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No Ordinary Star #3
No Vain Loss
A soldier is summoned to the North Pole, days before the year changes, told to fix the great Clock for a celebration. He has no idea what to do.
A girl, hunted for the crime of being born, almost dies out on the ice. She is rescued by the last polar bear left alive.
A library waits for them both, a library built over a span of a hundred years, forgotten in the basement of an ice shack.
The world hasn't known hunger or sickness in hundreds of years. It has also forgotten love and beauty.
This is the One World.
The year is 2524.
Inspired by the short stories of Ray Bradbury, this futuristic young adult novel in three parts is set in a world where Christmas -among other things- is obsolete and a Clock is what keeps the fragile balance of peace.
Written in three parts, this is the breathtaking story of how two unlikely people change the world, and each other, one book at a time.
In No Vain Loss, the world is on the brink of the greatest war humanity has ever known. Lives will be lost. New truths will be revealed.
A girl, hunted for the crime of being born, almost dies out on the ice. She is rescued by the last polar bear left alive.
A library waits for them both, a library built over a span of a hundred years, forgotten in the basement of an ice shack.
The world hasn't known hunger or sickness in hundreds of years. It has also forgotten love and beauty.
This is the One World.
The year is 2524.
Inspired by the short stories of Ray Bradbury, this futuristic young adult novel in three parts is set in a world where Christmas -among other things- is obsolete and a Clock is what keeps the fragile balance of peace.
Written in three parts, this is the breathtaking story of how two unlikely people change the world, and each other, one book at a time.
In No Vain Loss, the world is on the brink of the greatest war humanity has ever known. Lives will be lost. New truths will be revealed.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2017
9 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Frank
38 books551 followers Welcome to the world of M.C. FRANK's books, where characters aren't going to have an easy time of it: They will find themselves in icy-cold dystopian worlds where kissing is forbidden (among other things), or in green forests ruled by evil Sheriffs. If they're in Jane Austen's England, they have to be running away from a traumatic childhood, or if they are in our contemporary world, they're scared they'll die before they have finished high school. That sort of thing.
Don't worry, though, she knows we all need a little hope and joy in our lives, so there's a good dose of those as well in everything she writes.
M.C. Frank (writer, reader, designer, physicist and teacher, to name a few) has been living in a world of stories ever since she can remember (that's before she knew how to write). She started writing them down when she could no longer stand the characters in her head screaming at her to give them life, and while those first scribblings weren't exactly good (nor were they books, although she insisted on calling them that), they were enough for her to discover her passion in life.
She got her university degree in physics a few years ago (yes, she's like Sheldon, only a bit crazier!) and is now free to pursue her love of reading and writing, as well her free-lance job as editor-in-chief. She lives with her 'dude' in a home filled with candles, laptops and notebooks, where she rearranges her overflowing bookshelves every time she feels stressed.
Which is often, since (as you might have noticed) she doesn't pick the easiest subjects for her novels.
Learn more about her and her New Adult, Young Adult, scifi, Greek mythology and historical novels at mcfrankauthor.com
Website: mcfrankauthor.com
Twitter: @mcfrank_author
Instagram: @mcfrank_author
Tumblr: @litlereddoll
Facebook Page: M.C. Frank
Goodreads: M.C. Frank
Youtube: M.C. Frank
Don't worry, though, she knows we all need a little hope and joy in our lives, so there's a good dose of those as well in everything she writes.
M.C. Frank (writer, reader, designer, physicist and teacher, to name a few) has been living in a world of stories ever since she can remember (that's before she knew how to write). She started writing them down when she could no longer stand the characters in her head screaming at her to give them life, and while those first scribblings weren't exactly good (nor were they books, although she insisted on calling them that), they were enough for her to discover her passion in life.
She got her university degree in physics a few years ago (yes, she's like Sheldon, only a bit crazier!) and is now free to pursue her love of reading and writing, as well her free-lance job as editor-in-chief. She lives with her 'dude' in a home filled with candles, laptops and notebooks, where she rearranges her overflowing bookshelves every time she feels stressed.
Which is often, since (as you might have noticed) she doesn't pick the easiest subjects for her novels.
Learn more about her and her New Adult, Young Adult, scifi, Greek mythology and historical novels at mcfrankauthor.com
Website: mcfrankauthor.com
Twitter: @mcfrank_author
Instagram: @mcfrank_author
Tumblr: @litlereddoll
Facebook Page: M.C. Frank
Goodreads: M.C. Frank
Youtube: M.C. Frank
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Want to read
February 24, 2018It has a cover! Yay! ETA: Publication date is finally revealed. Thank you for your patience.
October 24, 2017
Note: I received review copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. I’m really grateful to be part of NOS street team.
4.5 Stars
What's in the book- With the beginning of year 2525, Felix completes the work of clock master. Reveal his finding of the One World and Chairman, bring forward the truth. And proves that loss of the person who tried to save the world was not in vain.
The clock that was meant to be symbol of peace will begin the war. What will happen when Felix tells the truth to the world?
This book starts literally at climax. It was damn hard to write review on the book that itself is climax. Plus I just read it through and through without stopping to note down the point. You will feel all the thrill and shrill that you can expect from the climax in just 2/3 part of this book. The books was about understanding the true meaning of love, sacrifice, and humanity. It also showed the consequences of war and power greed.
Characters- Felix and Astra were so amazing in this book. These words totally defines them – Natural, emotional, smart, sensible, and sensitive, sense of right and wrong, most important ability to love. It’s hard not to love these two beautiful souls of the book. They are my favorite One True Pairing now.
Ursa- Polar Bear– my favorite character from the first installment. I can’t tell you guys how happy I was to see her in the book again. She was such a brilliant creature in the book and the timing of her entry was so unexpected and super cool. So if you guys loved this bear in the first book, I’m sure you don’t want to miss this one.
Karim– This dude is taking place in my heart. He was awesome in this book. All his actions and dialogues were coolest. Specially that one when he explained why he came to help Felix.
What I liked-
Coverrrrrrrr – any doubts!! This whole series has awesomest, most beautiful cover.
Characterrrr- Isn’t that obvious after what I told you about characters.
Authorrrrrrrr- for writing this icy cool, speedy, captivating, action-packed installment.
And of course concept of creative dystopian world and the way it was told in 3 parts. this last part made the perfect end of the series. Book starts with the end of the second book. First chapter first page gave the brief idea who was Felix and what he did in the first 2 books. So whoever in case forgot the story, can recall all events. Writing was captivating from the beginning, it felt like coming from a storyteller. This first chapter would sound most spellbinding one in the audio book, I bet.
I loved the way Felix planned to disclose the truth. It was risky and stupid yet brilliant and simple. Reunion of Felix and Astra was so romantic I was reading the whole scene with goofy smile plastered on my face. It was pretty amazing how two totally different person grown up in the world where even touching a woman considered crime fell in love and started a fire in the world. In this book only I truly got the meaning of character’s name Match Girl and Tin soldier.
This book will be the cause of arrhythmia. I had so many irregular heartbeat while reading this book and I almost forgot how many times I missed my heartbeat. All the tension and action in the first half of the book was so trilling, exciting and was so unpredictable. It was like the winning flag constantly slipping from hero to enemy, and back and forth.
First half the story was narrated by Felix. When I thought this book was seeing its early end, there came unexpected twist. Good lord! What a twist! And the narration was switched to match girl from this point on. There was few new revelation as well. Astra’s bravery was most surprising in the second half.
Development of Felix and Astra by the end of the book, their understanding for the war, sacrifice, and love was remarkable. Best thing was whole that portion where title of the book was justified. Those words by 3 characters in 3 different meaning from their perspective – one as a disappointment, another for sacrifice and third understanding those sacrifices- was most beautiful and was just perfect.
This was the fastest book I ever read, best one sitting book. I thought to take this book on vacation but ended up reading in one day before leaving for vacation.
End- I was not expecting the end at this point. It was open ended but there is no hint of next book/series or epilogue. So I was just guessing what might have happened. I just hope author decide to write sequel of this series.
That half star I cut because there is No epilogue. I wanted to read more. I was expecting at least hint for what happened next. :((
Overall, this installment was full of action and surprises, twist and turns, perfect YA romance and unique last book of icy dystopian world.
4.5 Stars
What's in the book- With the beginning of year 2525, Felix completes the work of clock master. Reveal his finding of the One World and Chairman, bring forward the truth. And proves that loss of the person who tried to save the world was not in vain.
The clock that was meant to be symbol of peace will begin the war. What will happen when Felix tells the truth to the world?
This book starts literally at climax. It was damn hard to write review on the book that itself is climax. Plus I just read it through and through without stopping to note down the point. You will feel all the thrill and shrill that you can expect from the climax in just 2/3 part of this book. The books was about understanding the true meaning of love, sacrifice, and humanity. It also showed the consequences of war and power greed.
Characters- Felix and Astra were so amazing in this book. These words totally defines them – Natural, emotional, smart, sensible, and sensitive, sense of right and wrong, most important ability to love. It’s hard not to love these two beautiful souls of the book. They are my favorite One True Pairing now.
Ursa- Polar Bear– my favorite character from the first installment. I can’t tell you guys how happy I was to see her in the book again. She was such a brilliant creature in the book and the timing of her entry was so unexpected and super cool. So if you guys loved this bear in the first book, I’m sure you don’t want to miss this one.
Karim– This dude is taking place in my heart. He was awesome in this book. All his actions and dialogues were coolest. Specially that one when he explained why he came to help Felix.
What I liked-
Coverrrrrrrr – any doubts!! This whole series has awesomest, most beautiful cover.
Characterrrr- Isn’t that obvious after what I told you about characters.
Authorrrrrrrr- for writing this icy cool, speedy, captivating, action-packed installment.
And of course concept of creative dystopian world and the way it was told in 3 parts. this last part made the perfect end of the series. Book starts with the end of the second book. First chapter first page gave the brief idea who was Felix and what he did in the first 2 books. So whoever in case forgot the story, can recall all events. Writing was captivating from the beginning, it felt like coming from a storyteller. This first chapter would sound most spellbinding one in the audio book, I bet.
I loved the way Felix planned to disclose the truth. It was risky and stupid yet brilliant and simple. Reunion of Felix and Astra was so romantic I was reading the whole scene with goofy smile plastered on my face. It was pretty amazing how two totally different person grown up in the world where even touching a woman considered crime fell in love and started a fire in the world. In this book only I truly got the meaning of character’s name Match Girl and Tin soldier.
This book will be the cause of arrhythmia. I had so many irregular heartbeat while reading this book and I almost forgot how many times I missed my heartbeat. All the tension and action in the first half of the book was so trilling, exciting and was so unpredictable. It was like the winning flag constantly slipping from hero to enemy, and back and forth.
First half the story was narrated by Felix. When I thought this book was seeing its early end, there came unexpected twist. Good lord! What a twist! And the narration was switched to match girl from this point on. There was few new revelation as well. Astra’s bravery was most surprising in the second half.
Development of Felix and Astra by the end of the book, their understanding for the war, sacrifice, and love was remarkable. Best thing was whole that portion where title of the book was justified. Those words by 3 characters in 3 different meaning from their perspective – one as a disappointment, another for sacrifice and third understanding those sacrifices- was most beautiful and was just perfect.
