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Impossible #2
Extraordinary
For fans of Beautiful Creatures and Wicked Lovely, New York Times Bestselling author Nancy Werlin delivers a captivating novel of friendship and trust, where the past determines the future and a generations-old curse requires the ultimate sacrifice.
Phoebe is drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new girl at school. Soon the two become as close as sisters . . . until Mallory’s magnetic older brother, Ryland, arrives. Ryland has an immediate hold on Phoebe — but it turns into something dangerous, as she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself. Soon Phoebe discovers the shocking, fantastical truth about Ryland and Mallory, and about an age-old debt she’s meant to pay. Will she be strong enough to save herself from the curse?
Phoebe is drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new girl at school. Soon the two become as close as sisters . . . until Mallory’s magnetic older brother, Ryland, arrives. Ryland has an immediate hold on Phoebe — but it turns into something dangerous, as she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself. Soon Phoebe discovers the shocking, fantastical truth about Ryland and Mallory, and about an age-old debt she’s meant to pay. Will she be strong enough to save herself from the curse?
393 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2010
53 people are currently reading
4698 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Werlin
29 books1,084 followersNancy Werlin writes young adult fiction: New York Times–bestselling fantasy, Edgar-award winning suspense, and National Book Award-honored realistic novels.
Nancy's newest book is the comedy ZOE ROSENTHAL IS NOT LAWFUL GOOD.
Nancy's newest book is the comedy ZOE ROSENTHAL IS NOT LAWFUL GOOD.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 633 reviews
October 18, 2010
Extraordinary is Nancy Werlin's second foray into the genre of fairy tale/magical realism. Unfortunately, I can't say it is as successful as her first - Impossible.
The basic premise here is that Phoebe Rothschild, a beloved daughter in a rich Jewish family, is befriended by two faeries (Mallory and Ryland) who try to manipulate her into doing something that will serve the interests of the Faerie Kingdom. The story revolves around the faeries' schemes and Phoebe's role in them.
I have many good things to say about this novel:
1) The writing style is great - it has an eerie/dream-like quality to it.
2) Hardly any books about fairies ever caught my attention. Werlin's faeries are actually interesting, ambiguous. Their world is well drawn and motivations are understandable and even compelling.
3) Thank goodness, Extraordinary is not another one of those paranormal YA books about an ordinary girl who falls for some faerie prince who treats her like crap in the name of his undying love for her. It is very clear that Ryland is a bad person and Phoebe puts up with his abuses ONLY because she is glamored by him. In no way do Ryland's actions (inappropriate flirting, psychological abuse, demeaning remarks) are portrayed as some twisted signs of love by a tortured "hero." Take a note, Becca Fitzpatrick! (Isn't it sad though that I even have to mention this in my review of an YA novel?)
4) Themes of friendship, family love, feeling of self-worth are explored very well.
BUT! Once I reached the climax of the story and found out the reason why faeries were after Phoebe, I couldn't help exclaiming: That's it? They put so much effort into tearing her down to get that out of her? That was much ado about nothing! Frankly, the core of Extraordinary - the Rothschild fairy tale and ordinary/extraordinary debate is just, I want to say laughable, but I'll settle on underwhelming. I appreciate Werlin's creativity and originality, but this part of the plot is just weak and sort of inconsequential.
All in all, Extraordinary is not a bad book, I enjoyed reading it, but ultimately it doesn't quite deliver. In spite of all the goodness put into this novel, the final result is just a little too muddy, lacks intensity and urgency, and the core theme of the importance of being extraordinary is pointless in my mind. What is so wrong about being ordinary?
The basic premise here is that Phoebe Rothschild, a beloved daughter in a rich Jewish family, is befriended by two faeries (Mallory and Ryland) who try to manipulate her into doing something that will serve the interests of the Faerie Kingdom. The story revolves around the faeries' schemes and Phoebe's role in them.
I have many good things to say about this novel:
1) The writing style is great - it has an eerie/dream-like quality to it.
2) Hardly any books about fairies ever caught my attention. Werlin's faeries are actually interesting, ambiguous. Their world is well drawn and motivations are understandable and even compelling.
3) Thank goodness, Extraordinary is not another one of those paranormal YA books about an ordinary girl who falls for some faerie prince who treats her like crap in the name of his undying love for her. It is very clear that Ryland is a bad person and Phoebe puts up with his abuses ONLY because she is glamored by him. In no way do Ryland's actions (inappropriate flirting, psychological abuse, demeaning remarks) are portrayed as some twisted signs of love by a tortured "hero." Take a note, Becca Fitzpatrick! (Isn't it sad though that I even have to mention this in my review of an YA novel?)
4) Themes of friendship, family love, feeling of self-worth are explored very well.
BUT! Once I reached the climax of the story and found out the reason why faeries were after Phoebe, I couldn't help exclaiming: That's it? They put so much effort into tearing her down to get that out of her? That was much ado about nothing! Frankly, the core of Extraordinary - the Rothschild fairy tale and ordinary/extraordinary debate is just, I want to say laughable, but I'll settle on underwhelming. I appreciate Werlin's creativity and originality, but this part of the plot is just weak and sort of inconsequential.
All in all, Extraordinary is not a bad book, I enjoyed reading it, but ultimately it doesn't quite deliver. In spite of all the goodness put into this novel, the final result is just a little too muddy, lacks intensity and urgency, and the core theme of the importance of being extraordinary is pointless in my mind. What is so wrong about being ordinary?
April 16, 2011
Just to clarify, naming a book Extraordinary will NOT immediately raise it to EXTRAORDINARY status. And by the time I finished this book, there was no way on any account that I could even think of what this author had been smoking.
It's disgusting to see the normal high school girl falling for that aloof-couldn't-care-less tall, dark, stranger. But it's absoultely revolting to KNOW that the tall, dark, stranger is using the girl for something, and that he probably doesn't even look human! I went through 200 pages of girl-guy gross stuff, and yes, I did read EVERY SINGLE WORD of this book, because I am a patient and persistant reader.
Being patient and persistant didn't pay off. The book was horrible from start to finish. I couldn't care less what happened to Phoebe, I was a little annoyed at the Faerie queen for giving up basically all the Faerie's energy to some random HUMAN, (which I just couldn't get into my head- how can someone be that stupid?) and really, the only twist in this book was when Phoebe ended up partners with her human guy-friend. That was a different take on YA.
And really, what was up with the use of the word, "extraordinary"? Phoebe's ancestors were so "extraordinary" but she's so "ordinary" oh no! The use of the two words nearly drove me insane the last few 100 pages of the book.
So, yes, I didn't have high expectations when starting this book, (it takes a lot of wit for an author to name their book "Extraordinary" when it clearly turns out to be a rather "ordinary" book) and so was not immensely disappointed with how it ended.
It's disgusting to see the normal high school girl falling for that aloof-couldn't-care-less tall, dark, stranger. But it's absoultely revolting to KNOW that the tall, dark, stranger is using the girl for something, and that he probably doesn't even look human! I went through 200 pages of girl-guy gross stuff, and yes, I did read EVERY SINGLE WORD of this book, because I am a patient and persistant reader.
Being patient and persistant didn't pay off. The book was horrible from start to finish. I couldn't care less what happened to Phoebe, I was a little annoyed at the Faerie queen for giving up basically all the Faerie's energy to some random HUMAN, (which I just couldn't get into my head- how can someone be that stupid?) and really, the only twist in this book was when Phoebe ended up partners with her human guy-friend. That was a different take on YA.
And really, what was up with the use of the word, "extraordinary"? Phoebe's ancestors were so "extraordinary" but she's so "ordinary" oh no! The use of the two words nearly drove me insane the last few 100 pages of the book.
So, yes, I didn't have high expectations when starting this book, (it takes a lot of wit for an author to name their book "Extraordinary" when it clearly turns out to be a rather "ordinary" book) and so was not immensely disappointed with how it ended.
September 8, 2016
What would it be like if you were constantly cut down? Would you cave in to the taunts? Would you hold your ground? Well Phoebe will be presented with this problem. The story starts out with her meeting an odd new girl. They both have just entered the seventh grade, but Phoebe is up for a change from her old friends. If that's what you can call them. Phoebe befriends the odd girl named Mallory. Unbeknownst to Phoebe that decision will change the entire course of her future. Fast forward four years later and the truth comes out of why exactly Mallory became friends with Phoebe.
Now I did love some aspects of the book but for the first two-thirds of the book I wasn't feeling it. Or more that I wasn't enjoying it like I thought I would. Phoebe is doe-eyed with Ryland, and she is being glamored to sink in to the faerie's plan and it got frustrating, tedious, and overdrawn. I think Werlin actually wanted this effect on the reader. She wanted us to feel how wrong this was, and the unrealness of it all. Now the last third I really did like. We finally get to see what the whole thing was about. You really do guess beforehand, but now the showdown begins and some other characters come out of the woodwork.
I didn't like the dialogue that much with the characters and it was kind of awkward. That was probably because Mallory and Ryland were faeries. The ending was fine but I kind of think they stuck on something there in the end that didn't ring true to me.
Though I didn't enjoy this one as much as Impossible, I do think Werlin is great and will be reading more of her work. This story gives a unique perspective of what it means to be extraordinary, and the power of unconditional love.
