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ellemnope 's review for:
Songs in Ursa Major
by Emma Brodie
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Apparently I've found a new trope to love. Give me a novel with a female author centered on a band in the 1970s and a fiesty female protagonist and I'm yours. This is my third 5-star read with that premise so far in the last couple of years. Daisy Jones and the Six, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, and now Songs in Ursa Major Even the trope adjacent Malibu Rising scored for me with a 4.5 star.
Now, you may be reading my initial paragraph thinking, "why would you read the same book so many times?" And there, you would be highly mistaken. The beauty of these books is that each one has taken it's own amazing spin on the trope. I will admit that, heading into Songs in Ursa Major, I had apprehensions of it being just another Daisy Jones, but I was incredibly wrong. Ursa is a gem all in its own right.
Brodie's writing blew me away and I really hope she starts putting a string of novels soon because I need more of what she has to offer. Badly. There is so much atmosphere and I just felt enveloped in the story. I L-O-V-E-D Jane. What a fantastic character. Strong (but still with those internal insecurities), brave, and out to take what she deserves. True, she occasionally makes questionable decisions, but that's just her being human. I appreciate the fact that she isn't perfect. Her flaws are what make her feel relatable.
The plot just raced along and I was really living in the world the book provided. This was one of those situations where I stayed up way too late at night and devoured the pages. I was invested in the characters and completely enamored with the scene. Ursa is a powerhouse. It has so much packed into it. History, romance, music, fame, addiction. It's a one-stop shop.
I am wholly impressed with this debut. It's a book that will definitely stand on my own bookshelves and I may shout its praises too the rooftops until those around me are annoyed by constantly hearing about it. Wonderful. Now...Emma Brodie...I need more of your brilliance soon. I'll be anxiously watching the publishing lists.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
Now, you may be reading my initial paragraph thinking, "why would you read the same book so many times?" And there, you would be highly mistaken. The beauty of these books is that each one has taken it's own amazing spin on the trope. I will admit that, heading into Songs in Ursa Major, I had apprehensions of it being just another Daisy Jones, but I was incredibly wrong. Ursa is a gem all in its own right.
Brodie's writing blew me away and I really hope she starts putting a string of novels soon because I need more of what she has to offer. Badly. There is so much atmosphere and I just felt enveloped in the story. I L-O-V-E-D Jane. What a fantastic character. Strong (but still with those internal insecurities), brave, and out to take what she deserves. True, she occasionally makes questionable decisions, but that's just her being human. I appreciate the fact that she isn't perfect. Her flaws are what make her feel relatable.
The plot just raced along and I was really living in the world the book provided. This was one of those situations where I stayed up way too late at night and devoured the pages. I was invested in the characters and completely enamored with the scene. Ursa is a powerhouse. It has so much packed into it. History, romance, music, fame, addiction. It's a one-stop shop.
I am wholly impressed with this debut. It's a book that will definitely stand on my own bookshelves and I may shout its praises too the rooftops until those around me are annoyed by constantly hearing about it. Wonderful. Now...Emma Brodie...I need more of your brilliance soon. I'll be anxiously watching the publishing lists.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *