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winecellarlibrary's Reviews (657)
First, I would like to thank Ace publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a free Kindle ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
But, I bought a print version to read anyway. This is THE Juliet Marillier we are talking about! I own everything she has ever published, and this novel now proudly joins the others in my collection.
This novel is the first in the Warrior Bards series. If you have not yet read Marillier’s [b:Blackthorn & Grim|43348091|Blackthorn & Grim (3 Book Series)|Juliet Marillier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545731006l/43348091._SX50_.jpg|67315535] series, ANY review of these books will be a bit of a spoiler for you. (However, this review does NOT contain any spoilers of this particular novel. If you do not plan to read the Blackthorn and Grim series, feel safe to proceed.)
**4.5/5 stars**
About 20 years after Blackthorn and Grim’s adventures in the previous series, we meet their daughter and son Liobhan and Brocc. Both have joined the elite warrior training program at Swan Island and are competing for the chance to remain on the island as a permanent part of the team. They are at the top of their class and have steep competition from classmate Dau. Despite being trainees, the particular skills of Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau earn them a place on a real mission. Liobhan and Brocc, both accomplished musicians, will act as traveling bards, while Dau must play the role of a mute stablehand. Together, they must discover what has happened to the revered Harp of Kings before the coronation of the prince.
As always, Marillier writes powerful female characters. Liobhan, taking after her father in stature, is a strong woman who can easily win at hand to hand combat against any man, but in her role for the mission, she must suppress these qualities. Although this is not marketed as a Young Adult novel, it would be a fantastic and empowering read (and appropriate in content) for a teenage girl or young woman (unlike the Blackthorn and Grim series, which contains violent scenes and references).
Even when you think you have the ending of a Marillier novel figured out, she will always surprise you. This book is no different. She has woven yet another beautiful web of fantasy and mystery and adventure. The development of the three main characters is exceptional. I don’t know how I will cope while waiting for the next installment in this series!
#netgalley #theharpofkings
But, I bought a print version to read anyway. This is THE Juliet Marillier we are talking about! I own everything she has ever published, and this novel now proudly joins the others in my collection.
This novel is the first in the Warrior Bards series. If you have not yet read Marillier’s [b:Blackthorn & Grim|43348091|Blackthorn & Grim (3 Book Series)|Juliet Marillier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545731006l/43348091._SX50_.jpg|67315535] series, ANY review of these books will be a bit of a spoiler for you. (However, this review does NOT contain any spoilers of this particular novel. If you do not plan to read the Blackthorn and Grim series, feel safe to proceed.)
**4.5/5 stars**
About 20 years after Blackthorn and Grim’s adventures in the previous series, we meet their daughter and son Liobhan and Brocc. Both have joined the elite warrior training program at Swan Island and are competing for the chance to remain on the island as a permanent part of the team. They are at the top of their class and have steep competition from classmate Dau. Despite being trainees, the particular skills of Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau earn them a place on a real mission. Liobhan and Brocc, both accomplished musicians, will act as traveling bards, while Dau must play the role of a mute stablehand. Together, they must discover what has happened to the revered Harp of Kings before the coronation of the prince.
As always, Marillier writes powerful female characters. Liobhan, taking after her father in stature, is a strong woman who can easily win at hand to hand combat against any man, but in her role for the mission, she must suppress these qualities. Although this is not marketed as a Young Adult novel, it would be a fantastic and empowering read (and appropriate in content) for a teenage girl or young woman (unlike the Blackthorn and Grim series, which contains violent scenes and references).
Even when you think you have the ending of a Marillier novel figured out, she will always surprise you. This book is no different. She has woven yet another beautiful web of fantasy and mystery and adventure. The development of the three main characters is exceptional. I don’t know how I will cope while waiting for the next installment in this series!
#netgalley #theharpofkings
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank Ballantine Books publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a free Kindle ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was completely swept away by this novel. There was so much emotion that poured out of each of the characters. The book is written on two timelines, alternating with each chapter: when Leah visited the lake with Ollie, and seven years later. From the beginning, we quickly realize that Leah died at the lake, and seven years later, her best friend June is struggling with the emotional toll of taking a visit to this dreaded location with Ollie, who is now her boyfriend. She is flooded with guilt for loving Ollie and living the life that she believes Leah should have lived. As we alternate between timelines, the tension builds. How did Leah die? How will June and Ollie’s relationship recover after revisiting their tragic past? Did Ollie’s brother have any involvement in Leah’s death? This book was very emotional, and I cried along with the characters. I lost my best friend last year, so I felt a lot of empathy for June. I would highly recommend this book and will likely purchase a print copy so that I, too, can revisit the lake.
#netgalley #onenightatthelake
First, I would like to thank Ballantine Books publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a free Kindle ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was completely swept away by this novel. There was so much emotion that poured out of each of the characters. The book is written on two timelines, alternating with each chapter: when Leah visited the lake with Ollie, and seven years later. From the beginning, we quickly realize that Leah died at the lake, and seven years later, her best friend June is struggling with the emotional toll of taking a visit to this dreaded location with Ollie, who is now her boyfriend. She is flooded with guilt for loving Ollie and living the life that she believes Leah should have lived. As we alternate between timelines, the tension builds. How did Leah die? How will June and Ollie’s relationship recover after revisiting their tragic past? Did Ollie’s brother have any involvement in Leah’s death? This book was very emotional, and I cried along with the characters. I lost my best friend last year, so I felt a lot of empathy for June. I would highly recommend this book and will likely purchase a print copy so that I, too, can revisit the lake.
#netgalley #onenightatthelake
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
After the Flood was Libraries Transform's #ltbookpick in October. I love the idea of fostering a collective discussion on social media about a book! I hope there will be many more to come!
After the Flood is a post-apolcalyptic dystopian novel about a mother's relentless determination to find her missing daughter. While Myra was still pregnant with her youngest daughter, Pearl, her husband whisked away their five-year-old daughter Row, and due to the flood waters, Myra was unable to reach him in time to stop him. Now that most of the world is covered by water, Myra and Pearl travel from port to port selling the fish they catch on the boat Myra's grandfather built. When she has finally given up hope, she discovers that Row is living in a colony in Greenland. The problem is, girls like Row are enslaved on Breeder ships at the age of 13, and Myra is determined to reach her before that happens.
Myra will capitalize on every opportunity to reach her daughter in Greenland, no matter the cost. On the one hand, this is a redeemable and admirable trait. On the other, she is risking the life of Pearl and countless others in her quest. And the worst part is, Pearl is completely aware of it. Pearl feels that she has lived her life in the shadow of her sister and often does things just to get her mother's attention. Dangerous things, that lead to unsavory consequences.
Now is this an unrealistic plot point? I don't think so. I could easily see any mother throwing caution to the wind to save one of her cubs, believing in a false sense of security surrounding the cub she has with her. It's heartbreaking to read, but relatable, too.
The story moved forward at a good pace, and though it was well written, it did not evoke much emotion. I did not feel connected to Myra whatsoever. I was frustrated with her poor choices (such as sleeping with a man to sway him into doing her bidding, despite someone else being obviously highly invested in her...oh the sexual tension there...). But at the same time, I can't blame her, because she will fight tooth and nail to get what she wants, no matter who is standing in her way.
Upon further reflection while writing this review, I have changed my rating from 3 to 4 stars. This book is haunting and raw, and there is so much to consider. If you were living in her situation, could you--would you--do it better?
After the Flood was Libraries Transform's #ltbookpick in October. I love the idea of fostering a collective discussion on social media about a book! I hope there will be many more to come!
After the Flood is a post-apolcalyptic dystopian novel about a mother's relentless determination to find her missing daughter. While Myra was still pregnant with her youngest daughter, Pearl, her husband whisked away their five-year-old daughter Row, and due to the flood waters, Myra was unable to reach him in time to stop him. Now that most of the world is covered by water, Myra and Pearl travel from port to port selling the fish they catch on the boat Myra's grandfather built. When she has finally given up hope, she discovers that Row is living in a colony in Greenland. The problem is, girls like Row are enslaved on Breeder ships at the age of 13, and Myra is determined to reach her before that happens.