Now I did love some aspects of the book but for the first two-thirds of the book I wasn't feeling it. Or more that I wasn't enjoying it like I thought I would. Phoebe is doe-eyed with Ryland, and she is being glamored to sink in to the faerie's plan and it got frustrating, tedious, and overdrawn. I think Werlin actually wanted this effect on the reader. She wanted us to feel how wrong this was, and the unrealness of it all. Now the last third I really did like. We finally get to see what the whole thing was about. You really do guess beforehand, but now the showdown begins and some other characters come out of the woodwork.
I didn't like the dialogue that much with the characters and it was kind of awkward. That was probably because Mallory and Ryland were faeries. The ending was fine but I kind of think they stuck on something there in the end that didn't ring true to me.
Though I didn't enjoy this one as much as Impossible, I do think Werlin is great and will be reading more of her work. This story gives a unique perspective of what it means to be extraordinary, and the power of unconditional love.
March 17, 2010
My new novel, Extraordinary, will be published by Penguin/Dial in the U.S. in September, 2010. And let me just say this: I adore this book.
August 18, 2010
The fey are mean little bastards. No, really. They are! Or so I learned while reading Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin. Phoebe is a member of an extraordinary family. You may have heard of them. The Rothchilds, is that ringing any bells? One of the richest families ever. So, Phoebe has a pretty great family, but she battles some personal inadequacy issues. Phoebe is also a kind-hearted individual, so she decides to make friends with the weird girl in class. What do you know, the weird girl is a FEY named, of course, Mallory, since that is totally a name you have when you are a fairy.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
October 11, 2010
http://www.squeakybooks.com/2010/08/e...
1.5 stars.
I was really, really, really, REALLY liking this book. But it turned horribly bad. After I finished it I felt mad for HOURS.
FULL REVIEW (Posted on www.SqueakyBooks.com 8/09/10)
Extraordinary started out AWESOME! I found the idea so, so interesting: a faerie sent to befriend a human girl. However, the goal of the faerie was to make the girl (Pheobe) say that she was ordinary. Is Pheobe ordinary? Who knows? What I know is that she was sweet and kind, had strong self-esteem, and she just wanted to be loved. That is, until the fairies show up.
In order to finally get Pheobe to admit that she is ordinary, Mallory (the faerie) and her brother set about DESTROYING Pheobe. They bring her down to the depths of despair in every way possible. Mallory gains her trust only to spurn and spite her, Ryland (the brother) magicks Pheobe into loving him and then attacks her mentally, emotionally, and sexually. Until I was HONESTLY expecting her to commit suicide.
I kept thinking, surely this has got to come back around. The faeries will join forces with Pheobe to stop this evil. Surely they can't keep breaking her like this. She trusts them wholeheartedly. Surely they must have some kind of empathy towards her.
But they don't.
There is a payoff in the end, where we learn what it truly means to be "extraordinary," and see that at least SOME of the faeries do care, but it came too late. At some point this book passed the point of no return, and there was nothing the characters could do to redeem themselves.
It just made me sick.
It was still wonderfully written (if completely sickening and heartbreaking), and I do intend to pick up IMPOSSIBLE by the same author.
So for writing style, I give this book a perfect 5. But for plot, I can barely give it a 1. I just can't stomach that much pure cruelty, no matter what the purpose.
I just couldn't handle how they were abusing this poor girl. They attacked her very soul until it shattered. And even though she managed to pick up the pieces afterwards, I felt a little broken too.
1.5 stars.
I was really, really, really, REALLY liking this book. But it turned horribly bad. After I finished it I felt mad for HOURS.
FULL REVIEW (Posted on www.SqueakyBooks.com 8/09/10)
Extraordinary started out AWESOME! I found the idea so, so interesting: a faerie sent to befriend a human girl. However, the goal of the faerie was to make the girl (Pheobe) say that she was ordinary. Is Pheobe ordinary? Who knows? What I know is that she was sweet and kind, had strong self-esteem, and she just wanted to be loved. That is, until the fairies show up.
In order to finally get Pheobe to admit that she is ordinary, Mallory (the faerie) and her brother set about DESTROYING Pheobe. They bring her down to the depths of despair in every way possible. Mallory gains her trust only to spurn and spite her, Ryland (the brother) magicks Pheobe into loving him and then attacks her mentally, emotionally, and sexually. Until I was HONESTLY expecting her to commit suicide.
I kept thinking, surely this has got to come back around. The faeries will join forces with Pheobe to stop this evil. Surely they can't keep breaking her like this. She trusts them wholeheartedly. Surely they must have some kind of empathy towards her.
But they don't.
There is a payoff in the end, where we learn what it truly means to be "extraordinary," and see that at least SOME of the faeries do care, but it came too late. At some point this book passed the point of no return, and there was nothing the characters could do to redeem themselves.
It just made me sick.
It was still wonderfully written (if completely sickening and heartbreaking), and I do intend to pick up IMPOSSIBLE by the same author.
So for writing style, I give this book a perfect 5. But for plot, I can barely give it a 1. I just can't stomach that much pure cruelty, no matter what the purpose.
I just couldn't handle how they were abusing this poor girl. They attacked her very soul until it shattered. And even though she managed to pick up the pieces afterwards, I felt a little broken too.
December 12, 2010
I loved this book, but I hated it at the same time. The message that Werlin communicated by the novel's end was touching and true, yet I could not tolerate what it took to get there.
The story is about Phoebe, who is befriended by Mallory, a fairy intent on breaking her spirits. Phoebe is completely unaware of this, however. She assumes Mallory is simply a displaced outcast, an untouchable in her middle school caste system. After becoming best friends with Mallory, Phoebe learns about her mysterious older brother, Ryland, whose intentions are anything but angelic.
Nancy Werlin writes splendidly, and she knows how to weave the most fascinating stories. I adulated the theme of believing oneself to be extraordinary, and that everyone should hold themselves in the highest regard no matter what. The only thing was that I felt helpless and hurt when Ryland verbally, physically, and sexually attacked Phoebe. Sure, she was strong (some of the time) but it pained me to view the protagonist undergoing such terrible treatment knowing that it was done with full, cruel intent. Basically, it unnerved me.
Maybe more of a 3.5, but not my favorite of Werlin's. I will still read her future books without hesitation, though.
The story is about Phoebe, who is befriended by Mallory, a fairy intent on breaking her spirits. Phoebe is completely unaware of this, however. She assumes Mallory is simply a displaced outcast, an untouchable in her middle school caste system. After becoming best friends with Mallory, Phoebe learns about her mysterious older brother, Ryland, whose intentions are anything but angelic.
Nancy Werlin writes splendidly, and she knows how to weave the most fascinating stories. I adulated the theme of believing oneself to be extraordinary, and that everyone should hold themselves in the highest regard no matter what. The only thing was that I felt helpless and hurt when Ryland verbally, physically, and sexually attacked Phoebe. Sure, she was strong (some of the time) but it pained me to view the protagonist undergoing such terrible treatment knowing that it was done with full, cruel intent. Basically, it unnerved me.
Maybe more of a 3.5, but not my favorite of Werlin's. I will still read her future books without hesitation, though.
February 21, 2022
Have you ever heard one of those songs on the radio that seem to go nowhere?
You know what I'm talking about: You turn on the radio, and it starts up and the intro just keeps going and going and going and...going....slowly adding more and more layers of techno-beatbox....
....until the song is sudden over. And you realize that you have no idea what you just listened to. You thought that was the 6-minute introduction.
Actually, it was the end.
That, ladies and gentleman, is Extraordinary.
You know what I'm talking about: You turn on the radio, and it starts up and the intro just keeps going and going and going and...going....slowly adding more and more layers of techno-beatbox....
....until the song is sudden over. And you realize that you have no idea what you just listened to. You thought that was the 6-minute introduction.
Actually, it was the end.
That, ladies and gentleman, is Extraordinary.
March 2, 2018
Four years ago Phoebe Rothschild knew she wanted Mallory Tolliver as a friend–as her best friend. She was not sure why but she knew that Mallory with her tawdry, unsuitable clothes and her strange behavior would be a good friend to have, much better certainly than the friends Phoebe had previously found.
And Phoebe was right. For those four years at least.
Mallory always knew she needed to befriend the Rothschild girl. She knew what was required and expected of her by the Faerie Queen and the rest of her people. But still, for just a little while, she wanted what Phoebe had; she wanted the chance to be a normal teenaged girl.
Which is exactly what Mallory got. For those four years at least.
But time is running out: A debt must be repaid by an ordinary girl, a dangerously magnetic man will draw Phoebe to a perilous choice, and a friendship will be tested in Extraordinary (2010) by Nancy Werlin.
Extraordinary is quite impressive. Well-written, clever, and compelling this story will leave readers enchanted. Werlin’s looping prose and melodic tone are masterful and work wonderfully with this fairy tale styled story. The book combines a delightful plot with very arresting characters and, as the title might suggest, also offers an interesting commentary on what it really means to be ordinary (or extraordinary).
Phoebe is a really unique narrator. She has asthma and comes from a prominent Jewish family–both of which are important elements of the story. But the great thing is neither of those things are the main event in the story, they are just facets of Phoebe’s complex character. Phoebe also spends a lot of the story being beguiled or out and out tricked by other characters. The interesting thing about Werlin’s writing is that she conveys that while simultaneously evoking Phoebe’s own (often confusing) emotions.
