Category Archives: Book 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, Book Review

[Review] Carve The Mark – Veronica Roth

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Book Title: Carve the Mark
Author:     Veronica Roth
Number of pages:  468

Synopsis:

carve-the-mark-book-coverIn a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

(re: Goodreads @ Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth)

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

– Two narrators alternating between first (Cyra) and third (Akos) POV
– World building is fragmented; lacks cohesiveness and not enough substance to support the vast world(s) this book is set in
– Conveniently written characters and plot devices
– Google articles per racism and ableism for Carve the Mark; also the triggering meaning behind the book title is related to self-harm
– Currentgifts (abilities) are unoriginal if you’re familiar with X-Men etc.
– Villains, what villains?

Initial Thoughts

Here is my attempt at a conscientious review fully aware of the criticism this book has garnered.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Carve the Mark from Chapters Indigo.

Continue reading [Review] Carve The Mark – Veronica Roth →

2017, ARC review, Book Review

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

31 Comments

history-is-all-you-left-me-adam-silvera-scorecard

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 →