savage_book_review's Reviews (328)

I've had this book and its sequel sat on my bookshelf since 2015, when my boyfriend (now husband) bought them for me at a local craft fair where the author had a stall. I remember her explaining the premise and loving the idea; a time travelling mystery mixed with recognisable historical events, with teenage characters leadibg the way. But they've always been superceded in my TBR list by other more mainstream books, until now.

In the main, the story and plot hold up well; three children/teens visit the Rufus Stone with their friend? Babysitter? Responsible adult? But when they get there, the bustle of the 21st Century disappears and, after a little exploration, they realise they're now in Norman Britain, at around the time the event that the Rufus Stone memorialises takes place. The tale is one of the kids both trying to fit in to this new/old world, and trying to work out how to get home.

The trouble is, in my head the story lends itself to a history twist - a what if the King lives tale, or what if one of the kids kills him? But despite the promise of history, it just comes across as a coincidental occurance rather than central to the plot. Which kind of makes the whole premise collapse in on itself. 

While it does explore the Norman world a little, it barely scratches the surface and feels very generic - it could be a village at any time between the end of the Roman Empire right through to the Tudor period. Only the mention of which King is on the throne confirms the setting. Likewise, it has a very Enid Blyton-esque feel to it - despite the modernity of the teenagers, you have quite stereotypical boys; one smart, brave and protective, the other a bit more independent, lazy and stubborn... and the girl is just a bit pathetic. So you could be reading a book set in the early 20th century just as easily!

Unfortunately I didn't find that the writing had any depth to it at all; I couldn't connect with the main characters as they were completely two-dimensional. I only know their last names as they're mentioned on the back cover and bookmark! You're launched into a story with minimal explanation of how the characters have come together, and this trend continues throughout; there was a lot of telling rather than showing, and a lot of the plot points just seemed shoehorned into conversations. 

The imagination is there and I'm wondering if this is the sort of book that might work better being read aloud to a child as a bedtime story. I can certainly accept the author's idea as a strong one, but the execution just lets it down for me.

The pace of the story picks back up as our heroine returns to Rifthold. With her court by her side, it's time for her to exact revenge, save those she can and discover just what the King of Adarlan has been plotting. But it's definitely not going to be an easy ride.

In some ways, this feels like it might have been the original plan for the climax of the series. While there is still plenty of story left to tell, there are a few 'endings' in here that you would normally expect to find at the denouement. As it is, perhaps this is more like the end of phase one. Left Me satisfied, but at the same time still wanting more!

I love how the author takes her characters and makes them fallible. The queen turned assassin, the witch who falls in love, the 'tart with a heart'... she's brilliant at making all of her characters fall into shades of grey, without making you lose sympathy for them (with the possible exception of Tamlin in ACOTAR... but even then...). Somehow she reflects that you don't have to be all good to be good, or all bad to be bad; there's just a fine line and your choices decide which side you fall on. There are a few cases of this being done very well in this book, and it really brings the characters into much sharper focus.

I'm interested to see how the immortality/mortality question plays out, especially given how much the author is stressing that certain characters will far outlive others. I'm a sucker for that kind of romance (10th Doctor and Rose, anyone?), so really hoping for a literal happily ever after! And the UST... *fans self* 

So far, I'm loving the series, even if I don't think it's quite as strong as ACOTAR. Now I just have to hope that the next two books arrive at the library at the same time, as I'm going to attempt the tandem read. Can't wait!

I think I need to buy these books. I'm currently borrowing them from the library, but the gap between each book coming in is having an effect on my enjoyment and the flow of the story. I remember the broad strokes of what came before, but I think some of the detail is slipping my mind and so when I get to the next one, it's harder to slip back into the world seamlessly. That being said, I have the next one ready and waiting, so it shouldn't be a problem this time!

