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wren_in_black 's review for:
Scavenge the Stars
by Tara Sim
**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. **