myth in the book is still hopelessly shallow. And how come every girl ends up being paired up with a boy in the end!???
It's a readable YA novel and at least I didn't end up hating the story, the characters and the author after finishing the book, so I give it 2.5 stars.
It's a readable YA novel and at least I didn't end up hating the story, the characters and the author after finishing the book, so I give it 2.5 stars.
December 17, 2016
Ok, wow! I hate that there are only three books in this series. I hate the next book having to be the final book. I have come to love the sisters and i'm deep into this story. This is so amazing, my mind is exploding with stuff, but I still wish the Gods make an appearance. I would so gladly slay monsters if only I don't have to taste them.
Want to read
April 26, 2012AGH!! I cannot even say how excited I am for this sequel-- Sweet Venom was one of my all-time favorite books that I've ever read and reviewed on my blog!! :D BRING IT ON!! ^_^
June 16, 2013
See more reviews at http://theyabooklover.blogspot.com.au/
Oh yes. Pure awesome romance, action and GREEK MYTHOLOGY.
I'm having a really good streak at the moment, there are so many books that I've just fallen in love with. And this, Sweet Shadows was no disappointment. Tera Lynn Childs, you are awesome and I could kiss you right now. <3
Finally our three Medusa divas have met, but that doesn't mean that they're safe. In fact, they are in more danger than ever. When the story begins, it is right after the attack from Sweet Venom. Even so, Ms. Childs did an awfully good job at re-capping me on the previous advents as I read SV at least 4 months back.
Gretchen, Grace and Greer are totally different girls who just look super dooper alike. Sometimes, I got them mixed up, confused about who was talking and all, but when I kept reading, I found that I could easily work it by simply reading the dialogue and the way Ms. Childs structured and planned out each character so precisely. Bravo! I felt more attached to Greer in SS unlike in SV, where she sounded like the average bitchy girl. And yes, she may still have those moments, but she turns out to be a reliable friend and an awesome kung-fu kickass female. Each and everyone of them are strong in their own way.
The thing that made me take off one star was the plot. Don't get me wrong, I was compelled to love it. It incorporated my favourite genre, mythology, and had twists and cryptic messages, however there was one thing that kept bugging me. How've you ever felt like the book seemed too quick when it had so many pages? I felt like that in SS, that it just went too quickly, needed a little more definition in the depth of the plot.
I simply adored and fan-girled over the romance, it wasn't too much to make me gag and it wasn't too little to make me get infuriated and inpatient. Nick and Gretchen are really cute, totally took my heart away. Milo and Grace are a little more complicated but I felt like that someone like Milo really clicked with Grace.
Gorgeously written, Ms. Childs will satisfy with a unique take on Greek Mythology that made me scream for more. I recommend to anyone who craves for Greek Mythology and fantasy lovers.
Oh yes. Pure awesome romance, action and GREEK MYTHOLOGY.
I'm having a really good streak at the moment, there are so many books that I've just fallen in love with. And this, Sweet Shadows was no disappointment. Tera Lynn Childs, you are awesome and I could kiss you right now. <3
Finally our three Medusa divas have met, but that doesn't mean that they're safe. In fact, they are in more danger than ever. When the story begins, it is right after the attack from Sweet Venom. Even so, Ms. Childs did an awfully good job at re-capping me on the previous advents as I read SV at least 4 months back.
Gretchen, Grace and Greer are totally different girls who just look super dooper alike. Sometimes, I got them mixed up, confused about who was talking and all, but when I kept reading, I found that I could easily work it by simply reading the dialogue and the way Ms. Childs structured and planned out each character so precisely. Bravo! I felt more attached to Greer in SS unlike in SV, where she sounded like the average bitchy girl. And yes, she may still have those moments, but she turns out to be a reliable friend and an awesome kung-fu kickass female. Each and everyone of them are strong in their own way.
The thing that made me take off one star was the plot. Don't get me wrong, I was compelled to love it. It incorporated my favourite genre, mythology, and had twists and cryptic messages, however there was one thing that kept bugging me. How've you ever felt like the book seemed too quick when it had so many pages? I felt like that in SS, that it just went too quickly, needed a little more definition in the depth of the plot.
I simply adored and fan-girled over the romance, it wasn't too much to make me gag and it wasn't too little to make me get infuriated and inpatient. Nick and Gretchen are really cute, totally took my heart away. Milo and Grace are a little more complicated but I felt like that someone like Milo really clicked with Grace.
Gorgeously written, Ms. Childs will satisfy with a unique take on Greek Mythology that made me scream for more. I recommend to anyone who craves for Greek Mythology and fantasy lovers.
Want to read
January 15, 2012waiting quite impatiently!!! need this ASAP! NOW!
Want to read
July 4, 2012I cant wait!!!!!! Argh library here i come!!!!! I read sweet venom in 2 days, it was that great so im pretty sure sweet shadows will be great!
January 7, 2022
These books have been on my shelf at home for a several years now. With Covid keeping many of us home, I decided to pick up the first one and give it a read. Since then, I have read the whole series. One each day.
It's been a fun series with mythology, sisterhood and relationship. I've really enjoyed looking at how well the sisters have come from completely different backgrounds and family dynamics but still built a very close bond.
The relationships have gone back and forth, Can this person be trusted? Are they on my side? Are they against me? The secrets, the reveals... Looking forward to the big war and seeing how it all plays out.
It's been a fun series with mythology, sisterhood and relationship. I've really enjoyed looking at how well the sisters have come from completely different backgrounds and family dynamics but still built a very close bond.
The relationships have gone back and forth, Can this person be trusted? Are they on my side? Are they against me? The secrets, the reveals... Looking forward to the big war and seeing how it all plays out.
