Category Archives: Reviews

2016, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] Ever the Hunted – Erin Summerill (including Q&A)

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ever-the-hunted-erin-summerill

Book Title: Ever the Hunted (Clash of Kingdoms, #01)
Author:     Erin Summerill
Number of pages:  400

Synopsis:

ever the hunted - erin summerill - book coverSeventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

(re: Goodreads @ Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill)

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

– This book will look pretty on your shelves
– The conflicted listed in the blurb is resolved early on
– Prose is uncomplicated yet vivid; the fantasy elements could have been developed. Fantasy-lite with minimal political intrigue
– Heavy dose of romance in this story between best friends
– Skepticism does allow for a predictable read (including cliffhanger) but it may beg to be read regardless

Initial Thoughts

There is a lot of romance in this book. Full stop.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Ever the Hunted from Indigo and signed up to be part of this blog tour.

Continue reading [Review] Ever the Hunted – Erin Summerill (including Q&A) →

2016, alternatives, Movie Review

[Alternatives] – Movie Review – Doctor Strange (2016)

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Alternatives is the tagline to discuss entertainment outside of literature. It may encompass television, movies, games, and music.

Alternatives
Movie Review – Doctor Strange (2016)

Genre: Action, Superhero, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Duration: 115 Minutes
Directed By: Scott Derrickson
Screenplay By: Jon Spaihts, Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda, Swinton, Rachel McAdams,
Mads Mikkelsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor

A former neurosurgeon embarks on a journey of healing only to be drawn into the world of the mystic arts.

Continue reading [Alternatives] – Movie Review – Doctor Strange (2016) →

2016, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] Scythe – Neal Shusterman

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scythe-neal-shusterman-review

Book Title: Scythe (Arc of a Scythe, #01)
Author:     Neal Shusterman
Number of pages:  448

Synopsis:

scythe - neal schusterman - book coverIn a world where disease has been eliminated, the only way to die is to be randomly killed (“gleaned”) by professional reapers (“scythes”). Citra and Rowan are teenagers who have been selected to be scythe’s apprentices, and—despite wanting nothing to do with the vocation—they must learn the art of killing and come to understand the necessity of what they do.

Only one of them will be chosen as a scythe’s apprentice. And when it becomes clear that the winning apprentice’s first task will be to glean the loser, Citra and Rowan are pitted against one another in a fight for their lives.

(re: Goodreads @ Scythe by Neal Shusterman)

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

– Citra and Rowan are cinnamon rolls; the romance is a bit too spoon-fed for my tastes (e.g. lacks chemistry over and beyond friendship)
– World building is a bit on the thin side; remains thematically relevant to young readers re: philosophical/morality
– Third person alternating POVs separated by journal entries of Scythes; stylistic storytelling choice to encourage world-building
– Twists and turns are a hit/miss depending on reader’s skepticism

Initial Thoughts

Holy shit.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of SCYTHE from Simon and Schuster Canada.

Continue reading [Review] Scythe – Neal Shusterman →