Reviews and Comments

atayarani

atayarani@bookwyrm.social

Joined 7 months, 2 weeks ago

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Ruth Emmie Lang: Wilderwomen (2022, St. Martin's Press)

Five years ago, Nora Wilder disappeared. The older of her two daughters, Zadie, should have …

Review of 'Wilderwomen' on 'Goodreads'

Really enjoyed reading this. The blend of magic and realism was perfectly balanced, so the story felt like it could be real even though there are paranormal elements. I didn't see the ending coming, but it was built up enough that it was satisfying.

Disclaimer: I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

Review of 'Snowlands' on 'Goodreads'

This is a really fast read. I got the sense that some scenes were at least partially inspired by The Lion King, but overall the plot is vastly different. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it as I neared the end until a powerful moment occurred and made a good story great.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this graphic novel through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Heidi Perks: Whispers (2022, Gallery Books)

Review of 'Whispers' on 'Goodreads'

The Whispers is a great book that uses shifting perspectives to tell a compelling story that was equal parts intense and mesmerizing. It starts off slowly after giving you an incomplete glimpse at the end, but ramps up speed all the way to the end.

There's a lot of good to be said about the characters and their characterizations, but I can't think of anything that wouldn't spoil the fun of letting their world itself for you instead.

Dan Chaon: Sleepwalk (2022, Holt & Company, Henry)

Review of 'Sleepwalk' on 'Goodreads'

Sleepwalk seems like an in-depth character study of the protagonist; however, I was well into the novel without feeling like the story had advanced, so I was unable to finish. If you are looking for a slow burn with world building as it relates to the main character, you may have more success with this one.

Review of 'Marco Swift and the Mirror of Souls' on 'Goodreads'

Marco Swift and the Mirror of Souls was an enjoyable read, but not what I was looking for in a middle grade fantasy. The primary driver of the protagonist's growth was resolving inner conflict, which was also used to progress through the book's climax. In contrast, my preferred narrative conflict is interpersonal.

I gave this book three stars because, while it's not for me, it's a good exploration of grief and may be something others are more into.

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Leigh Bardugo: The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising (2017, Square Fish)

Shadow and Bone is a young adult fantasy adventure and debut novel written by Israeli-American …

Review of 'The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising' on 'Goodreads'

Fast-paced from the start while still world-building, the book was hard to put down. The characters were complex and well-developed.