This story is also unique in that, at its center, readers will find two friends instead of the romantic threads that are becoming so prevalent in fantasy books (and of course also spawned their own genre called “paranormal romance”).
There is definitely nothing ordinary about this book. In short, Extraordinary is a remarkable story about the transformative power of friendship.
Possible Pairings: White Cat by Holly Black, The War for the Oaks by Emma Bull, The Blue Girl by Charles De Lint, Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Demon Trapper’s Daughter by Jana Oliver, The Last of the High Kings by Kate Thompson, The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
And Phoebe was right. For those four years at least.
Mallory always knew she needed to befriend the Rothschild girl. She knew what was required and expected of her by the Faerie Queen and the rest of her people. But still, for just a little while, she wanted what Phoebe had; she wanted the chance to be a normal teenaged girl.
Which is exactly what Mallory got. For those four years at least.
But time is running out: A debt must be repaid by an ordinary girl, a dangerously magnetic man will draw Phoebe to a perilous choice, and a friendship will be tested in Extraordinary (2010) by Nancy Werlin.
Extraordinary is quite impressive. Well-written, clever, and compelling this story will leave readers enchanted. Werlin’s looping prose and melodic tone are masterful and work wonderfully with this fairy tale styled story. The book combines a delightful plot with very arresting characters and, as the title might suggest, also offers an interesting commentary on what it really means to be ordinary (or extraordinary).
Phoebe is a really unique narrator. She has asthma and comes from a prominent Jewish family–both of which are important elements of the story. But the great thing is neither of those things are the main event in the story, they are just facets of Phoebe’s complex character. Phoebe also spends a lot of the story being beguiled or out and out tricked by other characters. The interesting thing about Werlin’s writing is that she conveys that while simultaneously evoking Phoebe’s own (often confusing) emotions.
This story is also unique in that, at its center, readers will find two friends instead of the romantic threads that are becoming so prevalent in fantasy books (and of course also spawned their own genre called “paranormal romance”).
There is definitely nothing ordinary about this book. In short, Extraordinary is a remarkable story about the transformative power of friendship.
Possible Pairings: White Cat by Holly Black, The War for the Oaks by Emma Bull, The Blue Girl by Charles De Lint, Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, The Demon Trapper’s Daughter by Jana Oliver, The Last of the High Kings by Kate Thompson, The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
December 20, 2010
Well, well, well.... what a little suprise treat we have here!
****Spoilers***
Imagine a world where your parents are from a super important, wealthy, prestigous, historical family, your best friend turns out to be an (slighly evil) fairy, and your boyfriend is using his fairy glamour to make you like him all so he can suck the life out of you in order to bring you back to Fairie land as a sacrifice. This is the story of the Rothschild family- Mayer to be precise, all of this stems from his meetings with the Fairy Queen. His bargains five extraordinary sons for himself and agrees to give back a future generations Ordinary daughter. Enter Phoebe. She's the one I was telling you about up there. ^^^^
She is completely in the dark to all of this. She really thinks she is in love with Ryland. It all comes to a crashing end, she gets sucked into Fairie. Will she be a sacrifice? Is she ordinary? Is she her own worst enemy? Is she willing to die? Is her best friend willing to just let her give her life up??
I picked this book up because I liked the cover- no more, no less. I had no expectations going into this.... as I started to look at a couple of reviews, I started to grow worried I would not like it, but I picked it up anyways. I'm glad I did. I'm not a huge Fairy sort of person, but this one was such a great balance of real word and fairy world. Usually our herione is wanting to become a fairy or enter their world or something like that, but this one is sooo different. It was very enjoyable.
4 stars.
****Spoilers***
Imagine a world where your parents are from a super important, wealthy, prestigous, historical family, your best friend turns out to be an (slighly evil) fairy, and your boyfriend is using his fairy glamour to make you like him all so he can suck the life out of you in order to bring you back to Fairie land as a sacrifice. This is the story of the Rothschild family- Mayer to be precise, all of this stems from his meetings with the Fairy Queen. His bargains five extraordinary sons for himself and agrees to give back a future generations Ordinary daughter. Enter Phoebe. She's the one I was telling you about up there. ^^^^
She is completely in the dark to all of this. She really thinks she is in love with Ryland. It all comes to a crashing end, she gets sucked into Fairie. Will she be a sacrifice? Is she ordinary? Is she her own worst enemy? Is she willing to die? Is her best friend willing to just let her give her life up??
I picked this book up because I liked the cover- no more, no less. I had no expectations going into this.... as I started to look at a couple of reviews, I started to grow worried I would not like it, but I picked it up anyways. I'm glad I did. I'm not a huge Fairy sort of person, but this one was such a great balance of real word and fairy world. Usually our herione is wanting to become a fairy or enter their world or something like that, but this one is sooo different. It was very enjoyable.
4 stars.
October 12, 2013
My third book by Werlin, and I'm sorry to say it is my least favorite. My overall take of this is "I'm not very impressed." For one, the story didn't grab me until over 250 pages into the book. And even then it was just the curiosity factor and the way the book was written. Some of the story just didn't seem believable to me. I think that was more from how parts were revealed, or how much they were or were not dealt with.
I did not like the ending. Not what happened, but how it came about. The conversation had me rolling my eyes and waiting for it to be over. But I did like how things ended. Some parts of the book thoroughly disgusted me, and I'm still not sure if that's from my personal values, or from concerns about how teens/readers may come out after following along with such mental/verbal/physical/spiritual abuse and confusion. Some parts didn't quite make sense. And, while this is an ARC, I still can't help being a bit confused Or feel that some parts just didn't feel, um, complete. It's hard for me to describe, but I could certainly give you an earful in person!
There were good points, though. Werlin does very well in creating deep characters in such a short amount of time.
I'm also happy Werlin managed one story in one book--a nice change in the publishing world right now. I loved how she presented the story with the supplemental conversations with the queen. I thought I'd had the book pegged at the beginning, but ensuing conversations showed me I was wrong. I think that intrigue helped me to keep reading. Some parts I wish weren't in there because of the moral conflict I personally have, but she dealt with them rather well and was (thankfully) not very explicit.
I know some would find this work interesting and I wouldn't mind discussing it with them. But there some of my friends who I don't think will enjoy the book.
I did not like the ending. Not what happened, but how it came about. The conversation had me rolling my eyes and waiting for it to be over. But I did like how things ended. Some parts of the book thoroughly disgusted me, and I'm still not sure if that's from my personal values, or from concerns about how teens/readers may come out after following along with such mental/verbal/physical/spiritual abuse and confusion. Some parts didn't quite make sense. And, while this is an ARC, I still can't help being a bit confused Or feel that some parts just didn't feel, um, complete. It's hard for me to describe, but I could certainly give you an earful in person!
There were good points, though. Werlin does very well in creating deep characters in such a short amount of time.
I'm also happy Werlin managed one story in one book--a nice change in the publishing world right now. I loved how she presented the story with the supplemental conversations with the queen. I thought I'd had the book pegged at the beginning, but ensuing conversations showed me I was wrong. I think that intrigue helped me to keep reading. Some parts I wish weren't in there because of the moral conflict I personally have, but she dealt with them rather well and was (thankfully) not very explicit.
I know some would find this work interesting and I wouldn't mind discussing it with them. But there some of my friends who I don't think will enjoy the book.
October 7, 2010
The Original Review - Here!
Extraordinary is the next novel presented by Werlin after Impossible. With really high expectations to be fulfilled, Extraordinary combines a real touch in between a fairy tale. The story is narrated from Phoebe’s point of view and in third person where the reader has the opportunity to see which crucial factor plays the Fairy Kingdom in Phoebe’s life. Phoebe’s life is normally according to her circumstances until the day she meets Mallory, who turns into her best friend and a little ahead when she meets Ryland, Mallory’s “brother”. There’s something special that makes impeccable the way Werlin writes and Extraordinary is not the exception. However, the story lacks the element that made Impossible a masterpiece. My taste and tolerance for dysfunctional relationships in real life as in literature is not my favorite cup of tea and in this presentation, the topic is rich. Phoebe’s relationship with Mallory is built based on lies, Mallory’s relationship with her “human mother” is so dishonest or even worse the one she has with Phoebe and on top of that issue Patch’s twin brother from Hush Hush AKA Ryland makes his appearance. Ryland and Mallory make everything possible to break down the spirit of an innocent girl for their own benefit and it’s disgusting to see how much they mutilate the girl. The only character that has likable qualities was Banjamin and it was not quite enough to carry the story’s weight. At the end, there’s remorse and a message that, to my understanding, lacks deepness, but what’s quite worse is how much a human being can tolerate before developing character and love their selves for what their qualities already are; ordinary or extraordinary. Extraordinary, a great writing technique with a story platform Impossible to love, at least for me.
