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Beautiful Dead #3
Beautiful Dead: Summer
"Redemption and grief, and the love that exists even when people are gone." -The Bookbag
Not alive. Not dead. Somewhere in between lie the Beautiful Dead.
It's been months since Darina has seen her undead boyfriend and her heart is breaking all over again. The wait is slowly driving her crazy.
All she wants to do is be with Phoenix, to feel his arms wrapped around her. But to earn the pleasure of that embrace, Darina must track down the crazed killer that shot Summer Madison.
Was it a random shooting? Or was the gifted singer the victim of an obsessive fan? As time runs out, Darina will risk her own life to discover the truth.
But if she solves Summer's murder, Darina knows it only brings her one step closer to losing Phoenix forever...
"Compelling characters coupled with a powerful mystery. A real page turner." -Julia Eccleshare, Lovereading4kids
262 pages
First published May 6, 2010
28 people are currently reading
2149 people want to read
About the author
Eden Maguire
19 books331 followersEden Maguire graduated from Birmingham University with a PhD in English Lit and now lives in the Yorkshire Dales with her two daughters, her horse, Merlin, plus a dog and a cat.
She spends part of each year at a ranch in Colorado, where she rides alone in the mountains – her idea of perfect happiness.
Whenever she can, she loves to indulge her passion for travel and take in the world's major cities, from New York to Nairobi – where she can be found in the churches and temples, the galleries and sculpture parks, and occasionally in the designer boutiques of Fifth Avenue and the Champs Elysees.
Back at home, Eden's interests include cinema and theatre, plus art history and painting.
She spends part of each year at a ranch in Colorado, where she rides alone in the mountains – her idea of perfect happiness.
Whenever she can, she loves to indulge her passion for travel and take in the world's major cities, from New York to Nairobi – where she can be found in the churches and temples, the galleries and sculpture parks, and occasionally in the designer boutiques of Fifth Avenue and the Champs Elysees.
Back at home, Eden's interests include cinema and theatre, plus art history and painting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
August 16, 2022
So much death for 300 page-book. It was great.
April 24, 2010
You think you know who the murderer of Summer was, but you are so wrong about it. It was really surprising. I loved the way the story developed and the story leads to the last book, Phoenix. And I know my heart is already breaking now..
October 24, 2011
I almost wanted to give this book 3 stars, but in the end I couldn't do it. Basically this series is just 'ok' and stays that way the whole way through. Darina and Phoenix is still annoying as all heck, but suddenly we find out Darina and Summer were actually besties (why is this not focused on in previous books?) and so begins the hunt for Summer's killer. A few possibilities jump out, but as per usual Darina isn't doing anything to help the actual victim; she obeys orders so she can hang around Phoenix and moon around while he kisses her. BORING!
Why does everyone involved in the story lines end up dead? It will be interesting to see how Darina manages to explain not one but two bodies at the school, and how Ezra came to have electrical wire wrapped around his neck?
Darina must be the worst character ever created for YA fiction, a whinger, obsessed with herself and her hot boyfriend, mean to her mother, her friends. She doesn't even stop to wonder where her marvelous car came from, and when confronted with the idea it may be related to drug trafficking, shrugs it off.
Urgh, I will read the final, 'Phoenix', but really, really, really wish I'd never even picked up the first!
Why does everyone involved in the story lines end up dead? It will be interesting to see how Darina manages to explain not one but two bodies at the school, and how Ezra came to have electrical wire wrapped around his neck?
Darina must be the worst character ever created for YA fiction, a whinger, obsessed with herself and her hot boyfriend, mean to her mother, her friends. She doesn't even stop to wonder where her marvelous car came from, and when confronted with the idea it may be related to drug trafficking, shrugs it off.
Urgh, I will read the final, 'Phoenix', but really, really, really wish I'd never even picked up the first!
June 30, 2011
I really wanted to like this book and the series, The premis is great, the cover art is phenominal, but the pacing and the tone of these books just makes me .... Tired.
Darina is not at all likeable, and shes constantly in a state of depression, the whole town is always sad or angry. Shes constantly longing to see her dead boyfriend and the descriptions of the "beating wings" is growing old fast. She always seems to ditch school, is rude to her family, and is refusing to move on after the death of her boyhfriend she dated only 2 months before he died. She doesnt speak or act like a normal teenager. The scenes jump and change quickly which is irritating to say the least. Darina does attend therapy, and I think she and the author both need to stay there.
This book threw me off for a bit because not until this 3rd book do we find out anything about Darina and Summer being bestie friends. Summer was just kinda "there" in the first 2 books.
I seriously had to skip 100 pages and just read the last 2 chapters to find out how she died. I will probably do the same with the last book, just to find out the truth about Phoenix.
I dont reccomend this series at all unless you are looking for some major depression.
Darina is not at all likeable, and shes constantly in a state of depression, the whole town is always sad or angry. Shes constantly longing to see her dead boyfriend and the descriptions of the "beating wings" is growing old fast. She always seems to ditch school, is rude to her family, and is refusing to move on after the death of her boyhfriend she dated only 2 months before he died. She doesnt speak or act like a normal teenager. The scenes jump and change quickly which is irritating to say the least. Darina does attend therapy, and I think she and the author both need to stay there.
This book threw me off for a bit because not until this 3rd book do we find out anything about Darina and Summer being bestie friends. Summer was just kinda "there" in the first 2 books.
I seriously had to skip 100 pages and just read the last 2 chapters to find out how she died. I will probably do the same with the last book, just to find out the truth about Phoenix.
I dont reccomend this series at all unless you are looking for some major depression.