This was the fastest book I ever read, best one sitting book. I thought to take this book on vacation but ended up reading in one day before leaving for vacation.
End- I was not expecting the end at this point. It was open ended but there is no hint of next book/series or epilogue. So I was just guessing what might have happened. I just hope author decide to write sequel of this series.
That half star I cut because there is No epilogue. I wanted to read more. I was expecting at least hint for what happened next. :((
Overall, this installment was full of action and surprises, twist and turns, perfect YA romance and unique last book of icy dystopian world.
June 30, 2020
Tin Soldier & Match Girl have made a place in my heart.
Lets just take a moment to observe how gorgeous the cover is. I confess that it was the cover which drew me to this book and I'm just glad that the story was just as promising as the cover depicts.
I'm a big hoarder of books where the guy ends up being vocal about his feelings for the girl and Felix Hunter said just the things that made my toe curl and made me want to be Aster. <3
Though I'm not a huge fan of Sci-Fi, this trilogy was intriguing from the first book and it just got better with the second and ended the best way it could in No Vain Loss.
I sure look forward to more books by MC Frank!
Lets just take a moment to observe how gorgeous the cover is. I confess that it was the cover which drew me to this book and I'm just glad that the story was just as promising as the cover depicts.
I'm a big hoarder of books where the guy ends up being vocal about his feelings for the girl and Felix Hunter said just the things that made my toe curl and made me want to be Aster. <3
Though I'm not a huge fan of Sci-Fi, this trilogy was intriguing from the first book and it just got better with the second and ended the best way it could in No Vain Loss.
I sure look forward to more books by MC Frank!
November 19, 2017
To be totally honest, I read this entire book in the matter of a day because I could not put it down!! Every chapter just kept my heart pumping and wanting more and more. I basically devoured this book as my dinner because food wasn't even stopping me. I know, that sounds silly, but it's true.
So if you aren't familiar with this series, this is the final installment for the No Ordinary Star series. The series itself takes place in the future, a dystopian world that knows no feelings and only the truths that they have been told. And with a world on the brink of war, Felix and Astra are about to set a flame to everything they know. Everything that everyone knows. And it all begins with fixing a clock.
With the final book, we are at the brink of the war and watch as everything unfolds around us and learn new truths. My heart was running in circles with all the emotions I kept going through not wanting to believe what was happening or just being thoroughly pleased with the events unfolding. Frank knows how to weave her tales and keep you wanting more. Part of me hopes to see a fourth book to see what events spiral from this book and to see how the world changes. Otherwise, I'll just have to wait for her next books, which I am very excited about.
Anyways, if you are a lover of dystopians like I am, then pick this up and you won't be sorry you did! I can say I haven't been disappointed yet. Ok, maybe in the fact that it ended already. That I don't want to contemplate.
Wanna also thank Frank for giving me a copy of this book for my honest review! It was truly worth it!!
So if you aren't familiar with this series, this is the final installment for the No Ordinary Star series. The series itself takes place in the future, a dystopian world that knows no feelings and only the truths that they have been told. And with a world on the brink of war, Felix and Astra are about to set a flame to everything they know. Everything that everyone knows. And it all begins with fixing a clock.
With the final book, we are at the brink of the war and watch as everything unfolds around us and learn new truths. My heart was running in circles with all the emotions I kept going through not wanting to believe what was happening or just being thoroughly pleased with the events unfolding. Frank knows how to weave her tales and keep you wanting more. Part of me hopes to see a fourth book to see what events spiral from this book and to see how the world changes. Otherwise, I'll just have to wait for her next books, which I am very excited about.
Anyways, if you are a lover of dystopians like I am, then pick this up and you won't be sorry you did! I can say I haven't been disappointed yet. Ok, maybe in the fact that it ended already. That I don't want to contemplate.
Wanna also thank Frank for giving me a copy of this book for my honest review! It was truly worth it!!
Want to read
August 11, 2017*Review for book 1 in series: No Ordinary Star
September 15, 2017
No Vain Loss is beautiful and emotional. It is the end of a story, but the beginning of another. It is full of heartbreak and hope, fear, and love. It is a bittersweet finish to the highly immersive trilogy that started with No Ordinary Star. M.C. Frank has created another stunning, captivating book!
I don't know which book of the trilogy I love more (this one if I had to pick since each one got better). They are all elegantly written and hold such beauty and imaginative magnificence! I am so sad that the trilogy is at its end, but am so happy to have read such a fascinating, mesmerizing story! I can't say too much since I don't want to give away any spoilers, but this entire trilogy is definitely worth a read and will have you on the edge of your seat!
No Vain Loss has a graceful ending. It has passion, excitement, sadness, and surprises! It has a page turning plot, and exceptional characters, both old and new! This one will definitely make you re-evaluate your thoughts on humanity and what it means to be "human". I will forever be in love with Felix and his morality. I will always love Astra's beauty, integrity, and strength. And I will always love that this trilogy is about human emotion, and the disconnection between humanity and reality. No Vain Loss, (and both preceding books), is rich, symbolic, and deeply thought provoking!
Thank you to the beautiful author for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review, and as a part of being a proud member of the #NOSStreetTeam!
I don't know which book of the trilogy I love more (this one if I had to pick since each one got better). They are all elegantly written and hold such beauty and imaginative magnificence! I am so sad that the trilogy is at its end, but am so happy to have read such a fascinating, mesmerizing story! I can't say too much since I don't want to give away any spoilers, but this entire trilogy is definitely worth a read and will have you on the edge of your seat!
No Vain Loss has a graceful ending. It has passion, excitement, sadness, and surprises! It has a page turning plot, and exceptional characters, both old and new! This one will definitely make you re-evaluate your thoughts on humanity and what it means to be "human". I will forever be in love with Felix and his morality. I will always love Astra's beauty, integrity, and strength. And I will always love that this trilogy is about human emotion, and the disconnection between humanity and reality. No Vain Loss, (and both preceding books), is rich, symbolic, and deeply thought provoking!
Thank you to the beautiful author for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review, and as a part of being a proud member of the #NOSStreetTeam!
September 25, 2017
I received this book for an honest review.
now I have reviewed all the serie and it's so hearthwarming and beautiful.
you grow with astra and felix, and it makes you feel so proud when you see how far they have come.
I really liked this book, it's a tale of courage and doing the right thing even when everyone tells you, you are wrong and try to silence you as a human being.
it was the perfect ending for this book series, it's such an encouraging love story.
now I have reviewed all the serie and it's so hearthwarming and beautiful.
you grow with astra and felix, and it makes you feel so proud when you see how far they have come.
I really liked this book, it's a tale of courage and doing the right thing even when everyone tells you, you are wrong and try to silence you as a human being.
it was the perfect ending for this book series, it's such an encouraging love story.
September 20, 2017
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, trigger warnings for slight mention of sexual and physical abuse)
I received a free arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. This did not influence my decision in any manner.
A soldier is summoned to the North Pole, days before the year changes, told to fix the great Clock for a celebration. He has no idea what to do. A girl, hunted for the crime of being born, almost dies out on the ice. She is rescued by the last polar bear left alive. A library waits for them both, a library built over a span of a hundred years, forgotten in the basement of an ice shack. The world hasn't known hunger or sickness in hundreds of years. It has also forgotten love and beauty. The year is 2525. Inspired by the short stories of Ray Bradbury, this futuristic novel is set in a world where Christmas -among other things- is obsolete and a Clock is what keeps the fragile balance of peace. Written in three installments, this is the breathtaking and sensual story of how two unlikely people change the world, and each other, one book at a time. In No Vain Loss, the third installment, war is about to erupt. Who will be left standing when the stars begin to fade? Immerse yourself into the icy cold world of this scorching hot new novel. – Amazon.com
This is a book I’ve been waiting on for the past few months, the last book in the No Ordinary Star series! I was so pumped to receive this book and I want to thank the author so many times over for letting me read and review this amazing book! I love Felix and Astra so much and it hurt me and made me happy to read about them again and if anyone has read this book then you know exactly what I’m talking about! While this was the last book we were introduced to some new characters. The character development was well done for the new characters and for the existing ones as well, especially for Astra and Felix. The plot developed nicely and there were many twists and turns at the end that I did not see coming. The pacing was well done as well and the writing was very fantastic and very easy to read and follow through with. I liked that for the most part, the book is from Felix’s perspective but that we have those chapters from Astra as well. While I wouldn’t mind a book from Astra’s perspective most of the story focuses on Felix and he is one of the more important parts of this book. I also like how the book explores Felix’s emotions and how developed he became as a character throughout this whole series.
However, I did feel that Astra needed to be a bit more developed as she was a main character in this series. I’d really like to explore her more as a character, especially her life before her father’s death and her escape from The Box in the time period before the first book. I think her arc is so intriguing and I’d love a prequel involving just her. I also felt that while the world building was pretty good that sci-fi lovers might like more explanation into how the science in this world works and more about the world in general.
Verdict: This book and series as a whole are one of the best YA dystopians I’ve read. I feel that the world is something that could be within that realm of possibility and that while the book does get into some sci-fi esque things that it’s not weighed down with overwhelming information about the sci-fi parts. While this was a plus for me since I’m not a big sci-fi reader, it might not be for those who like sci-fi. I also felt that while I had a really good grasp on how the world worked that the world building could have been a little bit more expanded upon. Even with those complaints I love this series and I loved this book. I felt the book and series ended appropriately, but it still had a bit of that openness to it that leaves room for interpretation as to what comes next and wiggle room for the author should she want to go back and write more books in this series (hint hint prequel for Astra). If you’re a YA dystopian lover, this is the series for you!
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, trigger warnings for slight mention of sexual and physical abuse)
I received a free arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. This did not influence my decision in any manner.
A soldier is summoned to the North Pole, days before the year changes, told to fix the great Clock for a celebration. He has no idea what to do. A girl, hunted for the crime of being born, almost dies out on the ice. She is rescued by the last polar bear left alive. A library waits for them both, a library built over a span of a hundred years, forgotten in the basement of an ice shack. The world hasn't known hunger or sickness in hundreds of years. It has also forgotten love and beauty. The year is 2525. Inspired by the short stories of Ray Bradbury, this futuristic novel is set in a world where Christmas -among other things- is obsolete and a Clock is what keeps the fragile balance of peace. Written in three installments, this is the breathtaking and sensual story of how two unlikely people change the world, and each other, one book at a time. In No Vain Loss, the third installment, war is about to erupt. Who will be left standing when the stars begin to fade? Immerse yourself into the icy cold world of this scorching hot new novel. – Amazon.com
This is a book I’ve been waiting on for the past few months, the last book in the No Ordinary Star series! I was so pumped to receive this book and I want to thank the author so many times over for letting me read and review this amazing book! I love Felix and Astra so much and it hurt me and made me happy to read about them again and if anyone has read this book then you know exactly what I’m talking about! While this was the last book we were introduced to some new characters. The character development was well done for the new characters and for the existing ones as well, especially for Astra and Felix. The plot developed nicely and there were many twists and turns at the end that I did not see coming. The pacing was well done as well and the writing was very fantastic and very easy to read and follow through with. I liked that for the most part, the book is from Felix’s perspective but that we have those chapters from Astra as well. While I wouldn’t mind a book from Astra’s perspective most of the story focuses on Felix and he is one of the more important parts of this book. I also like how the book explores Felix’s emotions and how developed he became as a character throughout this whole series.