September 25, 2023
Book: Sweet Shadows
Read By: Soft Cover
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Recommend: Yes
Spice:🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 16-30+ Years
My feelings:
Book 2 wasn’t as good as book 1. But that a common thing for sequels.
I still enjoyed this book a lot, but I do feel like maybe it could have been better explained.
And Thane better not get with Greer! Yuck she looks like his sister that’s just creeps me out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2020
I really enjoyed the use of the pegasus in this book.
December 4, 2012
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Things start with a bang in Sweet Shadows and keep rolling, bringing the girls closer to answers and danger.
Opening Sentence: As I stare across Gretchen’s dining table at Grace, who is flipping through a binder about some ridiculously hideous monster straight out of mythology, I still can’t really fathom that there are two girls right here in this loft who look exactly like me.
The Review:
When I say the novel starts with a bang, I mean it literally. At the end of Sweet Venom our heroines were throwing themselves off the balcony to avoid an exploding apartment. This installment only becomes more intense. Figuring out the truth behind the prophecy, behind the sides to a coming war over the Abyss, as well as how to live with newfound sisters is a struggle of mythical proportions. Because war is coming. The daughters of Medusa must die in the eyes of all sides, the only question is when: after they close the crack or before, so it can remain open forever. A small group wants to keep the girls alive so they can act as guardians and regulate the monsters who come into the human world.
Everything in this book is a little more intense: the romances begin to bloom (YAY!), the plot begins to thicken, and danger comes to find them. Fighting in this book goes beyond training and eventually, their problems become impossible to overcome alone. We finally learn more about the abyss and get to explore it first hand. Everything our heroines were told, the decisions they made, are no longer quite as right as they always thought. Fighting monsters isn’t so cut and dry. History isn’t so black and white. So do the girls continue their battle to close the crack between worlds like they’ve been told, or explore the rest of the prophecy despite the coming war.
We get a lot more about Greer in this novel, who came into the story late in Sweet Venom. She’s struggling to balance her social obligations with her destiny, keep her sisters and monster-fighting side job a secret, and deal with her distant parents. The ice queen act we see from Grace and Gretchen’s perspective chapters breaks a bit as Greer realizes even she can’t juggle everything. The girls grow stronger both independently and as a family. As a reader, that was a very satisfying thing to see.
Nick has a much bigger role to play in this novel, and a lot to answer to. Though they were strangers in Sweet Venom the girls have grown to be protective sisters and friends. They’ll fight for each other and for their destiny, and the gods help anyone who gets in their way. When Sthenno is kidnapped before their very eyes, the girls know they have to save her and Ursula if they want any answers about their mother and the mysterious prophecy. As the warring Olympians take the novel to the next level, and our trip into the Abyss makes the novel deeper and more complex, the girl’s humor and unique voices help carry the story.
Again, the novel has no plot independent of the whole series, which means that it’s a very middle-book. Not in a bad way, but there’s no satisfying conclusion—just more questions and a desperate desire for Sweet Legacy. It’s a lot of action, a lot of build up, and leaves you with a lot of questions. I can’t wait to get my hands on book three!
Notable Scene:
When I was a child, I saw a centaur in my bedroom. It was the only time before my sisterly reunion that I saw a mythological monster, and I eventually came to believe that the vision was a nightmare. A hallucination. Mother started taking me to regular hypnotherapy sessions immediately. The therapist was a middle-aged woman with dark hair that was fading into gray. Then, at one session—the very last—there was a different therapist. She was younger, blonder, and far more effective. One session with her and Mother declared me cured.
I recognize the woman stepping on the sidewalk at the end of the block because she was that final therapist.
A million confused questions flood my brain.
“I—”
Before I can say that I’ve met Sthenno before, a black spot appears next to her in the middle of the air. The spot grows quickly, expanding into a giant hole about the size of a double door.
FTC Advisory: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins provided me with a copy of Sweet Shadows. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Things start with a bang in Sweet Shadows and keep rolling, bringing the girls closer to answers and danger.
Opening Sentence: As I stare across Gretchen’s dining table at Grace, who is flipping through a binder about some ridiculously hideous monster straight out of mythology, I still can’t really fathom that there are two girls right here in this loft who look exactly like me.
The Review:
When I say the novel starts with a bang, I mean it literally. At the end of Sweet Venom our heroines were throwing themselves off the balcony to avoid an exploding apartment. This installment only becomes more intense. Figuring out the truth behind the prophecy, behind the sides to a coming war over the Abyss, as well as how to live with newfound sisters is a struggle of mythical proportions. Because war is coming. The daughters of Medusa must die in the eyes of all sides, the only question is when: after they close the crack or before, so it can remain open forever. A small group wants to keep the girls alive so they can act as guardians and regulate the monsters who come into the human world.
Everything in this book is a little more intense: the romances begin to bloom (YAY!), the plot begins to thicken, and danger comes to find them. Fighting in this book goes beyond training and eventually, their problems become impossible to overcome alone. We finally learn more about the abyss and get to explore it first hand. Everything our heroines were told, the decisions they made, are no longer quite as right as they always thought. Fighting monsters isn’t so cut and dry. History isn’t so black and white. So do the girls continue their battle to close the crack between worlds like they’ve been told, or explore the rest of the prophecy despite the coming war.
We get a lot more about Greer in this novel, who came into the story late in Sweet Venom. She’s struggling to balance her social obligations with her destiny, keep her sisters and monster-fighting side job a secret, and deal with her distant parents. The ice queen act we see from Grace and Gretchen’s perspective chapters breaks a bit as Greer realizes even she can’t juggle everything. The girls grow stronger both independently and as a family. As a reader, that was a very satisfying thing to see.