March 12, 2011
I've struggled with really wanting to like this series, and I haven't been able to get into the stories as much as I want to. With Summer's story I feel the series picked up more for me. I'm not sure if it's because they're more plot twists or what, but I liked it more than the previous books from the series. Just like the first two stories in the series, Darina must solve the mystery behind one of her dead friend's deaths. The Beautiful Dead only have so much time and Darina will find solving Summer's death will be harder for her than it was in solving Jonas, and Arizona's, and it also brings her that much closer to losing her undead boyfriend Phoenix.
Eden throws in a few unexpected twists and turns with Summer's plot as her killer is hard to find, or should I say not having a clear suspect makes solving this case rather hard for Darina. I was much more frustrated with Darina this time around as she became a lot more jealous of Phoenix. I could understand that if this was the first book in the series, but it seemed more out place being in the third book in the series. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy seeing more of Phoenix and Darina together and I understand how much she misses him, but I don't get the whole jealously bit.
Summer's story is a sad complex puzzle to solve with an ending I didn't see coming. Since this is the 3rd book in the series, I would recommend picking up the first two and reading them before reading Summer's story. I do think this could be a stand alone, though it would be stretching it since Eden doesn't give much of a back story from the two previous books. Though that works with the story as each book carries on from where the last book leaves off, it may be a little frustrating to someone who wants to just read this book.
If you have enjoyed this series I would definitely recommend picking up Summer's story. I'm looking forward to reading Phoenix's story, though I know I'll have mixed emotions. I really want to know how he died, but at the same time I have a feeling his story will be the most complex and saddest one.
Eden throws in a few unexpected twists and turns with Summer's plot as her killer is hard to find, or should I say not having a clear suspect makes solving this case rather hard for Darina. I was much more frustrated with Darina this time around as she became a lot more jealous of Phoenix. I could understand that if this was the first book in the series, but it seemed more out place being in the third book in the series. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy seeing more of Phoenix and Darina together and I understand how much she misses him, but I don't get the whole jealously bit.
Summer's story is a sad complex puzzle to solve with an ending I didn't see coming. Since this is the 3rd book in the series, I would recommend picking up the first two and reading them before reading Summer's story. I do think this could be a stand alone, though it would be stretching it since Eden doesn't give much of a back story from the two previous books. Though that works with the story as each book carries on from where the last book leaves off, it may be a little frustrating to someone who wants to just read this book.
If you have enjoyed this series I would definitely recommend picking up Summer's story. I'm looking forward to reading Phoenix's story, though I know I'll have mixed emotions. I really want to know how he died, but at the same time I have a feeling his story will be the most complex and saddest one.
July 1, 2015
Source: I own this book
Cost: Free gift
Title: Summer
Series: The Beautiful Dead #3
Author: Eden Maguire
Overall Rating: 3 stars
Summer was shot, random they say, a mad man with a gun shot her down as she shopped like everyday. Her musical talent and potential gone in moments and Darina watched it happen. But now that Summer is next on the list of the Beautiful Dead, Darina has to focus on her and try and overlook Phoenix as she deals with crazed fans, douchebag nerds and her own conflicting emotions.
All I have to say about this installment in the series is that my favourite beautiful dead deserved more. In the previous two books, Summer had been the voice of light and of optimism but in this one she was a downer, I understand that she was dealing with her own death but still. Her character shouldn't have changed quite that much to be fair. I wanted her more involved, I wanted her to be with Darina every step.
Darina, that's another thing that bothered me about this one, she was such an ass in this book. I understand that she clearly has some signs of PTSD and all that, who wouldn't with what she's been through but she's been so horrible to Logan in the past three books and look what happened? LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO MY PROBLEMATIC FAVE DARINA.
There were also some inconsistencies: did Frank and Allyson get back together?
Death Toll: X
Cost: Free gift
Title: Summer
Series: The Beautiful Dead #3
Author: Eden Maguire
Overall Rating: 3 stars
Summer was shot, random they say, a mad man with a gun shot her down as she shopped like everyday. Her musical talent and potential gone in moments and Darina watched it happen. But now that Summer is next on the list of the Beautiful Dead, Darina has to focus on her and try and overlook Phoenix as she deals with crazed fans, douchebag nerds and her own conflicting emotions.
All I have to say about this installment in the series is that my favourite beautiful dead deserved more. In the previous two books, Summer had been the voice of light and of optimism but in this one she was a downer, I understand that she was dealing with her own death but still. Her character shouldn't have changed quite that much to be fair. I wanted her more involved, I wanted her to be with Darina every step.
Darina, that's another thing that bothered me about this one, she was such an ass in this book. I understand that she clearly has some signs of PTSD and all that, who wouldn't with what she's been through but she's been so horrible to Logan in the past three books and look what happened? LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO MY PROBLEMATIC FAVE DARINA.
There were also some inconsistencies: did Frank and Allyson get back together?
Death Toll: X
July 3, 2011
I used to adore this series, I was a bit iffy about the first one, but then I fell head over heal after finishing the second, but then tragedy struck and I wasn’t able to get my hands on the next two books, until now.
Sometime between then and now I must have heightened my expectations for YA books, because this one just didn’t do it for me. Most people that have read this series absolutely admire Eden Maguire’s writing style, but it just doesn’t cut it for me. Just the way she describes scenes, and the dialogue just made me roll my eyes, and a lot of the time I lost track of what was going on and I honestly didn’t really care that much.
Was Darina always this annoying? With her it’s always Phoenix this, Phoenix that, from my understanding what she and Phoenix had was more like extreme infatuation, nowhere near ‘true love’. I actually really feel sorry for her friends. She always blows them off without giving them a legit reason and she’s incredibly rude to her parents.
I thought this book followed the basic formula as a really bad horror sequel, it’s more of a remake then an actual sequel; just add a few new characters; slightly alter the plot and hey presto I present to you ‘Summer’. Though I must admit I really didn’t expect who the murder really was, that was the only real twist in this book.
I still have one more to go, hmmm not sure whether I’ll be able to make it through that one :/.
