Review by Firefawkes -- Seven at Two Past Five by Tara Basi

[Kristin Ransome]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Seven at Two Past Five" by Tara Basi.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Have you ever read a novel that you hated for all the right reasons? That made you want to throw the book against the wall in both triumph and anguish? I find these stories are rare, possibly because many authors tend to lean too far over the cliff and the reader becomes lost in the attempt; however, Tara Basi succeeded in creating a story that torments the reader as much as it does the protagonist. From each moment being planned down to the minute to a complete lack of seriousness on many occasions, Seven at Two Past Five will keep its reader engaged from the very beginning to the final word.

Each morning begins the same for the resident of bunk-bed-coffin number Seven in the bunk-bed-tower. Seven, after waking from a night plagued by the Terrors, leaves her bunk at exactly Two Past Five—not a minute earlier or later—and must arrive at her workhouse by fourteen past five. Once there, she begins creating her magnificent buttons to fulfill the order encased in a blue envelope on her workbench. This routine has never been broken for as long as Seven has been a resident of bunk-bed-coffin number Seven…until she awakes one morning feeling oddly refreshed—the Terrors didn’t torment her that night. Seven is in a mood that nothing could dampen, except for the little black envelope sitting on her workbench. It contains the grave accusation of banishing the Terrors and outlines the resulting charges—called Judgements. Seven, convinced of her innocence, sets off on a mind-numbing journey to appeal the condemning charges and return to creating her delightful buttons. She must convince the jury of her innocence or be subjected to a lifetime of Terrors, but how can she succeed when the court system is rigged against her from the beginning?

Tara Basi writes a stunning work of art, illustrating Seven’s journey in a way that makes you want to scream at her failures and celebrate her triumphs. Her world is so unique and amazingly written, I often found myself so engrossed in the story that ages had passed without my knowledge. The author also has a talent for writing in a way that mimics the current emotion of the protagonist, making the reader feel anxious when Seven is nervous or happy when she is elated, further drawing the reader into Seven’s journey.

My favourite part about this book is the depth and uniqueness written into the characters. Seven encounters a variety of people in her journey to appeal her Judgements, each of which has their own personality, quirks, and distinctive way of speaking. While there are many characters in this story, most only want to see Seven pronounced guilty. Only one character, Zero—Seven’s main ally in this adventure—appears to care for her as an individual, and this relationship brings an extra level of depth to the story as a whole.

If I had to pick my least favourite thing about this book, it would be that the author utilizes many words that I had never seen before. This left me consulting the dictionary on many occasions, often multiple times per page. While I believe many words were foreign due to my more average vocabulary, the sheer number of times I had to pause mid-sentence to look up a definition did interrupt the flow of the book. However, the flawless writing and professional editing made for an otherwise amazing—and educational—read.

Overall, Seven at Two Past Five is a stunning read for anyone interested in other fiction books that span many genres, from science fiction and fantasy to mystery and horror with a hint of religion. This book is one of those stories that will haunt your mind long after its conclusion; it is because of this, combined with flawless writing and execution, that I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking read; however, due to some mention of adult themes, I would not recommend this book for young or immature readers.

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Seven at Two Past Five
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Like Firefawkes's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Jaime Lync]

This sounds deep. I want to read this book...like yesterday. you sold it really well. Great review and thanks for sharing.

[hedwigwhite]

This sounds interesting! Though I wonder if I can stop myself from throwing the book at the wall from sheer anguish. Thanks for the great review!

[finebunchofnothing]

This sounds so interesting and unique that I have no other choice than to add this book to my "to read" list. I know the feeling of loving and hating the book at the same time! Thank you for an amazing review, I would have never found out about this book without it.

[Connie Otwani]

Consulting the dictionary once or twice may be fun, but on every page? I think you are truly patient! I'm glad u enjoyed the book. I remain on the fence, though. Great review!

[Kristin Ransome]

This sounds deep. I want to read this book...like yesterday. you sold it really well. Great review and thanks for sharing.

I really enjoyed this one, and I hope you do too! Thanks for reading

[Kristin Ransome]

This sounds interesting! Though I wonder if I can stop myself from throwing the book at the wall from sheer anguish. Thanks for the great review!

Aha seeing as its an ebook, I would recommend you don't (though it's difficult not to)! Thanks for stopping by

[Vscholz]

This novel sounds fascinating! I'm definitely adding it to my TBR! Thanks for the amazing review. I hope that even though you had to look up many words, you were able to add them to your vocab.

[Renu G]

Indeed, this is a good review. The book seems interesting.

[ayomie]

'A stunning read' sounds good. Thanks for the great review. I'll endeavour to make out time for this one.

[Kristin Ransome]

This sounds so interesting and unique that I have no other choice than to add this book to my "to read" list. I know the feeling of loving and hating the book at the same time! Thank you for an amazing review, I would have never found out about this book without it.

I highly recommend it! There were a few times I think I worried the people around me with my reactions... Definitely worth the time! Thanks for reading

[Kristin Ransome]

Consulting the dictionary once or twice may be fun, but on every page? I think you are truly patient! I'm glad u enjoyed the book. I remain on the fence, though. Great review!

It made me truly glad for the dictionary function on kindle! I never would have survived without it lol Thanks for commenting!

[spencermack]

A great book that mixes genres??? I'm in. Great review!

[Nerea]

A story that haunts a readers mind long after the conclusion is quite interesting. I might consider the book. Thank you for your insightful review.

[sarahmarlowe randomeducator]

What a fantastic review! I must admit that reading the sample of this book gave me a headache, so I moved on. I'm glad to see that it is a good read. Glad you enjoyed it!