Nick has a much bigger role to play in this novel, and a lot to answer to. Though they were strangers in Sweet Venom the girls have grown to be protective sisters and friends. They’ll fight for each other and for their destiny, and the gods help anyone who gets in their way. When Sthenno is kidnapped before their very eyes, the girls know they have to save her and Ursula if they want any answers about their mother and the mysterious prophecy. As the warring Olympians take the novel to the next level, and our trip into the Abyss makes the novel deeper and more complex, the girl’s humor and unique voices help carry the story.
Again, the novel has no plot independent of the whole series, which means that it’s a very middle-book. Not in a bad way, but there’s no satisfying conclusion—just more questions and a desperate desire for Sweet Legacy. It’s a lot of action, a lot of build up, and leaves you with a lot of questions. I can’t wait to get my hands on book three!
Notable Scene:
When I was a child, I saw a centaur in my bedroom. It was the only time before my sisterly reunion that I saw a mythological monster, and I eventually came to believe that the vision was a nightmare. A hallucination. Mother started taking me to regular hypnotherapy sessions immediately. The therapist was a middle-aged woman with dark hair that was fading into gray. Then, at one session—the very last—there was a different therapist. She was younger, blonder, and far more effective. One session with her and Mother declared me cured.
I recognize the woman stepping on the sidewalk at the end of the block because she was that final therapist.
A million confused questions flood my brain.
“I—”
Before I can say that I’ve met Sthenno before, a black spot appears next to her in the middle of the air. The spot grows quickly, expanding into a giant hole about the size of a double door.
FTC Advisory: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins provided me with a copy of Sweet Shadows. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
August 28, 2012
3.5/5 stars.
I found that this volume of the trilogy was far easier to get into, moreso than the first volume (probably because I'm used to Childs' style now). The pages flew by and before I knew it, the book was done. All in all, "Sweet Shadows" makes some major progress in the series, yet left a bit to be desired. But you can definitely bet that I'm reading book 3.
I found that this book was far more plot-driven than book one - not a bad thing by any means, but it meant fast pacing, and it left some of the more important aspects (individual character arcs) sitting on the sidelines. While we do get some serious progress with Greer's personal arc and how she's finally coming to accept her role in the triplets' destiny, I found that Gretchen and Grace were left out in lieu of mostly focusing on Greer's arc alone. Gretchen, to a lesser extent, gets her own adventure in the book (along with answering the question of who/what Nick is - that was satisfying!), but Grace just kind of gets left out of everything. The only thing she gets is the mystery that her brother may or may not know something about the triplets' and the coming war with the Gods/Monsters/Olympus/etc. That was more than a bit disappointing. It felt very uneven, and I wish that Grace had gotten a better character arc than just making a boyfriend out of Milo - it felt very wasted there and brought down my enjoyment of the book greatly.
However, it was awesome seeing Greer finally accept her destiny, as well as fight the temptation of her second sight - everything with her in it was awesome. Gretchen came in second, but aside from her sub-plot dip into the Abyss to search for the other Gorgons, there really wasn't much going on with her. So that's where I stand with the character arcs.
The worldbuilding was good and continued to contribute to the story quite well, but not at the pace I was expecting it to be by book two. We should be getting more answers than we did in this book, though Childs did accomplish the bit of setting up yet more questions to be answered in the final book. It was a bit frustrating, though the development of the Abyss into a whole new place was really great, and I love how we got to see more of locales where the sisters were meeting. The sensory imagery and language improved greatly in this book - especially in the sight and smell departments where it seems like whenever we encountered a monster, I got nauseous from the scent description alone. I loved the way that the Abyss looked and the characteristics of everyone who lived there, especially the Golden Maiden.
But mainly, the plot was a bit too fast-paced for me, and I wanted to linger more on certain areas of the plot that are going to carry over heavily into book three. While the ass-kicking action was great, it just kind of skipped over some of the more important emotional elements that I wanted to get into. I would say that this book suffers just a bit from middle book syndrome, if just in the neglect of character arc/emotional connection areas alone, but really, it's a great continuation of the series otherwise.
Final verdict? If you've read book one, you DEFINITELY have to read book two. "Sweet Shadows" is out on September 4, 2012 from HarperTeen in North America, so be sure to check it out then! It's a great end of summer read for sure!
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
I found that this volume of the trilogy was far easier to get into, moreso than the first volume (probably because I'm used to Childs' style now). The pages flew by and before I knew it, the book was done. All in all, "Sweet Shadows" makes some major progress in the series, yet left a bit to be desired. But you can definitely bet that I'm reading book 3.
I found that this book was far more plot-driven than book one - not a bad thing by any means, but it meant fast pacing, and it left some of the more important aspects (individual character arcs) sitting on the sidelines. While we do get some serious progress with Greer's personal arc and how she's finally coming to accept her role in the triplets' destiny, I found that Gretchen and Grace were left out in lieu of mostly focusing on Greer's arc alone. Gretchen, to a lesser extent, gets her own adventure in the book (along with answering the question of who/what Nick is - that was satisfying!), but Grace just kind of gets left out of everything. The only thing she gets is the mystery that her brother may or may not know something about the triplets' and the coming war with the Gods/Monsters/Olympus/etc. That was more than a bit disappointing. It felt very uneven, and I wish that Grace had gotten a better character arc than just making a boyfriend out of Milo - it felt very wasted there and brought down my enjoyment of the book greatly.
However, it was awesome seeing Greer finally accept her destiny, as well as fight the temptation of her second sight - everything with her in it was awesome. Gretchen came in second, but aside from her sub-plot dip into the Abyss to search for the other Gorgons, there really wasn't much going on with her. So that's where I stand with the character arcs.
