Member Reviews
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book!
I enjoyed this one and I highly recommend. I binged read this in one day!
The story opens as the main character, Prudence, awaits her class partner for their group project presentation. Quint shows up late and acts nonchalant. She believes that she’s done all of the work but the teacher gives her the lower grade because she struggles with teamwork. She’s allowed an extra credit assignment and grade if she’ll do more research on the topic and demonstrate her ability for teamwork. She volunteers at Quint’s family owned sea animal rescue center for her research. During summer break, Prudence expands her horizons and broadens her perspective. She also helps catch an embezzler. A clean read with some unexpected happenings, 4 stars!
Great narration!
This was a dose of everything that I absolutely needed! I love quirky, mixed with animal rescue and magical karma, this was one adorable read!
This was such a refreshing read. I truly enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing them evolve over the course of the book. Sweet story with meaningful coming of age themes and a little magic. I think young people and adults will enjoy this one just as much. I will definitely look for more of the authors books in the future, As a YA genre enthusiast, this one certainly makes my top 5 favorites.
INSTANT KARMA
Marissa Meyer
She’s a twin who likes to win.
He’s a little smug, and this is not the only reason why she loves to hate him so much.
In this YA, hate-to-like romance book, INSTANT KARMA, we’re following Prudence Barnett and Quint Erickson.
Prudence and Quint are paired up on a sophomore biology project and when they’re finished one of them comes out looking like a better student than the other. And Prudence is not happy with their grade.
Prudence feels she has a great idea to rectify the situation and calamity ensues.
I like Meyer’s YA fiction because her characters read as authentic. The dialogue between characters lands right and when I read it it feels like I’m observing an actual conversation.
I would say that I really enjoyed this book if it weren’t as long as it is.
At a natural point a crisis is established and an opportunity for resolution felt within my grasp and then another crisis popped up and then another and then finally THE ACTUAL CRISIS is introduced well into the book.
If this book were a tv show it would last an entire season. I don’t think all of it was necessary.
Other than that, I liked the writing and enjoyed my reading experience.
INSTANT KARMA…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Young Listeners, Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy of the audiobook!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review which has not altered my opinion of this book. I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Unfortunately, this book did not vibe with me at all. I really wanted to like it especially after her Lunar Chronicles series, but this one just didn't work for me unfortunately.
Rebecca Soler is my FAVORITE narrator and Marissa Meyer is one of the best writers in our day so this was a new no brainer!! For fans of her Alice in Wonderland retelling this hits that sweet spot of heart & surprise.
I love love l0ve Marissa Meyer's books I read all of the Cinder books twice.
However I got this as and audio book and I don't think it made me love the book. I am slowly learning I have to be careful of which audio books I listen to.
I wonder if I would have loved the book more if I had read it instead of listening to it.
The concept seemed great I just didn't finish it unfortunately. Maybe I will try the book
ARC receive from Net Galley and Publisher
Instant Karma is an alluring enemies-to-lovers YA romance with a dash of the supernatural added into the mix. Prudence is used to getting things done, her way. She has no time or patience for slackers, which is exactly how she sees her biology partner Quint. So when the teacher gives them a C on their final project because of a lack of cohesiveness, Pru isn't just mad, she's determined. She is going to work with Quint---or work around him---and raise her grade, no matter what. This leads to her volunteering at a marine animal rescue center and learning a whole lot more about both Quint and the delicate ecological balance of our world than she bargained for. Sometimes I read enemies-to-lovers books where it's hard for me to root for the guy in the relationship because he just comes off as a jerk. This was not the case here; in fact, Pru is definitely the less likable character and it took me a while to get on board with her because she's so self-centered and controlling (and sometimes downright mean). But it says a lot about Meyer's writing that she took a truly flawed character and got me invested in her story anyway. The true story is about Pru's growth as a human being and how she starts to realize that maybe others have more to offer her than she gave them credit for. Honestly, the whole karma part of the storyline is relatively small and probably my least favorite element, but it was woven into the plot in some interesting ways in the end. If you're a fan of Meyer's writing and also enjoy contemporaries, I recommend giving this book a listen (it's narrated by Rebecca Soler, who narrates all of Meyer's books. LOVE her!).
I did not finish this book. I tried to read it but I won’t be finishing it. I won’t be rating this book.
This book wasn't what I was expecting at all, but really really enjoyed it! This was my first Marissa Meyer and am looking forward to reading more from her! The audiobook is definitely the way to go.
The narrator has a nasal and slightly whiney voice, but she is also funny and endearing.
I didn't realize this was a YA novel - it is definitely written for the younger reader.
Instant Karma refers to the the unexplained powers the protagonist has after hitting her head - she can turn the tables on someone she thinks needs to be punished.
I can see how this would appeal to a young person without any real control over their circumstances.
It is a nice book, but not for me - I would have liked to find out more about the marine animal rescue run by her schoolmate Quint's mother than the inevitable budding romance between Prudence Barnett and Quint Erickson throughout the book.