Myra will capitalize on every opportunity to reach her daughter in Greenland, no matter the cost. On the one hand, this is a redeemable and admirable trait. On the other, she is risking the life of Pearl and countless others in her quest. And the worst part is, Pearl is completely aware of it. Pearl feels that she has lived her life in the shadow of her sister and often does things just to get her mother's attention. Dangerous things, that lead to unsavory consequences.
Now is this an unrealistic plot point? I don't think so. I could easily see any mother throwing caution to the wind to save one of her cubs, believing in a false sense of security surrounding the cub she has with her. It's heartbreaking to read, but relatable, too.
The story moved forward at a good pace, and though it was well written, it did not evoke much emotion. I did not feel connected to Myra whatsoever. I was frustrated with her poor choices (such as sleeping with a man to sway him into doing her bidding, despite someone else being obviously highly invested in her...oh the sexual tension there...). But at the same time, I can't blame her, because she will fight tooth and nail to get what she wants, no matter who is standing in her way.
Upon further reflection while writing this review, I have changed my rating from 3 to 4 stars. This book is haunting and raw, and there is so much to consider. If you were living in her situation, could you--would you--do it better?
First, I would like to thank Netgalley and Quarry Books for providing me with a PDF ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I first started following the author, Kelly Klapstein, in early 2017. I purchased a couple sets of practice worksheets, and following her instructions, I picked up brush lettering very quickly. Later that year, she published her first book about brush lettering. Her website offers practice worksheets both for free and for purchase, and she travels internationally to teach lettering workshops.
I trust very much in her process and I have seen many of her followers, such as myself, become skilled using her techniques. I was very excited to see that she was publishing a book about watercolor lettering as it is a beautiful art form with roots in brush lettering.
Both beginners and accomplished watercolor lettering artists can benefit from this book. It has so much helpful information not just about techniques, but even regarding which materials are best for different artists. Although she has certain brushes and paper that she prefers, she addresses how to work with all types and the pros and cons of each. She provides numerous examples of alphabets, but also demonstrates many different designs and techniques that can be used to embellish on the letters themselves. I was particularly happy to see that she wrote a section about watercolor pencils as they are a fantastic medium and can be used multiple ways for varying effects. At the end, she provides practice worksheets for tracing (you can make photocopies of these pages if you do not want to paint in your book).
Overall, this book covered much more information than I had expected, and I am excited to try some of the techniques I learned to improve my own watercolor lettering. Watercolor lettering is a fun activity that I have been practicing with my 8-year-old stepdaughter for a couple years, and I recommend this activity to anyone with children or who works with children. I would also recommend visiting Kelly's website or reading her previous book about brush lettering if you intend to write letters in that style as she just covers the basics of brush lettering in this book.
#theartofwatercolorlettering #netgalley
I first started following the author, Kelly Klapstein, in early 2017. I purchased a couple sets of practice worksheets, and following her instructions, I picked up brush lettering very quickly. Later that year, she published her first book about brush lettering. Her website offers practice worksheets both for free and for purchase, and she travels internationally to teach lettering workshops.
I trust very much in her process and I have seen many of her followers, such as myself, become skilled using her techniques. I was very excited to see that she was publishing a book about watercolor lettering as it is a beautiful art form with roots in brush lettering.
Both beginners and accomplished watercolor lettering artists can benefit from this book. It has so much helpful information not just about techniques, but even regarding which materials are best for different artists. Although she has certain brushes and paper that she prefers, she addresses how to work with all types and the pros and cons of each. She provides numerous examples of alphabets, but also demonstrates many different designs and techniques that can be used to embellish on the letters themselves. I was particularly happy to see that she wrote a section about watercolor pencils as they are a fantastic medium and can be used multiple ways for varying effects. At the end, she provides practice worksheets for tracing (you can make photocopies of these pages if you do not want to paint in your book).
Overall, this book covered much more information than I had expected, and I am excited to try some of the techniques I learned to improve my own watercolor lettering. Watercolor lettering is a fun activity that I have been practicing with my 8-year-old stepdaughter for a couple years, and I recommend this activity to anyone with children or who works with children. I would also recommend visiting Kelly's website or reading her previous book about brush lettering if you intend to write letters in that style as she just covers the basics of brush lettering in this book.