However, I did feel that Astra needed to be a bit more developed as she was a main character in this series. I’d really like to explore her more as a character, especially her life before her father’s death and her escape from The Box in the time period before the first book. I think her arc is so intriguing and I’d love a prequel involving just her. I also felt that while the world building was pretty good that sci-fi lovers might like more explanation into how the science in this world works and more about the world in general.
Verdict: This book and series as a whole are one of the best YA dystopians I’ve read. I feel that the world is something that could be within that realm of possibility and that while the book does get into some sci-fi esque things that it’s not weighed down with overwhelming information about the sci-fi parts. While this was a plus for me since I’m not a big sci-fi reader, it might not be for those who like sci-fi. I also felt that while I had a really good grasp on how the world worked that the world building could have been a little bit more expanded upon. Even with those complaints I love this series and I loved this book. I felt the book and series ended appropriately, but it still had a bit of that openness to it that leaves room for interpretation as to what comes next and wiggle room for the author should she want to go back and write more books in this series (hint hint prequel for Astra). If you’re a YA dystopian lover, this is the series for you!
November 6, 2017
"You have become the most brilliant star, even though you grew up in the fiercest of nights."
No Vain Loss is the third and final part of the No Ordinary Star trilogy and I can't believe it's over! It's been such a fun and wonderful adventure with these characters, the world created by M.C. Frank and their story, I'm surely going to go back to it in the future.
It's the year 2524 and the world hasn't known hunger and sickness for hundreds of years. Humans are created to live long lives but they also don't know what love or emotions are. In this futuristic world we meet Felix, a highly trained soldier who has been summoned to the North Pole by the Clockmaster. There he stumbles upon Astra, a fiery girl who, by the current law, shouldn't have been born. Together, they unveil a hidden library and a secret that wasn't supposed to see the light of the day...
No Vain Loss picks up right where No Plain Rebel left off and it gets even more exciting. I feel like the story could be divided into two parts. The first one is really fast-paced, full of unexpected twists and turns, and really kept me at the edge of my seat. And then the second part is slower but just as important, and leads us to the beautiful conclusion of this series. I admit that at first I got a little lost among all the action, but as soon as I figured out what's going on, I was glued to the book and very anxious to find out what's going to happen next.
The world created by M.C. Frank came alive once again. The dystopian reality in this series is both terrifying, yet strangely fascinating, and I really liked that we learned more about it even in this last installment. I just wished we could have more books, so that I could witness all that was going to happen after the ending! :) The writing style, as always, was really beautiful. What stands out to me in M.C. Frank's books is that even when they're targeted at young adult or new adult audience, the writing always reminds me of literary fiction works and she manages to keep a great balance between focusing on the characters and action.
And last but definitely not least, the characters! I simply adore how much growth the two main protagonists undergo in the whole trilogy, especially Felix. He starts as a very strict, prim and proper, trained to be a perfect soldier, but during all three books slowly opens up and lets himself discover and feel new things. It was amazing to witness that and see the character he became by the end, and his relationship with Astra. I also liked the unexpected addition of new characters.
All in all, No Vain Loss and the whole No Ordinary Star series is a truly great dystopian trilogy. It's creative and fresh, and rekindled my interest in the dystopian genre. If you like thrilling stories, this is the series for you!
I have kindly received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review also appeared on my blog.
For more bookish goodies, check out my Tumblr and Instagram :)
No Vain Loss is the third and final part of the No Ordinary Star trilogy and I can't believe it's over! It's been such a fun and wonderful adventure with these characters, the world created by M.C. Frank and their story, I'm surely going to go back to it in the future.
It's the year 2524 and the world hasn't known hunger and sickness for hundreds of years. Humans are created to live long lives but they also don't know what love or emotions are. In this futuristic world we meet Felix, a highly trained soldier who has been summoned to the North Pole by the Clockmaster. There he stumbles upon Astra, a fiery girl who, by the current law, shouldn't have been born. Together, they unveil a hidden library and a secret that wasn't supposed to see the light of the day...
No Vain Loss picks up right where No Plain Rebel left off and it gets even more exciting. I feel like the story could be divided into two parts. The first one is really fast-paced, full of unexpected twists and turns, and really kept me at the edge of my seat. And then the second part is slower but just as important, and leads us to the beautiful conclusion of this series. I admit that at first I got a little lost among all the action, but as soon as I figured out what's going on, I was glued to the book and very anxious to find out what's going to happen next.
The world created by M.C. Frank came alive once again. The dystopian reality in this series is both terrifying, yet strangely fascinating, and I really liked that we learned more about it even in this last installment. I just wished we could have more books, so that I could witness all that was going to happen after the ending! :) The writing style, as always, was really beautiful. What stands out to me in M.C. Frank's books is that even when they're targeted at young adult or new adult audience, the writing always reminds me of literary fiction works and she manages to keep a great balance between focusing on the characters and action.
And last but definitely not least, the characters! I simply adore how much growth the two main protagonists undergo in the whole trilogy, especially Felix. He starts as a very strict, prim and proper, trained to be a perfect soldier, but during all three books slowly opens up and lets himself discover and feel new things. It was amazing to witness that and see the character he became by the end, and his relationship with Astra. I also liked the unexpected addition of new characters.
All in all, No Vain Loss and the whole No Ordinary Star series is a truly great dystopian trilogy. It's creative and fresh, and rekindled my interest in the dystopian genre. If you like thrilling stories, this is the series for you!
I have kindly received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review also appeared on my blog.
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October 13, 2017
This is it - the moment that’s going to change everything. The moment Felix was born for. The end of the world is coming and there’s no one else who can stop it. But can he start the fire without a match?
If the world ever got to a point where all the books are forbidden, and you could hide some of them in an underground library, which books would you choose to save? No Ordinary Star trilogy by M.C. Frank would definitely get a place in my own secret library. Those books are the perfect mix of dystopian YA fiction and sci-fi, and even though the action is set in the future, some aspects of this story are painfully accurate in our time as well.
No Vain Loss is the third, final installment of the series, and it’s exactly what a finale should look like. The previous two book were more slow-paced, but in this one the action moves forward with the speed of a rocket, introducing many unexpected plot twists that will make your heart burst with emotions. I cried, I laughed, I gasped, my heart got broken several times, but in the end it was just filled with love for this series and with awe for M.C. Frank’s talent.
The book starts where the last one ended, so you don’t feel like missing anything and you can just dive head first into the story and the familiar world. It’s amazing how both main characters, Felix and Astra, changed between the beginning of the first book and the ending of the third one. I love how they both grew up, how their relationship unfolded, how together they learned the meaning of words like love and family, obsolete in their times. I absolutely love those two characters and they’ve became one of my favourite literary couples.
What’s important is that M.C. Frank doesn’t create those perfect, unrealistic heroes and heroines, but they feel real. They make mistakes, sometimes they feel helpless and don’t know what to do, they have to fight with their own limitations, and the way the author described their emotions made me forget they only exist on paper.
M.C. Frank has an impeccable writing style and if I wanted to mark all of my favourite quotes from this book, my highlighter would dry out before I got to the end. Reading No Vain Loss was like finding diamonds in a block of gold - the whole story is amazing, but at some parts I needed to stop and go back, to read them again.
If you’re looking for a unique, captivating, emotional read with an important, powerful message, I highly recommend you pick up No Ordinary Star trilogy and lose yourself in Felix’ and Astra’s story. You won’t be disappointed!
If the world ever got to a point where all the books are forbidden, and you could hide some of them in an underground library, which books would you choose to save? No Ordinary Star trilogy by M.C. Frank would definitely get a place in my own secret library. Those books are the perfect mix of dystopian YA fiction and sci-fi, and even though the action is set in the future, some aspects of this story are painfully accurate in our time as well.
No Vain Loss is the third, final installment of the series, and it’s exactly what a finale should look like. The previous two book were more slow-paced, but in this one the action moves forward with the speed of a rocket, introducing many unexpected plot twists that will make your heart burst with emotions. I cried, I laughed, I gasped, my heart got broken several times, but in the end it was just filled with love for this series and with awe for M.C. Frank’s talent.
The book starts where the last one ended, so you don’t feel like missing anything and you can just dive head first into the story and the familiar world. It’s amazing how both main characters, Felix and Astra, changed between the beginning of the first book and the ending of the third one. I love how they both grew up, how their relationship unfolded, how together they learned the meaning of words like love and family, obsolete in their times. I absolutely love those two characters and they’ve became one of my favourite literary couples.
What’s important is that M.C. Frank doesn’t create those perfect, unrealistic heroes and heroines, but they feel real. They make mistakes, sometimes they feel helpless and don’t know what to do, they have to fight with their own limitations, and the way the author described their emotions made me forget they only exist on paper.
M.C. Frank has an impeccable writing style and if I wanted to mark all of my favourite quotes from this book, my highlighter would dry out before I got to the end. Reading No Vain Loss was like finding diamonds in a block of gold - the whole story is amazing, but at some parts I needed to stop and go back, to read them again.
If you’re looking for a unique, captivating, emotional read with an important, powerful message, I highly recommend you pick up No Ordinary Star trilogy and lose yourself in Felix’ and Astra’s story. You won’t be disappointed!
September 16, 2017
I’m going to try to keep calm during this review, but it’s going to be tough: I am currently a massive ball of excitement. The series had set my expectations very high, and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint with No Vain Loss: It delivered beauty until the very end.
When people say epic conclusions, they’ve never seen anything as epic as this. The book picks up the exact second No Plain Rebel stops, and from there the pace hits the accelerator 1000%. We are at war, in the middle of a battle, good versus evil with confused soldiers trying to save the world. As a reader, you’re so grabbed into the book that even from the very start, it becomes impossible to put it down.
And, somehow, the author still manages to introduce massive twists to the story that make total sense and yet take you completely unawares. At about the halfway point, I gasped audibly, making the woman across from me in the metro glance up in shock. I wanted to tell her everything, before realizing she would have no idea what I was talking about.
I’m so sad this series has come to an end. Not only was it a great read, but it was an amazing examination of what it means to be human. It’s made me see daily routine in a completely different way. Appreciate the moments I have with my friends, my pets, even with my food. The ending reads like poetry, and it’s so beautiful, and warm, it left me feeling full inside. No Vain Loss was the perfect finish.
The No Ordinary Star series has to be one of the most perfect series I have ever read, because it gave me everything I wanted out of my reading time. Character to adore, to root for, to ship, to watch grow. A plot that never felt contrived, always unpredictable and that makes you want more. And a lyrical style full of love for the human race.
This series made me feel hope. Love, loss, passion, excitement. I’m going to reread it often, and my friends need to know about it.
Do yourself a favor: read this series. You’ll love every second.
When people say epic conclusions, they’ve never seen anything as epic as this. The book picks up the exact second No Plain Rebel stops, and from there the pace hits the accelerator 1000%. We are at war, in the middle of a battle, good versus evil with confused soldiers trying to save the world. As a reader, you’re so grabbed into the book that even from the very start, it becomes impossible to put it down.