Sometime between then and now I must have heightened my expectations for YA books, because this one just didn’t do it for me. Most people that have read this series absolutely admire Eden Maguire’s writing style, but it just doesn’t cut it for me. Just the way she describes scenes, and the dialogue just made me roll my eyes, and a lot of the time I lost track of what was going on and I honestly didn’t really care that much.
Was Darina always this annoying? With her it’s always Phoenix this, Phoenix that, from my understanding what she and Phoenix had was more like extreme infatuation, nowhere near ‘true love’. I actually really feel sorry for her friends. She always blows them off without giving them a legit reason and she’s incredibly rude to her parents.
I thought this book followed the basic formula as a really bad horror sequel, it’s more of a remake then an actual sequel; just add a few new characters; slightly alter the plot and hey presto I present to you ‘Summer’. Though I must admit I really didn’t expect who the murder really was, that was the only real twist in this book.
I still have one more to go, hmmm not sure whether I’ll be able to make it through that one :/.
Read
December 1, 2011The third novel in the Beautiful Dead series focuses on Summer. The once beautiful girl who it seemed had everything until she was shot by an unknown assailant. Now it is up to Darina to solve this crime so that Summer will be able to move now. But things will not be so easy for Darina this time around.
Like the previous novels, Summer begins a little on the slow side. Honestly, I think this just maybe Maguire style. And either way, it is what it is. I have gotten use to it by this point in the game, and it really does not bother me. Actually, I kinda like it. The slowness allows me to become reacquainted with Darina's world and the Beautiful Dead.
There is something about this series that keeps me always wanting more. And Summer's story is no exception. It truly amazes me how powerful these novels are. And in Summer, readers really get a sense of what Maguire is capable of. Most of the time, it can really take a lot for me to feel an emotional connection with a novel, but with Summer, my emotions felt like they were on a roller coaster. I had no idea where Maguire was leading me.
All in all, I am saddened that the third novel of the series has now come and gone. It means that we have one novel left. And I am foreseeing that it will be a doozy. Can't wait.
Like the previous novels, Summer begins a little on the slow side. Honestly, I think this just maybe Maguire style. And either way, it is what it is. I have gotten use to it by this point in the game, and it really does not bother me. Actually, I kinda like it. The slowness allows me to become reacquainted with Darina's world and the Beautiful Dead.
There is something about this series that keeps me always wanting more. And Summer's story is no exception. It truly amazes me how powerful these novels are. And in Summer, readers really get a sense of what Maguire is capable of. Most of the time, it can really take a lot for me to feel an emotional connection with a novel, but with Summer, my emotions felt like they were on a roller coaster. I had no idea where Maguire was leading me.
All in all, I am saddened that the third novel of the series has now come and gone. It means that we have one novel left. And I am foreseeing that it will be a doozy. Can't wait.
December 20, 2010
Just to get one thing off my mind, I read this book before I read the second one and I feel bad because of that. I hate reading books not in order.
OK, the beginning of the book was kinda slowwwwww. . .. Like a snail. LOL. When the first 25-50 pages are done, things start to get more interesting. Darina is trying to find out who murdered Summer wothout upsetting Hunter and trying to be with Phoenix as much as she can. So, in the end, Ezra was the murderer. So it wasn't Scott, JakB, Stone or that other guy. THe thing in the book that made me cry, literally, was Logan. He died. I cried... Imma gonna miss him very much.I kinda wish that Darina loved him more than a friend. Sigh... Anyway, I am kinda looking forward to reading the secong book and the last book.
OK, the beginning of the book was kinda slowwwwww. . .. Like a snail. LOL. When the first 25-50 pages are done, things start to get more interesting. Darina is trying to find out who murdered Summer wothout upsetting Hunter and trying to be with Phoenix as much as she can. So, in the end, Ezra was the murderer. So it wasn't Scott, JakB, Stone or that other guy. THe thing in the book that made me cry, literally, was Logan. He died. I cried... Imma gonna miss him very much.I kinda wish that Darina loved him more than a friend. Sigh... Anyway, I am kinda looking forward to reading the secong book and the last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2016
More interesting than the last one, although I find it a bit weird how nobody recognised the shooter. I can understand that the stress of the event made it difficult for people to remember the details, but when the main character goes back in time, she needs to take off the shooter's cap and glasses before she recognises him. And even then she's not sure, even though she is suspicious, until a bit later. She regularly sees him! She should have been able to know who he was or at least think that that young man reminded her of a certain someone.
I like the mystery and the premise of this series (the reason for giving it three stars instead of two), but some situations are completely ridiculous.
Longer review soon.
I like the mystery and the premise of this series (the reason for giving it three stars instead of two), but some situations are completely ridiculous.
Longer review soon.
October 21, 2015
Actual Rating: 4.4
This is recommended for YA lovers. This story picks up 4 months after Darina solved Arizona's death. This one was the best one so far for me. I thought the character development had improved significantly from the first two. I love the characters. I was sad when , that just broke my heart. I felt Darina grief not only for her friend but for Phoenix as well. Overall, great read. Can't wait for the last book! It maybe the best one of the series because it's solving Phoenix's death. Phoenix....here I come!!!
This is recommended for YA lovers. This story picks up 4 months after Darina solved Arizona's death. This one was the best one so far for me. I thought the character development had improved significantly from the first two. I love the characters. I was sad when , that just broke my heart. I felt Darina grief not only for her friend but for Phoenix as well. Overall, great read. Can't wait for the last book! It maybe the best one of the series because it's solving Phoenix's death. Phoenix....here I come!!!
August 6, 2014
I liked this one, I mean it was ok. I love the mystery in the Beautiful Dead books, and this one did not disappoint! There was action, romance and suspense! Yet I still didn't really get into this book. I'm not sure why, and I'll probably read Summer another few times before figuring out why, but I did like it, and that's the main point I guess?
