Tag: review

Book Lists

5 Books I want to Read in 2020 Update

by amyleighreadsLeave a Comment on 5 Books I want to Read in 2020 Update

In January I posted the 5 books I wanted to Read in 2020 and now that we are at the end of the year and I have indeed completed all 5 books I wanted to do a little wrap up and give my thoughts on each books!

Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett – I really loved the setting of this book, the atmosphere and the conditions of the city really added a layer of depth to the storyline and set the tone for the book. The dark, grittiness of the commons was heavily described and the almost hopelessness Sancia felt whilst living there really captured my attention. The fantastic element of the story with the scrivers was really unique and interesting. I love that its based on lore and legends and the fact that there is still so much to be discovered makes me excited for the rest of the series. ⭐️4/5 stars

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas – Brianna seemed very believable as a sixteen year old. A lot of times in YA the main protagonists would act a lot older than what they really were but this was very realistic. She has had to deal with a lot over the course of her life and I think that definitely came across in how she holds herself and acts around others.  These kinds of books frustrate me. I can appreciate how we see the evolution of Bri as she tries to save her family and not feel like a burden to them but at the same time watching her make all of these decisions that are questionable and all the angst involved just isn’t all that entertaining to me personally. ⭐️3/5 stars

Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw – I absolutely loved the overall premise and atmosphere of this book. I think it is definitely one of Shea Ernshaw’s strengths in her writing, I felt like I was actually there on the mountain experiencing the freezing cold along with Nora. The history of the Walker women was super fascinating and I absolutely loved the fact that we got inserts from their history and their recipes they’ve come up with over the years. It added much needed depth and a sense of history that really reinforced the whimsical nature of these women and how each of their stories impacted Nora throughout the plot. ⭐️4/5 stars

Middlegame by Seanan McGuire – I will say the pacing was quite fast and the countdown of the timeframe is what initially kept me invested and eager to read on. I just felt like a lot of the alchemy jargon mixed with the all of the talk about the impossible city just went right over my head. Theres a whole lot of complex language and equations and things that didn’t really make sense to me and I felt like the majority of the book I was just treading water trying to keep up with what was going on. I think overall it was just a little too repetitive for me as well. We see Roger and Dodger come together and forced apart multiple times throughout the course of the storyline and nothing was really revealed until right at the end. By that time I was just kind of reading to finish the book, I wasn’t all that invested in what what going to happen to them. ⭐️2/5 stars

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon – Culture really means a lot to both Dimple and Rishi and I loved that it was explored throughout the course of the plot line. Their beliefs had an impact upon every decision that they made and we see them both reflecting a lot on what their parents would think and how they would be perceived in their community. I just thought the relationship progressed too quickly and felt a little rushed to me. I would have liked if they would have more time to cultivate their friendship before jumping straight into a quite serious relationship in the course of a month. Even though they met when they were younger it wasn’t as if they were ever friends.  Just a tad too insta-lovey for me personally! ⭐️3/5 stars

Reviews

Hold Back the Tide Review

by amyleighreads1 Comment on Hold Back the Tide Review

Everyone knows what happened to Alva’s mother, all those years ago. But when dark forces begin to stir in Ormscaula, Alva has to face a very different future – and question everything she thought she knew about her past.

I was pleasantly surprised about this book. Right from the start I intrigued and eager to find out what was happening. I thought it was just going to be like this familial psychological thriller but it quickly took a turn I was not expecting and became quite fantastical and otherworldly.

Alva’s character at times acted a little older than her age. I think because she was so sheltered in the mountains and constantly trying to maintain her helpfulness to her father so he wouldn’t kill her might of accelerated her maturity. But we also see some of the naivety of her age come out when she is talking to any of the boys from the village, Ren especially.

The overarching storyline about her mother’s death and these creatures was very well done and wove together seamlessly. I like that its based upon the myths and legends of this town and the loch and how it resurfaces and comes to life, that’s definitely one of my favourite literary devices for sure.

There was a great amount of detail and also action and mystery that really kept me entertained and eager to read on. The pacing at times though felt a little stagnant and there were periods where I felt like it dragged.

I honestly picked this up randomly and I was quickly taken with the story and Alva. It felt highly original and was overall a pretty fast read that I was unable to predict anything that was going to happen. The ending I can appreciate although I am not that much of a fan of. I don’t want to spoil anything but I was left feeling unfulfilled I guess.

⭐️3/5 overall entertaining, gory & creepy!

Reviews

The Kingdom of Back Review

by amyleighreads1 Comment on The Kingdom of Back Review

Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish—to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she’ll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. 

I can appreciate the journey of self-acceptance that Nannerl goes on throughout the course of the book, but I wasn’t all that attached to her. She seemed petty and jealous of her brother and his talents even though he is so dedicated to her and appreciates her talents above all else. It would be difficult as a young woman growing up in this time and how frustratingly sexist the people are and it is really displayed in the plot.