Overall, this feels like the 'exposition' book; it's getting all of the 'secondary' characters who are going to play a part in the rest of the series introduced and moved to the right places on the board. There is definitely a story there, and an enjoyable one at that, but it doesn't do a whole lot to move Celaena's story along until towards the end of the book. The last third of the book is definitely the best part; all of the real action and a very good climax to the book is contained there

Indeed, there are several intertwined narratives in this book, but the one with the most movement is the story of a newly introduced character. In my head, I have to admit all I can see is Hiccup and Toothless from 'How to Train your Dragon', but with a but more violence. I did enjoy reading these sections, but you don't get any real indication as to why the character is important enough to warrant having her story told, or the role she's going to play in the wider story, so it feels a little hollow. I can try and guess, but as it's Sarah J Maas I feel like that's just setting me up for a fall!

Rowan definitely feels like the template for Rhys in ACOTAR, and I am not complaining! Very much liking that character! There's just something about the snarky, dark, brooding man with a heart of gold that Maas just nails when she writes! 

However, I feel like there's a huge plot hole here - Celaena has been sent to assassinate the Wendlyn royal family, but 'disappears' for an extended period. And nothing is said by her employer? No retribution meted out as threatened? I'll be interested to see how the next book deals with this.

It's not dampened my interest in continuing with this series, but this one isn't quite as enthralling as the others. I think the fun is definitely about to begin, so jumping straight into Queen of Shadows!

At eight years old, Jane Popyncourt is brought to England by her mother under mysterious circumstances and is awarded a place as a child of honour in the entourage of the children of King Henry VII. As she grows up, she starts to question her place and tries to discover just what secrets her family and the Tudor Court have hidden from her...

Sounds like it should be an interesting read, right? I certainly hoped so, especially as I'd read some good reviews. And it's based on a real person; Jane really was a lady at the Court of Henry VII. But I'm afraid there are very few redeeming features in this book for me. The story feels like it's stretched too thin; it's not fast paced, but where it takes place over an extended period of time it barely skims the surface of character or plot. The 'twists' are entirely predictable and the actual 'mystery' about what forced Jane's mother to leave France in the first place is incredibly dull and, if you're not paying attention, actually quite hard to follow!

The writing came across as clunky and awkward; in trying to maintain the period feel of the prose, the author has made some choices which detracted even further from what little engagement I had. I do appreciate that names and titles during the Tudor period can get confusing, but there is no need to repeat a character's full name and title each almost every time they appear. And while using period words is absolutely fine, it felt like the author picked a couple and used them at every opportunity, 'mayhap' being the worst culprit.

I will admit that, with the cover, the series title and the book title being what they are, plus the setting and the fashion that surrounds this style of book, I was expecting a little bit of spice. But unfortunate you cannot judge this book by its cover. There are a couple of allusions to the act, and a very brief open door scene that has basically no detail, and that's it. While it's not a necessary feature for any book, when you pick up one expecting a little bit of "the good stuff", to find it so sorely lacking is really disappointing!

I did listen to the audio version, which also didn't help; having someone else interpret the writing for me on this occasion just exacerbated the above  issues. The narrator sounds like she's reading from a script she's never seen before; there are moments that are completely robotic, and her over-enunciation of every word makes her sound like an AI being. It's not without inflection and tone, but it just sounds 'fake'. Her attempts at all of the different voices and accents, while laudable, were just off-putting. I do wonder if I'd read the book rather than listened to it whether a lot of the problems I have would have been reduced as I'd be reliant on my own internal monologue and imagination...

I did have the rest of this series on my TBR list, but as they all appear to be standalone novels I'm not going to worry - I've got too many other books that I'm looking forward to to delay reading them for more of the same.

Objectively speaking, this is a well written dark, tense thriller that leaves the reader feeling just as suffocated and trapped as the main character. The narrative and setting reflect each other well; nothing wasted, tightly controlled, gets the job done, and yet highly effective. I can see why people who enjoy this genre would rave about this book.

