Until the Beginning

Inert

I had really enjoyed the first book - After The End. It was a great way to relook at YA dystopian, featuring a bit of a lone wolf strong female character having to navigate a landscape of new realities. Her resilience and thoughtfulness, as she quietly took on the challenges, was rewarding. But with this second book, nearly all of that character development was thrown out the window in favor of a lot of a lot of preachy Earth-mother mysticism and braggadocio. Sadly, that translated into a lack of investment in the characters or plot.

Story: Juneau and Miles wanted to disappear quietly - but others have different plans for the teens. Most specifically, somewhat wants the secrets of Yara and is willing to kidnap and kill Juneau's clan to get it. It's up to Miles and Juneau to formulate a way to save her people.

Interesting, I found this second book had a lot of the same hallmarks but also issues as Plum's previous series, The Revenants. Both feature themes about people trying to do good (and the harm that can come from it). They both have antagonists that want to corrupt the good for selfish reasons. And both have storylines that falter and stagnate midway. In listening to both, I had a hard time staying invested and became bored quickly. The writing is lovely but very simplististic and straightforward, lacking in nuance and distinctness.

Most problematic for me was that the character development of the first book was sadly lost here. Yes, our characters should be more comfortable with each other and so situations are relaxed and easy. But at the same time, they do still barely know each other. By the end, Miles never grew more and Juneau became a very unrealistic messiah. Once again, the teens save the world (or in, this case, Juneau single handedly wraps up the story). But before that, be prepared for a long and somewhat uninteresting 'filler' known as the road trip.

I didn't dislike Until the Beginning and did finish it. It wrapped up without surprises and pretty much as I expected. But I have to accept at this point that perhaps Plum's gentle writing style isn't for me. I'm looking for something more unique and edgier. Note: I listened to the Audible version and the narration was fine.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Awesome!! What a great second book.

I really like the way this was written. I've been waiting so long for the second book and an extremely happy with the way it went. The pure emotions Amy writes into the story are really hard to beat.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fitting conclusion.

This is a fitting conclusion to Juneau's story, although not nearly as interesting as the first book in this series. The book is certainly enjoyable but seemed to me to be less satisfying than expected. I guess my expectations were a little too high after the delightful After the End. The conflict of Juneau's confusion of learning the world was not destroyed in war was much more interesting than being a pawn between three old men and their assorted henchmen.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A good ending........or is it over?

This really was a continuation of her first book, as the first book ended at an odd place, but still a good ending for Juneau, Miles, and her clan. Another solid book, and if there is a third book, I'll be reading it as well.

Is This A Book For Teens?

Just basic story-unimaginative, too much dialog that is meaningless-especially Juno. This story DRAGS on. Too bad.

Awesome!

I really enjoyed this book and the first. No complaints other then a request for more. I NEED MORE!!!

Must be written for young teenagers

Should’ve researched more before purchase.
Can’t believe how cheesy the dialog gets, especially in book 2. Guess it was written for young teenagers. Reminded me of a weak version of Twilight series.

Satisfying Conclusion to "After The End"

The abrupt ending to the first book in this series, "After the End," left me highly aggravated... but also desperate to take on "Until The Beginning," to find out what'd happen.

This is a largely enjoyable and entertaining continuation (and I assume conclusion) of Juneau and Miles' adventure. It delivers lots of action, a little too much Gaia hokum, a little too much teen romance/angst, and a lot of fun. There are bad guys galore, and epic battles, and a few surprises as we learn the mystery behind Juneau's tribe, Wit's betrayal, Amrit's origin and purpose, etc.

Narration by Rankin and Hamilton, who did the first book, remains solid and enjoyable.

In short, an entertaining and satisfying, if somewhat "light," read. It wouldn't break my heart for Plum to do a 3rd book in the series, so we learn where Juneau, her friends, and Clan all end up...

Great First Book...Okay Second Book

The first book was funny, quirky, interesting, and exciting! While this one kept the humor and sweetness, it was lacking in everything else. I lost my interest a while go, and finally managed to finish it. Throughout the book the story was slow, then the climax and ending were to fast. I thought the ending was cute, but it was way to open! The performance was good but not amazing. One narrator would use an accent for a character, then the other narrator wouldn't! Although, I didn't really like this book, it still had a positive quality. Such as...Miles! His humor, love, and quirkiness was the main factor I ended up finishing this!! Yet, I suggest if you enjoyed the first book, you should try this one too.

Thoroughly enjoyed this sequel!

Great action, great chemistry between the main characters, and very smooth voice talent. "Until the Beginning" was an other "page turner" (however it is called when it is an audio version LOL)