Extraordinary is the next novel presented by Werlin after Impossible. With really high expectations to be fulfilled, Extraordinary combines a real touch in between a fairy tale. The story is narrated from Phoebe’s point of view and in third person where the reader has the opportunity to see which crucial factor plays the Fairy Kingdom in Phoebe’s life. Phoebe’s life is normally according to her circumstances until the day she meets Mallory, who turns into her best friend and a little ahead when she meets Ryland, Mallory’s “brother”. There’s something special that makes impeccable the way Werlin writes and Extraordinary is not the exception. However, the story lacks the element that made Impossible a masterpiece. My taste and tolerance for dysfunctional relationships in real life as in literature is not my favorite cup of tea and in this presentation, the topic is rich. Phoebe’s relationship with Mallory is built based on lies, Mallory’s relationship with her “human mother” is so dishonest or even worse the one she has with Phoebe and on top of that issue Patch’s twin brother from Hush Hush AKA Ryland makes his appearance. Ryland and Mallory make everything possible to break down the spirit of an innocent girl for their own benefit and it’s disgusting to see how much they mutilate the girl. The only character that has likable qualities was Banjamin and it was not quite enough to carry the story’s weight. At the end, there’s remorse and a message that, to my understanding, lacks deepness, but what’s quite worse is how much a human being can tolerate before developing character and love their selves for what their qualities already are; ordinary or extraordinary. Extraordinary, a great writing technique with a story platform Impossible to love, at least for me.
January 26, 2016
I would imagine it is extremely difficult for an author to write a book following great success from their previous work. The attempt to live up to the hype can only be a daunting task to undertake. As a reader it is hard to set the previous book(s) aside and only form opinions of the new rather than focus on comparing the old and new.
I found myself doing just that with Extraordinary, comparing it to Nancy Werlin’s previous work of greatness, Impossible. For a good deal of the book I didn’t like Extraordinary. I kept whining mentally, “Oh I want it to be like Impossible! Why can’t it be great like that was?” I know it was unfair of me. I finally, midway through, had to tell myself to shut up and look for the good in it, let it stand on its own. Lucky for me it did grow to be better than I first let it be. Although I felt, certain portions of the book should have been more entertaining.
On Phoebe’s first day of seventh grade she decides to leave behind her friends (snobby and mean) for the strange and intriguing (a.k.a. social outcast) Mallory. Fast forward a few years and Mallory and Phoebe are as close as sisters. Then Mallory’s brother comes back and strange things start to come to light about who and what Mallory and her brother are doing there.
Phoebe’s relationship with Mallory was odd to me at various times. I wasn’t sure of the undertones I was picking up throughout. At times it was hard to believe certain character’s behavior, Phoebe and her parents especially. It was fairly gag worthy to read how Phoebe abandoned herself to Mallory’s brother, but on the other hand Werlin did a good job writing these scenes, very convincing.
In the end you come to realize that you have to make hard choices and sacrifices for the people you love. Phoebe grows up by the end of the book and really learns what it is to be truly extraordinary even when everyone is telling you aren’t and can’t be.
The last half of the book was definitely worth sticking with it.
I found myself doing just that with Extraordinary, comparing it to Nancy Werlin’s previous work of greatness, Impossible. For a good deal of the book I didn’t like Extraordinary. I kept whining mentally, “Oh I want it to be like Impossible! Why can’t it be great like that was?” I know it was unfair of me. I finally, midway through, had to tell myself to shut up and look for the good in it, let it stand on its own. Lucky for me it did grow to be better than I first let it be. Although I felt, certain portions of the book should have been more entertaining.
On Phoebe’s first day of seventh grade she decides to leave behind her friends (snobby and mean) for the strange and intriguing (a.k.a. social outcast) Mallory. Fast forward a few years and Mallory and Phoebe are as close as sisters. Then Mallory’s brother comes back and strange things start to come to light about who and what Mallory and her brother are doing there.
Phoebe’s relationship with Mallory was odd to me at various times. I wasn’t sure of the undertones I was picking up throughout. At times it was hard to believe certain character’s behavior, Phoebe and her parents especially. It was fairly gag worthy to read how Phoebe abandoned herself to Mallory’s brother, but on the other hand Werlin did a good job writing these scenes, very convincing.
In the end you come to realize that you have to make hard choices and sacrifices for the people you love. Phoebe grows up by the end of the book and really learns what it is to be truly extraordinary even when everyone is telling you aren’t and can’t be.
The last half of the book was definitely worth sticking with it.
April 13, 2017
Who knew extraordinary could be so boring?
I had no idea what this was going in. I haven't read anything else from this author so I can't attest to whether this is normal for her or not. All I can say was that I picked this up expecting a contemporary novel.
Instead.... well, instead I got a novel with a whole lot of build up and very little pay off. Phoebe is supposed to be strong, but I never got that--she was easily swayed by people's opinions of her, and she would rather forgo her own beliefs to appease her "friends". She readily admits she doesn't live up to her mother's reputation, but makes absolutely zero effort to even try. I get it, you may not be a financial guru like your mom; maybe you can be a zoologist--an animal whisperer! Maybe you go into medicine! Do SOMETHING--don't just whine about how uninteresting you are and then do nothing. It's idiotic.
Plus there's no way in hell she was 18. I have never met an 18 year old who was SO NAIVE about every fucking thing. She still thinks sex is icky. She's never been kissed by a boy. She has no clue how to flirt or basically just be in the company of a boy. She isn't described as having anxiety, so what's her excuse? She was just a perpetual victim and it drove me insane. GROW A SPINE, WOMAN.
The only good thing I'll say: I'm glad that her "relationship" with Ryland (who's supposed to be 24--HA) was extremely unhealthy, and it was portrayed as such. I'm so tired of YA showing that girls are meant to take emotional abuse. In this case she takes a lot of abuse, but at least she recognizes in the end that that is not how a relationship should be.
I had no idea what this was going in. I haven't read anything else from this author so I can't attest to whether this is normal for her or not. All I can say was that I picked this up expecting a contemporary novel.
Instead.... well, instead I got a novel with a whole lot of build up and very little pay off. Phoebe is supposed to be strong, but I never got that--she was easily swayed by people's opinions of her, and she would rather forgo her own beliefs to appease her "friends". She readily admits she doesn't live up to her mother's reputation, but makes absolutely zero effort to even try. I get it, you may not be a financial guru like your mom; maybe you can be a zoologist--an animal whisperer! Maybe you go into medicine! Do SOMETHING--don't just whine about how uninteresting you are and then do nothing. It's idiotic.
Plus there's no way in hell she was 18. I have never met an 18 year old who was SO NAIVE about every fucking thing. She still thinks sex is icky. She's never been kissed by a boy. She has no clue how to flirt or basically just be in the company of a boy. She isn't described as having anxiety, so what's her excuse? She was just a perpetual victim and it drove me insane. GROW A SPINE, WOMAN.
The only good thing I'll say: I'm glad that her "relationship" with Ryland (who's supposed to be 24--HA) was extremely unhealthy, and it was portrayed as such. I'm so tired of YA showing that girls are meant to take emotional abuse. In this case she takes a lot of abuse, but at least she recognizes in the end that that is not how a relationship should be.
November 2, 2010
Here we have a girl who is rich and nice. And for some reason Faeries want to force this girl, Phoebe, into saying that she is ordinary. You figure out why pretty quick but just in case you don't I won't say anything. They use all means necessary to push her down. The plot was unique and Werlin's take on faeries is different from what I've heard before. I liked the part of the book that took place in the faerie world. That is the world of the faeries not really the faeries themselves. I don't like Phoebe’s friend Mallory either.
The first half of the book is when the faeries keep putting Phoebe down. That wasn't really a very good part but there are a few moments when she displays true strength so in general is wasn’t so bad. Her relationship with her mother really made up for some of the other stuff that wasn't so enjoyable.
Phoebe’s relationship with her boyfriend is the definition of unhealthy. I'm pretty sure I would've hyperventilated if I sighed in exasperation every time I got frustrated with her. Every time she thought about him or was with him was annoying. It's not really her fault though so it was understandable.
The end was overall good and I liked it, but there were a few things that didn't sit right with me. Like her final decision was perplexing; it made sense mostly but not completely. The conversations she has with the faeiries seem stunted. I couldn't follow Phoebe’s thoughts that well so I couldn't understand her.
In any case I liked the message of the book and the story wasn't half bad so it's a three star for me.
The first half of the book is when the faeries keep putting Phoebe down. That wasn't really a very good part but there are a few moments when she displays true strength so in general is wasn’t so bad. Her relationship with her mother really made up for some of the other stuff that wasn't so enjoyable.
Phoebe’s relationship with her boyfriend is the definition of unhealthy. I'm pretty sure I would've hyperventilated if I sighed in exasperation every time I got frustrated with her. Every time she thought about him or was with him was annoying. It's not really her fault though so it was understandable.
The end was overall good and I liked it, but there were a few things that didn't sit right with me. Like her final decision was perplexing; it made sense mostly but not completely. The conversations she has with the faeiries seem stunted. I couldn't follow Phoebe’s thoughts that well so I couldn't understand her.
In any case I liked the message of the book and the story wasn't half bad so it's a three star for me.
October 30, 2010
This is a decent work of teen fantasy fiction. Coming of age, learning one's self worth, dealing with relationships, finding your own path and facing life and death choices. All this stuff works well with the addition of a Faerie bargain. I found the biggest difficulty I had with this story was that I thought it surprising that Faerie could be so affected by what seems a minor set of events. I won't go into details here but that was my biggest concern and questioning of the whole book. I think those who enjoyed Impossible will find this one similarly enjoyable, though the book takes some twists and turns that may not be expected.
November 13, 2015
I can't decide between 4 stars and 5 so I guess it has to be 4 and a half. At first I was annoyed by Feeble (Phoebe) as she was so easily taken in or glamoured by the fairies. But she got stronger and stronger as the book neared the end. I just finished it so thinking about it still.
