Category Archives: Reviews

2015, Book Review

[Review] Messenger of Fear – Michael Grant

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Book Title:                  Messenger of Fear (Messenger of Fear, #01)
Author:                         Michael Grant
Number of pages:   272

Synopsis:

michael grant - messenger of fear (cover)I remembered my name – Mara. But, standing in that ghostly place, faced with the solemn young man in the black coat with silver skulls for buttons, I could recall nothing else about myself.

And then the games began.

The Messenger sees the darkness in young hearts, and the damage it inflicts upon the world. If they go unpunished, he offers the wicked a game. Win, and they can go free. Lose, and they will live out their greatest fear.

But what does any of this have to do with Mara? She is about to find out.

(re: Goodreads @ Messenger of Fear – Michael Grant)

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

— POC protagonist; first-person, unreliable-ish POV due to amnesia
—Narrative unfolds using anecdotes reinforced with philosophical undertones engaged through bullying, violence, suicide, and death
— Writing is succinct but reads overly descriptive at the same time
—There isn’t really an umbrella conflict or motivation in part of the protagonist to drive this story forward. With The Messenger in the driver seat, he chooses not to tell Mara (and the readers) details that would help in understanding
—There is no romance but there is a hint of a possible romance
— Rating: 2.25/5

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Initial Thoughts

The Messenger of Fear is my first Michael Grant book. It was only okay; perhaps, below okay. So much promise and hype…only to be let down. Le sigh.

Disclaimer: Potential spoilers inherent to this review from here onward.

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2015, Book Review

[Review] A Trick of the Light – Lois Metzger

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Book Title:                   A Trick of the Light (Standalone)
Author:                          Lois Metzger
Number of pages:   189

Synopsis:

a trick in the light - lois metzger - book coverMike Welles had everything under control. But that was before. Now things are rough at home, and they’re getting confusing at school. He’s losing his sense of direction, and he feels like he’s a mess. Then there’s a voice in his head. A friend, who’s trying to help him get control again. More than that—the voice can guide him to become faster and stronger than he was before, to rid his life of everything that’s holding him back. To figure out who he is again. If only Mike will listen.

(re: Goodreads @ A Trick of the Light – Lois Metzger)

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

– Boys can have self-image problems and eating disorders too
– Narrated by anorexia; a voice of a cheerleader, snark, and rude commentary to corrupt ways of thinking not similar to what it wants
– Home/school life feels completely organic and ordinary; ultimately promoting the perspective that these things can happen to anyone
– Dialogue reads as if it is like a script. (i.e. Mom: text, Dad: text, Anorexia: text italicized)
– While the timeline and legitimacy of events felt intact, the development of strained relationships felt flimsy and rushed (if a tad skipped over)
— Rating: 3.75/5

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Initial Thoughts

The selling point to Metzger’s book is not the fact that it features a boy facing anorexia nervosa. Yes it is a different perspective—I’m not discrediting that fact—but it’s a book narrated by anorexia itself and it articulates the severity and power thoughts have to not only influence your actions but to assume the role of pilot to your ship.

Disclaimer: Potential spoilers inherent to this review from here onward.

 

Continue reading [Review] A Trick of the Light – Lois Metzger →

2015, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] The Merit Birds – Kelley Powell

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Book Title:                 The Merit Birds (Standalone)
Author:                         Kelley Powell
Number of pages:   240

Synopsis:

The Merit Birds - Kelley Powell - Book CoverEighteen-year-old Cam Scott is angry. He’s angry about his absent dad, he’s angry about being angry, and he’s angry that he has had to give up his Ottawa basketball team to follow his mom to her new job in Vientiane, Laos. However, Cam’s anger begins to melt under the Southeast Asian sun as he finds friendship with his neighbour, Somchai, and gradually falls in love with Nok, who teaches him about building merit, or karma, by doing good deeds, such as purchasing caged “merit birds.” Tragedy strikes and Cam finds himself falsely accused of a crime. His freedom depends on a person he’s never met. A person who knows that the only way to restore his merit is to confess. “The Merit Birds” blends action and suspense and humour in a far-off land where things seem so different, yet deep down are so much the same.

(re: Goodreads @ The Merit Birds – Kelley Powell)

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

— A culturally immersive adventure through Laos; from vibrant communities to dingy living environments; akin to like an all-expense paid trip
— A coming-of-age following three perspectives written in first-and-third person; the intermingling of narrative voices in a short book does dilute character growth
— Long stretches of plotting where nothing really happens. However, this where the resilience of the story shines best—in the little moments of discovery, survival and hope
— Romance errs toward instalust with an undertone of exoticism
— Shortcomings in writing that can suspend genuine poignancy and realism
— Rating: 3.25/5

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Initial Thoughts

In truth, I thought this was going to be a lot more CanLit-y than what was portrayed but that’s okay, the merits of alternative diversity made up for the otherwise lacking Canadian side to cultural exploration. I’d also like to give congrats as this is a debut novel for Ms. Powell.

Full disclosure: I received an advanced reader copy of The Merit Birds though NetGalley for an honest review. I extend my thanks to Dundurn for providing me the opportunity to review this book.

Disclaimer: Potential spoilers inherent to this review from here onward.

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