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betweentheshelves
This book is so incredibly relevant to everything that's going on right now. And the social structure created here is so interesting. The characters are also so fully developed and you're rooting for them the whole time. I was also really impressed with the narrator of the audiobook. It feels like you're transported to this unique world, desperate for the underdogs to overthrow the oppressive government power. And queer Latina characters! What isn't to love?
Review originally posted at between-the-shelves.com!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this for early review! Even since reading Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee, I've loved her work. This was a different story, but still a thoroughly engaging story. While it's a bit slow moving at first, the story itself is atmospheric and it draws you in quickly.
While this book is being pitched as a mystery, it's more of an unraveling of family secrets through the voices of the three Sullivan sisters: Murphy, Eileen, and Claire. For the most part, the voices of each of the sisters were unique enough to tell them apart, but at times, they tended to blur together. Out of the three, Murphy might have been my favorite to read just because she had the most engaging voice. There were times, though, where she seemed younger than she was supposed to be.
If you're looking for a suspenseful mystery/thriller, this definitely isn't it. There is death mentioned in the book, but it isn't a huge part of the plot line. It's more focused on relationships and the ways that family relationships change. This book will suit those looking for relationship based stories, exploring family histories and family secrets. It is definitely more of a character driven story than a plot driven story.
Adding a bit more suspense might have made this book a little more engaging plot wise. Overall, an interesting read featuring strong characters.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this for early review! Even since reading Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee, I've loved her work. This was a different story, but still a thoroughly engaging story. While it's a bit slow moving at first, the story itself is atmospheric and it draws you in quickly.
While this book is being pitched as a mystery, it's more of an unraveling of family secrets through the voices of the three Sullivan sisters: Murphy, Eileen, and Claire. For the most part, the voices of each of the sisters were unique enough to tell them apart, but at times, they tended to blur together. Out of the three, Murphy might have been my favorite to read just because she had the most engaging voice. There were times, though, where she seemed younger than she was supposed to be.
If you're looking for a suspenseful mystery/thriller, this definitely isn't it. There is death mentioned in the book, but it isn't a huge part of the plot line. It's more focused on relationships and the ways that family relationships change. This book will suit those looking for relationship based stories, exploring family histories and family secrets. It is definitely more of a character driven story than a plot driven story.
Adding a bit more suspense might have made this book a little more engaging plot wise. Overall, an interesting read featuring strong characters.
It's always hard to give memoirs ratings because they are all about someone's life. This is such an important story because this is still something that happens. While the writing wasn't always stellar, the story was compelling and important.
Originally posted at between-the-shelves.com!
We received an ARC of this at the library where I work, and after reading the summary, I quickly snatched it up! It has everything you could possibly want: fairy tale re-tellings, an epic fight against evil, and an adorable love story. What more could you want in a summer release?
Right away, Bayron's twists on the original story were impressive. As someone who reads a lot of re-tellings, her twist on the original fairy tale was fresh and kept evolving as the story went on. The plot and the story structure are probably the best aspects of the book overall. It's fast paced and difficult to put down!
The only reason this isn't getting five stars is because the characters fell a little flat at times. I wanted more characterization throughout the novel. Outside of being strong and rebellious, we don't get much else about Sophia's character. I wanted more emotions from both of the main characters outside of their outrage and feelings for each other. More of a spectrum would have tipped this book over the top for me.
Overall, anyone looking for a fast-paced re-telling to read this summer, I definitely recommend this! It's a great book to have for your vacation. Or staycation, if you don't have anywhere to go.
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I loved what she did with the Cinderella tale in this. So unique! More in a review to come tomorrow.
We received an ARC of this at the library where I work, and after reading the summary, I quickly snatched it up! It has everything you could possibly want: fairy tale re-tellings, an epic fight against evil, and an adorable love story. What more could you want in a summer release?
Right away, Bayron's twists on the original story were impressive. As someone who reads a lot of re-tellings, her twist on the original fairy tale was fresh and kept evolving as the story went on. The plot and the story structure are probably the best aspects of the book overall. It's fast paced and difficult to put down!
The only reason this isn't getting five stars is because the characters fell a little flat at times. I wanted more characterization throughout the novel. Outside of being strong and rebellious, we don't get much else about Sophia's character. I wanted more emotions from both of the main characters outside of their outrage and feelings for each other. More of a spectrum would have tipped this book over the top for me.
Overall, anyone looking for a fast-paced re-telling to read this summer, I definitely recommend this! It's a great book to have for your vacation. Or staycation, if you don't have anywhere to go.
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I loved what she did with the Cinderella tale in this. So unique! More in a review to come tomorrow.
Getting Magnus and Alec's POVs in this book was everything, honestly. They are definitely one of my favorite couples from the Shadowhunter universe and I'm so glad they get the chance to shine! Yes, maybe the plot was a bit predictable, but Magnus and Alec definitely made up for it.
This is pitched as Westworld meets The Handmaid's Tale and honestly, that's such a good description for this book. After her sister accidentally kills a man, Aster and a group of Good Luck Girls are now on the run, to find the only thing that will allow them to finally be free. If they can get there in one piece.
Aster and the rest of the characters are so driven to reach their goal, and there's a lot of action in this book. Westerns aren't very popular in YA, so this book is definitely a breath of fresh air. A diverse cast of characters fighting for a cause we can all get behind. And there's no romance! A rarity for YA fantasy, but I loved it all the more.
While there were some points that were a bit predictable, the characters and the world building definitely make up for it. I'm interested in learning more about this world, so I hope there's more to come!
Aster and the rest of the characters are so driven to reach their goal, and there's a lot of action in this book. Westerns aren't very popular in YA, so this book is definitely a breath of fresh air. A diverse cast of characters fighting for a cause we can all get behind. And there's no romance! A rarity for YA fantasy, but I loved it all the more.
While there were some points that were a bit predictable, the characters and the world building definitely make up for it. I'm interested in learning more about this world, so I hope there's more to come!
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
Not that the other volumes weren't emotional, but I feel like this volume just takes it to another level. Vaughan and Staples aren't afraid to take on difficult topics, especially when it comes to war and other things. And I know that's true for volumes after this, too.
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Oh, I forgot how sad this one ends. Like, seriously, what an ending to a volume. Vaughan and Staples really know how to play withe their reader's emotions. There's so much to unpack in this series as well, so much that relates to what's happening in the real world. I think I will forever love this comic series, for so many reasons.
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Oh, I forgot how sad this one ends. Like, seriously, what an ending to a volume. Vaughan and Staples really know how to play withe their reader's emotions. There's so much to unpack in this series as well, so much that relates to what's happening in the real world. I think I will forever love this comic series, for so many reasons.
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence
Moderate: Child death, Drug abuse, Miscarriage
Minor: Cursing, Transphobia
A mix of memoir and critique, I would definitely recommend this to anyone trying to learn more about the trans community. Reading this brought me back to my academic days in parts, and I remember why I wanted to stay in the gender studies/feminism lane. I learned so much reading this book!
There are so many characters that come and go in this series, but they still make such an impact. This volume isn't as action driven as the other volumes, but there's so much emotion in it. There are also some absolutely gorgeous panels in these issues. I just love everything about this series.
What an ending to this duology! Twists and turns and the fight against those in power. Plus, I love Dani and Carmen. They fight to be together against all odds and it's just beautiful.