Wolfer again I wasn’t very attached to. Sure he profited off Nannerl’s composition when their father stole her work and passed it off as his but he always praised Nannerl and was just trying to emulate her. Their whole familial relationship was centred around their musical talents and putting so much pressure on children so provide for the family is a little problematic in my eyes.

The secondary plotline surrounding the Kingdom was what really kept me reading on. I wanted to find out what the three tasks where that Nannerl needed to complete to get her wish and how that shifted over the years she and Wolfer visited the Kingdom. Hyancinth was definitely an interesting character but in the end it was just a tad too predictable for me.

The prose was well done and the pacing was pretty consistent. I went into this book with pretty low expectations as I have found I am not the greatest fan of historical fiction, even if it has a fantastical twist and this stayed true. Unfortunately, I didn’t really enjoy this book at all, there was nothing inherently wrong with it and I don’t have any untoward feelings towards the tale I was just bored most of the time.

⭐️2/5 I can see why so many people love this book, just not for me…

Reviews

The Toll Review

by amyleighreads1 Comment on The Toll Review

It’s been three years since Rowan and Citra disappeared; since Scythe Goddard came into power; since the Thunderhead closed itself off to everyone but Grayson Tolliver.

I really enjoyed how we see the story unfold over various timelines within the three years since Endura sank. There was a lot you kind of had to wade through and at times I did find it a bit dense but still captivating and engaging me in a way that propelled me to keep reading.

I just loved the way Citra and Rowan have evolved over the course of the series and how they started off as quite innocuous characters to being some of the most beloved and infamous people in the world. I loved how we see how the decisions they make over the course of the storyline has such an impact on their society and the Scythedom. They are separated for the majority of the series so when they are reunited it almost feels like fanservice because it what I have been craving for so long.

We are again introduced to a plethora of new characters and a few different perspectives that kept the narrative fresh and interesting. We spent some time outside of MidMerica and we get to see how some of the other factions within this world operate and how they all differ from one another whilst still maintaining this social order, it was compelling. Also seeing how everyone is scrambling to try and survive without being able to communicate with the Thunderhead to do their unsavory statuses was entertaining.

I have to admit the Tonists and Greyson’s perspective was my least favourite out of them all. I honestly wasn’t all that invested in their religion or how it operated. I was curious as to why the Thunderhead chose Grayson out of every to still communicate with but I was way more interested in what was happening with Rowan and Citra as opposed to The Toll though he was a defining character in the grand scheme of the book.

I think this was meticulously planned and put together in a way that really captivates you from the start and has you questioning every single detail. Wondering what the Thunderhead was planning and how it was able to get around his rules to keep humankind safe but still continue to not meddle in Scythe business. I had my doubts about him since the start, I don’t know why but I never trust AI in books but this time I was pleasantly surprised!

⭐️4/5 stars a very gratifying ending, definitely exceeded my expectations!

Reviews

Girl, Serpent, Thorn Review

by amyleighreads2 Comments on Girl, Serpent, Thorn Review

*Mild Spoilers Below*

There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story.

Soraya I could definitely sympathize with and agree with most of the decisions she made in this book. If I was in the same position as her I would of probably done the same thing. I just think she trusted Asad way to quickly and virtually exposed all of her familial secrets to this guy she just met 5 minutes ago. I got a sense of their connection sure but again it was just a little too insta lovey for me. I do appreciate the transformation of Soraya’s character throughout the duration of the plot. She really takes on a lot of guilt and responsibility for everything that happens and I don’t necessarily believe that it was all her fault.

Soraya’s mother on the other hand I felt just handled everything completely wrong. Ignoring Soraya for all these years and barely spending any time with her and not explaining any of the reasons behind the curse especially after she knew Soraya had visited the Div. When we did find out the reasoning behind what she did you can understand why she made her choices but still just be honest and explain everything rather than leaving your daughter miserable and alone for so long.

All of the characters in this book were very distinct and connected in a way that you wouldn’t predict. Azad and Parvaneh in particular were very interesting. Especially when we find out their backgrounds and how they changed the course of history in this land by their quite selfish decisions. It really shows how perspectives can be skewed and they way people interpret history into fact.

There’s a part of me that would of enjoyed this book even more if Soraya would of gave into her baser instincts and actually allied herself with Azad and became the queen. Again it was obvious that she would betray Azad and stay true to her family and her people but we get that so often in fantasy nowadays that I would of appreciated that kind of twist. I am still very satisfied with how this ended and who Soraya ended up with but I kind of wanted more.

⭐️3/5 stars So this was a tad frustrating but also entertaining and thrilling!