And, somehow, the author still manages to introduce massive twists to the story that make total sense and yet take you completely unawares. At about the halfway point, I gasped audibly, making the woman across from me in the metro glance up in shock. I wanted to tell her everything, before realizing she would have no idea what I was talking about.
I’m so sad this series has come to an end. Not only was it a great read, but it was an amazing examination of what it means to be human. It’s made me see daily routine in a completely different way. Appreciate the moments I have with my friends, my pets, even with my food. The ending reads like poetry, and it’s so beautiful, and warm, it left me feeling full inside. No Vain Loss was the perfect finish.
The No Ordinary Star series has to be one of the most perfect series I have ever read, because it gave me everything I wanted out of my reading time. Character to adore, to root for, to ship, to watch grow. A plot that never felt contrived, always unpredictable and that makes you want more. And a lyrical style full of love for the human race.
This series made me feel hope. Love, loss, passion, excitement. I’m going to reread it often, and my friends need to know about it.
Do yourself a favor: read this series. You’ll love every second.
September 9, 2017
"It starts with two hearts beating." Oh. My. God. What a glorious ride that was!! I couldn't put it down. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading this, knowing I had to get up early. It was spellbinding and hypnotic, the descriptions made me feel like I was there and experiencing everything the characters were. The first two novels set up the story and told the history of the world whereas No Vain Loss was all action, forward momentum, and the future. I love this story so much and I really hope that the author continues with other tales of this world and its people. It's so fascinating and believable, the mark of a good storyteller.
October 21, 2017
5 stars
***I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
First off, I just need to say that I am seriously so happy with the conclusion of this series! AHHHHH!!!!
This third book continues where the second book left off. This book was definitely a fast paced read and I loved it. I just wanted more because it was so good! I absolutely love the story. One of the main reasons being the two main characters. Both of them had such incredible development in such a short period of time and over the course of the last three books, I've grown attached. I just want to go back and start the series over so I don't have to say goodbye to these characters! There were definitely moments where I wanted to rip my hair out, moments I wanted to cry, and moments where I was thinking to myself "YOU KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN!!!", yet I kept reading and feeling surprised.
I don't want to give anything away about the story, but if you are ever given the opportunity to read this series, make sure you do. I fell in love with this authors writing when I first read Lose Me and this is no exception. She does an amazing job of weaving stories together with strong characters that fill you with so many different emotions that you just want to burst. I know I've said this before, but I'm normally not a fan of dystopian or sci-fi books, but I may slowly be changing my mind. Thank you so much for allowing me to be on your Street Team.
***I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
First off, I just need to say that I am seriously so happy with the conclusion of this series! AHHHHH!!!!
This third book continues where the second book left off. This book was definitely a fast paced read and I loved it. I just wanted more because it was so good! I absolutely love the story. One of the main reasons being the two main characters. Both of them had such incredible development in such a short period of time and over the course of the last three books, I've grown attached. I just want to go back and start the series over so I don't have to say goodbye to these characters! There were definitely moments where I wanted to rip my hair out, moments I wanted to cry, and moments where I was thinking to myself "YOU KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN!!!", yet I kept reading and feeling surprised.
I don't want to give anything away about the story, but if you are ever given the opportunity to read this series, make sure you do. I fell in love with this authors writing when I first read Lose Me and this is no exception. She does an amazing job of weaving stories together with strong characters that fill you with so many different emotions that you just want to burst. I know I've said this before, but I'm normally not a fan of dystopian or sci-fi books, but I may slowly be changing my mind. Thank you so much for allowing me to be on your Street Team.
September 16, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from the author @mcfrankauthor in return for an honest review. Thank you!
I’ve been a huge fan of the No Ordinary Star Series since the very first installment (reviews of book one and book two) and I’m incredibly grateful to have been a beta reader for this amazing series.
In the final book of the trilogy, our main characters face their most intense challenges yet, in a tale that kept me turning page after page. New, fascinating aspects of the world are revealed and Felix and Astra (the protagonists) continue to surprise and astound. M. C. Frank continues as she began, with a captivating world, a thought-provoking story and characters to die for.
This book to me was all that I could have hoped for. Ending a story, especially one that has spanned 3 books is not easy, yet Frank manages it with a fine hand, staying true to the story and satisfying her readers.
If you haven’t read this series, please do yourself the favor and pick up No Ordinary Star and delve into a world of ice and lies, with two heroes about to set it on fire!
I’ve been a huge fan of the No Ordinary Star Series since the very first installment (reviews of book one and book two) and I’m incredibly grateful to have been a beta reader for this amazing series.
In the final book of the trilogy, our main characters face their most intense challenges yet, in a tale that kept me turning page after page. New, fascinating aspects of the world are revealed and Felix and Astra (the protagonists) continue to surprise and astound. M. C. Frank continues as she began, with a captivating world, a thought-provoking story and characters to die for.
This book to me was all that I could have hoped for. Ending a story, especially one that has spanned 3 books is not easy, yet Frank manages it with a fine hand, staying true to the story and satisfying her readers.
If you haven’t read this series, please do yourself the favor and pick up No Ordinary Star and delve into a world of ice and lies, with two heroes about to set it on fire!
September 8, 2017
No Vain Loss is the epic conclusion to the No Ordinary Star trilogy by M.C. Frank. Oh and epic it was. This book deserves every single star in the five star review I have given it and then some. I’ll let the fact that I received this book less than 12 hours ago and I’ve finished it speak for itself. No Vain Loss kept me on the edge of my seat the entire novel and as soon as I had begun I couldn’t put it down.
This novel picks up on the cliffhanger left at the end of the previous book in the series, No Plain Rebel. I had no doubt that Frank would deliver another fantastic tale and I wasn’t disappointed. This book hit the ground running. It didn’t even take me twenty pages to get engrossed in it and another twenty I knew I had to complete the novel in one sitting.
I had multiple heart attacks while reading this book and what would a good book be if it didn’t give you a jolt of pain or fear every few pages? I cried, I gasped, I turned the pages eagerly. I had to get through the book, I had to know what happened next.
Our tin soldier and match girl, how far they’ve come. Our fiery red-headed heroine, and our caring blue-eyed hero. Watching them grow through these three novels is the most gratifying part of reading these books. And No Vain Loss holds no disappointment to their character development further. Oh...and the ship. Don't even get me started because I will be here all day fangirling.
‘I should have seen this coming’ I told myself no less than four times while reading this. I don’t why it surprised me so much every time I was astonished with every revelation, every action each character took. I should have known not to underestimate this book. It kept me on my toes.
No Vain Loss did more than provide me with an amazing read that I’ll be crying about for months, it gave me an outlook on life, as all good writing should. It said something more than a story about a boy and a girl. It showed human nature, what loved ones do for those they love, and how sacrifices shouldn’t be in vain.
I am sad to see the end to this great series but No Vain Loss was an amazing novel, worthy of all its praise.
This novel picks up on the cliffhanger left at the end of the previous book in the series, No Plain Rebel. I had no doubt that Frank would deliver another fantastic tale and I wasn’t disappointed. This book hit the ground running. It didn’t even take me twenty pages to get engrossed in it and another twenty I knew I had to complete the novel in one sitting.
I had multiple heart attacks while reading this book and what would a good book be if it didn’t give you a jolt of pain or fear every few pages? I cried, I gasped, I turned the pages eagerly. I had to get through the book, I had to know what happened next.
Our tin soldier and match girl, how far they’ve come. Our fiery red-headed heroine, and our caring blue-eyed hero. Watching them grow through these three novels is the most gratifying part of reading these books. And No Vain Loss holds no disappointment to their character development further. Oh...and the ship. Don't even get me started because I will be here all day fangirling.
‘I should have seen this coming’ I told myself no less than four times while reading this. I don’t why it surprised me so much every time I was astonished with every revelation, every action each character took. I should have known not to underestimate this book. It kept me on my toes.
No Vain Loss did more than provide me with an amazing read that I’ll be crying about for months, it gave me an outlook on life, as all good writing should. It said something more than a story about a boy and a girl. It showed human nature, what loved ones do for those they love, and how sacrifices shouldn’t be in vain.
I am sad to see the end to this great series but No Vain Loss was an amazing novel, worthy of all its praise.
October 30, 2017
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
*I was sent an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
After thoroughly enjoying book two in the series, No Plain Rebel, I was expecting to love No Vain Loss. Unfortunately this was not the case.
Right from the start of the book I felt like it was unclear as to what was supposed to be happening. Everything felt flustered and confusing and it seemed like none of the characters even knew what was going on. This lasted for about half of the book.
The second half of the book felt pointless and unimportant. There were some nice character scenes but after the halfway point the action and plot just ended and the book left many issues unresolved.
Felix’s character also took a downward curve in my opinion. Ever since realizing his feelings for Astra all he does is worry about her. This seemed like a weird contradiction to his earlier recognition of her strength and independence. It got to the point where if he even thought she was in pain he was suddenly unable to function at all. Literally – he would just spiral into a panic mode inside himself as if he was shutting down. There were even multiple points where he expressed highly unwarranted jealousy to shocking extremes.
The only redeeming quality of the book for me was Astra herself. From the start I’ve enjoyed her character and I’m glad that held true through No Vain Loss. She continues to be strong-willed and ready to do whatever needs to be done. Some of the actions she took for the sake of the cause and the people pleasantly surprised me and increased my respect in her.
Overall, No Vain Loss was not what I expected or was hoping for and it felt very chaotic and unfulfilling.
*I was sent an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
After thoroughly enjoying book two in the series, No Plain Rebel, I was expecting to love No Vain Loss. Unfortunately this was not the case.
Right from the start of the book I felt like it was unclear as to what was supposed to be happening. Everything felt flustered and confusing and it seemed like none of the characters even knew what was going on. This lasted for about half of the book.
The second half of the book felt pointless and unimportant. There were some nice character scenes but after the halfway point the action and plot just ended and the book left many issues unresolved.
Felix’s character also took a downward curve in my opinion. Ever since realizing his feelings for Astra all he does is worry about her. This seemed like a weird contradiction to his earlier recognition of her strength and independence. It got to the point where if he even thought she was in pain he was suddenly unable to function at all. Literally – he would just spiral into a panic mode inside himself as if he was shutting down. There were even multiple points where he expressed highly unwarranted jealousy to shocking extremes.
The only redeeming quality of the book for me was Astra herself. From the start I’ve enjoyed her character and I’m glad that held true through No Vain Loss. She continues to be strong-willed and ready to do whatever needs to be done. Some of the actions she took for the sake of the cause and the people pleasantly surprised me and increased my respect in her.
Overall, No Vain Loss was not what I expected or was hoping for and it felt very chaotic and unfulfilling.
October 28, 2017
It's been a few weeks since I read No Plain Rebel, and I forgot how great M.C Frank is! You'll feel as though you're in the story right along with the characters. As the book starts, you're thrown right back into the fray! As the last installment in the No Ordinary Star series, I was not disappointed by the ending, it was exactly what I was hoping for! As always, M.C Frank's words flow together, and her descriptions pull you into the story with ease. In some series, the author has a hard time surprising you after a while, but No Vain Loss is full of plot twists, and I'm sad it's over. The No Ordinary Star series was a fresh take on dystopia, and, as a YA dystopian writer, I'm jealous of her ability to keep me on my toes!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 24, 2018
Today I am reviewing No Vain Loss by M. C. Frank, this is the third installment to the series and I adored it. I cannot believe how wonderful M. C. Frank wrote this series.
