See How They Run (Embassy Row, Book 2) (2)
C**R
Couldn't Put This Sequel Down
See How They Run (Scholastic 2015) is the second book in Ally Carterโs Embassy Row series. I very much enjoyed the first novel, All Fall Down, and was eager to continue the series. The sequel did not disappoint.We begin with our anti-heroine, Grace, who is more unhinged than ever, after having learned the awful truth about how her mother really died. About 25% into this book, I was actually considering quitting because Grace was becoming rather too angsty, and then a pair of boys literally fist-fighting over her seemed to take things over the topโฆuntil one of those boys winds up dead the next morning, causing a juicy international chaos that sucked me right back in.Just like the first book, the story is action-packed as Grace pulls out all the stops to save her crush, the Russian boy-next-door Alexei, from a wrongful accusation of murder. I wouldโve liked to see more of Graceโs other friends in this story โ the Hebrew/Portuguese twins Noah and Lila, Rosie the German gymnast, and Megan the computer genius โ as I feel their potential in the Embassy Row series has been thus far underutilized. But we got to meet Jamie, Graceโs older brother, about whom we heard so much in Book 1. The sequel ends without quite solving the mystery of who wants Alexei and Graceโs family dead, but with a major reveal that evokes modern 20th century legend surrounding the Romanovs of Russia (in particular, Anastasia). Another quick, easy, and non-stop read from Ally Carter, and I am eagerly awaiting the third bookโs release in December.
T**E
Gripping and delightful
I love Ally Carter as an author. She spins a great story and her characters are so real and round. They are strong and weak and funny and just so real to me.I also love how she keeps her stories age appropriate. Her heroines actions are believable for their ages. I love that romance develops slowly over a long time and is believable. I love that is happening to 16 and 17 and 18 year olds, not 11 year olds.I also personally like the lack of expletives. I don't like hearing them and I certainly don't like reading them, so for me the fact that she can keep her characters mouths clean without making the story seem cutesy or lame shows great intelligence on the part off the author.I think having a main character that is so broken is amazing. The way Grace struggles with reality and trusting herself and the blurring of the lines between what is real and what she perceives is well written.I am enjoying the story so much and can hardly wait to find out what happens next!Write fast Ally, write fast!
A**N
Espionage, PTSD and Plot Twists
The last book ended on a cliffhanger with many mysteries revealed but there were still so many questions to be answered. This book picks up right where that one left off. While Grace had finally (albeit tragically) uncovered the truth about her mother's death, she still had to wonder what it was that her mother was researching and why it got her killed and made Grace a target when she looked for answers.Grace is still the same anxious heroine dealing with a grief that is all encompassing. She is still getting a handle on her mental illness issues. Readers who have trouble with a flawed angsty anti-hero will not enjoy this book (or any in the series). I thought that, as with the first in the series, the book is at its best when we delve into Grace's mental illness and her recovery. This is a wonderful book when it comes to showcasing what it is like for someone to live with PTSD. If there was a memoir about Grace, I would read it. Some of the writing style for her inner monologues are very powerful and evocative. As someone who has dealt with trauma and PTSD personally, I was entranced by Grace's character development throughout the series.Now that Grace can trust herself (almost), she's still not quite sure who she can trust. She knows she can trust her Scooby gang (Meghan, Noah, Rosie) but can she trust Lila, her beloved Alexei and the Society? In this second book, it still feels like all these minor characters are still too minor. We don't learn more about anyone except Alexei and everyone else is painted with really broad strokes. Even our introduction to Jamie feels like a caricature. Jamie isn't so much a character as a plot device, albeit a good one.I found this book as engaging as the first in the series. I didn't want to put it down. It was a heart-pumping, drama-filled mystery action thriller. I thought that the book was going to turn into typical teen romance love triangle territory (insert eye roll here) with Alexei and Spence, Jamie's West Point pal who comes to Adria for a visit, but I was pleasantly surprised by the turn that took.Fans of Alexei will get their fill as he gets a much larger role in this book. I really liked that it was not your typical romance. Boy meets girl. Girl is kissed by another boy. Boy is accused for the other boy's murder! Whoa. I really liked how the tension picked up in this book and was pleasantly surprised by how unpredictable the plot was at every turn. I devoured it in one sitting and couldn't wait to read the next and final book of the trilogy. Not sure that anything really gets resolved in this mid-point book in the trilogy but it certainly keeps your interest holding out for the next book.
C**N
Great
Arrived early & in a great condition. Loved this book!!
N**.
Good book
Good book. Bought as a gift and person was happy w/purchase and it shipped quickly so highly recommend and would buy again.
M**S
Interesting read - even for adults.
This is a series about some kids in a foreign country, as part of their families ambassadorships, and they get into all kinds of trouble, some international, and it's fun to read how they get out of it. This can be for people who like to read about kids issues, as well as for teenagers who love to read. The series is pretty extensive!!
K**R
Yikes
Wow wow wow what a ride!! Gracie is such a character. She's got fragile spots and flaws and hurts that nearly overwhelm her and she has no idea how to human. And she has PTSD and anxiety and trust issues, especially with her own mind. And that cliffhanger!!! Sheesh!!!
S**S
Ally, can you write faster?
I like the book but was disappointed in the ending. Don't want to put any spoilers here but as a writer I've always been told to not pull something out at the end that the reader does not know about. Regardless, Ally Carter makes my very short list of favorite authors. Her writing is flawless except as I mentioned. I would not hesitate to buy and read anything she writes. And I have read everything except her offerings that are only e-books. Still a hard copy book person. Thanks, Ally, for sharing your stories!
D**E
LOVE THIS STORY!!
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P**T
Amazing
I love the suspense and the plot twists and that you can never assume the end of the book. I didn't like tat nothing has happened between Grace and Alexei . I recommend this book to any teenager that likes suspense.I rated this book 5 stars because I was simply amazing.
_**_
This is a heart-wrenching book
It is so amazing, leaves you on a complete cliff hangerDeserves 5* 100./ยท The book was fabulous I now just can't wait for the next one!
H**N
Awesome
Just not enough of it, I can't wait for the next book in the series. Totally thrilling , definitely a must read.
E**E
Amazing
This book did not disappoint at all! It was clever, fast paced, entertaining and fresh. Couldn't put it down at all.
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