Over & Out, T xx
Over & Out, T xx
February 15, 2015
4 stars
Storyline of this book is interesting, there comes the time when you feel that you know the main reason of the death and then it totally destroys your expectations. But it wasn´t true. I felt I knew the answers and only in the end I understood how wrong I was :) Good style of writting.
Storyline of this book is interesting, there comes the time when you feel that you know the main reason of the death and then it totally destroys your expectations. But it wasn´t true. I felt I knew the answers and only in the end I understood how wrong I was :) Good style of writting.
January 13, 2013
Konečně měl příběh jiskru. Dokonce ve mně zanechal i nějaké emoce jako smutek ale jen na kratinký okamžik. Snad mě poslední díl překvapý.
March 18, 2021
☆3.7 Stars☆
NOTES & THOUGHTS
• It had such a similar storyline to the other books that it felt like I was reading a repeat or reimagining of the previous one.
• I could see the ending coming from only a few chapters in - it became quite predictable.
• Well written (although repetitive) storyline.
I LOVED
• That we got more detail about Hunter and were provided some of his story.
• That it's a (mostly) well written and easy to read book.
I DIDN'T LOVE
• Darina's character - she is really starting to annoy me. I understand she's in pain and is suffering however she's extremely needy and self-centred now.
• That the storyline was pretty much the same as the previous two, especially Arizona.
NOTES & THOUGHTS
• It had such a similar storyline to the other books that it felt like I was reading a repeat or reimagining of the previous one.
• I could see the ending coming from only a few chapters in - it became quite predictable.
• Well written (although repetitive) storyline.
I LOVED
• That we got more detail about Hunter and were provided some of his story.
• That it's a (mostly) well written and easy to read book.
I DIDN'T LOVE
• Darina's character - she is really starting to annoy me. I understand she's in pain and is suffering however she's extremely needy and self-centred now.
• That the storyline was pretty much the same as the previous two, especially Arizona.
January 22, 2022
📚Nejsou živí... Nejsou mrtví... Něco mezi tím... 📚
Treti dil uz je za mnou...
A tentokrat to byla tak trochu jizda na vsechny strany.
Summer byla krehka bytost a jeji srdce malem neuneslo tu tíhu sve smrti...
Darina se nezvdala a opet odhalila dalsi a dalsi tajemstvi...
Logan... To bylo zbytecne...
A vrah, ktery proste slysel hlasy a kvuli nim vrazdil byl proste magor a videl jen sam sebe a nikoho jineho...
Je to vsechno porad tak nejak propletene odkryjete jednu vec a bud na vas ceka dalsi pecka nebo dalsi tajemstvi... A tak nejak se to mota všechno kolem a kolem...
Phoenix zacina cekat az na nej prijde rada...
Tenhle dil byl vic propracovany a vic si nas vodil sem a tam...
Treti dil uz je za mnou...
A tentokrat to byla tak trochu jizda na vsechny strany.
Summer byla krehka bytost a jeji srdce malem neuneslo tu tíhu sve smrti...
Darina se nezvdala a opet odhalila dalsi a dalsi tajemstvi...
Logan... To bylo zbytecne...
A vrah, ktery proste slysel hlasy a kvuli nim vrazdil byl proste magor a videl jen sam sebe a nikoho jineho...
Je to vsechno porad tak nejak propletene odkryjete jednu vec a bud na vas ceka dalsi pecka nebo dalsi tajemstvi... A tak nejak se to mota všechno kolem a kolem...
Phoenix zacina cekat az na nej prijde rada...
Tenhle dil byl vic propracovany a vic si nas vodil sem a tam...
September 10, 2023
This particular story had so much potential, there was actually mystery throughout the plot, there was even a bit of jeopardy but I just feel like it wasn't capitalised on. Everything was solved way too quickly! It's so frustrating, one chapter there is conflict and the next, it's solved. The only lingering issues come with the romance plot and even then, you know it won't last. The descriptions are getting very repetitive, I know there are only so many ways you can describe the same thing but throughout this series the angel wings are only described one way, it's just boring. I really hope the ending of this story is addressed in the next book, it can't be left without an explanation but somehow I can see it just being forgotten about, we shall see.
April 25, 2018
Way more confussing than the first two, but I did managed to solve it before Darina.
September 9, 2018
OMG este es un libro q me llegó al cocoro*corazón* y pues también llore un montón por lo de ***** ay me encanta este libro 😘😍
October 4, 2018
the best in the series sorry i dont make the rules
November 20, 2019
3.75/5
September 3, 2020
El penúltimo libro de la saga y el más emocionante de todos. Increíble
January 2, 2024
Highscool read dont remember.
June 8, 2025
It's taken me an AGE to finish this book as I went through a major reading slump, however this book was definitely worth the wait! I'm not ready for the series to end in the next book 😭
September 1, 2025
This whole series broke my heart in such a good way. I reread it so many times and highly recommend
April 2, 2013
Jako by Eden Maguire už před roky, kdy sérii originálně sepsala, věděla, že v budoucnu zombíci potáhnou. Pravda, ti její jsou spíš jakýmsi vyobrazením nádherných andělů, co se vrací zpět, jen aby vyřešili svou smrt a těžko by v nich někdo viděl polorozpadající se mrtvoly, které baží po lidském mase a hlavně by rádi chlemtali krev, ale i tak by se dalo říct, že předběhla svou dobu. Alespoň se to zombie v knihách týče.
Eden získala na Birmingham University doktorát v Anglické literatuře a v současné době žije se svými dvěma dcerami v Yorkshire Dales. Část každého roku tráví na ranči v Coloradu, kde relaxuje při jízdě na koni v horách a užívá si svého perfektního štěstí. Kdykoliv může, cestuje - byla tak už na místech od New Yorku až po Nairobi. Když je doma, ráda chodí do kina či divadla a oddává se své vášni při malování či studiu historie.