I want to start by thanking M.C.Frank for giving me these copies of her book to review. I adore the series. I can’t wait to read more from her.
img src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/IcGkqd...” width="40" height="100" alt="description"/>
In the first book, it’s about the Match Girl and the Tin Soldier and it is the end of 2524. The year is close to an end and heading into 2525. There is no such thing as love, hunger or illness. Woman and Men aren’t allowed to be near each other.
The main character, Felix (Tin Soldier) is sent to the North Pole to fix a clock for the celebration at the end of 2524. He finds a girl when he goes and well you can see where the problem with that would start right?
I won’t go into book two, but I will leave the link to my review — here.
book three, its the end of 2524, Felix has a plan, he has his fire, what could go wrong?
Img src=“https://m.popkey.co/75f9c4/VlxW6.gif” width=“40” height=“100” alt=“description”/>
I really enjoyed reading from Felix’s point of view, he wasn’t like a normal boy, everything was so new so emotional to him that he wasn’t this “I’m hiding my feelings blah blah blah” he didn’t know what love was, what it felt like to be hungry and to have feelings for friends and people he was close to. So seeing a person who didn’t know feelings have feelings, felt real.
Astra, my favorite person, is such a strong female character, she’s been through so much, just protect her okay?
Img src=“https://i0.wp.com/25.media.tumblr.com...” width=“40” height=“100” alt=“description”/>
(yes, I found a way to add in an eminem gif)
Let me just insert my goodreads update here … “Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh. Yesssssssssssssssssssssssss. MY HEART WAITED SO LONG FOR THIS MOMENT!!!!! And it’s so perfect, I’m like a ball of mushy happiness right now. 😭😍”
Img src=“https://media.giphy.com/media/l2R01mS...” width=“40” height=“100” alt=“description”/>
I went through many emotions during this installment of the series, I cried, I laughed, I cried more…, I almost threw my phone… I wanted certain characters to die. (:
Img src=“https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/fi...” width=“40” height=“100” alt=“description”/>
There was a lot of action in this one, a lot of character development as well. I think from beginning to end Astra and Felix had changed a lot and saw things differently, thought differently. They both have become such strong characters.
I will recommend this series to everyone, I finished all of them pretty fast. All the books were easy to read, they’ll definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.
You know when you’re watching a TV show or Movie and an epic battle comes on and you get shivers because DAMN it was good. When Ursa came onto the page, I shivered. It was just as good when Daenerys came onto screen riding Drogon.
Img src=“https://madforbooksluv.files.wordpres...” width=“40” height=“100” alt=“description”/>
To wrap this up, it was truly amazing. I was most sad that the series has come to an end. A beautiful, wonderful, disastrous end. This series deserves all the stars in the world, I cannot put into words how much I adored every single page, every character, every Ursa scene, and the beginning of B3 was by far the second best thing. The first is Ursa…obviously 😉
The song I related to NVL: POMPEII BY BASTILLE
https://youtu.be/F90Cw4l-8NY
HAPPY READING, LUVs
Image result for bye gif
I want to start by thanking M.C.Frank for giving me these copies of her book to review. I adore the series. I can’t wait to read more from her.
img src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/IcGkqd...” width="40" height="100" alt="description"/>
In the first book, it’s about the Match Girl and the Tin Soldier and it is the end of 2524. The year is close to an end and heading into 2525. There is no such thing as love, hunger or illness. Woman and Men aren’t allowed to be near each other.
The main character, Felix (Tin Soldier) is sent to the North Pole to fix a clock for the celebration at the end of 2524. He finds a girl when he goes and well you can see where the problem with that would start right?
I won’t go into book two, but I will leave the link to my review — here.
book three, its the end of 2524, Felix has a plan, he has his fire, what could go wrong?
Img src=“https://m.popkey.co/75f9c4/VlxW6.gif” width=“40” height=“100” alt=“description”/>
I really enjoyed reading from Felix’s point of view, he wasn’t like a normal boy, everything was so new so emotional to him that he wasn’t this “I’m hiding my feelings blah blah blah” he didn’t know what love was, what it felt like to be hungry and to have feelings for friends and people he was close to. So seeing a person who didn’t know feelings have feelings, felt real.
Astra, my favorite person, is such a strong female character, she’s been through so much, just protect her okay?
Img src=“https://i0.wp.com/25.media.tumblr.com...” width=“40” height=“100” alt=“description”/>
(yes, I found a way to add in an eminem gif)
Let me just insert my goodreads update here … “Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh. Yesssssssssssssssssssssssss. MY HEART WAITED SO LONG FOR THIS MOMENT!!!!! And it’s so perfect, I’m like a ball of mushy happiness right now. 😭😍”
Img src=“https://media.giphy.com/media/l2R01mS...” width=“40” height=“100” alt=“description”/>
I went through many emotions during this installment of the series, I cried, I laughed, I cried more…, I almost threw my phone… I wanted certain characters to die. (:
Img src=“https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/fi...” width=“40” height=“100” alt=“description”/>
There was a lot of action in this one, a lot of character development as well. I think from beginning to end Astra and Felix had changed a lot and saw things differently, thought differently. They both have become such strong characters.
I will recommend this series to everyone, I finished all of them pretty fast. All the books were easy to read, they’ll definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.
You know when you’re watching a TV show or Movie and an epic battle comes on and you get shivers because DAMN it was good. When Ursa came onto the page, I shivered. It was just as good when Daenerys came onto screen riding Drogon.
Img src=“https://madforbooksluv.files.wordpres...” width=“40” height=“100” alt=“description”/>
To wrap this up, it was truly amazing. I was most sad that the series has come to an end. A beautiful, wonderful, disastrous end. This series deserves all the stars in the world, I cannot put into words how much I adored every single page, every character, every Ursa scene, and the beginning of B3 was by far the second best thing. The first is Ursa…obviously 😉
The song I related to NVL: POMPEII BY BASTILLE
https://youtu.be/F90Cw4l-8NY
HAPPY READING, LUVs
Image result for bye gif
September 15, 2017
4.5 stars
This book is the conclusion to the No Ordinary Star trilogy; and, what a conclusion!
In a remote Northern location, a soldier named Felix will help to decide the fate of the One World. He will need the help of a rebel girl, Astra, to pull everything off. The fate of the entire planet rests on their shoulders. Can they save it?
This trilogy has been so intriguing from start to finish. There is a rich history woven in to each page, of a future that seems entirely possible. This connects the reader instantly with both the heroes, because the reader fears that this may be where we as a human race are headed. This novel also packs a lot of action into its few pages, so be prepared for edge of your seat reading, at a pace both excruciatingly slow and too fast (if that makes sense).
Felix, a soldier all of his life, is different. Somehow he can shed the skin of oppression, of tyrannical dictatorship, somehow he can still find the individual inside of himself. Despite all of the odds stacked against him, Felix can find a voice for change, for freedom, and for hope. His character is ferocious; however, underneath it all, he harbours a soft spot for a certain red headed rebel. If he is meant to be a leader, he means to be one who is not afraid to show weakness, to seek support and to trust in others (the opposite of the current regime). Felix has changed so much from his introduction in the first novel; from a "drone" with no emotions and a still heart, to a man who wears his beating heart on his sleeve.
Astra has always been headstrong. She fights for everything, and against everything. She inserts herself recklessly into dangerous situations, but does it without thought for herself, more as a strategy to protect those she believes are key to the revolution. Her character is amazing; a young woman who has suffered immeasurable pain and abuse, but who continues to push back. In this book, we see her strategic mind, her careful heart, and the softer side of this fiery redhead. While Felix learns to show his emotions, Astra learns to share hers, to share her burdens. They blend so effortlessly together, a beautiful love story you wish would never end.
The reader's fear for our intrepid heroes never abates, as they face one obstacle after another. At some points the novel felt unbelievably cyclical, repetitive in actions, but it is smoothed over by Felix actually saying what the reader is thinking, "how is this happening again?" Too funny! This lightens the mood in an otherwise chilling action sequence and endears him to the reader even more.
This is an epic love story, one that completely changes the reality surrounding it; so, be prepared to be heart broken, then healed, to fall in love with these two characters. Two beating hearts, whose lives have been about pain, loss, separation, loneliness, betrayal and death. Their ability to hope and love inspires.
To read more of my reviews go to www.onemamassummer.weebly.com/bookrev...
This book is the conclusion to the No Ordinary Star trilogy; and, what a conclusion!
In a remote Northern location, a soldier named Felix will help to decide the fate of the One World. He will need the help of a rebel girl, Astra, to pull everything off. The fate of the entire planet rests on their shoulders. Can they save it?
This trilogy has been so intriguing from start to finish. There is a rich history woven in to each page, of a future that seems entirely possible. This connects the reader instantly with both the heroes, because the reader fears that this may be where we as a human race are headed. This novel also packs a lot of action into its few pages, so be prepared for edge of your seat reading, at a pace both excruciatingly slow and too fast (if that makes sense).
Felix, a soldier all of his life, is different. Somehow he can shed the skin of oppression, of tyrannical dictatorship, somehow he can still find the individual inside of himself. Despite all of the odds stacked against him, Felix can find a voice for change, for freedom, and for hope. His character is ferocious; however, underneath it all, he harbours a soft spot for a certain red headed rebel. If he is meant to be a leader, he means to be one who is not afraid to show weakness, to seek support and to trust in others (the opposite of the current regime). Felix has changed so much from his introduction in the first novel; from a "drone" with no emotions and a still heart, to a man who wears his beating heart on his sleeve.
Astra has always been headstrong. She fights for everything, and against everything. She inserts herself recklessly into dangerous situations, but does it without thought for herself, more as a strategy to protect those she believes are key to the revolution. Her character is amazing; a young woman who has suffered immeasurable pain and abuse, but who continues to push back. In this book, we see her strategic mind, her careful heart, and the softer side of this fiery redhead. While Felix learns to show his emotions, Astra learns to share hers, to share her burdens. They blend so effortlessly together, a beautiful love story you wish would never end.
The reader's fear for our intrepid heroes never abates, as they face one obstacle after another. At some points the novel felt unbelievably cyclical, repetitive in actions, but it is smoothed over by Felix actually saying what the reader is thinking, "how is this happening again?" Too funny! This lightens the mood in an otherwise chilling action sequence and endears him to the reader even more.
This is an epic love story, one that completely changes the reality surrounding it; so, be prepared to be heart broken, then healed, to fall in love with these two characters. Two beating hearts, whose lives have been about pain, loss, separation, loneliness, betrayal and death. Their ability to hope and love inspires.
To read more of my reviews go to www.onemamassummer.weebly.com/bookrev...
September 25, 2017
No Vain Loss was everything I wanted and more. It was emotional and heartbreaking, hopeful and melancholy, ominous and touching.
No Vain Loss picks up after that horrifying(ly awesome) cliffhanger we were all left with at the end of No Plain Rebel, you all remember right? "It's ten heartbeats to midnight." And I'm not sure if we were discussing Felix's heartbeats... or mine, because there were parts of this beautifully relevant work of literary art that had my heart stopping and had my heart beating faster than normal. I found myself being unable to stop reading, I needed to know what was going to happen next to my babies Felix and Astra. I had to know who these characters really were on the inside because they are all so much deeper than we thought they were, and I believe that is truly where the beauty of these novels lie... with M.C. Frank's characters.
