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A fun read, and a delight to have so many diverse characters peopling the world. Amaya was a well-rounded character, though perhaps a little melodramatic in her reactions. I don't know "Count of Monte Cristo" as well as I should perhaps, but I also didn't feel this slavishly followed Dumas' book; it was allowed to breathe and create its own world. Cayo was a little muddled at times in terms of his decision-making and motivations, and some of the wording was oddly archaic, but overall, a great read.
I, unfortunately, did not enjoy this one.
Largely for two reasons:
A lack of world-building and a lack of character development.
It's a shorter book with a more complicated plot. I found the plot difficult to follow with the numerous mentions of fantasy countries, cultures, and local practices which had little explanation.
I also found all of the characters to feel rather two-dimensional and flat. They don't change much during the story itself, and I didn't find them compelling.
Lastly, I was disappointed with the description of Scavenge the Stars as a Count of Monte Cristo retelling. I found the connections between the two to fall short, and the heart of Monte Cristo wasn't present in this story.
Largely for two reasons:
A lack of world-building and a lack of character development.
It's a shorter book with a more complicated plot. I found the plot difficult to follow with the numerous mentions of fantasy countries, cultures, and local practices which had little explanation.
I also found all of the characters to feel rather two-dimensional and flat. They don't change much during the story itself, and I didn't find them compelling.
Lastly, I was disappointed with the description of Scavenge the Stars as a Count of Monte Cristo retelling. I found the connections between the two to fall short, and the heart of Monte Cristo wasn't present in this story.
**Special thanks to NetGalley for an electronic ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own and in no way reflect the views of NetGalley or the publisher. **
3.5 Stars
This is another one of those cases where I wish Goodreads did half star reviews. I liked the book, but I didn't "really like" the book. I feel bad giving it three stars, because I think this was a case of right book / wrong reader. Or, perhaps this was one I should have read with a paper copy instead of starting with the electronic ARC and finishing with the audio book. The narrator of the audiobook was great, by the way. I simply think this just wasn't the story for me, especially after just reading [b:Sea Witch|36502054|Sea Witch (Sea Witch, #1)|Sarah Henning|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1523871348l/36502054._SY75_.jpg|47793479] which also involved boats and revenge and, although a completely different story, similar themes. I think I would have liked this one better if I read it at a different time.
Okay, so here's what I thought...
I was instantly drawn into the story. Silverfish presented an intriguing character as a child laborer on a debtor's ship. I could literally smell the fish guts on the ship from the author's descriptions. I immediately felt empathy for her plight.
But, I didn't maintain that level of empathy for her throughout. She made some rash decisions, especially after reuniting with Boon, or at least they felt rash to me as a reader. Her identity is supposedly split between Amaya, who she was before and who she wants to become again, and Silverfish, who she was on the ship, consumed with revenge. I found she wasn't very likable as a main character.
But, I adored Cayo. I'm super excited for a bisexual main character and would like to see this explored a bit further, especially if relationships develop in the second half of this duology like I believe they will. Cayo is not that great at scheming, he just wants to help people, and he trusts too easily. His major motivations come from a desire to help his sister and I found him far more likable than Amaya/Silverfish.
I wanted more of Roach. We don't have nearly enough asexual/aromantic representation in books and I just want to see more of him. He's a loyal friend and not really developed much beyond that, although the ending of the book hints that there's more to his character.
The plot was paced out recently well. There were a couple of things I had difficulty keeping up with in regards to the politics of the city and interactions with Mr. Mercado and the Slum King. I think this is where I would have benefited most from not listening to the audiobook, but rather having a paper copy in my hand so that I could re-read paragraphs as needed to make sure I got everything solid in my head before continuing on.
I'll definitely read the conclusion to this tale when it's published. If you liked the original Count of Monte Cristo (of which this is a gender-swaped retelling) then I think you'll like this story. If you want a fierce female lead, you'll like this story. If you want a sensitive male lead, you'll like this story.
** For teachers and parents, there's nothing beyond a few quick kisses in this book. Attractions are mentioned, but nothing is even close to explicit. Preteens can read this without concern, in my opinion. **
3.5 Stars
This is another one of those cases where I wish Goodreads did half star reviews. I liked the book, but I didn't "really like" the book. I feel bad giving it three stars, because I think this was a case of right book / wrong reader. Or, perhaps this was one I should have read with a paper copy instead of starting with the electronic ARC and finishing with the audio book. The narrator of the audiobook was great, by the way. I simply think this just wasn't the story for me, especially after just reading [b:Sea Witch|36502054|Sea Witch (Sea Witch, #1)|Sarah Henning|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1523871348l/36502054._SY75_.jpg|47793479] which also involved boats and revenge and, although a completely different story, similar themes. I think I would have liked this one better if I read it at a different time.
Okay, so here's what I thought...