August 4, 2010
Riveting and...extraordinary. Beautifully paced. Left me satisfied yet yearning for more. I always enjoy Nancy's books, but this is my favorite of all.
December 8, 2012
I remember feeling enthralled by Werlin's Impossible, and I'd hoped this book would give me the same feeling.
Nope. Not even close.
I found Extraordinary to be very poorly written. There was no tension, no suspense. We knew every detail from the beginning, thanks to the "conversations with the faerie queen" that were not only unnecessary, but frustratingly rendered. The dialogue was choppy, flat, and irritating. It's not a spoiler to say, "Oh, Mallory is manipulating Phoebe!" because we're told so, blatantly, on the first page. Any bit of information was wrung out in those sections. It was condescending. It made me feel stupid. It was like somebody took my hand and said, "Okay, now, this story is going to somewhat involve a faerie realm! You only know this world, the world of reality, so I'd better lead you through everything just in case you don't understand or get confused or have the slightest bit of trouble."
Werlin's depiction of seventh graders is laughable. For example, no seventh grader says, "Because, frankly?" Try "honestly" or "seriously." Phoebe's seventh-grade thoughts are incredibly self-aware. Her reasoning is that of an adult or at the very least a high schooler, not a child. However, Werlin's portrayal of adults in the novel is equally poor. Phoebe is supposed to have a huge revelation over her mother's love for her. Yet, she spends the entire novel calling her mother by her first name, Catherine, for no apparent reason. That is, when adults are even present in the story, which only happens when it's convenient for Phoebe.
Whoever wrote the summary clearly tried to give this book a Twilight-esque appeal, with a dangerous, forbidden, supernatural love. In actuality, Ryland's manipulation is boring, not thrilling. I mean, it's not supposed to be thrilling. It's supposed to be wrong and awful, but when we know he's manipulating her, that wrongness is flattened, made meaningless. We don't feel outrage or even pity--feelings that give us a righteous thrill, that make us and keep us invested. We just don't care. I didn't really care about Phoebe--I couldn't reconcile the inconsistencies in her character enough to make her thought process seem reasonable. But again, as is all too common these days, we can blame that on the *SUPERNATURAL.* All poor character development is forgiven because there was magic involved. Of course.
And in the end, when I learned Werlin took her inspiration from Maguire's Wicked and, more importantly, from the song "For Good"? I was astonished, and then angry--coming from those two sources of inspiration, this story could have been really good. But because Werlin had made it REALLY CLEAR from the get-go that Mallory wasn't being a genuine friend, all of that possibility was lost. It was as though Werlin thought she didn't actually have to build a relationship between Mallory and Phoebe. She didn't leave any room for true conflict or forgiveness or friendship. Saying (paraphrased), "Mallory was the sister Phoebe never had" doesn't make it their friendship automatically close or even real. It just makes it empty, something Phoebe wanted but ultimately never really earned. At least, not within the pages of this book.
There's a nice sentiment in saying, "Everyone has the capability to be extraordinary." It's true. But it's a pity we had to sort through a mess of a novel to get there.
Nope. Not even close.
I found Extraordinary to be very poorly written. There was no tension, no suspense. We knew every detail from the beginning, thanks to the "conversations with the faerie queen" that were not only unnecessary, but frustratingly rendered. The dialogue was choppy, flat, and irritating. It's not a spoiler to say, "Oh, Mallory is manipulating Phoebe!" because we're told so, blatantly, on the first page. Any bit of information was wrung out in those sections. It was condescending. It made me feel stupid. It was like somebody took my hand and said, "Okay, now, this story is going to somewhat involve a faerie realm! You only know this world, the world of reality, so I'd better lead you through everything just in case you don't understand or get confused or have the slightest bit of trouble."
Werlin's depiction of seventh graders is laughable. For example, no seventh grader says, "Because, frankly?" Try "honestly" or "seriously." Phoebe's seventh-grade thoughts are incredibly self-aware. Her reasoning is that of an adult or at the very least a high schooler, not a child. However, Werlin's portrayal of adults in the novel is equally poor. Phoebe is supposed to have a huge revelation over her mother's love for her. Yet, she spends the entire novel calling her mother by her first name, Catherine, for no apparent reason. That is, when adults are even present in the story, which only happens when it's convenient for Phoebe.
Whoever wrote the summary clearly tried to give this book a Twilight-esque appeal, with a dangerous, forbidden, supernatural love. In actuality, Ryland's manipulation is boring, not thrilling. I mean, it's not supposed to be thrilling. It's supposed to be wrong and awful, but when we know he's manipulating her, that wrongness is flattened, made meaningless. We don't feel outrage or even pity--feelings that give us a righteous thrill, that make us and keep us invested. We just don't care. I didn't really care about Phoebe--I couldn't reconcile the inconsistencies in her character enough to make her thought process seem reasonable. But again, as is all too common these days, we can blame that on the *SUPERNATURAL.* All poor character development is forgiven because there was magic involved. Of course.
And in the end, when I learned Werlin took her inspiration from Maguire's Wicked and, more importantly, from the song "For Good"? I was astonished, and then angry--coming from those two sources of inspiration, this story could have been really good. But because Werlin had made it REALLY CLEAR from the get-go that Mallory wasn't being a genuine friend, all of that possibility was lost. It was as though Werlin thought she didn't actually have to build a relationship between Mallory and Phoebe. She didn't leave any room for true conflict or forgiveness or friendship. Saying (paraphrased), "Mallory was the sister Phoebe never had" doesn't make it their friendship automatically close or even real. It just makes it empty, something Phoebe wanted but ultimately never really earned. At least, not within the pages of this book.
There's a nice sentiment in saying, "Everyone has the capability to be extraordinary." It's true. But it's a pity we had to sort through a mess of a novel to get there.
September 8, 2010
I enjoyed Extraordinary and it was a fun read, but there were some elements that were disappointing in this novel. I was not completely satisfied with the way some of the events, particularly towards the beginning and the end, played out, as things took a long time to get moving, and I was somewhat let down by the ending.
While I found the novel to be beautifully written and intriguing, I also found it somewhat predictable. And Phoebe, the main character, actually got on my nerves for quite a while. Part of the problem may be me as I prefer my characters to be stronger and Phoebe was somewhat timid and had little self-esteem, which her two so-called friends Mallory and Ryland took great pains to destroy even further. There were times when I just wanted to shake her and give her a backbone so she didn't capitulate all the time. I really liked Mallory as a character and would have loved to know more about her, but she kind of faded in and out of the novel as Ryland made his appearance and I was disappointed by that. She was fascinating and you could see the human development in her personality, something I would have loved to explore more fully. Ryland however, made me sick and I was disgusted by some of the scenes he and Phoebe had together. It had classic signs of emotional abuse, very scary. I am really glad the sexual scenes were glossed over and not elaborated on as they would have made me ill. I realize this was probably the author's intention, but it is still not easy to watch a character being manipulated like that.
Part of the problem I had with the novel is the cruelty towards Phoebe. Even though she had some help from the faeries towards the end, I was disappointed that no one else rushed to her aid, despite everything she suffered at their hands. And for Phoebe to be so forgiving...all I can say is she has a much better moral character than I do as I'm pretty sure I would find it difficult to accept and forgive if a 'so-called' friend did some of the things to me that happened to Phoebe.
The novel itself was beautifully written and explored some philosophical and psychological issues of ordinary versus extraordinary that I particularly liked, how in moments of need any ordinary person can become extraordinary, so there is really no ordinary person in the world. There were also undertones of emotional abuse and self-esteem issues that could be explored more fully in discussion groups. Issues of healthy friendships and healthy relationships were also woven throughout the novel.
Although it may not sound like it, I truly did enjoy the novel Extraordinary. I loved Impossible, and maybe that is also the problem as I don't feel this novel came close to that novel and I couldn't help but compare the two of them. Whatever the case may be, I am looking forward to reading more novels by this author as I love her writing style and can't wait to see what else she can do. I enjoy the world of the faeries and look forward to revisiting their world once again
While I found the novel to be beautifully written and intriguing, I also found it somewhat predictable. And Phoebe, the main character, actually got on my nerves for quite a while. Part of the problem may be me as I prefer my characters to be stronger and Phoebe was somewhat timid and had little self-esteem, which her two so-called friends Mallory and Ryland took great pains to destroy even further. There were times when I just wanted to shake her and give her a backbone so she didn't capitulate all the time. I really liked Mallory as a character and would have loved to know more about her, but she kind of faded in and out of the novel as Ryland made his appearance and I was disappointed by that. She was fascinating and you could see the human development in her personality, something I would have loved to explore more fully. Ryland however, made me sick and I was disgusted by some of the scenes he and Phoebe had together. It had classic signs of emotional abuse, very scary. I am really glad the sexual scenes were glossed over and not elaborated on as they would have made me ill. I realize this was probably the author's intention, but it is still not easy to watch a character being manipulated like that.
Part of the problem I had with the novel is the cruelty towards Phoebe. Even though she had some help from the faeries towards the end, I was disappointed that no one else rushed to her aid, despite everything she suffered at their hands. And for Phoebe to be so forgiving...all I can say is she has a much better moral character than I do as I'm pretty sure I would find it difficult to accept and forgive if a 'so-called' friend did some of the things to me that happened to Phoebe.
The novel itself was beautifully written and explored some philosophical and psychological issues of ordinary versus extraordinary that I particularly liked, how in moments of need any ordinary person can become extraordinary, so there is really no ordinary person in the world. There were also undertones of emotional abuse and self-esteem issues that could be explored more fully in discussion groups. Issues of healthy friendships and healthy relationships were also woven throughout the novel.
Although it may not sound like it, I truly did enjoy the novel Extraordinary. I loved Impossible, and maybe that is also the problem as I don't feel this novel came close to that novel and I couldn't help but compare the two of them. Whatever the case may be, I am looking forward to reading more novels by this author as I love her writing style and can't wait to see what else she can do. I enjoy the world of the faeries and look forward to revisiting their world once again
December 16, 2012
Nancy Werlin's "Impossible"--another modern fairy tale--was actually pretty good. It had more of a bite to it than the average YA fairy story, though it ended up going soft at the end. I remember thinking that while the story was interesting enough, Werlin's writing was a little awkward. She encounters the same issues with "Extraordinary", though without "Impossible"'s eye-catching premise.
At the end of the day, "Extraordinary" is the story of one average girl's journey to discovering that she is--gasp!--not so ordinary in more ways than one. She's essentially prepared for something--we don't know what--as a sort of fatted calf, watched for years by a faerie, "Mallory". (I hate that spelling of fairy, by the way. No matter how accurate it may or may not be.)
Here are the tale's good points:
Mallory ends up being kind of sucky at her job--too attached to the humans and all that--so her brother Ryland is sent in to finish the job. Ryland's relationship with Phoebe is highly abusive, and Werlin doesn't try to cloak it with romance in the least. In fact, the story is much more about Mallory and Phoebe's relationship than anything else. Which is GREAT. Lady friendships for the win! However, the whole thing is almost undone by a tacked-on love interest who had all of ten pages' worth of "screentime".
Again, Mallory and Phoebe's relationship--and a cool backstory involving real-life figure Mayer Rothschild--is really the best part of the book. It's what you read for. Mallory herself is also really a good little scene-stealer.
As for everything else...
Phoebe is, unfortunately, quite an ordinary YA protagonist in that she's super special, but we never really know how. She becomes progressively more annoying as the book goes on, which is partially not her fault... But even when she's under Ryland's spell, I can't help but wonder if Werlin could have made her a bit more bearable.
Also, there's this really weird instance where she calls out a fairy tale for its anti-Semitic message, and... I just felt like Werlin was trying to make sure that she herself didn't get called out for anti-Semitism? It was totally out of place.
The dialogue was also really awkward a lot of the time, particularly when the fairies are conversing with one another/the girls are younger. It just doesn't it. And Phoebe does a lot of internalizing, which, realistic as it may be, doesn't make for a great book. There are hardly any interactions for us to see.
The Ryland/Phoebe relationship is another puzzle. I as a reader would have gotten why Phoebe stuck with him for as long as she did if there had been some tangible, non-magical reason for Phoebe to like him. There wasn't.
So: yeah, good effort here. However, it all comes across as a somewhat poorly-developed version of a good idea.
At the end of the day, "Extraordinary" is the story of one average girl's journey to discovering that she is--gasp!--not so ordinary in more ways than one. She's essentially prepared for something--we don't know what--as a sort of fatted calf, watched for years by a faerie, "Mallory". (I hate that spelling of fairy, by the way. No matter how accurate it may or may not be.)
Here are the tale's good points:
Mallory ends up being kind of sucky at her job--too attached to the humans and all that--so her brother Ryland is sent in to finish the job. Ryland's relationship with Phoebe is highly abusive, and Werlin doesn't try to cloak it with romance in the least. In fact, the story is much more about Mallory and Phoebe's relationship than anything else. Which is GREAT. Lady friendships for the win! However, the whole thing is almost undone by a tacked-on love interest who had all of ten pages' worth of "screentime".
Again, Mallory and Phoebe's relationship--and a cool backstory involving real-life figure Mayer Rothschild--is really the best part of the book. It's what you read for. Mallory herself is also really a good little scene-stealer.
As for everything else...
Phoebe is, unfortunately, quite an ordinary YA protagonist in that she's super special, but we never really know how. She becomes progressively more annoying as the book goes on, which is partially not her fault... But even when she's under Ryland's spell, I can't help but wonder if Werlin could have made her a bit more bearable.
Also, there's this really weird instance where she calls out a fairy tale for its anti-Semitic message, and... I just felt like Werlin was trying to make sure that she herself didn't get called out for anti-Semitism? It was totally out of place.
The dialogue was also really awkward a lot of the time, particularly when the fairies are conversing with one another/the girls are younger. It just doesn't it. And Phoebe does a lot of internalizing, which, realistic as it may be, doesn't make for a great book. There are hardly any interactions for us to see.
The Ryland/Phoebe relationship is another puzzle. I as a reader would have gotten why Phoebe stuck with him for as long as she did if there had been some tangible, non-magical reason for Phoebe to like him. There wasn't.
So: yeah, good effort here. However, it all comes across as a somewhat poorly-developed version of a good idea.
September 11, 2010
http://www.theunreadreader.com/2010/0...
This has to be the oddest book I've read all year. Not only were the characters and setting strange, the writing style was also odd. What was with all the incomplete sentences and the repeating of words and phrases?! It was both not enough and too much at the same time, which as perplexing as it may sound, just left me unsure about my opinion regarding this book.
The story opens with Phoebe and Mallory in seventh grade. Mallory, the new girl, has worn a cheap fairy Halloween custom to school with nothing underneath, and her classmates make fun of her. Naturally, Phoebe, a girl from a very privileged background, examines Mallory and sees an opportunity to leave her superficial friends behind by befriending the strangely dressed new girl.
Four years later, the girls are inseparable. Phoebe and her parents have done a lot for Mallory and her mentally unstable mother. All seems to be going well until Mallory reveals that she has a brother, Ryland, who is coming to live with her and her mother. Phoebe is shocked. In all the time they have been friends, Mallory has never mentioned a brother. Soon after he arrives, Phoebe finds herself attracted to him and wanting to please him.
From there, the story takes a very expected turn when Phoebe discovers that Mallory and Ryland are faeries, and have been sent to convince Phoebe that she is not extraordinary in any way because the Faerie realm is dying, and they need a sacrifice. They want Phoebe to be that sacrifice. But can Phoebe give up her ordinary life to save a whole race?
I know the story was supposed to be about Phoebe and her finding her own way to be special, but that is not what kept me interested in the story. I was more interested in Mallory. She was an awkward character, but it worked in her favor because she was not human, but she was living as one. So I found myself feeling hopeful for her and wondering if she would find a place to fit in.
The story wasn't at all confusing, but I did feel like I was in a fog while reading it. The sections titled, Conversation with the Faerie Queen, which weren't exactly story chapters, but small exerts thrust into the story in between chapters, were completely annoying and totally unnecessary. They reveled the whole plot and left with nothing to guess at. Needless to say, it created an unstimulating reading experience.
Unfortunately, Extraordinary fails to be an extraordinary novel. Nothing you need to own, but probably an okay library find. I wish I could say more, but I'm at a loss.
This has to be the oddest book I've read all year. Not only were the characters and setting strange, the writing style was also odd. What was with all the incomplete sentences and the repeating of words and phrases?! It was both not enough and too much at the same time, which as perplexing as it may sound, just left me unsure about my opinion regarding this book.
The story opens with Phoebe and Mallory in seventh grade. Mallory, the new girl, has worn a cheap fairy Halloween custom to school with nothing underneath, and her classmates make fun of her. Naturally, Phoebe, a girl from a very privileged background, examines Mallory and sees an opportunity to leave her superficial friends behind by befriending the strangely dressed new girl.
Four years later, the girls are inseparable. Phoebe and her parents have done a lot for Mallory and her mentally unstable mother. All seems to be going well until Mallory reveals that she has a brother, Ryland, who is coming to live with her and her mother. Phoebe is shocked. In all the time they have been friends, Mallory has never mentioned a brother. Soon after he arrives, Phoebe finds herself attracted to him and wanting to please him.
From there, the story takes a very expected turn when Phoebe discovers that Mallory and Ryland are faeries, and have been sent to convince Phoebe that she is not extraordinary in any way because the Faerie realm is dying, and they need a sacrifice. They want Phoebe to be that sacrifice. But can Phoebe give up her ordinary life to save a whole race?
I know the story was supposed to be about Phoebe and her finding her own way to be special, but that is not what kept me interested in the story. I was more interested in Mallory. She was an awkward character, but it worked in her favor because she was not human, but she was living as one. So I found myself feeling hopeful for her and wondering if she would find a place to fit in.
The story wasn't at all confusing, but I did feel like I was in a fog while reading it. The sections titled, Conversation with the Faerie Queen, which weren't exactly story chapters, but small exerts thrust into the story in between chapters, were completely annoying and totally unnecessary. They reveled the whole plot and left with nothing to guess at. Needless to say, it created an unstimulating reading experience.
Unfortunately, Extraordinary fails to be an extraordinary novel. Nothing you need to own, but probably an okay library find. I wish I could say more, but I'm at a loss.
May 1, 2011
2.5
A lot of what I said n my review of Impossible applies to Extraordinary, too, but my reaction was unfortunately less pleased overall. The odd juvenile streak I saw in Impossible became an actual tendency in Werlin's writing in this. There were times when it felt very young - not in content but in execution - and I hate to say it, but almost amateurish.
Don't get me wrong, there were parts I absolutely loved, and I think there are going to be a lot of people, many of them teen girls, who are going to connect with this book. And there was a very dark streak that I liked and was prepared to explore. But part of me felt like Werlin was holding back a little, and part of me felt like the story wasn't her story, but was a means to make a point. This caused a whole mess of problems for me, in that to get where she wanted to go, things would happen that were silly or happened in a silly way, and a lot of explanation was put into people's mouths. [I hate this] These two traits, this way of telling the story and trying to move it forward, and using and changing Phoebe to do it, felt unnatural and is what ultimately gave me that amateurish feel.
What was weird - and I noticed this in Impossible, too - is that parts would be really strong and unflinching, and then something would come along that didn't gel and halted me in my tracks. It was like something someone would write in your HS English class, when they have a point and they know where they're going, but they don't know how to get there, so they fake it hoping to make it. There was so much potential to finesse a great story out of this, but it just didn't happen for me.
And I think (but I could be wrong) that I've figured out why this is. From the way Nancy goes along with a very dark, adult tale, and then throws in explanations and juvenile-ness, I think maybe she doubts her audience (or her editor does). It feels like someone flicks a switch and says "This is too dark, this is too hard to handle, this is too mature, this is too ______" and so she throws in something to explain or lighten or make convenient for a reader - but all it really accomplishes is undoing the work she's done and taking what could be a great, albeit dark and challenging, story and turn it into something laced with second-guessing.
That being said, I think she is talented and would read her again, and I read an ARC, so the problems I had could have been fixed or lessened in the final version.
A lot of what I said n my review of Impossible applies to Extraordinary, too, but my reaction was unfortunately less pleased overall. The odd juvenile streak I saw in Impossible became an actual tendency in Werlin's writing in this. There were times when it felt very young - not in content but in execution - and I hate to say it, but almost amateurish.
Don't get me wrong, there were parts I absolutely loved, and I think there are going to be a lot of people, many of them teen girls, who are going to connect with this book. And there was a very dark streak that I liked and was prepared to explore. But part of me felt like Werlin was holding back a little, and part of me felt like the story wasn't her story, but was a means to make a point. This caused a whole mess of problems for me, in that to get where she wanted to go, things would happen that were silly or happened in a silly way, and a lot of explanation was put into people's mouths. [I hate this] These two traits, this way of telling the story and trying to move it forward, and using and changing Phoebe to do it, felt unnatural and is what ultimately gave me that amateurish feel.
What was weird - and I noticed this in Impossible, too - is that parts would be really strong and unflinching, and then something would come along that didn't gel and halted me in my tracks. It was like something someone would write in your HS English class, when they have a point and they know where they're going, but they don't know how to get there, so they fake it hoping to make it. There was so much potential to finesse a great story out of this, but it just didn't happen for me.
And I think (but I could be wrong) that I've figured out why this is. From the way Nancy goes along with a very dark, adult tale, and then throws in explanations and juvenile-ness, I think maybe she doubts her audience (or her editor does). It feels like someone flicks a switch and says "This is too dark, this is too hard to handle, this is too mature, this is too ______" and so she throws in something to explain or lighten or make convenient for a reader - but all it really accomplishes is undoing the work she's done and taking what could be a great, albeit dark and challenging, story and turn it into something laced with second-guessing.
That being said, I think she is talented and would read her again, and I read an ARC, so the problems I had could have been fixed or lessened in the final version.
November 22, 2011
After reading Nancy Werlin’s book Impossible, I was immediately enthralled by her writing. She writes in this really magical way that feels like you’re being hypnotized or something. And since faeries are one of my favorite topics, I was so eager to read Extraordinary.
The premise of this book was simple and yet so mysterious, but I liked that about Extraordinary. I also like the way Werlin envisioned her faeries to be as actual “faeries”; meaning conniving, cruel, mischievous creatures that they’re known to be. Not the ones who go all “head-over-heels in love and defy the whole faerie law for a human” kind. Not that I don’t like those kinds of stories, it’s just that I like the new intake of a different side of it.
But what I don’t like about this book is the highlight of it all, the Climax. Oh dear! All the manipulation and effort to get Phoebe to do what they want her to do just wasn’t what I expected. After all the mystery building up on each chapter it was kind of underwhelming.
I specifically remember my reaction over it. I was reading the part where they revealed what she had to do and so when I found out, I went like… “Wait…that was it?”
Of course I know there’s a deeper meaning to what the faeries wanted her to do but, really? It just threw away all the beauty of the other parts of the book.
The near ending also bothered me, faeries are known for their cleverness and I really didn’t appreciate the fact that there was another option they could use to save their kin and yet their queen only figured it out at the last second. I mean c’mon! Didn’t they think that it would’ve saved them all the trouble they went through if they just thought of that in the beginning? I just wish they would’ve at least gave it some thought as another option if the first option didn’t work, you know like forming a plan B when plan A is thought off to fail at some point. Sheesh!
Overall I think Extraordinary wasn’t so bad but not exactly an outstanding book. I’m just really bothered by climax but all the other parts were good and sweet. It also teaches teens to see the light in who they are. If they feel that they’re plain and just ordinary, there are people in their lives that see them as something more than how they perceive themselves, genuine and beautiful and most of all…loved.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com
The premise of this book was simple and yet so mysterious, but I liked that about Extraordinary. I also like the way Werlin envisioned her faeries to be as actual “faeries”; meaning conniving, cruel, mischievous creatures that they’re known to be. Not the ones who go all “head-over-heels in love and defy the whole faerie law for a human” kind. Not that I don’t like those kinds of stories, it’s just that I like the new intake of a different side of it.
But what I don’t like about this book is the highlight of it all, the Climax. Oh dear! All the manipulation and effort to get Phoebe to do what they want her to do just wasn’t what I expected. After all the mystery building up on each chapter it was kind of underwhelming.
I specifically remember my reaction over it. I was reading the part where they revealed what she had to do and so when I found out, I went like… “Wait…that was it?”
Of course I know there’s a deeper meaning to what the faeries wanted her to do but, really? It just threw away all the beauty of the other parts of the book.
The near ending also bothered me, faeries are known for their cleverness and I really didn’t appreciate the fact that there was another option they could use to save their kin and yet their queen only figured it out at the last second. I mean c’mon! Didn’t they think that it would’ve saved them all the trouble they went through if they just thought of that in the beginning? I just wish they would’ve at least gave it some thought as another option if the first option didn’t work, you know like forming a plan B when plan A is thought off to fail at some point. Sheesh!
Overall I think Extraordinary wasn’t so bad but not exactly an outstanding book. I’m just really bothered by climax but all the other parts were good and sweet. It also teaches teens to see the light in who they are. If they feel that they’re plain and just ordinary, there are people in their lives that see them as something more than how they perceive themselves, genuine and beautiful and most of all…loved.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com
August 28, 2010
Things I learned from Extraordinary:
*Never trust a pretty boy
*Befriend the weird girl
*Love your mom
*Never, EVER, under any circumstance, bargain with a Faerie Queen.
You've read the synopsis, right? So you know that this book is about a girl named Phoebe. She's a Rothschild, a family filled with extraordinary individuals. No, they don't have superpowers, but they're all successful in one way or another. It seems like everyone, starting with her ancestor Mayor Rothschild, to her mother have accomplished something amazing during their lives. Sadly, Phoebe feels awkward. She's just normal Phoebe. Nothing extraordinary about her.
In seventh grade, Phoebe decides to befriend the new weird girl. Mallory has always been strange, but it's part of her allure. Besides, every other girl seems to want something from Phoebe. Mallory seems to want nothing but Phoebe's friendship. Maybe Mallory will end up being like the sister Phoebe has never had.
Fast forward 10 years. It's high school and the girls are the best of friends. Then, out of the blue, Mallory's brother (the one she's never mentioned) has shown up. There's something about Ryland that drawns Phoebe to him. He even has her keeping secrets and lying to Mallory. What Phoebe doesn't know is, Ryland and Mallory are both faeries, and the Rothschilds have an age old debt they must pay. Specifically, a debt that Phoebe must pay. And the fey always collect their debts.
One of the interesting thingz about this book is the way it switches POVs. One minute, you have Phoebe and her world. The next, you have coversations with the Faerie Queen. Those were probably my favorite. While the fey are cruel, it was just interesting to see what was going on with them.
I found the pacing to be a slow at times, but still thought the story itself to be intriguing. While it's not my favorite read, I still enjoyed the originality and character developement. It was fun to see Phoebe and Mallory grow from seventh grade kids to teens.
*Never trust a pretty boy
*Befriend the weird girl
*Love your mom
*Never, EVER, under any circumstance, bargain with a Faerie Queen.
You've read the synopsis, right? So you know that this book is about a girl named Phoebe. She's a Rothschild, a family filled with extraordinary individuals. No, they don't have superpowers, but they're all successful in one way or another. It seems like everyone, starting with her ancestor Mayor Rothschild, to her mother have accomplished something amazing during their lives. Sadly, Phoebe feels awkward. She's just normal Phoebe. Nothing extraordinary about her.
In seventh grade, Phoebe decides to befriend the new weird girl. Mallory has always been strange, but it's part of her allure. Besides, every other girl seems to want something from Phoebe. Mallory seems to want nothing but Phoebe's friendship. Maybe Mallory will end up being like the sister Phoebe has never had.