If we look past this novel and take a look at the social and political climate in the world right now, I'd say it seems rather hostile. We have people who are desensitized to most of the awfulness that happens around them, people who are only concerned with something if it is directly affecting them (i.e. a drone. A.K.A. Felix in No Ordinary Star) then we have the social justice warrior, those very special humans who want the world to be better than the way it currently is. Those small flickering flames, who want to light up the darkness around them (i.e. Astra.)
The most delightful aspect of these special novels is getting to see Felix transform, watch him change and morph into a magnificent character, one I will cherish forever, a character who is so feeling and emotional. I loved witnessing him figure out what it means to really be human. I loved Astra and her strength, her grace. He and Astra's connection is electric and I love them both to pieces. They both go through such changes that make them so real, so relatable. I loved watching them influence one another, watching them become better, stronger people, lean on the other, and stand tall next to each other. There are a few new characters and other characters in this novel who we get to see really shine. I believe this is a character driven novel and I either loved them all to death, or loved to hate them.
At this very moment (well, clearly not at this VERY moment, seeing as I'm typing out this review, but...) I am attempting to put a unit plan in place to figure out how to adequately teach these novels in a high school setting. Because I believe they need to be taught to todays youth. They teach compassion and kindness, to take responsibility for your mistakes, stand up for what is right, and always have hope that things can get better, because without that, what is really left?
Thank you M.C. for sharing these creations, not only with me, but with the world. They are so amazing, and I can't wait to reread them! I will share these with anyone who will listen just like you shared them with me. I'm so proud to be your advocate and a member of #NOSStreetTeam.
Seriously, read these novels.
No Vain Loss picks up after that horrifying(ly awesome) cliffhanger we were all left with at the end of No Plain Rebel, you all remember right? "It's ten heartbeats to midnight." And I'm not sure if we were discussing Felix's heartbeats... or mine, because there were parts of this beautifully relevant work of literary art that had my heart stopping and had my heart beating faster than normal. I found myself being unable to stop reading, I needed to know what was going to happen next to my babies Felix and Astra. I had to know who these characters really were on the inside because they are all so much deeper than we thought they were, and I believe that is truly where the beauty of these novels lie... with M.C. Frank's characters.
If we look past this novel and take a look at the social and political climate in the world right now, I'd say it seems rather hostile. We have people who are desensitized to most of the awfulness that happens around them, people who are only concerned with something if it is directly affecting them (i.e. a drone. A.K.A. Felix in No Ordinary Star) then we have the social justice warrior, those very special humans who want the world to be better than the way it currently is. Those small flickering flames, who want to light up the darkness around them (i.e. Astra.)
The most delightful aspect of these special novels is getting to see Felix transform, watch him change and morph into a magnificent character, one I will cherish forever, a character who is so feeling and emotional. I loved witnessing him figure out what it means to really be human. I loved Astra and her strength, her grace. He and Astra's connection is electric and I love them both to pieces. They both go through such changes that make them so real, so relatable. I loved watching them influence one another, watching them become better, stronger people, lean on the other, and stand tall next to each other. There are a few new characters and other characters in this novel who we get to see really shine. I believe this is a character driven novel and I either loved them all to death, or loved to hate them.
At this very moment (well, clearly not at this VERY moment, seeing as I'm typing out this review, but...) I am attempting to put a unit plan in place to figure out how to adequately teach these novels in a high school setting. Because I believe they need to be taught to todays youth. They teach compassion and kindness, to take responsibility for your mistakes, stand up for what is right, and always have hope that things can get better, because without that, what is really left?
Thank you M.C. for sharing these creations, not only with me, but with the world. They are so amazing, and I can't wait to reread them! I will share these with anyone who will listen just like you shared them with me. I'm so proud to be your advocate and a member of #NOSStreetTeam.
Seriously, read these novels.
November 5, 2017
"He was prepared to lose everything, his own life even; everything except that. Except her."
No Vain Loss is the third and final book in the No Ordinary Star series. Be aware that these books are not meant to be read out of order. M.C. Franks throws a truly incredible story line at us and it just can not be read out of order. Each book picks up exactly where the last book ends, which is nice! You guys can find my reviews for books one and two in the series by clicking the reviews tab above!
I feel like it has been a while since I was last in the year 2524 with Felix and Astra! It is truly something special being able to be back with them and seeing them stand up for something they feel so strongly about. It took me a few minutes to remember all the details regarding family, and who everyone was but shortly after starting book 3, everything just came rushing back to me.
M.C Frank wrote another amazing book! Her books just keep getting better and better! I am amazed at how she gives her characters so much back story and really brings them to life. The way her characters are all connected and how much each one cares for one another is incredible. You not only get to read about how the characters feel, but you get to feel it for yourself as well. Frank allows her readers to feel her characters emotions and that is how you know you are reading a well written book. I absolutely adore every character in this book! well, maybe not every character... but most!
The main characters are left dealing with a huge problem and planet earth is in their hands! This book is full of action and I can honestly say it is the most action out of the whole series. Blood is lost, tears are shed, and so much more! I wish I could tell you guys in more details how intense this final book is but I can't! I can not give anything away and I know you will appreciate it in the end! Frank brings her story to a close in a perfect way! All her crazy twists and mind blowing scenes finally all make sense and she leaves the reader with a sense of peace. The reader is not left wondering what will happen next and sometimes I need that from a book! I love cliffhangers but I do love a good solid ending too.
"He hadn't counted on what kissing does to your brain: it turns it into mush, apparently. Maybe that's why it's illegal."
Frank has a way of creating this world that just kind of consumes your soul. Your soul belongs to this world until you are done reading every single word. It is then, and only then, that the book and her words set you free! I can honestly say that I have read every single one of her books in one sitting. I get so swept up into her books that I can not stop. I do not read books as fast as I used to but I truly do get so excited every time Frank releases a new book! I can not wait to see what she comes up with next. I truly recommend any and all of her books!
No Vain Loss is the third and final book in the No Ordinary Star series. Be aware that these books are not meant to be read out of order. M.C. Franks throws a truly incredible story line at us and it just can not be read out of order. Each book picks up exactly where the last book ends, which is nice! You guys can find my reviews for books one and two in the series by clicking the reviews tab above!
I feel like it has been a while since I was last in the year 2524 with Felix and Astra! It is truly something special being able to be back with them and seeing them stand up for something they feel so strongly about. It took me a few minutes to remember all the details regarding family, and who everyone was but shortly after starting book 3, everything just came rushing back to me.
M.C Frank wrote another amazing book! Her books just keep getting better and better! I am amazed at how she gives her characters so much back story and really brings them to life. The way her characters are all connected and how much each one cares for one another is incredible. You not only get to read about how the characters feel, but you get to feel it for yourself as well. Frank allows her readers to feel her characters emotions and that is how you know you are reading a well written book. I absolutely adore every character in this book! well, maybe not every character... but most!
The main characters are left dealing with a huge problem and planet earth is in their hands! This book is full of action and I can honestly say it is the most action out of the whole series. Blood is lost, tears are shed, and so much more! I wish I could tell you guys in more details how intense this final book is but I can't! I can not give anything away and I know you will appreciate it in the end! Frank brings her story to a close in a perfect way! All her crazy twists and mind blowing scenes finally all make sense and she leaves the reader with a sense of peace. The reader is not left wondering what will happen next and sometimes I need that from a book! I love cliffhangers but I do love a good solid ending too.
"He hadn't counted on what kissing does to your brain: it turns it into mush, apparently. Maybe that's why it's illegal."
Frank has a way of creating this world that just kind of consumes your soul. Your soul belongs to this world until you are done reading every single word. It is then, and only then, that the book and her words set you free! I can honestly say that I have read every single one of her books in one sitting. I get so swept up into her books that I can not stop. I do not read books as fast as I used to but I truly do get so excited every time Frank releases a new book! I can not wait to see what she comes up with next. I truly recommend any and all of her books!
November 19, 2017
A huge thank you to M. C. Frank, the author of this wonderful series, for sending me an e-arc of No Vain Loss. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First and foremost, how gorgeous is the cover of this book? Honestly, I could stare at it all day. The entire series has beautiful covers, to match the beautiful story written inside. I also love how at the beginning of each instalment, there is a quick blurb which summarises the whole plot, making it easier to remember some key events. If all books had this, I would be eternally grateful because I have such a bad memory when it comes to remembering plots and such.
The first couple of chapters jumped straight into the action, which No Plain Rebel had built up too. I’m glad that it did because it definitely kept my interest and had me hooked into the book. My heart was continuously racing as I prayed and hoped no one from Felix’s crew got hurt because I grew attached to them. AND URSA OUR FAVOURITE POLAR RETURNS! I actually love her so much and am saddened we don’t get to see much of her after No Ordinary Star.
If you’ve read my previous reviews for No Ordinary Star and No Plain Rebel, you would know that I ADORE all the characters in this novel, and No Vain Loss only increased my love for them. Felix’s loyalty to his friends and reckless bravery could be considered admirable. I feel if he were to go to Hogwarts, he’d be placed in Gryffindor. And Astra is still as fiery as ever and I love her and her relationship with Felix. They are definite couple goals and I’d definitely read another book on them.
Karim was only recently introduced in No Plain Rebel and this book made me fall in love with him even more. He is amusing and reminds me greatly of Kenji from Shatter Me, who I absolutely adore so the comparison means a lot haha. I really do wish we had gotten the chance to get to known him even more because I know he’d be an interesting character to watch develop.
There were many twists and turns that were unexpected, which kept me on my feet and made me want to turn the page, even when I was tired. I think this is the fastest I’ve ever read an e-book too, that’s just how good it is. The author’s writing has a poetic flow and describes everything vividly but not overdoing it at the same time.
The ending of No Vain Loss was a little more calming than the beginning, but it was still satisfying so I don’t mind. Plus, it was a great way to end the trilogy/instalment. I promise you will be pleased with the ending. Even so, I keep denying to myself that this story is over because I loved it so much that I just want more of it. I also really want to see more of the characters and just to see them get to know each other and learn all the things that were forgotten in history. Just one more book please?
If you haven’t read this series, you definitely should, especially if you’re looking for a fast paced read. Each book is only about 200-300 pages long so you’d be able to fly through them quickly (and they can contribute to your Goodreads goal if you’re behind ;)).
No Vain Loss comes out on December 5th this year, and is this series is the perfect Christmas read because it has some Christmas feels to it and is set around that time.
First and foremost, how gorgeous is the cover of this book? Honestly, I could stare at it all day. The entire series has beautiful covers, to match the beautiful story written inside. I also love how at the beginning of each instalment, there is a quick blurb which summarises the whole plot, making it easier to remember some key events. If all books had this, I would be eternally grateful because I have such a bad memory when it comes to remembering plots and such.
The first couple of chapters jumped straight into the action, which No Plain Rebel had built up too. I’m glad that it did because it definitely kept my interest and had me hooked into the book. My heart was continuously racing as I prayed and hoped no one from Felix’s crew got hurt because I grew attached to them. AND URSA OUR FAVOURITE POLAR RETURNS! I actually love her so much and am saddened we don’t get to see much of her after No Ordinary Star.