I was instantly drawn into the story. Silverfish presented an intriguing character as a child laborer on a debtor's ship. I could literally smell the fish guts on the ship from the author's descriptions. I immediately felt empathy for her plight.
But, I didn't maintain that level of empathy for her throughout. She made some rash decisions, especially after reuniting with Boon, or at least they felt rash to me as a reader. Her identity is supposedly split between Amaya, who she was before and who she wants to become again, and Silverfish, who she was on the ship, consumed with revenge. I found she wasn't very likable as a main character.
But, I adored Cayo. I'm super excited for a bisexual main character and would like to see this explored a bit further, especially if relationships develop in the second half of this duology like I believe they will. Cayo is not that great at scheming, he just wants to help people, and he trusts too easily. His major motivations come from a desire to help his sister and I found him far more likable than Amaya/Silverfish.
I wanted more of Roach. We don't have nearly enough asexual/aromantic representation in books and I just want to see more of him. He's a loyal friend and not really developed much beyond that, although the ending of the book hints that there's more to his character.
The plot was paced out recently well. There were a couple of things I had difficulty keeping up with in regards to the politics of the city and interactions with Mr. Mercado and the Slum King. I think this is where I would have benefited most from not listening to the audiobook, but rather having a paper copy in my hand so that I could re-read paragraphs as needed to make sure I got everything solid in my head before continuing on.
I'll definitely read the conclusion to this tale when it's published. If you liked the original Count of Monte Cristo (of which this is a gender-swaped retelling) then I think you'll like this story. If you want a fierce female lead, you'll like this story. If you want a sensitive male lead, you'll like this story.
** For teachers and parents, there's nothing beyond a few quick kisses in this book. Attractions are mentioned, but nothing is even close to explicit. Preteens can read this without concern, in my opinion. **
This book is described as a gender-switched retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. I wish I had remembered how confusing I found The Count of Monte Cristo. Scavenge the Stars feels the same - a little convoluted, trying to keep up with who wants revenge against who and why, and do we even care? Add in some political intrigue and an orchestrated pandemic, and it felt a little crowded. There is also a muted quality to the story - I wanted a little more life, more air, more *something.* There is very little chemistry between most of the characters; I just felt a mellow monotone through it all. It was a fast enough read, and mildly enjoyable, but I'm not sure I'll wait for the sequel due in 2021.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
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This [b:The Count of Monte Cristo|7126|The Count of Monte Cristo|Alexandre Dumas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309203605l/7126._SY75_.jpg|391568] inspired YA fantasy is engaging and full of interesting characters. I liked the experience of reading it. The Monte Cristo influence is easily identifiable without the story being a full on reboot; Sim injects plenty of creativity into the familiar revenge story.
I have to say, though, that this took me FOREVER to read. I was reading the physical book, and it was easy to forget about when I walked away, though I did find the story engaging while I was actually reading it.
It's obviously set up for a sequel that I don't feel much need to read.
I have to say, though, that this took me FOREVER to read. I was reading the physical book, and it was easy to forget about when I walked away, though I did find the story engaging while I was actually reading it.
It's obviously set up for a sequel that I don't feel much need to read.
A slow start, but excellent finish.
"Light is the greatest tool in an artist's arsenal. It sheds truth that would otherwise be buried by the dark."
"If opportunity does not find you, you must create your own."
"Light is the greatest tool in an artist's arsenal. It sheds truth that would otherwise be buried by the dark."
"If opportunity does not find you, you must create your own."
2020 Reading Challenge Prompt: A book whose title caught your attention.
Very interesting low-fantasy world; no magic, but a lush city as our setting. It's supposedly based on The Count of Monte Cristo, which I have read, but was so bored by that I don't remember a lot of it. Some of the "twists" here are pretty telegraphed, and it does get info-dumpy at the end, and there is one character who appears as a bit of a deus ex machina. However, there are a variety of wonderful supporting characters in addition to the two leads, and I appreciated that everything wasn't suddenly all happy-go-lucky for Amaya/Silverfish once she was off the Brackish. It's a quick read and there is some romance but nothing graphic (which I don't mind, but many do, particularly in something marketed as YA, which this definitely is). I can't wait to see more of this world in the second book.
Very interesting low-fantasy world; no magic, but a lush city as our setting. It's supposedly based on The Count of Monte Cristo, which I have read, but was so bored by that I don't remember a lot of it. Some of the "twists" here are pretty telegraphed, and it does get info-dumpy at the end, and there is one character who appears as a bit of a deus ex machina. However, there are a variety of wonderful supporting characters in addition to the two leads, and I appreciated that everything wasn't suddenly all happy-go-lucky for Amaya/Silverfish once she was off the Brackish. It's a quick read and there is some romance but nothing graphic (which I don't mind, but many do, particularly in something marketed as YA, which this definitely is). I can't wait to see more of this world in the second book.