#theartofwatercolorlettering #netgalley
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
How do you cope with the realization that your seemingly perfect marriage is all a lie? How do you determine how much information is appropriate to divulge to your heartbroken teenage son? Does any of the new information you've gleaned have any significance in the aftermath, anyway? At what point is it appropriate to move on from the past and step into a new life?
Abbie has struggled with both heartbreak and sleep disturbances since her car accident. This is a story of rebuilding after unimaginable circumstances. It is a story of resilience and growth in the face of seemingly insurmountable events.
It is difficult to review this book without giving away too much information. Suffice it to say that when things seem to only get worse, sometimes accepting additional sacrifices is the key to moving forward.
How do you cope with the realization that your seemingly perfect marriage is all a lie? How do you determine how much information is appropriate to divulge to your heartbroken teenage son? Does any of the new information you've gleaned have any significance in the aftermath, anyway? At what point is it appropriate to move on from the past and step into a new life?
Abbie has struggled with both heartbreak and sleep disturbances since her car accident. This is a story of rebuilding after unimaginable circumstances. It is a story of resilience and growth in the face of seemingly insurmountable events.
It is difficult to review this book without giving away too much information. Suffice it to say that when things seem to only get worse, sometimes accepting additional sacrifices is the key to moving forward.
This book is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
[b:A Stranger on the Beach|41150430|A Stranger on the Beach|Michele Campbell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542748435l/41150430._SY75_.jpg|64320860] caused so many vivid emotions for me. Having experienced an abusive relationship in the past, I was sickened reading Caroline’s chapters. This book forces you to weigh the honesty of Caroline and Aidan’s accounts of what has happened, and I immediately sided with Caroline, perhaps out of some sort of pseudo survivor’s bond. However, the more I read, the more I questioned if I was siding with the right person.
The retellings given by Caroline and Aidan became so different factually that I started to side with Aidan (even if his supposed love for Caroline was nauseatingly codependent and frankly quite ridiculous and unbelievable). I began to feel as though I were an investigator, trying to work out from Caroline and Aidan’s sworn statements which of them was innocent.
I read this book in two short sittings because it was completely engulfing (once I got past the initial aversion to reading Caroline’s chapters detailing her abuse). I do not want to describe more than this for fear of giving away spoilers, but I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves suspense and thrillers. Honestly, I would recommend this book to anyone because it was thrilling to read.
I was sad to see that a lot of people who rated this book 1/5 had simply stopped reading after the first few chapters because they had given up on the book. If you only read the first few chapters, of course it is going to seem unbelievable! That’s the point! Your job is to seek out the contradictions and inconsistencies in the “statements” presented to you and figure out what is really going on. Why has Jason’s mistress followed him to his wife Caroline’s party to cause a scene? Why does Hannah, their daughter, side with Jason in all things? Why does Aidan, a supposedly gorgeous bartender, fall in love with Caroline after just one night together? What really happened all those years ago when Caroline and her sister Lynn screwed the rest of the family out of their inheritance?
This book causes you to look deeper and piece together the facts until you’re sweating and your heart is racing as you read into the wee hours of the night because you want so badly to just be able to tell the investigators what has really happened. I finished this book late last night and I have been thinking about it ALL DAY. I wish I was part of a book club so I would have someone to gush over it with! A Stranger on the Beach was fantastic overall and I would love to read other books written by [a:Michele Campbell|15394679|Michele Campbell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1546882319p2/15394679.jpg].
#netgalley #astrangeronthebeach
First, I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
[b:A Stranger on the Beach|41150430|A Stranger on the Beach|Michele Campbell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542748435l/41150430._SY75_.jpg|64320860] caused so many vivid emotions for me. Having experienced an abusive relationship in the past, I was sickened reading Caroline’s chapters. This book forces you to weigh the honesty of Caroline and Aidan’s accounts of what has happened, and I immediately sided with Caroline, perhaps out of some sort of pseudo survivor’s bond. However, the more I read, the more I questioned if I was siding with the right person.
The retellings given by Caroline and Aidan became so different factually that I started to side with Aidan (even if his supposed love for Caroline was nauseatingly codependent and frankly quite ridiculous and unbelievable). I began to feel as though I were an investigator, trying to work out from Caroline and Aidan’s sworn statements which of them was innocent.
I read this book in two short sittings because it was completely engulfing (once I got past the initial aversion to reading Caroline’s chapters detailing her abuse). I do not want to describe more than this for fear of giving away spoilers, but I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves suspense and thrillers. Honestly, I would recommend this book to anyone because it was thrilling to read.
I was sad to see that a lot of people who rated this book 1/5 had simply stopped reading after the first few chapters because they had given up on the book. If you only read the first few chapters, of course it is going to seem unbelievable! That’s the point! Your job is to seek out the contradictions and inconsistencies in the “statements” presented to you and figure out what is really going on. Why has Jason’s mistress followed him to his wife Caroline’s party to cause a scene? Why does Hannah, their daughter, side with Jason in all things? Why does Aidan, a supposedly gorgeous bartender, fall in love with Caroline after just one night together? What really happened all those years ago when Caroline and her sister Lynn screwed the rest of the family out of their inheritance?
This book causes you to look deeper and piece together the facts until you’re sweating and your heart is racing as you read into the wee hours of the night because you want so badly to just be able to tell the investigators what has really happened. I finished this book late last night and I have been thinking about it ALL DAY. I wish I was part of a book club so I would have someone to gush over it with! A Stranger on the Beach was fantastic overall and I would love to read other books written by [a:Michele Campbell|15394679|Michele Campbell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1546882319p2/15394679.jpg].
#netgalley #astrangeronthebeach
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Perfect Wife is due for publication in August 2019.
First, I would like to point out that second-person POV is the most difficult for an author to use. Abbie's chapters are written in second person and [a:J.P. Delaney|14719991|J.P. Delaney|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] does a fantastic job of immersing the reader in the story in this way.
Admittedly, the beginning and the ending of this book frustrated me. I am not particularly a fan of sci-fi, and after reading the synopsis of this book, sci-fi is not the genre you would initially anticipate. (After reading the synopsis again, I suppose it makes sense, but it is not immediately apparent.) I must admit that I was turned off by the sci-fi element that is so crudely introduced to you in the first three chapters. I recall being equally turned off by the beginning of Stephenie Meyers' The Host, but I ended up absolutely loving that book, so much so that I was inspired to draw again for the first time in years after reading it. But I digress. The point is, don't let the sudden and unexpected reveal that Abbie is in fact a robot—who has been constructed by a mourning husband to be an emotionally capable replacement for the wife he lost—cause you do turn away from this book. As Abbie's awareness grows and she experiences memories of real-life Abbie and discovers clues that indicate that real-life Abbie and Tim's marriage was not what it appeared to be on the surface, you will struggle to put the story down. I finished this book in two short sittings.
As for my problem with the ending, it simply doesn't make sense. Abbie's chapter 83 is not congruent with the narrator's chapter 'TWENTY-SIX,' which immediately follows chapter 83 in the dual storyline. I read these chapters three times each to see if I was just missing something, but I'm certain they are contradictory. Two different accounts of what happened are given here, and what happens in Abbie's chapter makes what happens in the narrator's description in the other chapter impossible. In fact, there are major plot holes pertaining to the ending as a whole, but I do not want to put any spoilers here. I feel that the ending, and these two chapters in particular, deserve a second look and major editing before the final book is released. This disparity has left me feeling incomplete and has made it difficult to rate the book.
Considering the storyline itself, I feel that robot Abbie is nothing like real-life Abbie, and this poses a problem. The characters in the story are taken aback by how "similar" robot Abbie is, but let's be frank. Real-life Abbie wouldn't put up with all the crap Tim pulls on her. Robot Abbie is just the “perfect wife” she has been told to be and lets Tim get away with far too much. However, the rest of the storyline is actually really good. The psychological struggle that robot Abbie experiences is relatable for anyone who questions their self-worth or relationships with others. She finds an inner strength as she becomes more independent, and she becomes more human even as she increasingly accepts her non-humanness.
After writing this review, I feel that 3/5 stars are appropriate until the ending is edited to make sense and be consistent with the rest of the story. I want to give the book a better rating, but I find that I am simply just too bothered by the inattention that was paid to details at the conclusion. This book could be exceptional with just a little more editing.
#netgalley #theperfectwife
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Perfect Wife is due for publication in August 2019.