However, I'm not one of those people. This is a genre that I don't generally pick up, not because I'm triggered by anything within, but more just because I use reading as an escape to fantasy land, which this definitely isn't. My star rating reflects my subjective feelings; while it was a good read and I could digest it quickly, I couldn't derive any enjoyment or pleasure from it.

I didn't think there was much depth to the book; while the main character's backstory is clear, the motivations of her "husband" remain shrouded in mystery. In no way would any tragic backstory redeem him and he is clearly a bad person, but the gap left me with more questions than answers; is he perpetuating the cycle? Is he emulating his father, or did he have a weird obsession with his mother? Was he 'normal' with his first wife? If so, what made him turn? There are tantalising glimpses, but not enough to garner the feeling of full on, villain levels of hatred and disgust in the reader, which is definitely what you should be feeling for this man!!

Likewise, there are some plot points and actions that occur with little to no explanation, that make very little sense to me. They're clearly necessary for the story to move forward, but again it feels like there are big gaps left while the story moves on. I'm not saying everything needs explanation down to the tiniest detail, but in this case it seems to me that just too many details are missing.

I found the climax to be both exactly what you would be hoping for, and yet very underwhelming. Again, the lack of detail just leaves it wanting. In my head, the last moment of the main story should have been a last look back over the farmland, illuminated by the glow of embers and with the sound of crackling wood... this would still leave it up to the reader's imagination so there's nothing graphic, but would have given it the finality the story deserved. As it is, it's all inferred. And then the epilogue just feels too 'easy' and, oddly, seems to me to be the least realistic part of the book...

This book was recommended to me by my Mum. I am really glad she found a book she could devour quickly, and I'm so grateful I get to share the experience with her, even if it's not to the same degree.

Anastasia Romanov's story has never been told quite like this. A brilliant weaving of historical fiction, fantasy and romance, 'Anastasia' imagines Rusya and the court of the Tsars as a place of magic, mysticism and the supernatural far beyond just the reputation of a 'monk' with supposed healing powers. For those familiar with the period  there are plenty of names, places and events that ground the narrative in 'real' history, but the inventiveness and fictional elements transport you to a whole new world and leaves your imagination blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.

While it is a relatively slow paced book, it's so immersive. Throughout, you are drawn into the world of Anastasia so deeply that it's very difficult to pull yourself away. At no point was I willing the story along because it was too tedious - every step of the way you're learning more about the characters, the court or the world. It's very well thought out and, IMO, is up there with Sarah J Maas for worldbuilding. The author has taken a wider view of history, understanding that while the Romanov's story is ultimately tragic, they were by no means innocent themselves. And yet she's found a way to acknowledge that but still herd them towards a slightly happier ending.

I adore the characterisation of Anastasia and Damien. Their arcs are brilliantly drawn and their relationship just consumes you while you're reading. While this is primarily Anastasia's story, at various points the narrative voice does switch between the two. It absolutely works as it gives you a sense of their development from both points of view and gets you inside both of their heads, but a part of me wishes that this set up had been more consistently applied throughout the book. 

Likewise, I think what the author has done with Rasputin is absolutely spot on. Sorry, but this is how I'll be imagining the 'lover of the Russian Queen' from now on... it just explains so much!!!

There is a little bit of spice in here, but it works in the context of the story - it doesn't feel gratuitous and it's certainly not as explicit as it could be. However, nor is it 'closed door'. There is also a fair amount of swearing which is fine fir the most part, but just occasionally pops up in an incongruous place that pulls you from the setting for just a moment - for some reason it felt to me like it was Americanising the text.

I only have a couple of very minor criticisms. Firstly, the first chapter/prologue doesn't add anything to the story and feels completely disconnected. I was waiting for the whole book for it to slot in or make sense, but it never did. If I read it again, I'd skip it. 

There are also some inconsistencies in names/spellings; for example, Anastasia is referred to as Anya a couple of times in the text before she actually takes on that moniker,

and the author slips in her choice of vampyre/vampire a couple of times

. But that's nothing another editing pass wouldn't pick up on, and it doesn't spoil your enjoyment.