My husband has been begging me to read a Marissa Meyer book because she is his favorite author. This one was definitely more in my wheelhouse than I think her others will be, but I'll read them eventually!!
Boy meets girl, girl dislikes boy, but they are forced together to work on a summer project at the local rescue center for sea animals. This is a young adult romance and a great summer read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read this!
This book instantly drew me in, I really enjoyed this book and the plot. This author did amazing. I loved the writing style. I highly recommend picking this up!
Instant Karma was a cute book. I wanted to have words with the protagonist at many times and was hoping for a little more Karma to pay her a visit but overall it was an enjoyable listen. I highly recommend the audiobook. The narration was one of my favorite parts. Definitely added to the cuteness of this book.
My Recommendation
Instant Karma, by Marissa Meyer
Review by Prince Kai Fan Pod Host, Bethanie A. Finger
An overachiever with a big family and a tube of red lipstick, Prudence Barnett can’t believe she got stuck with Quint Erickson as her lab partner. Quint is a notorious goofball who never seems to get to class on time or complete his homework. Prudence won’t let him ruin her class project and decides to spend her summer volunteering at a local sea animal rescue center to improve her grade. But when Quint unexpectedly shows up at the center, Prudence realizes there is more to him than the goofball persona she knows.
After a fun night of karaoke at her favorite local restaurant, a small head injury grants Prudence the ability to exact instant karma! With the point of her finger, she can now dole out punishments to those she deems in need of behavior change. But, will the power of cosmic justice go to her head, or will Prudence hone her skills and make the world a better place?
Readers will fall in love with Prudence, who is perhaps the most unlikeable and yet relatable character in Marissa’s repertoire. As more of her personality comes to the surface, we see the injustices of the world through Prudence’s eyes. The character of Quint surprises everyone with his true personality, and we can’t help but find him endearing and attractive. Instant Karma will leave everyone full of joy and hope, and wonder, what would you do if you could exact Instant Karma on the world?
*SPOILERS*
Prudence starts out as perhaps the most unlikeable but relatable character I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know. As a fellow overachiever, I was instantly on her side when it came to the class project and refusing to accept a lower grade! As a lifelong animal lover, perhaps the only character trait I could not understand is not being an animal person 😊 Prudence receiving her gift in such a vulnerable way makes it seem almost impossible! Multiple times throughout the story I wondered if Prudence really had a gift or was simply seeing what she wanted to see!
Quint reminds me of every goofball from high school I can recall! His persona comes off as carefree, but he is hardworking and has a huge heart! His love of animals and his dedication to both the center and his mom really stand out. His interest in photography and his passion for spreading the word of helping sea animals will have everyone wondering, what can I do to help?
*FAVORITE MOMENTS*
Of course, we love a romantic moment and a happy ending, but the most relatable moment to me is Prudence’s vulnerability. Prudence sitting in the grass, hugging herself, and repeating the mantra “I’m a good person” is perhaps the most relatable moment from any story I have ever read. I was in tears on her behalf and found myself desperately wanting to speak up on her behalf and give her a phantom hug of comfort!
*FINAL THOUGHTS*
As the host and founder of a podcast dedicated to the writings of Marissa Meyer, it is no surprise I absolutely loved this story! I felt overwhelmed, in a good way, on more than one occasion during this reading and Marissa has found a new talent in her ability to spin a story with more emotional depth even than we have seen in her previous works. My favorite novel by Marissa has always been Cress because I relate to her on a very personal level, but I must be honest that now Instant Karma is my true favorite and has absolutely captured my heart.
As a lifelong animal lover, I have had the joy of working several volunteer jobs in animal rescue centers. Growing up in the Midwest, many of the centers I worked for included land critters, but I am happy to now be living somewhere I can also help sea creatures. I have a small collection of Yellow Volunteer Shirts and can say Marissa really nailed that on the head! Yellow is often the easiest to spot and the cheapest to buy, so many of the shelters I have volunteered at have had this color shirt!
My hope is that readers will see the amazing work of Quint, his mother, and other center volunteers and be inspired to help animals in their local area!
This book was tricky. I really enjoy the concept. The idea of a magical power to grant instant karma to wrong doers was very appealing to me. Unfortunately, what didn’t occur to me was that the type of person who would use a power like that, would likely be entirely unlike able.
Over all I really enjoyed the story. The writing was great - as you can expect from anything that Marissa Meyer touches. The main character is just wildly irritating and just... not a great person. There is a bit of character growth through out, that makes her a bit more redeeming, she is just difficult to relate to.
This book was entertaining and cute, but I will admit that it took me a bit to get into it. The story itself was great, but I honestly had a hard time connecting with the main character. In the beginning, her personality was extremely annoying, and I just didn't like her. The other supporting characters were amazing, and I loved their parts of the story. I probably wouldn't reread this book, but it was good for a light, fun read.
I liked the author, have heard about her before, never read anything by her before this though.
I liked the cover, it caught my eye, I think that's always important. Covers can really make or break someone's decision to flip a book over.
Would recommend to family and friends.