Tag Archives: alchemy

2015, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] The Blackthorn Key — Kevin Sands

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Book Title                  The Blackthorn Key
Author:                        Kevin Sands
Number of pages:  384

Synopsis:

blackthorn key - kevin sands - book cover“Tell no one what I’ve given you.”

Until he got that cryptic warning, Christopher Rowe was happy, learning how to solve complex codes and puzzles and creating powerful medicines, potions, and weapons as an apprentice to Master Benedict Blackthorn—with maybe an explosion or two along the way.

But when a mysterious cult begins to prey on London’s apothecaries, the trail of murders grows closer and closer to Blackthorn’s shop. With time running out, Christopher must use every skill he’s learned to discover the key to a terrible secret with the power to tear the world apart.

(re: Goodreads @ The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands)

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

– Frenetically paced mystery with solvable puzzles providing an interactive reading experience
– Hist-fic world building is rustic, has medieval flair, and the tone is vividly portrayed given it’s time; mild “fade to black/off-screen” gore
– Characters and relationships (i.e. bromance) feel organic. However, there isn’t a strong female presence
– There is a pigeon named Bridget. You will have animal/pet feels
– Story is self-contained (though part of a series) and is courageously resilient, full of hilarious tomfoolery, and painfully tragic

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Initial Thoughts

It seems like stories with animal sidekicks will, without fail, garner 4+ stars from me. NO COMPLAINTS HEREEEEEE.

Full disclosure: I received an advanced reader copy of The Blackthorn Key from the Book Blog Ontario Meet-Up. I extend thanks to Simon and Schuster for providing me with the opportunity to review this book.

Continue reading [Review] The Blackthorn Key — Kevin Sands →

2015, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] Madly — Amy Alward

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Book Title                   Madly (Potion #1)
Author:                         Amy Alward
Number of pages:  384

Synopsis:

amy alward - madly - book coverWhen the Princess of Nova accidentally poisons herself with a love potion meant for her crush, she falls crown-over-heels in love with her own reflection. Oops. A nationwide hunt is called to find the cure, with competitors travelling the world for the rarest ingredients, deep in magical forests and frozen tundras, facing death at every turn.

Enter Samantha Kemi – an ordinary girl with an extraordinary talent. Sam’s family were once the most respected alchemists in the kingdom, but they’ve fallen on hard times, and winning the hunt would save their reputation. But can Sam really compete with the dazzling powers of the ZoroAster megapharma company? Just how close is Sam willing to get to Zain Aster, her dashing former classmate and enemy, in the meantime?

(re: Goodreads @ Madly by Amy Alward)

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

Ingredients:
– Six cups of an adventure around the world similar to The Amazing Race (a quick read with good pacing)
– Three vials of fantasy with a dash of modern flare (the world-building leans on contemporary technology, alchemy, magic, and fantastical beasts but is underdeveloped)
– One special snowflake and one broody heir to a conglomerate (a romance of instalove)
– A teaspoon of a one-dimension villain (who doesn’t really do much to live up to the title)
– Add a drop of any supporting character to taste (most characters come and go for the sake of plotting)
– Brew with conviction (because a lot of the problems are solved with feeling and instinct)
– No goggles allowed to concoct this potion (there wasn’t much consequence for the MC)

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Initial Thoughts

One day, hype will win me over. Today is not that day.

Full disclosure: I received an advanced reader copy of Madly from the Book Blog Ontario Meet-Up. I extend thanks to Simon and Schuster for providing me with the opportunity to review this book.

Continue reading [Review] Madly — Amy Alward →