Od chvíle, kdy Darina pomohla Arizoně odhalit, jak vlastně zemřela, aby se mohla posunout dál, uběhla docela dlouhá doba. Darina má strach, že už neuvidí svého milého Phoenixe, s jehož smrtí se ještě stále nevyrovnala. Jenže přichází výročí smrti Darininy kamarádky, Summer, a tak se Krásní mrtví opět objeví. Tentokrát ovšem s posilami.
Darina se nemůže zbavit pocitu, že tentokrát tady něco nehraje. Pátrání po tom, co se stalo toho osudného dne v obchodním centru, kdy viděla, jak Summer zastřelili, otevře staré rány. A také plno dlaších tajností točících se nejen okolo Krásných mrtvých, ale také občanů města...
K českému překladu nemám nijak velké výhrady. Jen mě v jednom momentu poněkud omráčil výraz, že jedna z postav zaujala rohrovskou pozici. V životě jsem tohle označení neviděla, neslyšela a už vůbec jsem nepochopila jeho význam. Přitom šlo jen o to, že si jedna z postav hodila nohy na palubovku a opřela se do sedadla. Člověk se pokaždé dozví něco nového.
Tuhle sérii čtu postupně už od roku 2011, každý rok jeden díl, což mě samotnou docela překvapilo. Nejspíš jde o to, že série není jedna z těch, co by vás nutila si rychle pořídit každý další díl, jen abyste se dozvěděli, co se bude dít dál. Těžko říct, jestli je to tím, jakým stylem jsou knihy napsány, či samotnou romantickou zápletkou, která podle mého je už od začátku odsouzena k záhubě, a proto nevidím nejmenší důvod v tom, abych z ní byla odvázaná. Jenže já nejsem cílová skupina a myslím, že mladším ročníkům tahle jednohubka přijde vhod.
I v tomto díle se setkáváme se starými známými tvářemi - a také s několika dalšími. Darina se mi v tomto díle zdála snesitelnější, sympatičtější a víc se chovala jako holka, jejíž okolí prošlo bolestnou ztrátou, kterí se výrazně otiskla také do ní. Neví, jak se s tím vším má vyrovnat a jako chytá se všeho možného, jen aby nemusela čelit realitě. Celkově se mi kniha zdála promyšlenější, více hrála na city a autorka se opřela i do vážnějších témat.
Autorka vás nejspíš svým vyprávěním příběhů nedostane na kolena, ale rozhodně vás dostane tím, jak si se svými postavami pohrává. A že si s nimi hraje ve velkém. Až do poslední chvíle netušíte, kdo je vlastně vrah a jak to celé skončí. Ono to sice vypadá jednoduše a logicky by každý z Krásných mrtvých měl dojít svého rozhřešení, ale autorka vás tahá za nos tak dlouho, že si pokaždé myslíte, že tentokrát se jim to nepodaří.
Tato série díl od dílu lepší a uvěřitelnější. Jsem proto dost zvědavá, co se bude dít v posledním díle, protože po zvratech a odhaleních, které se udály v třetím díle série, se už může nejspíš stát téměř všechno. Knize tak dávám 4 hvězdičky.
------------Reakce po dočtení knihy------------
No, tak jsem ten díl tedy konečně dočetla... tam bylo zvratů. Ani pořádně nevím, co si o tom myslet. Hlavně co se bude kruciš dít v tom posledním díle?
Eden získala na Birmingham University doktorát v Anglické literatuře a v současné době žije se svými dvěma dcerami v Yorkshire Dales. Část každého roku tráví na ranči v Coloradu, kde relaxuje při jízdě na koni v horách a užívá si svého perfektního štěstí. Kdykoliv může, cestuje - byla tak už na místech od New Yorku až po Nairobi. Když je doma, ráda chodí do kina či divadla a oddává se své vášni při malování či studiu historie.
Od chvíle, kdy Darina pomohla Arizoně odhalit, jak vlastně zemřela, aby se mohla posunout dál, uběhla docela dlouhá doba. Darina má strach, že už neuvidí svého milého Phoenixe, s jehož smrtí se ještě stále nevyrovnala. Jenže přichází výročí smrti Darininy kamarádky, Summer, a tak se Krásní mrtví opět objeví. Tentokrát ovšem s posilami.
Darina se nemůže zbavit pocitu, že tentokrát tady něco nehraje. Pátrání po tom, co se stalo toho osudného dne v obchodním centru, kdy viděla, jak Summer zastřelili, otevře staré rány. A také plno dlaších tajností točících se nejen okolo Krásných mrtvých, ale také občanů města...
K českému překladu nemám nijak velké výhrady. Jen mě v jednom momentu poněkud omráčil výraz, že jedna z postav zaujala rohrovskou pozici. V životě jsem tohle označení neviděla, neslyšela a už vůbec jsem nepochopila jeho význam. Přitom šlo jen o to, že si jedna z postav hodila nohy na palubovku a opřela se do sedadla. Člověk se pokaždé dozví něco nového.
Tuhle sérii čtu postupně už od roku 2011, každý rok jeden díl, což mě samotnou docela překvapilo. Nejspíš jde o to, že série není jedna z těch, co by vás nutila si rychle pořídit každý další díl, jen abyste se dozvěděli, co se bude dít dál. Těžko říct, jestli je to tím, jakým stylem jsou knihy napsány, či samotnou romantickou zápletkou, která podle mého je už od začátku odsouzena k záhubě, a proto nevidím nejmenší důvod v tom, abych z ní byla odvázaná. Jenže já nejsem cílová skupina a myslím, že mladším ročníkům tahle jednohubka přijde vhod.