First, I would like to point out that second-person POV is the most difficult for an author to use. Abbie's chapters are written in second person and [a:J.P. Delaney|14719991|J.P. Delaney|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] does a fantastic job of immersing the reader in the story in this way.
Admittedly, the beginning and the ending of this book frustrated me. I am not particularly a fan of sci-fi, and after reading the synopsis of this book, sci-fi is not the genre you would initially anticipate. (After reading the synopsis again, I suppose it makes sense, but it is not immediately apparent.) I must admit that I was turned off by the sci-fi element that is so crudely introduced to you in the first three chapters. I recall being equally turned off by the beginning of Stephenie Meyers' The Host, but I ended up absolutely loving that book, so much so that I was inspired to draw again for the first time in years after reading it. But I digress. The point is, don't let the sudden and unexpected reveal that Abbie is in fact a robot—who has been constructed by a mourning husband to be an emotionally capable replacement for the wife he lost—cause you do turn away from this book. As Abbie's awareness grows and she experiences memories of real-life Abbie and discovers clues that indicate that real-life Abbie and Tim's marriage was not what it appeared to be on the surface, you will struggle to put the story down. I finished this book in two short sittings.
As for my problem with the ending, it simply doesn't make sense. Abbie's chapter 83 is not congruent with the narrator's chapter 'TWENTY-SIX,' which immediately follows chapter 83 in the dual storyline. I read these chapters three times each to see if I was just missing something, but I'm certain they are contradictory. Two different accounts of what happened are given here, and what happens in Abbie's chapter makes what happens in the narrator's description in the other chapter impossible. In fact, there are major plot holes pertaining to the ending as a whole, but I do not want to put any spoilers here. I feel that the ending, and these two chapters in particular, deserve a second look and major editing before the final book is released. This disparity has left me feeling incomplete and has made it difficult to rate the book.
Considering the storyline itself, I feel that robot Abbie is nothing like real-life Abbie, and this poses a problem. The characters in the story are taken aback by how "similar" robot Abbie is, but let's be frank. Real-life Abbie wouldn't put up with all the crap Tim pulls on her. Robot Abbie is just the “perfect wife” she has been told to be and lets Tim get away with far too much. However, the rest of the storyline is actually really good. The psychological struggle that robot Abbie experiences is relatable for anyone who questions their self-worth or relationships with others. She finds an inner strength as she becomes more independent, and she becomes more human even as she increasingly accepts her non-humanness.
After writing this review, I feel that 3/5 stars are appropriate until the ending is edited to make sense and be consistent with the rest of the story. I want to give the book a better rating, but I find that I am simply just too bothered by the inattention that was paid to details at the conclusion. This book could be exceptional with just a little more editing.
#netgalley #theperfectwife
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
I hate writing negative reviews, but I do not have many positive thoughts in regards to this novel.
Of course, like everyone else, I first read this author in the Twilight Series. I actually did not think very highly of [b:Twilight|41865|Twilight (Twilight, #1)|Stephenie Meyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1361039443l/41865._SY75_.jpg|3212258], but the other 3.5 books in the series were fantastic. I also read [b:The Host|1656001|The Host (The Host, #1)|Stephenie Meyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1318009171l/1656001._SY75_.jpg|3328799], and after some difficulty digesting the premise in the beginning, I absolutely loved that novel.
This is Stephenie Meyer's first attempt at writing adult fiction. She really ought to just stick to the Young Adult genre. She is amazing at writing about emotions but has never excelled at writing action scenes.
Juliana was a brilliant scientist who was recruited by an agency while still in college to work as an interrogator. Her interrogation tactics do not leave the subject maimed, but give him or her maximum pain in order to force confessions. She was dubbed "The Chemist," though she did not actually study chemistry. She was also dubbed "Oleander," which she does not approve of whatsoever.
She has been on the run for years. The agency tried to kill her, and she doesn't know why. Meyers details her intricate nightly self-protection routine. There are many numbers thrown around. She was "85 percent sure" or "90 percent certain" or could dawn her gas mask in "3 seconds" even when tired (which, by the way, is impossible...I'm in the military and it takes around 7 seconds to dawn and clear a gas mask when on high alert) or the "entire exchange took 2 seconds..." You get the point. It's exhausting, mentally. We get it. She's a bad ass. And she likes numbers. Moving on.