Fast forward 10 years. It's high school and the girls are the best of friends. Then, out of the blue, Mallory's brother (the one she's never mentioned) has shown up. There's something about Ryland that drawns Phoebe to him. He even has her keeping secrets and lying to Mallory. What Phoebe doesn't know is, Ryland and Mallory are both faeries, and the Rothschilds have an age old debt they must pay. Specifically, a debt that Phoebe must pay. And the fey always collect their debts.
One of the interesting thingz about this book is the way it switches POVs. One minute, you have Phoebe and her world. The next, you have coversations with the Faerie Queen. Those were probably my favorite. While the fey are cruel, it was just interesting to see what was going on with them.
I found the pacing to be a slow at times, but still thought the story itself to be intriguing. While it's not my favorite read, I still enjoyed the originality and character developement. It was fun to see Phoebe and Mallory grow from seventh grade kids to teens.
March 21, 2011
At first I didn't really have high expectations for this book because many other people didn't seem to like it, but I disagree with them. Nancy Werlin has amazed me once again. This book didn't top Werlin's other best seller, Impossible, but it came somewhat close. This book mainly focuses on the friendship between Phoebe and Mallory. There are so many deep meanings within this book I don't even know where to begin. The title itself has everything to do with the story. I think that everyone is ordinary and extraordinary. It just takes some digging deep down to realize that you are extraordinary just the way you are. There is also meaning that a best friend will do ANYTHING for you if they really love each other. A true friend never betrays you. I also loved that as Nancy Werlin did with Impossible where she created an entire story from a song, in Extraordinary, she created this story from a historical family. Her stories really make you wonder why a song was created or why a family has so much power.
I really liked the character of Phoebe. She was mature at times and the only reason she wasn't is because of something magical. I also liked Mallory until I realized what the whole reason for her existence was, but in all I liked her a lot. It is definitely not hard to figure out who the best boy character was in this book who doesn't really appear until the middle, but I'm not giving anything away!
In all, this book captures what a true friendship should be like. It shows that even though experiences in life can knock you down to your lowest point, there will always be someone there for you.
I really liked the character of Phoebe. She was mature at times and the only reason she wasn't is because of something magical. I also liked Mallory until I realized what the whole reason for her existence was, but in all I liked her a lot. It is definitely not hard to figure out who the best boy character was in this book who doesn't really appear until the middle, but I'm not giving anything away!
In all, this book captures what a true friendship should be like. It shows that even though experiences in life can knock you down to your lowest point, there will always be someone there for you.
February 13, 2018
I feel that the storyline of this book was so weak that it must’ve been hard even finding enough to write about to develop into a whole book. I probably shouldn’t have finished it, but I kept (foolishly) hoping it would end really well. Phoebe befriends Mallory in the 8th grade when she (Phoebe) decides she is tired of her popular (yet, cruel and shallow) gang of girlfriends. Fast forward four years later and Phoebe and Mallory are best friends. What Phoebe doesn’t know, but the reader does, is that Mallory is a faerie who has been sent to get Phoebe to do something that will end up badly for her, but good for the land of faerie. The faerie queen eventually becomes unhappy with the amount of time it is taking Mallory to complete the mission (because Mallory has come to care for Phoebe and is reluctant to complete the mission), so she sends Ryland (Mallory’s brother) to earth to finish the job. Ultimately you discover that many years ago, Phoebe’s ancestor made a pact with the faerie queen and his side of the pact has never been fulfilled. For this to be, Phoebe must admit (and ardently believe) that she is in no way special. She must say the words (and mean them), “I am ordinary.” Ryland uses whatever means he has (mostly his fake good looks) to ensnare Phoebe and then crush her self-esteem. Eventually, Phoebe discovers what Ryland and Mallory really are and there is a final scene in the land of faerie where fates are decides forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2012
Could I please kill everybody in this book? Except for Jay Jay, of course. Nobody should ever kill a good cook.
Phoebe: Oh you have everything right, why can't you just SEE it?! And you have an abusive boyfriend. *annoyed*
Mallory: Well, you got there in the end. After many half-hearted attempts to make amends.
Catherine: Obviously, we have a bad influence in your daughter's life. He's climbing in yo windows, snatching people up, trying to glamour them so you better hide your kid, hide your husband and hide your brain cause he messing everyone out there.
Drew: Daughter has an asthma attack and 911 is called. Your daughter's best friend calls up and tells you about that, but you're not concerned because she is a responsible kid. Erm, hello?
Ryland: Yo kid. You evil, messed up antagonist. I spent most of the book trying not to reach through the pages and strangle you.
Benjamin: Yo brother cool story. 'I like looking at girls.'.... o.O
Queen: What were you thinking when you made that pact? And really, you ruined an innocent girl's life, and then attempted to kill her.
Jay-Jay: Finally. You're the only sane person left here.
Alright, that is my annoyed part. Other than that, language was impeccable, as per Nancy Werlin's standard. The plot line was pretty decent as well-- I'm addicted to books about fairies.
Phoebe: Oh you have everything right, why can't you just SEE it?! And you have an abusive boyfriend. *annoyed*
Mallory: Well, you got there in the end. After many half-hearted attempts to make amends.
Catherine: Obviously, we have a bad influence in your daughter's life. He's climbing in yo windows, snatching people up, trying to glamour them so you better hide your kid, hide your husband and hide your brain cause he messing everyone out there.
Drew: Daughter has an asthma attack and 911 is called. Your daughter's best friend calls up and tells you about that, but you're not concerned because she is a responsible kid. Erm, hello?
Ryland: Yo kid. You evil, messed up antagonist. I spent most of the book trying not to reach through the pages and strangle you.
Benjamin: Yo brother cool story. 'I like looking at girls.'.... o.O
Queen: What were you thinking when you made that pact? And really, you ruined an innocent girl's life, and then attempted to kill her.
Jay-Jay: Finally. You're the only sane person left here.
Alright, that is my annoyed part. Other than that, language was impeccable, as per Nancy Werlin's standard. The plot line was pretty decent as well-- I'm addicted to books about fairies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2017
So, this is listed as the 2nd book in the Impossible series. The first thing I want to say is that the books do not connect in any way other than they are both about faeries. You could read either or both and in any order. I'm not sure about book three yet, but I would guess the same could be said for that one.
This story involves more of the fae than the first book did. You will get to see into their side of things a lot more. There is a whole world apart from ours that is in trouble and the fae have to make hard choices in order to save themselves. The main characters in this book are both human and fae and interact with each other quite regularly.
When we finally get to the end of the story, decisions must be made and a few of the characters have to be very brave. I feel like there is some redemption that goes on as well, and that was important for the people in the story. One thing I would like to have seen is what happens to the mothers in the story...both Mallory and Phoebe's mothers. They hint at what would happen, but we never get to see them and see how they react to everything that's happened. I would have liked to see that.
If you're a fan of faeries and fantasy books, you will enjoy this one. I found I liked it a bit better than book one of this series.
This story involves more of the fae than the first book did. You will get to see into their side of things a lot more. There is a whole world apart from ours that is in trouble and the fae have to make hard choices in order to save themselves. The main characters in this book are both human and fae and interact with each other quite regularly.
When we finally get to the end of the story, decisions must be made and a few of the characters have to be very brave. I feel like there is some redemption that goes on as well, and that was important for the people in the story. One thing I would like to have seen is what happens to the mothers in the story...both Mallory and Phoebe's mothers. They hint at what would happen, but we never get to see them and see how they react to everything that's happened. I would have liked to see that.
If you're a fan of faeries and fantasy books, you will enjoy this one. I found I liked it a bit better than book one of this series.
September 11, 2010
Phoebe Rothschild is an ordinary girl in a family of extraordinary people. When Mallory, a mysterious new girl starts at school, Phoebe befriends her not knowing that she has been pinpointed by the faeries to save them.
An interesting new take on the faerie world and I did like the way it was weaved in with the history of the Rothschild family. I had a hard time with the relationship between Phoebe and Ryland, Mallory's brother. It was hard to read as she abused verbally, emotionally and probably sexually and she takes it all and professes her love for him throughout. I realize there was some faerie glamour at work here, but it still felt wrong to have her so broken down in this way.
I am always looking for strong female characters in YA books, and Phoebe just isn't that character for most of this book. As a teacher, as a woman, as a mom-to-be, I worry about young girls being portrayed in this way, as not strong enough to realize that they are being abused, so easily manipulated and brought down. Was really hoping for this book and for the characters to be a little more, well, extraordinary.
Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin was released September 7th.
2.5/5
An interesting new take on the faerie world and I did like the way it was weaved in with the history of the Rothschild family. I had a hard time with the relationship between Phoebe and Ryland, Mallory's brother. It was hard to read as she abused verbally, emotionally and probably sexually and she takes it all and professes her love for him throughout. I realize there was some faerie glamour at work here, but it still felt wrong to have her so broken down in this way.
I am always looking for strong female characters in YA books, and Phoebe just isn't that character for most of this book. As a teacher, as a woman, as a mom-to-be, I worry about young girls being portrayed in this way, as not strong enough to realize that they are being abused, so easily manipulated and brought down. Was really hoping for this book and for the characters to be a little more, well, extraordinary.
Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin was released September 7th.
2.5/5
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