The worldbuilding was good and continued to contribute to the story quite well, but not at the pace I was expecting it to be by book two. We should be getting more answers than we did in this book, though Childs did accomplish the bit of setting up yet more questions to be answered in the final book. It was a bit frustrating, though the development of the Abyss into a whole new place was really great, and I love how we got to see more of locales where the sisters were meeting. The sensory imagery and language improved greatly in this book - especially in the sight and smell departments where it seems like whenever we encountered a monster, I got nauseous from the scent description alone. I loved the way that the Abyss looked and the characteristics of everyone who lived there, especially the Golden Maiden.
But mainly, the plot was a bit too fast-paced for me, and I wanted to linger more on certain areas of the plot that are going to carry over heavily into book three. While the ass-kicking action was great, it just kind of skipped over some of the more important emotional elements that I wanted to get into. I would say that this book suffers just a bit from middle book syndrome, if just in the neglect of character arc/emotional connection areas alone, but really, it's a great continuation of the series otherwise.
Final verdict? If you've read book one, you DEFINITELY have to read book two. "Sweet Shadows" is out on September 4, 2012 from HarperTeen in North America, so be sure to check it out then! It's a great end of summer read for sure!
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
July 12, 2013
Three teenage descendants of Medusa must figure out where their fate will take them. Warring factions among the gods of Olympus are coming for them, creatures of the abyss are pushing into San Francisco, and odd figures in their lives are hiding dangerous secrets. Gretchen has fought the monsters for years, but teaching the others is hard. Can she rely on Grace and Greer? Greer has pressing social commitments and little time to train her new-found powers, but the mythical second sight won't leave her alone. Grace is worried about her brother, Thane, who has disappeared. She's worried his secrets might have to do with the heritage the triplets share. How can the girls embrace the shadows of their legacy?
Sweet Shadows is a return to a series filled with Greek mythology, ancient monsters, and long-lost sisters. Three young women who barely know each other must come together in order to keep the human world safe from what lurks in a dark abyss, but there are other groups at work. Some who want to help, some who don't care one way or another, and some who will stop at nothing to stop them.
Starting immediately after the first book ends, the action and the overarching plot pick up and are more prevalent here. There's more on why they were kept apart, more on what they can do, and more on what's after them. Besides the near-constant monsters coming after them. There's more danger and more suspense, plus some boy trouble, but the romance takes a back seat to the more important storyline of the sisters training and trying to stay alive.
Being triplets doesn't mean they have the same personality, which is good. Gretchen has a rather military-style way of looking at situations, acting on instinct. Grace is the sweet little den mother wanting everyone to get along who wants to include everyone in a well-thought plan. Greer has social engagements to worry about, but it's hard to focus on the normal human part of her life when the monsters are everywhere and she's having near-constant visions. Grace serves as a sort of buffer with Gretchen and Greer, the former smoothing the abrasive edges of the other two.
It's refreshing to read a YA novel featuring Greek mythology and find it not to be another Persephone retelling. There's so much more than Persephone and Hades, and props to the author for the modern twist on the gorgon/Medusa myth.
Like the first, this book is about the power and connection that siblings have when they're together, the closeness and the support. Grace, Greer, and Gretchen all need to lean on each other, rely on each other, in order to keep surviving while battling monsters and discovering their destiny. They are stronger together, but they still need to learn on their own, learn how to use their unique abilities in order to keep the rest of San Francisco safe.
Sweet Shadows is a return to a series filled with Greek mythology, ancient monsters, and long-lost sisters. Three young women who barely know each other must come together in order to keep the human world safe from what lurks in a dark abyss, but there are other groups at work. Some who want to help, some who don't care one way or another, and some who will stop at nothing to stop them.
Starting immediately after the first book ends, the action and the overarching plot pick up and are more prevalent here. There's more on why they were kept apart, more on what they can do, and more on what's after them. Besides the near-constant monsters coming after them. There's more danger and more suspense, plus some boy trouble, but the romance takes a back seat to the more important storyline of the sisters training and trying to stay alive.
Being triplets doesn't mean they have the same personality, which is good. Gretchen has a rather military-style way of looking at situations, acting on instinct. Grace is the sweet little den mother wanting everyone to get along who wants to include everyone in a well-thought plan. Greer has social engagements to worry about, but it's hard to focus on the normal human part of her life when the monsters are everywhere and she's having near-constant visions. Grace serves as a sort of buffer with Gretchen and Greer, the former smoothing the abrasive edges of the other two.
It's refreshing to read a YA novel featuring Greek mythology and find it not to be another Persephone retelling. There's so much more than Persephone and Hades, and props to the author for the modern twist on the gorgon/Medusa myth.
Like the first, this book is about the power and connection that siblings have when they're together, the closeness and the support. Grace, Greer, and Gretchen all need to lean on each other, rely on each other, in order to keep surviving while battling monsters and discovering their destiny. They are stronger together, but they still need to learn on their own, learn how to use their unique abilities in order to keep the rest of San Francisco safe.
February 1, 2013
Synopsis:
Three teenage descendants of Medusa, now united, must claim their heritage to fight the monsters escaped from the abyss.
Gretchen may have known she was a descendant of Medusa long before her sisters--after all, she's spent her life fighting the monsters that escape the abyss--but that doesn't mean it will be easy to teach the other girls the ropes.
Greer has pressing social commitments on her plate and precious little time to train in her newfound powers. But that wretched second sight won't leave her alone, and her fabled heritage seems to be creeping into her fashionable life.
Grace has worries closer to home--like why her brother, Thane, has disappeared. He's hiding something. Could it possibly be related to the secret heritage the triplets share?