I v tomto díle se setkáváme se starými známými tvářemi - a také s několika dalšími. Darina se mi v tomto díle zdála snesitelnější, sympatičtější a víc se chovala jako holka, jejíž okolí prošlo bolestnou ztrátou, kterí se výrazně otiskla také do ní. Neví, jak se s tím vším má vyrovnat a jako chytá se všeho možného, jen aby nemusela čelit realitě. Celkově se mi kniha zdála promyšlenější, více hrála na city a autorka se opřela i do vážnějších témat.
Autorka vás nejspíš svým vyprávěním příběhů nedostane na kolena, ale rozhodně vás dostane tím, jak si se svými postavami pohrává. A že si s nimi hraje ve velkém. Až do poslední chvíle netušíte, kdo je vlastně vrah a jak to celé skončí. Ono to sice vypadá jednoduše a logicky by každý z Krásných mrtvých měl dojít svého rozhřešení, ale autorka vás tahá za nos tak dlouho, že si pokaždé myslíte, že tentokrát se jim to nepodaří.
Tato série díl od dílu lepší a uvěřitelnější. Jsem proto dost zvědavá, co se bude dít v posledním díle, protože po zvratech a odhaleních, které se udály v třetím díle série, se už může nejspíš stát téměř všechno. Knize tak dávám 4 hvězdičky.
------------Reakce po dočtení knihy------------
No, tak jsem ten díl tedy konečně dočetla... tam bylo zvratů. Ani pořádně nevím, co si o tom myslet. Hlavně co se bude kruciš dít v tom posledním díle?
July 26, 2011
Mi relación con esta serie, Cuatro Almas, es extraña. Considero que, objetivamente, las novelas son muy flojas. Sin embargo, no puedo evitar engancharme y leerlas como si no hubiera mañana, ir desentrañando las cosas, formular mis propias teorías, sorprenderme –o no– y esperar impacientemente el momento en que Phoenix se tenga que marchar definitivamente.
Summer nos muestra a una Darina más madura y racional, menos pasional, más centrada, en definitiva, una protagonista más soportable –aunque sigue siendo un poco gili–, y también una historia más trabajada, con más misterio y que, además, nos descubre cosas del pasado de Hunter y también nos depara tristes tragedias que golpearán a Darina de nuevo. Eso sí, ella y Phoenix siguen tan sosos como siempre, parecen de piedra y aunque la autora quiera meter el gusano de los celos, no funciona, más que nada porque ambos deben empezar a ir dándose cuenta de que se les agota el tiempo y que, por mucho que se amen –con poca chispa y muchas intromisiones por parte de Hunter–, Phoenix está muerto y eso no va a cambiar.
En esta ocasión las cosas se han resuelto de un modo que no esperaba y, si bien en los dos primeros volúmenes no era difícil adivinar quienes eran los culpables, en esta ocasión la cosa no esta tan clara, hay muchos frentes abiertos y muchas posibilidades. Sin embargo, cuanto más avanzo, menos cosas me cuadran con respecto a las Almas Elegidas, como Hunter y su "omnipresencia" o, si las Almas Elegidas son entes físicos, dónde están sus cadáveres, por qué ellos, de donde vienen sus poderes. En ese sentido creo que la autora no lo ha trabajado y en su intento de ser original ha dejado a unas criaturas que se quedan a medio camino de los fantasmas, de los zombis y de los brujos, y que a mí no acaban de convencerme.
La historia consigue introducir giros inesperados y además, me he dado cuenta de que lanza un gran mensaje sobre la pérdida de seres queridos. En Cuatro Almas, casi todo el mundo ha perdido a alguien importante para sí y vemos como cada uno supera esa pérdida de un modo u otro en un despliegue de emociones humanas que no son desconocidas al lector.
Los personajes han crecido y madurado, en especial Darina, que, como no está tan encerrada en sí misma, nos invita a conocer a otras personas de Ellerton, gente que la rodea, amigos y no tan amigos. Summer es un personaje con menos gancho que Arizona y, aunque me cae bien, el mito de perfección que la rodea resulta poco creíble, es imposible que alguien no tenga defectos. Phoenix por su parte, sigue siendo más soso que todas las cosas y el juego de celos con Darina... en fin... si el chico está muerto, ¿no debería animar a Darina a que siga con su vida? ¿a que encuentre a alguien? ¿pretende que ella esté siempre enamorada de él, llorándole y encerrándose en sí misma?
Rica en descripciones, la prosa de Maguire facilita la lectura y a pesar de que la extensión de la novela es más bien corta, consigue contar todo lo necesario y no sobra ni falta nada. Los fallos que se podrían encontrar antes se van solventando, no recae en la pastosidad de la que pecaba en Jonas.
Aunque no sería mi recomendación de cabecera, invito a que la gente pruebe esta saga. Guste o no, las novelas se leen en un santiamén y, como ya he mencionado, la cosa va mejorando. Es cierto que Jonas es una novela que deja mucho que desear, pero Arizona y Summer tienen más que ofrecer y sorprenden gratamente.
Tengo muchas ganas de conocer el desenlace de esta historia, de saber cómo murió Phoenix, que sucederá con las otras Almas Elegidas, quien es realmente Hunter y cuál es su relación con Darina, porque no parece que sea casual, y, por supuesto, cómo terminará esta trágica historia de amor abocada a un triste final.
Summer nos muestra a una Darina más madura y racional, menos pasional, más centrada, en definitiva, una protagonista más soportable –aunque sigue siendo un poco gili–, y también una historia más trabajada, con más misterio y que, además, nos descubre cosas del pasado de Hunter y también nos depara tristes tragedias que golpearán a Darina de nuevo. Eso sí, ella y Phoenix siguen tan sosos como siempre, parecen de piedra y aunque la autora quiera meter el gusano de los celos, no funciona, más que nada porque ambos deben empezar a ir dándose cuenta de que se les agota el tiempo y que, por mucho que se amen –con poca chispa y muchas intromisiones por parte de Hunter–, Phoenix está muerto y eso no va a cambiar.