In short, though, I loved it!

In the final instalment, we skip forward to the end of Avery's first year at Hawthorne House, when she's just days away from coming fully into her inheritance of billions. But a surprise visitor starts the clock ticking on another mystery, with the very real possibility that, if she doesn't solve it in time, Avery could end up right back where she started... or worse...

I will come out and say it immediately - this one just doesn't quite match up to the previous two in my opinion. The concept feels a lot less structured; the only way I can describe it is that it feels like the author had a good idea and had various scenes in her mind, but didn't have the complete story to fill in the gaps. For example, there are a few flashbacks to events that we as readers haven't actually seen, which seem quite important to one aspect of the story. While you get the gist, presenting them in this format lessens the emotional impact. I'd perhaps have started the book with a whistle-stop tour through Avery's year so that you could include these scenes in the correct chronology to shred the reader's nerves before the real story starts!

It feels like you get to know the Hawthorne boys in more depth in this one; their shells have been cracked and you get to see them in a more vulnerable way. The sibling rivalry is still there, but they seem to be more of a unit in this one. However, it does come across that the author gave up on the idea of the love triangle idea, as while there are plenty of places that that simmering tension could have been carried over into this book, it just doesn't quite hit the same heights. I had expected there to be a bit more to-ing and fro-ing on this front before a choice was made, but actually it just settles down without much else being said. And from other reviews I've seen, I don't think I'm the only one who's just a leetle bit disappointed at whuch brother got the girl? But despite my personal disappointment, I get it - it serves the story as it's not about the boys being rivals this time.

I definitely did enjoy this one though; I think the author is incredibly clever at tying together the individual mysteries with the overarching question of 'why Avery?' as each of the books give you part of an answer, but THE answer... I'd say the one we're given is satisfactory, but there's plenty of room for more.

A random thing I love: The fact that Oren appears out of nowhere all the time. And it's not because he's popping out of walls, but rather because the author doesn't always mention him in a scene until he speaks. Like a good bodyguard, he fades into the background and you forget that he's always there until he makes himself known. It's a small thing, but to me it shows how deeply the author has thought about her characters. 

While this one isn't my favourite, it's still a very strong ending to the trilogy. And I'm desperate to read the next one when it comes out next month!

The second in the 'Inheritance Games' series; Avery might have thought she'd solved the riddle of how she came to inherit the billions of a total stranger, but that proves to be just the beginning. Now it's not just about finding out how she fits into the game, but about how the game started in the first place...

I really enjoyed this book. By the time I'd reached the third act, I was desperate not to be disturbed so I could take in the climax without distractions. The story moves apace from start to finish, and there are so many layers to it so you are constantly gripped. Definitely not a dull moment! 

I'd say the writer has hit her stride with this novel; it doesn't feel quite as contrived as the first, the writing flows very well and the twists and turns are less predictable. There's always one more! I think it also helps that you know what to expect this time around; yes, there are puzzles, but you know they're not going to be interactive as such so you can just sit back and enjoy imagining the Hawthorne boys and Avery solving them. You're a little more confident of everyone's motives this time around, but there is still that lingering concern that anyone could be about to double cross Avery, which maintains the tension throughout.

The romantic element also picks up a bit in this one, although I'm still not 100% convinced by it. I'm reserving full judgement until I read the last book; I know who I want Avery to end up with, but I'll be interested to see how the author ties it up no matter which way she goes. And I have to say, the UST really works... I know all the boys are described as gorgeous heartbreakers, but wow does their appeal pour right off the page! This may be slightly blasphemous, but I'm not even sure Rhysand and Co came across quite so sexy on a first read! I would love to see who they chose to cast in a Tv/film version... 

I am so glad that book 3 came into the library today for me, so there's no delay in me finishing the series! This is definitely going on my 'to buy' list...