My Thoughts:
Nice sequel. The book kicks off right where the last one ended with Gretchen's loft getting blown up. Afterwards, Gretchen is determined to get some answers out of Nick as she's certain he's the one that called to warn her to get out. Only he says it wasn't him... So who the hell was it? One of the other boys? Knowing Nick is all mixed up in this crap made me incredibly suspicious of Thane and Milo. Granted, Thane makes it pretty obvious that he's mixed up in this crap. Milo just seems too good to be true. If he isn't mixed up in things, it'll be a shock since the other two potential love interests seem to be. And if Thane isn't being set up to be a love interest for Greer, I'll be shocked to hell and back. I will admit that that would be weird, though. As different as Grace and Greer are, they're still identical and dating someone that looks like her sister is just weird. Anyway, none of these boys seems to be what they appear to be, so I'm actually rooting for Milo to be not normal, too. Or maybe Grace is the only one that can fall for a normal boy.
The girls actually do learn a bit more about what's going on and why there's a bounty on their heads. There's a war coming and three different factions are involved. I don't see how they can win. Supposedly, there are people on their side in the shadows, but it's too dangerous to reveal them. They better step up. They're slacking big time. Gretchen also learns that maybe not all of the creatures in the Abyss are so bad. She actually wants to help some of them. Looks like she'll be for keeping the seal unbroken, but guarded. Will Grace and Greer feel the same way, I wonder?
Now, they're off to get their mentors back. I'm guessing book 3 will pick up right where this one left off. I'm looking forward to answers about Thane. And wondering if Grace will remember that she ditched Milo-again.
Three teenage descendants of Medusa, now united, must claim their heritage to fight the monsters escaped from the abyss.
Gretchen may have known she was a descendant of Medusa long before her sisters--after all, she's spent her life fighting the monsters that escape the abyss--but that doesn't mean it will be easy to teach the other girls the ropes.
Greer has pressing social commitments on her plate and precious little time to train in her newfound powers. But that wretched second sight won't leave her alone, and her fabled heritage seems to be creeping into her fashionable life.
Grace has worries closer to home--like why her brother, Thane, has disappeared. He's hiding something. Could it possibly be related to the secret heritage the triplets share?
My Thoughts:
Nice sequel. The book kicks off right where the last one ended with Gretchen's loft getting blown up. Afterwards, Gretchen is determined to get some answers out of Nick as she's certain he's the one that called to warn her to get out. Only he says it wasn't him... So who the hell was it? One of the other boys? Knowing Nick is all mixed up in this crap made me incredibly suspicious of Thane and Milo. Granted, Thane makes it pretty obvious that he's mixed up in this crap. Milo just seems too good to be true. If he isn't mixed up in things, it'll be a shock since the other two potential love interests seem to be. And if Thane isn't being set up to be a love interest for Greer, I'll be shocked to hell and back. I will admit that that would be weird, though. As different as Grace and Greer are, they're still identical and dating someone that looks like her sister is just weird. Anyway, none of these boys seems to be what they appear to be, so I'm actually rooting for Milo to be not normal, too. Or maybe Grace is the only one that can fall for a normal boy.
The girls actually do learn a bit more about what's going on and why there's a bounty on their heads. There's a war coming and three different factions are involved. I don't see how they can win. Supposedly, there are people on their side in the shadows, but it's too dangerous to reveal them. They better step up. They're slacking big time. Gretchen also learns that maybe not all of the creatures in the Abyss are so bad. She actually wants to help some of them. Looks like she'll be for keeping the seal unbroken, but guarded. Will Grace and Greer feel the same way, I wonder?
Now, they're off to get their mentors back. I'm guessing book 3 will pick up right where this one left off. I'm looking forward to answers about Thane. And wondering if Grace will remember that she ditched Milo-again.
July 9, 2014
3.5 star
This was just a very fun and short read. It took me less than an hour and a half to read. Time just flew by.
Sweet Shadows is centered around three girls, who are triplets, and descendants of Medusa. History was twisted around, and made Medusa look like the villain, when she actually guarded the door between the monsters and mortals. I love each of the sisters. They all kick butt, and have a great budding sistership. Each of the sisters also has their own individual story, and they're always there for each other.
Gretchen is the one that has been fighting monsters the longest. She was even trained by a Gorgon. She doesn't have priorities in her way of fighting the baddies. But her other sisters do. Grace has to worry about her family worrying about her, while Greer has social priorities. And Grace's brother, Thane is also missing.
Speaking of Thane, I really like his character. Sure, we don't get much of him, but his character is so mysterious. It's just so frustrating how I KNOW there's something supernatural about him, and I knew that since the beginning of the first book, and we're still nowhere closer to finding out what his secret is. I hope we get more of him in the last book.
As usual, each sister also has a romance interest. For Gretchen it's Nick, a guy who has supernatural stuff going on, and she doesn't know whether to trust him or not. For Grace, it's a guy named Milo, and he's just an innocent, harmless guy. And Greer, who might have a boyfriend named Kyle. He's kind of a douche.
In a way, the romance annoyed me. NOTHING advanced in Grace and Milo's romance, and the only thing that happened in Greer's romane life was one event with Kyle. While for Gretchen, there were leaps and bounds with Nick. I would've liked advancement with all the characters.
The sisters find out that there are people (not necessarily people, but I don't know a better word) who want them dead before they can open the seal, because they're lazy. And then there are monsters who want them alive to open the gate and let them out, but then kill the sisters. There's threats from all sides for the sisters, but I never found it too heavy. This book was just a light and fun read.
Overall, it was a nice addition to the series, and a little bit better than the first book too. I can't wait to see how the series ends!
This was just a very fun and short read. It took me less than an hour and a half to read. Time just flew by.
Sweet Shadows is centered around three girls, who are triplets, and descendants of Medusa. History was twisted around, and made Medusa look like the villain, when she actually guarded the door between the monsters and mortals. I love each of the sisters. They all kick butt, and have a great budding sistership. Each of the sisters also has their own individual story, and they're always there for each other.
Gretchen is the one that has been fighting monsters the longest. She was even trained by a Gorgon. She doesn't have priorities in her way of fighting the baddies. But her other sisters do. Grace has to worry about her family worrying about her, while Greer has social priorities. And Grace's brother, Thane is also missing.
Speaking of Thane, I really like his character. Sure, we don't get much of him, but his character is so mysterious. It's just so frustrating how I KNOW there's something supernatural about him, and I knew that since the beginning of the first book, and we're still nowhere closer to finding out what his secret is. I hope we get more of him in the last book.
As usual, each sister also has a romance interest. For Gretchen it's Nick, a guy who has supernatural stuff going on, and she doesn't know whether to trust him or not. For Grace, it's a guy named Milo, and he's just an innocent, harmless guy. And Greer, who might have a boyfriend named Kyle. He's kind of a douche.
In a way, the romance annoyed me. NOTHING advanced in Grace and Milo's romance, and the only thing that happened in Greer's romane life was one event with Kyle. While for Gretchen, there were leaps and bounds with Nick. I would've liked advancement with all the characters.
The sisters find out that there are people (not necessarily people, but I don't know a better word) who want them dead before they can open the seal, because they're lazy. And then there are monsters who want them alive to open the gate and let them out, but then kill the sisters. There's threats from all sides for the sisters, but I never found it too heavy. This book was just a light and fun read.
Overall, it was a nice addition to the series, and a little bit better than the first book too. I can't wait to see how the series ends!
March 3, 2017
"And there are some monsters that would just rather hand out in the world of trees and sunshine. Endless black can get so monotonous."
Sweet Shadows picks up immediately where Sweet Venom ends. When Gretchen's loft is blown up, the newly reunited sisters try to get over the shock of the recent events and trying to find out who is trying to kill them. Not that it's easy, of course.
In this book, the sisters' individual plotlines are more intertwined, but there are still things that they need to work out for themselves. It feels like the main theme of this book is that Grace and Greer are trying to keep some sense of normalcy in their lives, while Gretchen is learning there is a life outside of being a huntress. Together, they learn more about their destiny as the Key Generation and learn that many people want their destinies to come to different outcomes. They also learn that not everything is quite what it seems. Even the things that have been ingrained in them for so long.
Since I read this straight after Sweet Venom, it was like I hadn't stopped. The characters have barely changed and are still familiar to me, since pretty much no time passed between the ending and beginning of the two books. I loved the character development though between the sisters and how they're adapting -- particularly Greer. Greer doesn't get the chance to grow on you in the first book because she's introduced much later, but you begin to understand why Greer is the way she is, and she's a much more likable character this time around. I also want Nick and Thane to give me proper answers too, dammit!
I couldn't put this book down, and I realised a little late that now I'm going to have to wait for the final book to be released. Honestly? I can't wait.
Sweet Shadows picks up immediately where Sweet Venom ends. When Gretchen's loft is blown up, the newly reunited sisters try to get over the shock of the recent events and trying to find out who is trying to kill them. Not that it's easy, of course.
In this book, the sisters' individual plotlines are more intertwined, but there are still things that they need to work out for themselves. It feels like the main theme of this book is that Grace and Greer are trying to keep some sense of normalcy in their lives, while Gretchen is learning there is a life outside of being a huntress. Together, they learn more about their destiny as the Key Generation and learn that many people want their destinies to come to different outcomes. They also learn that not everything is quite what it seems. Even the things that have been ingrained in them for so long.
Since I read this straight after Sweet Venom, it was like I hadn't stopped. The characters have barely changed and are still familiar to me, since pretty much no time passed between the ending and beginning of the two books. I loved the character development though between the sisters and how they're adapting -- particularly Greer. Greer doesn't get the chance to grow on you in the first book because she's introduced much later, but you begin to understand why Greer is the way she is, and she's a much more likable character this time around. I also want Nick and Thane to give me proper answers too, dammit!
I couldn't put this book down, and I realised a little late that now I'm going to have to wait for the final book to be released. Honestly? I can't wait.
February 6, 2017
What I Liked: 1) I like the three sisters. As they started to get to know each other in Sweet Venom you could see relationships begin to develop, but throughout Sweet Shadows their relationship becomes more cemented, and they begin to care for each other as sisters, instead of strangers who happen to look alike. 2) Um, there was a unicorn in this book. I don't know that I have ever encountered a unicorn in another book other than Harry Potter. But this one talked and wasn't being eaten by Voldy. How cool is that!? Did there need to be a unicorn? Probably not. Did it add to the sheer awesomeness? Yes. 3) The time spent in the Abyss - this was a whole new setting for us as Gretchen dove head first into the unknown to save Nick. I wasn't expecting where that storyline went, but I'm interested to see where it picks up again in the next book. 5) There's something about Thane...Grace's mysterious older brother who has been mentioned repeatedly in these books finally makes an appearance near the end of Sweet Shadows. And there is something about him that I can't quite figure out. Just as we are beginning to make sense of things, Miz Childs has thrown even more mystery at us.
What I Didn't Like: I was surprised to find that it took a little time for me to feel invested in this story. For how much I loved the first book, this one was a little flat, particularly in the beginning. I was seriously worried that it was going to become a "Second Book Trap," just filling fodder until we can get to book three. But finally about a fourth of the way in, something clicked, and I started to get into it.
Overall Thoughts: After a bit of a rocky start, Sweet Shadows sunk into the story and started pulling the characters together. There was so much going on for the three sisters that it seemed almost crazy that anyone could keep up with all of it. But with the addition of some new and mysterious characters, plus a completely new setting (where I'm betting we'll visit again in book 3), and a more stable sistership, Sweet Shadows became a fun addition to the series.
