Category Archives: ARC review

2017, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] Windwitch – Susan Dennard

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windwitch-susan-dennard-review-scorecard

Book Title: Windwitch
Author:     Susan Dennard
Number of pages:  384

Synopsis:

windwitch-susan-dennardAfter an explosion destroys his ship, the world believes Prince Merik, Windwitch, is dead. Scarred yet alive, Merik is determined to prove his sister’s treachery. Upon reaching the royal capital, crowded with refugees, he haunts the streets, fighting for the weak—which leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed…

(re: Goodreads @ Windwitch by Susan Dennard)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr review:

– Windwitch reads like a second “filler” book; the action scenes remain explosive and vivid in delivery
– More: POVs, pacing problems, issues on being invested in all the stories
– Conveniently plotted at times re: too many “get out of jail free cards”
– Further world building could have supported the magic system
– Merik revenge plot; Safi survival plot; Iseult/Aeduan babymaking plot (no but seriously)

Initial Thoughts

I wasn’t the biggest fan of Truthwitch but even I will admit that this [Windwitch] felt like a step back.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Windwitch from Raincoast Books.

Continue reading [Review] Windwitch – Susan Dennard →

2017, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] History is All You Left Me – Adam Silvera

31 Comments

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Book Title: History Is All You Left Me
Author:     Adam Silvera
Number of pages:  320

Synopsis:

history-is-all-you-left-me-adam-silvera-book-coverWhen Griffin’s first love and ex-boyfriend, Theo, dies in a drowning accident, his universe implodes. Even though Theo had moved to California for college and started seeing Jackson, Griffin never doubted Theo would come back to him when the time was right. But now, the future he’s been imagining for himself has gone far off course.

(re: Goodreads @ History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr review:

– History features prose that’s uncomplicated, effusive, and direct, speaking volumes to the quiet power this story has.
– Uncomplicated setting that feels real even if there’s limited description to build New York
– OCD is heavily mentioned but is not the focus; Griffin’s grieving may come off as whiny/wallowing to readers
– Side characters might not be the most fleshed out and can lack overall value; same with some revelations

Initial Thoughts

I know what you’re thinking: “what the fuck, Joey rated a book 4+?!“

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of History is All You Left Me from Chapters Indigo.

Continue reading [Review] History is All You Left Me – Adam Silvera →

2017, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] Under Rose-Tainted Skies – Louise Gornall

9 Comments

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Book Title: Under Rose-Tainted Skies (Standalone)
Author:     Louise Gornall
Number of pages:  320

Synopsis:

under-a-rose-tainted-skies-louise-gornallNorah has agoraphobia and OCD. When groceries are left on the porch, she can’t step out to get them. Struggling to snag the bags with a stick, she meets Luke. He’s sweet and funny, and he just caught her fishing for groceries. Because of course he did.

Norah can’t leave the house, but can she let someone in? As their friendship grows deeper, Norah realizes Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can lie on the front lawn and look up at the stars. One who isn’t so screwed up.

(re: Goodreads @ Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr review:

– Own voices; female MC with agoraphobia and OCD
– Setting is claustrophobic and is well-written to detail bland things to actually be scary and daunting
– Narration is an easy ead and oozes with candor and snark; quick page turner of a read
– Romance is shippable but the relationship with the love interest is underwhelming
– The conflict sparking the third act of the story and its resolutions are not justified, lack development, and encourage a sense of trauma for betterment

Initial Thoughts

I may get flack for the opinions expressed below…so all I hope is that I have worded things right.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Under Rose-Tainted Skies from Raincoast Books.

Continue reading [Review] Under Rose-Tainted Skies – Louise Gornall →