En esta ocasión las cosas se han resuelto de un modo que no esperaba y, si bien en los dos primeros volúmenes no era difícil adivinar quienes eran los culpables, en esta ocasión la cosa no esta tan clara, hay muchos frentes abiertos y muchas posibilidades. Sin embargo, cuanto más avanzo, menos cosas me cuadran con respecto a las Almas Elegidas, como Hunter y su "omnipresencia" o, si las Almas Elegidas son entes físicos, dónde están sus cadáveres, por qué ellos, de donde vienen sus poderes. En ese sentido creo que la autora no lo ha trabajado y en su intento de ser original ha dejado a unas criaturas que se quedan a medio camino de los fantasmas, de los zombis y de los brujos, y que a mí no acaban de convencerme.
La historia consigue introducir giros inesperados y además, me he dado cuenta de que lanza un gran mensaje sobre la pérdida de seres queridos. En Cuatro Almas, casi todo el mundo ha perdido a alguien importante para sí y vemos como cada uno supera esa pérdida de un modo u otro en un despliegue de emociones humanas que no son desconocidas al lector.
Los personajes han crecido y madurado, en especial Darina, que, como no está tan encerrada en sí misma, nos invita a conocer a otras personas de Ellerton, gente que la rodea, amigos y no tan amigos. Summer es un personaje con menos gancho que Arizona y, aunque me cae bien, el mito de perfección que la rodea resulta poco creíble, es imposible que alguien no tenga defectos. Phoenix por su parte, sigue siendo más soso que todas las cosas y el juego de celos con Darina... en fin... si el chico está muerto, ¿no debería animar a Darina a que siga con su vida? ¿a que encuentre a alguien? ¿pretende que ella esté siempre enamorada de él, llorándole y encerrándose en sí misma?
Rica en descripciones, la prosa de Maguire facilita la lectura y a pesar de que la extensión de la novela es más bien corta, consigue contar todo lo necesario y no sobra ni falta nada. Los fallos que se podrían encontrar antes se van solventando, no recae en la pastosidad de la que pecaba en Jonas.
Aunque no sería mi recomendación de cabecera, invito a que la gente pruebe esta saga. Guste o no, las novelas se leen en un santiamén y, como ya he mencionado, la cosa va mejorando. Es cierto que Jonas es una novela que deja mucho que desear, pero Arizona y Summer tienen más que ofrecer y sorprenden gratamente.
Tengo muchas ganas de conocer el desenlace de esta historia, de saber cómo murió Phoenix, que sucederá con las otras Almas Elegidas, quien es realmente Hunter y cuál es su relación con Darina, porque no parece que sea casual, y, por supuesto, cómo terminará esta trágica historia de amor abocada a un triste final.
March 3, 2011
It's been nearly a year since Darina's friend Summer was killed in a random shooting at a shopping mall. Darina was a witness to the shooting and now it is up to her to try and find the killer so that Summer can finally rest in peace. Was the shooting really as random as it seemed and if it was how on earth is Darina supposed to track down the killer? At the same time she must cope with her grief over the death of her boyfriend Phoenix and prepare herself for when he must leave her forever.
This is the 3rd book in the Beautiful Dead series and although you can probably read it as a stand alone story I think you'll find it easier to follow the background story if you read the books in order. I don't think there was much information about what the Beautiful Dead actually are in this installment so you may find it confusing if you're new to the series.
Darina is still struggling to deal with both her grief at the deaths of her boyfriend and her friends but also with the existence of the Beautiful Dead. It's been about 4 months since she helped Arizona solve the mystery of her death and since that time she has had no contact with Phoenix or any of the other Beautiful Dead. She is plagued with doubts about whether they really exist or if they were a product of her grief fueled imagination. I understand that she is desperately missing Phoenix and would do anything to spend time with him again but I have to confess I was hoping she would have started to deal with things better by now. I'm beginning to get a little bored with her attitude and the way she is acting and it's putting me off picking up the final book in the series.
One of the things that annoys me most is the way that the Beautiful Dead (Hunter in particular) treat her. They need her help in order to investigate the deaths but Hunter is completely unwilling to allow her access to the Beautiful Dead and doesn't want her spending time with Phoenix. The way he is constantly threatening her and being so nasty grates on my nerves and if I was in Darina's position I think I would have walked away from the whole mess and told them to sort out their own problems. I'd really like to see Darina stand up for herself a bit more but it's hard when Hunter is holding all the cards and she misses Phoenix so much.
While this is a series I like I'd have to say it isn't one that I love. The plot was a little slow to get going but was interesting once it built up momentum. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Summer's death but had guessed fairly early on who was behind it. There was one particular plot line about Logan that really annoyed me - how could that have been allowed to happen? - but it was definitely a twist that I hadn't expected. While I am starting to get a little bored with the series the books are quick and easy reads that I get through in 1 or 2 sessions and I will definitely read the final book at some point because I want to know how the overall story arc plays out
This is the 3rd book in the Beautiful Dead series and although you can probably read it as a stand alone story I think you'll find it easier to follow the background story if you read the books in order. I don't think there was much information about what the Beautiful Dead actually are in this installment so you may find it confusing if you're new to the series.
Darina is still struggling to deal with both her grief at the deaths of her boyfriend and her friends but also with the existence of the Beautiful Dead. It's been about 4 months since she helped Arizona solve the mystery of her death and since that time she has had no contact with Phoenix or any of the other Beautiful Dead. She is plagued with doubts about whether they really exist or if they were a product of her grief fueled imagination. I understand that she is desperately missing Phoenix and would do anything to spend time with him again but I have to confess I was hoping she would have started to deal with things better by now. I'm beginning to get a little bored with her attitude and the way she is acting and it's putting me off picking up the final book in the series.