What I Didn't Like: I was surprised to find that it took a little time for me to feel invested in this story. For how much I loved the first book, this one was a little flat, particularly in the beginning. I was seriously worried that it was going to become a "Second Book Trap," just filling fodder until we can get to book three. But finally about a fourth of the way in, something clicked, and I started to get into it.
Overall Thoughts: After a bit of a rocky start, Sweet Shadows sunk into the story and started pulling the characters together. There was so much going on for the three sisters that it seemed almost crazy that anyone could keep up with all of it. But with the addition of some new and mysterious characters, plus a completely new setting (where I'm betting we'll visit again in book 3), and a more stable sistership, Sweet Shadows became a fun addition to the series.
March 17, 2013
Ehh.
I'm not sure whether this book was just not as good as the first one or my standards were considerably lower back when I read book #1.
I found #2 to be rather predictable. I didn't like any of the three girls narrating. They felt sort of like:
Grace: Hey, I'm Grace! I'm bubbly and happy! I care about my family sooooo much! But, like, I hardly ever make time to see them. I'm just too busy! And I'm environmentally friendly! Save the planet!!!
Gretchen: I'm tough. I'm mean to everyone. Except this boy I met at school. He is the only one I've met who is immune to my magical hypnotic powers, but I don't find that suspicious at all. Meanwhile I'm going to be mean to everyone else to prove that I'm tough.
Greer: I'm a rich girl who only cares about designer clothing. My mother taught me to never show emotion so I'm going to act like a rock all the time.
Okay, I slightly exaggerated the three girls. But none of them really struck me as engaging heroines that I would want to root for. They have to MAKE me root for them, you know? It's not enough for them to have a good cause, they have to make me FEEL that their cause is worth fighting for. None of them made me feel that saving the world was all that important, frankly.
And their personalities were so simple. No complexity to them at all. Grace was the peacemaking sister, Gretchen was the tough one who knew the most, Greer was the snobby rich sister who has reservations about being who she is (a descendant of Medusa, in case you haven't read book #1.)
The book was quite flat. Sometimes I get into this "zone" when I'm reading where I can SEE where the characters are, what they're doing, and what they look like--I can SEE the story. But I didn't feel that with this. The book felt two-dimensional.
Perhaps it's because it's been a while since I read the first book that I disliked this one, but perhaps it's simply because it wasn't as good as the first. Either way, I only feel like this was worth 2.5 stars.
I'm not sure whether this book was just not as good as the first one or my standards were considerably lower back when I read book #1.
I found #2 to be rather predictable. I didn't like any of the three girls narrating. They felt sort of like:
Grace: Hey, I'm Grace! I'm bubbly and happy! I care about my family sooooo much! But, like, I hardly ever make time to see them. I'm just too busy! And I'm environmentally friendly! Save the planet!!!
Gretchen: I'm tough. I'm mean to everyone. Except this boy I met at school. He is the only one I've met who is immune to my magical hypnotic powers, but I don't find that suspicious at all. Meanwhile I'm going to be mean to everyone else to prove that I'm tough.
Greer: I'm a rich girl who only cares about designer clothing. My mother taught me to never show emotion so I'm going to act like a rock all the time.
Okay, I slightly exaggerated the three girls. But none of them really struck me as engaging heroines that I would want to root for. They have to MAKE me root for them, you know? It's not enough for them to have a good cause, they have to make me FEEL that their cause is worth fighting for. None of them made me feel that saving the world was all that important, frankly.
And their personalities were so simple. No complexity to them at all. Grace was the peacemaking sister, Gretchen was the tough one who knew the most, Greer was the snobby rich sister who has reservations about being who she is (a descendant of Medusa, in case you haven't read book #1.)
The book was quite flat. Sometimes I get into this "zone" when I'm reading where I can SEE where the characters are, what they're doing, and what they look like--I can SEE the story. But I didn't feel that with this. The book felt two-dimensional.
Perhaps it's because it's been a while since I read the first book that I disliked this one, but perhaps it's simply because it wasn't as good as the first. Either way, I only feel like this was worth 2.5 stars.
July 27, 2012
I am fond of reading novels that evolve Greek Mythology, especially if authors write the story real well. I borrowed this ARC from a friend who attended the book event in Chicago. I couldn't wait for the release of this book in September. I was so anxious to find out the answers to the mysteries that Ms. Tera had left unanswered in the first book. Well, this book picked up from where it ended in Sweet Venom. Still narrated by Greer, Grace, and Gretchen. The triplets had finally agreed to battle the monsters and established their roles as guardians when their kins were being abducted by either the monster in the abyss or the Gods in Olympus. The monsters wanted the gate be opened forever while the Greek Gods opposed the idea. The key generation was the balance of the two realms in war. As usual, the Gods were still in conflict with one another--like what happened in Trojan war (Athena and Hera siding Achilles, and Zeus and Apollo aiding Hector). Same in this book, but the author kept the suspense of whose Gods were aiding the monsters and plotting to kill the gate keepers to prevent the seal from breaking. Nick had more appearance in this second installment since he's Gretchen's love interest. But my attention was caught by the potential romance of Greer and Thane as if they're fated to one another. I can't wait for the third book. Sadly, I have to wait until next year. :-(
January 12, 2013
I found this book stuck to me like glue. While I enjoyed the first book by the end I was ready to leave the medusa sisters behind and pick up a new book then everything went boom and I picked up this one needing to find out what happened. With the explosive beginning of this book I was expecting the pace to pick up. If anything I found it slowed to a crawl. The "surprise twists" I found fairly predictable and yet I still wasn't given the answers I was looking for. Only to be left with you got it yet another cliff hanger. while I think starting this book just before the last one ended was a great technique I admit it did leave me wondering just why this was not all squeezed into one book and the fact that I was tiring of the characters when I picked it up led to the lack of change (for the characters) between the end of one book and the start of the next was just frustrating. Mind you it is a technique that I would love to see implemented by some of my favourite authors. Despite the fact that I struggled to get through it I can defiantly see the draw to this book and indeed the series so I am bumping it up to 2 stars.
