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Using seven separate parables to explore the different sides of an individual’s personality, Seven Sides of Self not only delves deeply in the human psyche, but it does so in a science fiction setting. Most of the stories have a subtle link through the use of this other-worldly premise, and it is this that gives the stories a more unique twist. The futuristic settings and descriptions of another planet are very interesting. They are full of brilliant ideas that suit the shortness of the stories well, and it is certainly the best quality of the book as a whole.
However, the links between each story could definitely have been used better to connect the stories in a more obvious way. Short stories don’t necessarily need this link, but it was so apparent for some of them and not so much for others, so it doesn’t always work. Whilst the first story is one of my favourites as I found it the most relatable, it is also the one that feels most out of place. Although it works well as a standalone short story, it doesn’t have the same science-fiction nature so it doesn’t connect with the other stories as well. It does, however, brilliantly capture the struggles of the creative writing process and the beauty of storytelling.
The stories also carry a spiritual theme, but this is probably the thing that I liked least about them. Some of the stories are very powerful, but it’s the ones that have more of a religious background that I found quite predictable. They didn’t feel as natural and instead made the stories feel less engaging, as they relied on these spiritual aspects rather than the more detailed character developments of the others.
Some of the allegories try to reveal a much deeper hidden meaning than others, although they don’t always quite make the point that can tell Wilkie is trying to get at. “Of the Green and Of the Gold” explores the importance of a character being able to celebrate their differences and hints at the modern issue of transphobia. It definitely has great intentions but there’s something holding it back. It’s almost like the author doesn’t quite dare to say anything too controversial, so it ever so slightly misses out on the mark.
Seven Sides of Self is definitely a mixed bag of great and good, but the stories are easy to read and there is something to enjoy about each of them. Overall, it is a wonderfully written collection of stories and metaphors which is full of beautiful descriptions. There are some thought-provoking qualities, but it doesn’t quite have the effecting impact that you would expect such a personal and explorative narrative to have.
However, the links between each story could definitely have been used better to connect the stories in a more obvious way. Short stories don’t necessarily need this link, but it was so apparent for some of them and not so much for others, so it doesn’t always work. Whilst the first story is one of my favourites as I found it the most relatable, it is also the one that feels most out of place. Although it works well as a standalone short story, it doesn’t have the same science-fiction nature so it doesn’t connect with the other stories as well. It does, however, brilliantly capture the struggles of the creative writing process and the beauty of storytelling.
The stories also carry a spiritual theme, but this is probably the thing that I liked least about them. Some of the stories are very powerful, but it’s the ones that have more of a religious background that I found quite predictable. They didn’t feel as natural and instead made the stories feel less engaging, as they relied on these spiritual aspects rather than the more detailed character developments of the others.
Some of the allegories try to reveal a much deeper hidden meaning than others, although they don’t always quite make the point that can tell Wilkie is trying to get at. “Of the Green and Of the Gold” explores the importance of a character being able to celebrate their differences and hints at the modern issue of transphobia. It definitely has great intentions but there’s something holding it back. It’s almost like the author doesn’t quite dare to say anything too controversial, so it ever so slightly misses out on the mark.
Seven Sides of Self is definitely a mixed bag of great and good, but the stories are easy to read and there is something to enjoy about each of them. Overall, it is a wonderfully written collection of stories and metaphors which is full of beautiful descriptions. There are some thought-provoking qualities, but it doesn’t quite have the effecting impact that you would expect such a personal and explorative narrative to have.
As a debut novel, In Cold Blood is a flawless example of its genre. With a steady pace, an interesting murder mystery and an in-depth investigation, it doesn’t fall short on any of its standout qualities. I read this in one sitting and loved every minute of it.
When a book is the first in a series, you usually find the same issues creeping up. There’s either too much of something or not enough of something else. Mostly, there’s not enough time spent on getting to know the main character to make you want to read more about them, or there are too many names mentioned that you can’t get to grips with the story properly. But there’s none of that with this book. In Cold Blood has the perfect balance of story, mystery, and development, and you come away knowing enough about every single character.
It’s a really easy book to enjoy. The detective story itself reads like an episode of Vera, which I mean as a huge compliment. The author is obviously a fan, too, as they even mention her at one point which made me smile. The promotion for this book alone says that it’s for fans of Ann Cleeves, and you can see why. Isabel is likeable, committed to the job, and uniquely funny, and the mystery is complex but easy to follow.
It follows a similar pattern to others in its genre in that it makes you question every character, and you don’t know how it all links together until the very end so you are constantly kept on your toes. But what it does best is that it links together Isabel’s own story with the case she is working on, meaning that both are giving the attention they deserve to allow us to feel connected to everything that’s going on.
I wouldn’t say that it’s a gripping or a shocking read, which is the only reason that I haven’t rated this a five-star book as I really couldn’t find any fault with it, but it is interesting, engaging, and enjoyable to see unfold. Bettany has obviously done her research and looks at the police procedural side of the investigation from all angles. I also like the use of the odd northern phrase and occasional mention of an accent as it shows that she pays attention to details.
Most of all, the book deals with its central theme brilliantly. I won’t say what that theme/issue is as it would spoil some of the revelations, but I really like how it was used to add more mystery, but also to tackle a few stereotypes and prejudices along the way.
In Cold Blood is a quality first instalment and will certainly remain one of my favourite reads of this year. I will be looking out for the next DI Isabel Blood book without a doubt, and already look forward to seeing what mystery she has to solve next.
Thankyou to NetGalley for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When a book is the first in a series, you usually find the same issues creeping up. There’s either too much of something or not enough of something else. Mostly, there’s not enough time spent on getting to know the main character to make you want to read more about them, or there are too many names mentioned that you can’t get to grips with the story properly. But there’s none of that with this book. In Cold Blood has the perfect balance of story, mystery, and development, and you come away knowing enough about every single character.
It’s a really easy book to enjoy. The detective story itself reads like an episode of Vera, which I mean as a huge compliment. The author is obviously a fan, too, as they even mention her at one point which made me smile. The promotion for this book alone says that it’s for fans of Ann Cleeves, and you can see why. Isabel is likeable, committed to the job, and uniquely funny, and the mystery is complex but easy to follow.
It follows a similar pattern to others in its genre in that it makes you question every character, and you don’t know how it all links together until the very end so you are constantly kept on your toes. But what it does best is that it links together Isabel’s own story with the case she is working on, meaning that both are giving the attention they deserve to allow us to feel connected to everything that’s going on.
I wouldn’t say that it’s a gripping or a shocking read, which is the only reason that I haven’t rated this a five-star book as I really couldn’t find any fault with it, but it is interesting, engaging, and enjoyable to see unfold. Bettany has obviously done her research and looks at the police procedural side of the investigation from all angles. I also like the use of the odd northern phrase and occasional mention of an accent as it shows that she pays attention to details.
Most of all, the book deals with its central theme brilliantly. I won’t say what that theme/issue is as it would spoil some of the revelations, but I really like how it was used to add more mystery, but also to tackle a few stereotypes and prejudices along the way.
In Cold Blood is a quality first instalment and will certainly remain one of my favourite reads of this year. I will be looking out for the next DI Isabel Blood book without a doubt, and already look forward to seeing what mystery she has to solve next.
Thankyou to NetGalley for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.