Tag Archives: Book Review

2016, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] The Crowns Game — Evelyn Skye

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Book Title:  The Crown's Game (The Crown's Game #01)
Author:      Evelyn Skye
Number of pages:  399

Synopsis:

the-crowns-game-evelyn-skye-book-coverVika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the Tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

(re: Goodreads @ The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye)

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

– The concept of the duel is interesting but there are holes in the magic system that could have been better explained
– The writing pairs a vividly imagined Russia with exciting action sequences
– Most of the characters in this multi-POV narration feel like do-gooders and are rarely “grey”
– Romance takes a lot of precedence over plot and features love squares via instalus; including a lot of wandering gazes and lingering thoughts

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Initial Thoughts

Well…shit.

Full disclosure: I received an ARC of The Crowns Game from Chapters Indigo.

Continue reading [Review] The Crowns Game — Evelyn Skye →

2016, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] The Last Boy and Girl in the World — Siobhan Vivian

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Book Title:  The Last Boy and Girl in the World
Author:      Siobhan Vivian
Number of pages:  432

Synopsis:

the-last-boy-and-girl-in-the-world-siobhan-vivian-book-coverWhat if your town was sliding underwater and everyone was ordered to pack up and leave? How would you and your friends spend your last days together?

While the adults plan for the future, box up their possessions, and find new places to live, Keeley Hewitt and her friends decide to go out with a bang. There are parties in abandoned houses. Canoe races down Main Street. The goal is to make the most of every minute they still have together.

And for Keeley, that means taking one last shot at the boy she’s loved forever.

(re: Goodreads @ The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobhan Vivian)

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

– The cover lust is real. Synopsis feels plot-heavy while the story is largely character driven with a protagonist you’ll either love/hate.
– Thematically relevant; sparking discussions per government influence as they relate to the identity of small groups/minorities
– The setting could have been further supported as the sinking town of Aberdeen still had so many fully functioning amenities
– Narrative unfolds in flashbacks; prologue opens with a scene near the end–a stylistic choice that you may enjoy/dislike

Initial Thoughts

This is, without fail, one of those “I tried to understand and sympathize with the characters but it just didn’t happen” kind of books. You’ll either enjoy it or hate it — I’m sure of this.

Full disclosure: I received an ARC of The Last Boy and Girl in the World from Simon and Schuster Canada.

Continue reading [Review] The Last Boy and Girl in the World — Siobhan Vivian →

2016, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] Heir to the Sky — Amanda Sun

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Book Title:  Heir to the Sky (Standalone)
Author:      Amanda Sun
Number of pages:  384

Synopsis:

heir to the sky - amanda sun book coverAs heir to a kingdom of floating continents, Kali has spent her life bound by limits—by her duties as a member of the royal family; by a forced betrothal to the son of a nobleman; and by the edge of the only world she’s ever known—a small island hovering above a monster-ridden earth, long since uninhabited by humans. She is the Eternal Flame of Hope for what’s left of mankind, the wick and the wax burning in service for her people, and for their revered Phoenix, whose magic keeps them aloft.

When Kali falls off the edge of her kingdom and miraculously survives, she is shocked to discover there are still humans on the earth. Determined to get home, Kali entrusts a rugged monster-hunter named Griffin to guide her across a world overrun by chimera, storm dragons, basilisks, and other terrifying beasts. But the more time she spends on earth, the more dark truths she begins to uncover about her home in the sky, and the more resolute she is to start burning for herself.

(re: Goodreads @ Heir to the Sky by Amanda Sun)

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

– An interesting world/premise that loses its steam as it doesn’t really sustain the early intrigue
– Solid action sequences against mythical beasts
– Instalust driven romance all day everyday.
– Doormat supporting characters who have no other mission than to support the protagonist

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Initial Thoughts

After much consideration, this book is either not for me or I just didn’t understand this story at all.

Full disclosure: I borrowed an ARC of Heir to the Sky from Amanda @ Brains, Books and Brawn received at Ontario Library Association’s Superconference.

Continue reading [Review] Heir to the Sky — Amanda Sun →