One of the things that annoys me most is the way that the Beautiful Dead (Hunter in particular) treat her. They need her help in order to investigate the deaths but Hunter is completely unwilling to allow her access to the Beautiful Dead and doesn't want her spending time with Phoenix. The way he is constantly threatening her and being so nasty grates on my nerves and if I was in Darina's position I think I would have walked away from the whole mess and told them to sort out their own problems. I'd really like to see Darina stand up for herself a bit more but it's hard when Hunter is holding all the cards and she misses Phoenix so much.
While this is a series I like I'd have to say it isn't one that I love. The plot was a little slow to get going but was interesting once it built up momentum. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Summer's death but had guessed fairly early on who was behind it. There was one particular plot line about Logan that really annoyed me - how could that have been allowed to happen? - but it was definitely a twist that I hadn't expected. While I am starting to get a little bored with the series the books are quick and easy reads that I get through in 1 or 2 sessions and I will definitely read the final book at some point because I want to know how the overall story arc plays out
March 22, 2011
An LASR 'BEST BOOK':
Sometimes a reader comes across a book series that captivates them. As the journey progresses and they get to know the characters, it’s impossible to stop thinking about them. Thus is the case with Eden Maguire’s series, Beautiful Dead. From the first story -- Jonas -- you are aware that things can’t end with a happily ever after in the usual sense. However, the impact of each book is memorable nevertheless. In the newest installment, Beautiful Dead: Summer, you are given Summer’s story. As the protagonist, Darina, works to uncover the mystery surrounding her friend’s untimely death, you are once again swept into the mesmerizing world of the Beautiful Dead; those who have died and have one year to solve their murders before they are trapped in limbo.
Of all the Beautiful Dead, Summer is the most gentle, kind, and has remained somewhat mysterious in the previous novels. A popular singer and songwriter, Summer left her friends, family, and fans devastated by her loss. Shot and killed in the local shopping mall, her death was unexpected and tragic. As Darina explores the events that led to Summer’s demise and unravels secret upon secret, you are unsure of who is to blame and, in true Maguire fashion, the twists and turns never stop coming. There were moments when I held my breath, grasped the book in hand, and felt my jaw drop when I discovered the true reasons for Summer’s murder. The motivations of the killer, as well as his or her identity, is one that you least expect. Despite believing I knew where things were going, I found myself being led down different paths until the truth was finally revealed.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of this series. Each book gets better and better. The writing is fantastic, to the point, and keeps your attention from beginning to end. I feel that Ms. Maguire brings more to the table with each book, so of course I was gratified, yet sad, when I finished Beautiful Dead: Summer. The only character that remains is Phoenix. It’s not necessarily going to be a happy end, but I’m certain it will be a fulfilling one. Things have been building up to the final chapter in the heartbreaking love story between Darina and Phoenix. With three of the four deaths of her friends solved, Darina’s beloved boyfriend is now last on the list. I eagerly await Phoenix’s book, even if my heart is aching at what is to come.
I would recommend Beautiful Dead: Summer to anyone who enjoys unconventional young adult romances. The material is dark and complex, with characters that you come to love even as you are forced to let them go. My only regret is that once I’ve finished, I’ll have to pick up the first book and start all over again. Just as Darina refuses to relinquish her love for her Beautiful Dead boyfriend, I know I won’t be prepared to say goodbye to this series.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Sometimes a reader comes across a book series that captivates them. As the journey progresses and they get to know the characters, it’s impossible to stop thinking about them. Thus is the case with Eden Maguire’s series, Beautiful Dead. From the first story -- Jonas -- you are aware that things can’t end with a happily ever after in the usual sense. However, the impact of each book is memorable nevertheless. In the newest installment, Beautiful Dead: Summer, you are given Summer’s story. As the protagonist, Darina, works to uncover the mystery surrounding her friend’s untimely death, you are once again swept into the mesmerizing world of the Beautiful Dead; those who have died and have one year to solve their murders before they are trapped in limbo.
Of all the Beautiful Dead, Summer is the most gentle, kind, and has remained somewhat mysterious in the previous novels. A popular singer and songwriter, Summer left her friends, family, and fans devastated by her loss. Shot and killed in the local shopping mall, her death was unexpected and tragic. As Darina explores the events that led to Summer’s demise and unravels secret upon secret, you are unsure of who is to blame and, in true Maguire fashion, the twists and turns never stop coming. There were moments when I held my breath, grasped the book in hand, and felt my jaw drop when I discovered the true reasons for Summer’s murder. The motivations of the killer, as well as his or her identity, is one that you least expect. Despite believing I knew where things were going, I found myself being led down different paths until the truth was finally revealed.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of this series. Each book gets better and better. The writing is fantastic, to the point, and keeps your attention from beginning to end. I feel that Ms. Maguire brings more to the table with each book, so of course I was gratified, yet sad, when I finished Beautiful Dead: Summer. The only character that remains is Phoenix. It’s not necessarily going to be a happy end, but I’m certain it will be a fulfilling one. Things have been building up to the final chapter in the heartbreaking love story between Darina and Phoenix. With three of the four deaths of her friends solved, Darina’s beloved boyfriend is now last on the list. I eagerly await Phoenix’s book, even if my heart is aching at what is to come.
I would recommend Beautiful Dead: Summer to anyone who enjoys unconventional young adult romances. The material is dark and complex, with characters that you come to love even as you are forced to let them go. My only regret is that once I’ve finished, I’ll have to pick up the first book and start all over again. Just as Darina refuses to relinquish her love for her Beautiful Dead boyfriend, I know I won’t be prepared to say goodbye to this series.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
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