I love a good 'What If' rabbit hole. Probably because I've spent most of my life playing that game inside my head with every aspect of my daily life. So at least when it happens in fiction, I can relax knowing it will have no disastrous real world consequences! As a result, I'm intrigued by the Disney Twisted Tales series - taking our favourite Disney stories and turning them on their heads to show a darker alternative.

The first in the series is about Aladdin, and what would have happened if Jafar had been the one to first summon the Genie. It's definitely darker, that's for sure! I found it incredibly difficult to place the Disney characters within this context, but it wasn't a bad thing. They all felt less cartoonish, more three dimensional - in some respects I'd compare it to watching the live action version when you're a fan of the original animation... you still recognise everything, but it strikes you in a completely different way.

There are a few moments in here that you would never see in a Disney movie, which actually adds to the 'grown up' feel of the books. The story explores themes like poverty, (in)equality and forced marriage far more explicitly than the film, and  in places feels like it's giving quite a serious commentary on the issues. However, that doesn't detract from the entertainment value and actually fits in very nicely.

I also like that they give Jasmine (and the other women) far more agency. She's not just a Disney Princess; in this, she has far more of a 'Princess Leia' vibe going on - far more capable than people give her credit for! It feels like a better balance between Aladdin and Jasmine and really gives her character some depth. But again, this does mean I cannot imagine the Disney animated characters when reading - they just don't fit.

Which brings me on to the biggest disappointment  - the Genie. Now, I know he's in a tough spot in this book and so isn't going to be as genial as you'd hope, but my goodness does the character feel lacking and flat. It's 100% down to Robin Williams inhabiting that character so incredibly; it's impossible for any other version to match up! The author has tried to keep some of the attitude about the Genie, but it just doesn't work without his manic energy and incredible improv skills. Basically, it needed him to write the part. 

So Aladdin isn't my favourite Disney movie, but I can appreciate the attempt at giving it a change of direction.

First thing I need to say is that I'm struggling to find the words to review this book, not because I didn't enjoy it, buy because I'm trying not to let my day job get in the way! Ah, the trope of a 'Will reading'... and an 'ironclad' Will that is beyond contestation... I just have to keep reminding myself that the book is based in the US and different laws apply! But seriously, if I was ever presented with a Probate case like this I'd be hard pressed to retain my professionalism... I'd be right in there trying to solve the riddles with my clients! 

Seriously though, this is a wonderfully clever tale, with twists and turns that keep you engaged and enthralled from start to finish. It's a constant roller-coaster of 'who can you trust?', and throughout you are never truly comfortable with the characters that surround our protagonist. It's a brilliantly simple concept, executed in a way that is incredibly easy to read and yet doesn't feel 'dumbed down'. Even the secondary characters have great personality and depth to them, and suspicion falls on someone peripheral just as easily as on the main cast members. 

I do wish that there had been slightly more made of the puzzles - while I absolutely loved reading about the characters following clues to locate the hidden messages etc, it would have been even better if they were clues within the text so that the reader could feel like they were alongside Avery and the others on their hunt if they wanted to. But I suspect the author has laid breadcrumbs for later in the series, so I may get my wish (and be pleasantly surprised when I fail to put the pieces together) after all...

The imagery conjoured up by the author regarding Hawthorn House is brilliant too. I see it as a palatial version of 'The Burrow' from Harry Potter; just a sprawling building that's been added to in random ways over and over again, that looks like it can only be held up by magic. Everything just feels so vivid; even though it's a mansion straight out of a childhood fantasy of how rich people live (or a Sims build) I can totally believe in the place!

The only real let downs for me were that I figured out the clue that leads to the cliffhanger straight away, and the love triangle set up. I don't think it needed the romance element to be played quite so hard and fast as it was - if it has to be done, I feel like a slower burn would have ramped up the tension another notch and served the story better. But equally I could feel the UST bubbling off the page, so what is there is done well!

Definitely looking forward to book 2!