UNHINGED
Splintered Series #2
by A.G. Howard
Publisher: Amulet (Jan 2014)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Format: eARC (400 pages)
Source: Free book from publisher (Netgalley) for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon Print | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)
At A Glance
I am a little conflicted on this one but I did really enjoy it overall.
The Good
Morpheus. Morpheus. MORPHEUS! Oh sorry. Just had a bout of mad, lusty ramblings. Morpheus does that to me sometimes. It’s like I love to hate this guy and hate to love him. He is a bad itch that feels so good to scratch. I want to do naughty, crazy things to him as he wraps me up in his beautiful wings. I want my body to be his Wonderland! Okay, okay. I’m done.
I loved how Unhinged really had that feeling of unhinginess (it’s a word because I say it is). Everything is falling a part, nothing is going right, there is no right path, just stumbling around in the dark with your hands tied behind your back. I felt so out of sorts and I kinda liked it. The story is also really coming along. Huge things are revealed and people show their true colors.
Alyssa is like a chicken with her head cut off. She is conflicted, sporadic in her decision making, and doesn’t always follow the right path. And, really, it made sense for the theme of the book, even if it annoyed me sometimes. But by the end I actually felt hopeful that she may be getting her crap together. Even if she is still perpetually stuck between two men, I can see her being more decisive in the next book just by the little snippet we get in the end.
Poor Jeb. He is always the punching bag in these books. He is freaking chewed up like a squeaker toy over and over again, but he always comes back fighting, always for Alyssa. I respect him so much. But it’s Morpheus who is the star. I love his contradictory nature, his faithful devotion, and his constant devious scheming. Morpheus keeps you on your toes because you never know what he is going to do next. And all he really wants is Alyssa’s love. It breaks my heart. He NEEDS a happy ending.
The writing was good and the imagery was amazing. There is a HUGE cliffhanger ending, so be prepared. I was pissed at first but got over it. But now I literally can’t wait for the next book.
The Bad
The plot was sadly lacking. Alyssa spends most of the book running around like an insane person on a mission to nowhere. Almost none of the lead up plot points come to fruition. You spend the whole book thinking something is going to be resolved and it only gets worse. I know this happens in second books sometimes but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
We do not get any Wonderland time in Unhinged and I found myself missing it.
Alyssa was a lot more whiny and insecure in this book. She was always unsure about a lot of things in Splintered but I don’t remember her being this stupid and annoying. I like my protags strong and logical.
The Snuggly
Unhinged was drowned in romance, especially with the love-triangle, but I didn’t mind it. I always wanted more Jeb and Morpheus and I definitely got it this time around. Alyssa has a tough choice because both men are so tempting, but, of course, I am Team Morpheus. I’m crazy that way.
Kissing and touching but very suitable for a young adult audience.
Final Thoughts
Unhinged is between 3.5 to 4 stars. It was not as good as Splintered. I gave Splintered 4 stars but I would change that to 4.5 stars now. I wanted more plot and more resolution, but the story was still super fun and I always love me some Morpheus. Very recommended.
Red Iza
I don’t like whiny heroins either, but your review intrigued me 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
I sure hope so because I think everyone should try this series.
Melanie
I am glad you enjoyed this one, Jennifer! I really needed a proper story line here but there wasn’t much of one 🙁
Stacey Brutger
The covers in this series rocks, but ever time I think about picking up a copy, I veer away for some reason. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, the plot really kind of sucked. I don’t know why when book #1 was just fine.
Jenea Whittington
Loved Splintered and I just borrowed this from my library. I’m pretty excited, it is the audio version. 🙂 Great review.
Jennifer Bielman
I really really hope you love it.
sherry fundin
I hate whiny heroines. Makes me think of B movies, which I love, where all they do is cry and scream – then get eaten. LOL
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, well, it wasn’t that bad, but I know what you mean.
Ashley
Bahaha your first paragraph was awesome. Honestly, I’m not sure I’d like this book. I never liked Morpheus and I just don’t think this one would be for me. But I’m super glad you liked it!
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, Morpheus wasn’t my fav in the first book but trust me, you will love him in this book.
Jessica Haluska
You know . . . I have never read an Alice retelling. I have this one b/c it got such good reviews (and I’ve never read an Alice retelling, so why not?). But–guess what comes next–I haven’t read it yet. I clicked on your Splintered review, and I’m glad to see that book 2 is living up to it (both got 4 stars), so that’s motivating. Great review! *looks around and tries to find a place to squeeze Splintered in*
Jessica @ Rabid Reads
Jennifer Bielman
I think you would love this series. I would actually like to change my Splintered Review to 4.5 stars.
Chene Sterckx
Great Review, I love your humor and ramblings!! I am super excited to read this series sometime soon hopefully 🙂
Chanzie @ Mean Who You Are.
Jennifer Bielman
Thanks so much.
Julie S
I still haven’t read Spintered but everyone seems to love it. I wonder if this one has a bit of second book syndrome with the plot lacking. I notice this way too much. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, some definite second book syndrome.
Brandi Kosiner
Morpheus sounds like a great character and I think I would be lustful too
Jennifer Bielman
hehe, Oh Morpheus! Mmmm.
Nereyda @Mostly YA Book Obsessed
I like Morpheus but as a good and complicated bad guy. Not a love interest. Honestly, he kind of creeps me out and I don’t think I could ever go for a guy with wings.
Sad that we didn’t get any Wonderland time here. And poor Jeb.
Alyssa drove me crazy! Her jealousy annoyed me so bad, especially when she was the one hiding things.
I did love the ending though and I’m looking forward to book 3!
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, Morpheus is not for everyone. I like his craziness.
I did like the ending after I got over the shock of the cliffhanger. I can’t wait for book 3 now.
Christy @ Love of Books
Um, yeah, I would read this series just for Morpheus. I totally know what you mean about him. I lve characters like that, that make me hate to love them. It a frustrating, yet great feeling. I really need to get my butt in gear and read the first book already.
Jennifer Bielman
OMG, yessss, you have to read the first book. Sooooo good.
Joy @ Thoughts By J
Glad you enjoyed this one, I’ve been reading some bad reviews on it that said it was not as great as the first book. I can’t wait to start this series
Jennifer Bielman
It’s not as good as the firs book but I still enjoyed it.
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
I just have to say, I loooove this cover. I need to get to this series though. *sigh*
Jennifer Bielman
You should see the first books cover. Wow.
Sarah Elizabeth
I still haven’t brought myself to read this one. I was so confused at the end of the last one that I’d probably have to re-read it before picking this one up.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I am not sure if you would like this one actually.