If you’ve read my previous reviews for No Ordinary Star and No Plain Rebel, you would know that I ADORE all the characters in this novel, and No Vain Loss only increased my love for them. Felix’s loyalty to his friends and reckless bravery could be considered admirable. I feel if he were to go to Hogwarts, he’d be placed in Gryffindor. And Astra is still as fiery as ever and I love her and her relationship with Felix. They are definite couple goals and I’d definitely read another book on them.
Karim was only recently introduced in No Plain Rebel and this book made me fall in love with him even more. He is amusing and reminds me greatly of Kenji from Shatter Me, who I absolutely adore so the comparison means a lot haha. I really do wish we had gotten the chance to get to known him even more because I know he’d be an interesting character to watch develop.
There were many twists and turns that were unexpected, which kept me on my feet and made me want to turn the page, even when I was tired. I think this is the fastest I’ve ever read an e-book too, that’s just how good it is. The author’s writing has a poetic flow and describes everything vividly but not overdoing it at the same time.
The ending of No Vain Loss was a little more calming than the beginning, but it was still satisfying so I don’t mind. Plus, it was a great way to end the trilogy/instalment. I promise you will be pleased with the ending. Even so, I keep denying to myself that this story is over because I loved it so much that I just want more of it. I also really want to see more of the characters and just to see them get to know each other and learn all the things that were forgotten in history. Just one more book please?
If you haven’t read this series, you definitely should, especially if you’re looking for a fast paced read. Each book is only about 200-300 pages long so you’d be able to fly through them quickly (and they can contribute to your Goodreads goal if you’re behind ;)).
No Vain Loss comes out on December 5th this year, and is this series is the perfect Christmas read because it has some Christmas feels to it and is set around that time.
September 27, 2017
Read full review @https://ecstaticyetchaotic.wordpress....
“You’re dreaming of a bloodless revolution, just like Christopher, Got him killed in the end. Much good that did to everyone. All we were left with was his loss. His vain loss.”
Felix is ready with his plan. Just as the clock strikes 12, he will show the world what a tyrant Chairman Kun is. But he needs hi ‘match girl’- Astra. He also needs the rebels and his soldiers. They show up eventually and the show begins. There’s a long fight between father and son with people getting hurt and dying. There’s blood all over the snow. A fight between the strongest person in the One World and a star Leuitenant is bound to go wrong at so many different levels.
There’s also a full-blown romance happening between Felix and Astra. Felix- who is still exploring the feeling of love is attracted to Astra and this attraction in what drives him towards his mission. Astra is his strength and his weakness.
But is defeating chairman Kun enough to bring peace and justice to one world? Could Felix prevent the spread of the virus or does Kun have another plan that Felix knows nothing about? Will he be able to avenge Christopher Steadfast?
Torn between saving Astra and his soldiers and creating an end to the confusion that will spread after Kun is defeated, Felix has a hard time trying to decide and fulfill his responsibilities as a citizen of Planet Earth.
The romance between Felix and Astra is such a welcoming sight (my heart did a little celebratory dance of its own). They are the perfect couple. Opposite in all ways but holding onto each other. Astra is witty and smart. Felix lacks humor and is more about physical strength.
The fight scenes have been elaborately described in the first half of the book. It get’s a bit dull sometimes with all the slow-motion descriptions but the plot twists are unexpected and interesting. We see more characters- each fascinating in their own way.
The ending of the series has been written so perfectly. It brought a smile to my lips because it was all I wanted (MY perfect ending).
This series has managed to break my heart and rejoin it in the most beautiful way possible. Love conquers all and sometimes that’s the only thing that keeps you going.
“You’re dreaming of a bloodless revolution, just like Christopher, Got him killed in the end. Much good that did to everyone. All we were left with was his loss. His vain loss.”
Felix is ready with his plan. Just as the clock strikes 12, he will show the world what a tyrant Chairman Kun is. But he needs hi ‘match girl’- Astra. He also needs the rebels and his soldiers. They show up eventually and the show begins. There’s a long fight between father and son with people getting hurt and dying. There’s blood all over the snow. A fight between the strongest person in the One World and a star Leuitenant is bound to go wrong at so many different levels.
There’s also a full-blown romance happening between Felix and Astra. Felix- who is still exploring the feeling of love is attracted to Astra and this attraction in what drives him towards his mission. Astra is his strength and his weakness.
But is defeating chairman Kun enough to bring peace and justice to one world? Could Felix prevent the spread of the virus or does Kun have another plan that Felix knows nothing about? Will he be able to avenge Christopher Steadfast?
Torn between saving Astra and his soldiers and creating an end to the confusion that will spread after Kun is defeated, Felix has a hard time trying to decide and fulfill his responsibilities as a citizen of Planet Earth.
The romance between Felix and Astra is such a welcoming sight (my heart did a little celebratory dance of its own). They are the perfect couple. Opposite in all ways but holding onto each other. Astra is witty and smart. Felix lacks humor and is more about physical strength.
The fight scenes have been elaborately described in the first half of the book. It get’s a bit dull sometimes with all the slow-motion descriptions but the plot twists are unexpected and interesting. We see more characters- each fascinating in their own way.
The ending of the series has been written so perfectly. It brought a smile to my lips because it was all I wanted (MY perfect ending).
This series has managed to break my heart and rejoin it in the most beautiful way possible. Love conquers all and sometimes that’s the only thing that keeps you going.
November 7, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. This review is also posted on my blog June Reads Books.*
The long awaited finale of the No Ordinary Star series is finally arriving November 25th. I’ve loved following along the journey of Felix and Astra in their dystopian world. This final book answers a lot of questions, while bringing me back to this creative world Frank has dreamt up and the characters I’ve grown to care about. The first two books have built up to this big struggle of powers in the final book, and Frank did a good job of keeping the foreshadowed action exciting.
However, I had quite a few problems with this installment. While the ideas are good and the twists have been built up, the writing itself seems incredibly rushed and spacey in comparison to the other books. I found myself getting frustrated because it felt like Frank was talking in circles, frequently repeating herself several times before moving on to the next thing—and I’m not even talking about the different perspectives. Often times I’d finish a page and wonder why it took so long to say one thing. Everything felt scattered and it was exceedingly hard to stick with it. I even feel like the synopsis shows signs of this, and it doesn’t actually tell you anything about the story.
In the first two books, getting Felix’s perspective AND Astra’s perspective added to the plot immensely, especially because they both came from different backgrounds of knowledge. In the third book, the different perspectives seem pointless because they don’t add anything different to the story. There were also these moments where Felix and Astra would have entire conversations with their eyes: fully fleshed out thoughts being conveyed without a sound. I definitely feel like you can tell someone something with your eyes, but these conversations felt like such a stretch, I had a hard time believing it was anywhere near possible. The suspension of disbelief was just not there.
I was so excited about this final installment and, while I felt like my questions were answered and some of the plot twists were long awaited, I just felt like it missed the mark by a mile. I wanted to love it, but I just ended up confused by the circular writing.
The long awaited finale of the No Ordinary Star series is finally arriving November 25th. I’ve loved following along the journey of Felix and Astra in their dystopian world. This final book answers a lot of questions, while bringing me back to this creative world Frank has dreamt up and the characters I’ve grown to care about. The first two books have built up to this big struggle of powers in the final book, and Frank did a good job of keeping the foreshadowed action exciting.
However, I had quite a few problems with this installment. While the ideas are good and the twists have been built up, the writing itself seems incredibly rushed and spacey in comparison to the other books. I found myself getting frustrated because it felt like Frank was talking in circles, frequently repeating herself several times before moving on to the next thing—and I’m not even talking about the different perspectives. Often times I’d finish a page and wonder why it took so long to say one thing. Everything felt scattered and it was exceedingly hard to stick with it. I even feel like the synopsis shows signs of this, and it doesn’t actually tell you anything about the story.
In the first two books, getting Felix’s perspective AND Astra’s perspective added to the plot immensely, especially because they both came from different backgrounds of knowledge. In the third book, the different perspectives seem pointless because they don’t add anything different to the story. There were also these moments where Felix and Astra would have entire conversations with their eyes: fully fleshed out thoughts being conveyed without a sound. I definitely feel like you can tell someone something with your eyes, but these conversations felt like such a stretch, I had a hard time believing it was anywhere near possible. The suspension of disbelief was just not there.
I was so excited about this final installment and, while I felt like my questions were answered and some of the plot twists were long awaited, I just felt like it missed the mark by a mile. I wanted to love it, but I just ended up confused by the circular writing.
April 4, 2019
Actual rating 1.5 stars.
This is by no means a standalone novel in a trilogy - more like the third act of a whole. Why M.C. Frank released these novellas in this format has me dumbfounded. The novel jumps right into the action and there is little back story or summary of what has come before. Again, like its predecessors, I found it extremely difficult to connect to any of the characters or fully understand their motivations.
One gleaming positive about ‘No Vain Loss’ is the plot. It was the most interesting of the trilogy so far. There are hardships, twists and turns, and definitely the most intricate so far. So viewing the novella from a mechanical standpoint, it was pretty good. But as for the rest, I found it miserably deficient.
There was not enough character development for me to identify with any of the cast, or cheer for their journey. The descriptions are bland and bleak. The world building (though confusing at times) is much more colourful. I wanted that same care taken to the characters as well. This, added with short chapters and alternating perspectives, also contributed to the distancing from the narrative. I never really had enough time to grow with either protagonist. And then calling each other ‘Tin Soldier’ and ‘Match girl’ might have been cute, but it was used so repetitively it lost the romance and became annoying. Slapping a throwback signifier also distanced me from either protagonist. It all felt a little forced and disingenuous.
This has got to be the worst series I’ve ever read. I had to force myself to complete each and every one of these novellas. And that’s not a great compliment because they are meant to be short, paced reads. I kept putting them down due to boredom and lack of interest.
I don’t even want to re-gift these to anyone, I prefer to toss them in the bin. The art work looks like it’s been done by a primary schooler on PhotoShop – couldn’t there have been some original images used that relate to the story and its symbolism instead of low resolution clip art?
Yes the concept of this trilogy, and the plot outline is fantastic, but its execution is the worst I’ve come across to date.
Definitely don’t recommend this one. (Or the series.)
This is by no means a standalone novel in a trilogy - more like the third act of a whole. Why M.C. Frank released these novellas in this format has me dumbfounded. The novel jumps right into the action and there is little back story or summary of what has come before. Again, like its predecessors, I found it extremely difficult to connect to any of the characters or fully understand their motivations.
One gleaming positive about ‘No Vain Loss’ is the plot. It was the most interesting of the trilogy so far. There are hardships, twists and turns, and definitely the most intricate so far. So viewing the novella from a mechanical standpoint, it was pretty good. But as for the rest, I found it miserably deficient.
There was not enough character development for me to identify with any of the cast, or cheer for their journey. The descriptions are bland and bleak. The world building (though confusing at times) is much more colourful. I wanted that same care taken to the characters as well. This, added with short chapters and alternating perspectives, also contributed to the distancing from the narrative. I never really had enough time to grow with either protagonist. And then calling each other ‘Tin Soldier’ and ‘Match girl’ might have been cute, but it was used so repetitively it lost the romance and became annoying. Slapping a throwback signifier also distanced me from either protagonist. It all felt a little forced and disingenuous.