February 1, 2014
Now that the three sisters have been reunited, their lives are getting more and more dangerous to live. It seems that once the three are reunited, they have the power to control the portal between the monster world and their world -earth. Some people want them dead, others want to save them. However, its a who can they trust kind of game ? As those around them are lying to them and now they are fighting for their lives. If that wasn't bad enough, they are lying to their parents - Grace in particular. How long can they keep up the Lying Game ? To borrow the slogan from Sara Shepard's story which contained two twins separated at birth. Destined to hopefully never find each other. With School, Friends, Homework and Slaying monsters that nobody else can see . It seems that the triplets have a lot of their plates. Can they juggle everything and keep up appearances or will they have to share their secrets with the ones they love in order to survive and help save them all ?
Another awesome installment in Tera Lynn Child's series "Medusa Girls" , and I am looking really forward now but sad in a way to read the last book in the trilogy "Sweet Legacy".
Another awesome installment in Tera Lynn Child's series "Medusa Girls" , and I am looking really forward now but sad in a way to read the last book in the trilogy "Sweet Legacy".
March 5, 2014
Tera Lynn Childs has done it again! I don't even typically reach for YA books and yet I could hardly put this one down - and as always, I am ready to read the next installment.
In a few words...
Cover: Pretty
Rating: G
Stars: 5
Overall: A very fun read that leaves you wanting more!
Characters: Love 'em even more than I did in Sweet Venom.
Page Turner: Did not want to put it down!
Series: Trilogy, one more left.
In other words...
A lot of questions were answered in this installment of the trilogy. The characters have grown together and the plot thickens. A monster war is brewing, after all.
Surprisingly, I have warmed up to Greer and his sisters are still tough and loveable in their own ways. I just want to know how these girls have time to fight monsters with school and all. (And Greer's tea parties!) And I want to know what Thane is already, dammit! Sigh. Next book.
I would recommend this book to any YA and Greek mythology lovers. However, I would not skip the first book, Sweet Venom, as it does need to be read in order to get the full picture. But why would you want to skip an awesome book anyways?
Can't wait for Sweet Legacy!
In a few words...
Cover: Pretty
Rating: G
Stars: 5
Overall: A very fun read that leaves you wanting more!
Characters: Love 'em even more than I did in Sweet Venom.
Page Turner: Did not want to put it down!
Series: Trilogy, one more left.
In other words...
A lot of questions were answered in this installment of the trilogy. The characters have grown together and the plot thickens. A monster war is brewing, after all.
Surprisingly, I have warmed up to Greer and his sisters are still tough and loveable in their own ways. I just want to know how these girls have time to fight monsters with school and all. (And Greer's tea parties!) And I want to know what Thane is already, dammit! Sigh. Next book.
I would recommend this book to any YA and Greek mythology lovers. However, I would not skip the first book, Sweet Venom, as it does need to be read in order to get the full picture. But why would you want to skip an awesome book anyways?
Can't wait for Sweet Legacy!
December 1, 2013
I love this series! I love the triplets! I love the author!
I love that Sweet Shadows starts right where Sweet Venom left off. People want to see the girls all dead...mystery! Greek mythology continues to be an enjoyable aspect of the series. Gods and demons going at it...a war? Action? The girls are still trying to bring back their Gorgon ancestors.
The siblings are all further developed, especially Greer. I'm one of those readers who loves snarky, quick-witter, sarcastic people and she fills the bill. Grace is still Grace. LOL And Gretchen, well she's the lively one for sure!
Recommendation: A definite excellent read, even if you aren't into mythology. I Love this seris.
I love that Sweet Shadows starts right where Sweet Venom left off. People want to see the girls all dead...mystery! Greek mythology continues to be an enjoyable aspect of the series. Gods and demons going at it...a war? Action? The girls are still trying to bring back their Gorgon ancestors.
The siblings are all further developed, especially Greer. I'm one of those readers who loves snarky, quick-witter, sarcastic people and she fills the bill. Grace is still Grace. LOL And Gretchen, well she's the lively one for sure!
Recommendation: A definite excellent read, even if you aren't into mythology. I Love this seris.
October 13, 2013
I love this series! I love the characters and the story. I love mythology and how the author takes a story that is told many times over and makes it their own. I like that we got to see some monsters that you don't normally hear about, it's fun to look them up and learn about them.
I love how the author takes the sisters characters and has them play off each other like real sibs do. I really liked the twists and turns this one has and this one has quite a few!
I honestly cannot wait to read the next book! I'm so glad I waited to read them until they were all released and I don't have to wait very long to get the next one, especially with ending this one had!
I love how the author takes the sisters characters and has them play off each other like real sibs do. I really liked the twists and turns this one has and this one has quite a few!
I honestly cannot wait to read the next book! I'm so glad I waited to read them until they were all released and I don't have to wait very long to get the next one, especially with ending this one had!
November 12, 2015
Although not quite as suspenseful as the first book, Sweet Venom, I liked how the events of the story flowed together and didn't seem contrived. Also, it had a more complex plot compared to other paranormals- there are two factions opposing both each other and the Triplets (Greer, Grace, and Gretchen), forcing the sisters to play both sides and providing more maturity.
All of the characters continued their development from the first book. Although Milo is kind of flat, I liked Nick, Gretchen's love interest. Also, we see more of Gretchen's vulnerable side.
All of the characters continued their development from the first book. Although Milo is kind of flat, I liked Nick, Gretchen's love interest. Also, we see more of Gretchen's vulnerable side.
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