Tag Archives: review

2017, Book Review

[Review] Carve The Mark – Veronica Roth

32 Comments

carve-the-mark-veronica-roth-review-scorecard

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 →

2017, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] Under Rose-Tainted Skies – Louise Gornall

9 Comments

under-rose-tainted-skies-scorecard

Book Title: Under Rose-Tainted Skies (Standalone)
Author:     Louise Gornall
Number of pages:  320

Synopsis:

under-a-rose-tainted-skies-louise-gornallNorah has agoraphobia and OCD. When groceries are left on the porch, she can’t step out to get them. Struggling to snag the bags with a stick, she meets Luke. He’s sweet and funny, and he just caught her fishing for groceries. Because of course he did.

Norah can’t leave the house, but can she let someone in? As their friendship grows deeper, Norah realizes Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can lie on the front lawn and look up at the stars. One who isn’t so screwed up.

(re: Goodreads @ Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall)

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

– Own voices; female MC with agoraphobia and OCD
– Setting is claustrophobic and is well-written to detail bland things to actually be scary and daunting
– Narration is an easy ead and oozes with candor and snark; quick page turner of a read
– Romance is shippable but the relationship with the love interest is underwhelming
– The conflict sparking the third act of the story and its resolutions are not justified, lack development, and encourage a sense of trauma for betterment

Initial Thoughts

I may get flack for the opinions expressed below…so all I hope is that I have worded things right.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Under Rose-Tainted Skies from Raincoast Books.

Continue reading [Review] Under Rose-Tainted Skies – Louise Gornall →