This has got to be the worst series I’ve ever read. I had to force myself to complete each and every one of these novellas. And that’s not a great compliment because they are meant to be short, paced reads. I kept putting them down due to boredom and lack of interest.
I don’t even want to re-gift these to anyone, I prefer to toss them in the bin. The art work looks like it’s been done by a primary schooler on PhotoShop – couldn’t there have been some original images used that relate to the story and its symbolism instead of low resolution clip art?
Yes the concept of this trilogy, and the plot outline is fantastic, but its execution is the worst I’ve come across to date.
Definitely don’t recommend this one. (Or the series.)
September 9, 2017
No Vain Loss is an epic conclusion to an epic series. It is filled to the brim with action-packed scenes, beautiful romance, and a huge amount of plot twists. If you are unsure about reading this series, I just finished this entire book in one sitting- that is how phenomenal NVL is! I have been anticipating the release of this book for a long time now, and I was very excited to start it. This review is going to be full of the amazing things that make up this book. There was absolutely nothing that I didn’t enjoy in this book, so there will not be anything negative in the review.
To start, I am so happy that No Vain Loss picks up right after the cliffhanger of No Plain Rebel. As soon as No Vain Loss begins, we are showered with action. Just when you think there may be a breather, something else happens. This made NVL become an extremely fast paced book which I think suited it very well. In addition, M.C. Frank was able to flawlessly execute this speed without making anything feel rushed.
Next, I want to talk about Felix and Astra. Throughout the duration of No Vain Loss, we get the opportunity to watch them go about trying to save the world. There were many times when I didn’t know what was going to happen next, especially pertaining to Felix and Astra. I obviously can’t touch on this too much without spoiling something, so I am going to leave it at this: there were much more plot twists in No Vain Loss than I could count.
If you are looking for a slow burning romance, an amazing fantasy novel, or a dystopian book, No Vain Loss is for you. In fact, I highly recommend reading this entire series. No Vain Loss has easily slipped in to become one of my favorite books of all time. If that doesn’t say something then I don’t know what will. I truly have no world to explain how phenomenal No Vain Loss is. So, if you really want to know, read it for yourself (in all seriousness, this book is a definite must-read)!
To start, I am so happy that No Vain Loss picks up right after the cliffhanger of No Plain Rebel. As soon as No Vain Loss begins, we are showered with action. Just when you think there may be a breather, something else happens. This made NVL become an extremely fast paced book which I think suited it very well. In addition, M.C. Frank was able to flawlessly execute this speed without making anything feel rushed.
Next, I want to talk about Felix and Astra. Throughout the duration of No Vain Loss, we get the opportunity to watch them go about trying to save the world. There were many times when I didn’t know what was going to happen next, especially pertaining to Felix and Astra. I obviously can’t touch on this too much without spoiling something, so I am going to leave it at this: there were much more plot twists in No Vain Loss than I could count.
If you are looking for a slow burning romance, an amazing fantasy novel, or a dystopian book, No Vain Loss is for you. In fact, I highly recommend reading this entire series. No Vain Loss has easily slipped in to become one of my favorite books of all time. If that doesn’t say something then I don’t know what will. I truly have no world to explain how phenomenal No Vain Loss is. So, if you really want to know, read it for yourself (in all seriousness, this book is a definite must-read)!
September 16, 2018
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
What I liked:
This series is definitely one of my all-time favorites. I don’t think I have come across a better written young adult series; most of them are either too simplistic, or cheesy, or transparently copying The Hunger Games so that the sales are high. No Ordinary Star on the hand is a fresh story, built on a striking, frozen, cold background (I adore the imagery). The characters are the absolute best. Felix was stupid and adorable and Astra was strong and beautiful and fiery. The first two parts of the story had already stolen my heart, and quite predictably, I found this installment near perfect. It was an absolutely breathtaking read and I just wanted to read without stopping, and in fact forgot to take notes for writing the review (which is why this review is so messy). The books are each really short, they don’t take much time to finish, hardly a sitting or two. However, M.C. Frank packs a huge amount of emotions, suspense, and sheer beauty in these pages. Not going to lie, the ending made me cry and it was beautiful. When I first finished it, I thought there were quite a lot of loose ends, but I feel like I LIKE how the ending is a little unresolved, giving you space to think.
What I didn’t like:
Not much, but I do wish there was more world-building, because I wanted to know more of the world. However, I don’t think the length and the style of the series would really support more intricate details, so I am happy with how it was all the same.
Overall:
If you are looking for short reads to go with your Christmas-y mood, BUT you don’t want to read something too cheesy or too serious, this. is. perfect. I cannot stress more on how much I adore MC. Frank’s versatile writing style, and I highly recommend this series (and her other books) from the very bottom of my heart.
The fact that the covers of all three book are STUNNING is an added plus.
What I liked:
This series is definitely one of my all-time favorites. I don’t think I have come across a better written young adult series; most of them are either too simplistic, or cheesy, or transparently copying The Hunger Games so that the sales are high. No Ordinary Star on the hand is a fresh story, built on a striking, frozen, cold background (I adore the imagery). The characters are the absolute best. Felix was stupid and adorable and Astra was strong and beautiful and fiery. The first two parts of the story had already stolen my heart, and quite predictably, I found this installment near perfect. It was an absolutely breathtaking read and I just wanted to read without stopping, and in fact forgot to take notes for writing the review (which is why this review is so messy). The books are each really short, they don’t take much time to finish, hardly a sitting or two. However, M.C. Frank packs a huge amount of emotions, suspense, and sheer beauty in these pages. Not going to lie, the ending made me cry and it was beautiful. When I first finished it, I thought there were quite a lot of loose ends, but I feel like I LIKE how the ending is a little unresolved, giving you space to think.
What I didn’t like:
Not much, but I do wish there was more world-building, because I wanted to know more of the world. However, I don’t think the length and the style of the series would really support more intricate details, so I am happy with how it was all the same.
Overall:
If you are looking for short reads to go with your Christmas-y mood, BUT you don’t want to read something too cheesy or too serious, this. is. perfect. I cannot stress more on how much I adore MC. Frank’s versatile writing style, and I highly recommend this series (and her other books) from the very bottom of my heart.
The fact that the covers of all three book are STUNNING is an added plus.
September 11, 2017
The end of a fascinating trilogy, No Vain Loss. After the first two books, I had been anticipating this one, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
This book was filled with action, right from the very start. I loved how it was fast-paced, but not rushed. It kept me on my feet the whole time, in anticipation for what would happen next. The plot wasn’t predictable, and I leapt for joy, re-read the page in disbelief, and almost cried at many different points of the book.
Our resilient tin soldier and stubborn match girl, oh how they had grown. Both their characters developed so much from the first book in this series, and through this book. It was touching to see them grow as they made choices and took on responsibilities. I have grown so fond of both of them, and it’s much like I’ve watching them with pride.
I absolutely love M.C Frank’s writing style. The reader is immersed in the story right from the start, and the description and wording makes it feel like we are right there watching over everyone. She has created a confronting, beautiful piece of artwork through this series. It had me reflecting on humanity, and our world, all the while telling a beautiful story of courage, sacrifice and love.
Of course, I need to point out the cover. Is it not one of the most beautiful things you have ever seen? It pulls at my heartstrings – yes even the cover does, and I have so so much love for it.
I didn’t realise just how much I had come to adore the No Ordinary Star series until I finished this series and didn’t know what to do next. These books have really grown onto me and it is definitely a series in which I know there will many re-reads to come. So I would definitely recommend to everyone reading this to go pick this book up. It will be worth your time.
*I would like to thank M.C Frank for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review*
This book was filled with action, right from the very start. I loved how it was fast-paced, but not rushed. It kept me on my feet the whole time, in anticipation for what would happen next. The plot wasn’t predictable, and I leapt for joy, re-read the page in disbelief, and almost cried at many different points of the book.
Our resilient tin soldier and stubborn match girl, oh how they had grown. Both their characters developed so much from the first book in this series, and through this book. It was touching to see them grow as they made choices and took on responsibilities. I have grown so fond of both of them, and it’s much like I’ve watching them with pride.
I absolutely love M.C Frank’s writing style. The reader is immersed in the story right from the start, and the description and wording makes it feel like we are right there watching over everyone. She has created a confronting, beautiful piece of artwork through this series. It had me reflecting on humanity, and our world, all the while telling a beautiful story of courage, sacrifice and love.
Of course, I need to point out the cover. Is it not one of the most beautiful things you have ever seen? It pulls at my heartstrings – yes even the cover does, and I have so so much love for it.
I didn’t realise just how much I had come to adore the No Ordinary Star series until I finished this series and didn’t know what to do next. These books have really grown onto me and it is definitely a series in which I know there will many re-reads to come. So I would definitely recommend to everyone reading this to go pick this book up. It will be worth your time.
*I would like to thank M.C Frank for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review*
November 24, 2017
This book took me to Mercury and back, and I loved every second of it! I picked up No Vain Loss late one night and got through fifty pages before I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. So, eager to return to the icy tundra, I picked it up the next day and didn’t put it down until I had turned the very last page! Binge reading is definitely a thing wherever M.C. Frank’s books are concerned, holy macaroni this woman is amazing!
No Vain Loss features an epic battle that has been mounting since the first page of book one. It kept me on the edge of my seat with sweaty hands and wide eyes until I read the very last word! The plot is engaging and fast-paced, and is perfect for every fan of the No Ordinary Star trilogy who is ready for the finale.
As I was reading No Vain Loss, I was continually reminded of the people close to me, the people I hold dear, the people I love. Our two main characters, Felix and Astra, have a relationship that brings my own relationships to my mind, and I love them for it.
Not only do these characters remind me of the people I love, they are also incredibly well-written. These wonderful and endearing characters have strengths and weaknesses, pitfalls and victories, hard times and good times.
No Vain Loss ended in such a way that simultaneously pleased my aching heart and left room that could be expounded upon in the future!
And the title! OH the title! It’s a beautiful title, and it was tied in so spectacularly well.
I was very satisfied with No Vain Loss (and honestly the same goes for the whole No Ordinary Star trilogy), and I believe that you will be too! Happy reading!
No Vain Loss features an epic battle that has been mounting since the first page of book one. It kept me on the edge of my seat with sweaty hands and wide eyes until I read the very last word! The plot is engaging and fast-paced, and is perfect for every fan of the No Ordinary Star trilogy who is ready for the finale.
As I was reading No Vain Loss, I was continually reminded of the people close to me, the people I hold dear, the people I love. Our two main characters, Felix and Astra, have a relationship that brings my own relationships to my mind, and I love them for it.
Not only do these characters remind me of the people I love, they are also incredibly well-written. These wonderful and endearing characters have strengths and weaknesses, pitfalls and victories, hard times and good times.
No Vain Loss ended in such a way that simultaneously pleased my aching heart and left room that could be expounded upon in the future!
And the title! OH the title! It’s a beautiful title, and it was tied in so spectacularly well.
I was very satisfied with No Vain Loss (and honestly the same goes for the whole No Ordinary Star trilogy), and I believe that you will be too! Happy reading!
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