She receives a message from a former associate at the agency that leads to her tracking down a target and interrogating him. It's obvious from the first that he is smitten with her and that she will attach herself to him eventually. The twist that occurs next is laughably predictable. What's hilarious is that Meyer actually makes fun of herself by having Juliana say that it is as ridiculous as a Soap Opera how things turned out. Because it is... Exactly. Like. A Soap Opera.
The rest is equally as predictable. And long. Sooooooooo long. This book, as an audiobook, took well over 17 hours to "read," which is twice the average length. There is just no sensical reason why it couldn't have been truncated.
The character development leaves a lot to be desired. The dialogue is weak. The narrator was monotonous. It was difficult to pay attention. I have so much on my TBR that had this been a hard copy, I would have set it aside for much, much later.
I hate writing negative reviews, but I do not have many positive thoughts in regards to this novel.
Of course, like everyone else, I first read this author in the Twilight Series. I actually did not think very highly of [b:Twilight|41865|Twilight (Twilight, #1)|Stephenie Meyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1361039443l/41865._SY75_.jpg|3212258], but the other 3.5 books in the series were fantastic. I also read [b:The Host|1656001|The Host (The Host, #1)|Stephenie Meyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1318009171l/1656001._SY75_.jpg|3328799], and after some difficulty digesting the premise in the beginning, I absolutely loved that novel.
This is Stephenie Meyer's first attempt at writing adult fiction. She really ought to just stick to the Young Adult genre. She is amazing at writing about emotions but has never excelled at writing action scenes.
Juliana was a brilliant scientist who was recruited by an agency while still in college to work as an interrogator. Her interrogation tactics do not leave the subject maimed, but give him or her maximum pain in order to force confessions. She was dubbed "The Chemist," though she did not actually study chemistry. She was also dubbed "Oleander," which she does not approve of whatsoever.
She has been on the run for years. The agency tried to kill her, and she doesn't know why. Meyers details her intricate nightly self-protection routine. There are many numbers thrown around. She was "85 percent sure" or "90 percent certain" or could dawn her gas mask in "3 seconds" even when tired (which, by the way, is impossible...I'm in the military and it takes around 7 seconds to dawn and clear a gas mask when on high alert) or the "entire exchange took 2 seconds..." You get the point. It's exhausting, mentally. We get it. She's a bad ass. And she likes numbers. Moving on.
She receives a message from a former associate at the agency that leads to her tracking down a target and interrogating him. It's obvious from the first that he is smitten with her and that she will attach herself to him eventually. The twist that occurs next is laughably predictable. What's hilarious is that Meyer actually makes fun of herself by having Juliana say that it is as ridiculous as a Soap Opera how things turned out. Because it is... Exactly. Like. A Soap Opera.
The rest is equally as predictable. And long. Sooooooooo long. This book, as an audiobook, took well over 17 hours to "read," which is twice the average length. There is just no sensical reason why it couldn't have been truncated.
The character development leaves a lot to be desired. The dialogue is weak. The narrator was monotonous. It was difficult to pay attention. I have so much on my TBR that had this been a hard copy, I would have set it aside for much, much later.
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
Tiara McClure is a new voice in young adult fantasy. This novella is a prequel to her upcoming Realms of the Fae series. This title was featured on Book Cave's YA Fantasy list. I received a free copy of this book by signing up for the author's newsletter. Below is my honest review.
First, I have to gush over this gorgeous cover!!
The synopsis describes Marion as second-best to her brother Versius, however, the book does not provide this information. The story begins with Marion learning that she will attend the Flowers Ball at the Midsummer Palace. Here, the story melds Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and The Bachelor. This lake-dwelling changeling is about to trade her fins for legs and attend a ball, despite being a lowly fisherman's daughter, in the hopes of being offered a flower, which will secure her chance at becoming a princess and future queen. Of the four courtiers to receive flowers, one will be selected after seven days and given a rose, securing her place as Prince Arion's betrothed. There's a catch: Marion's father and brother are involved in the rebellion's plot to murder the king, and they've sent her to the ball to ensure the plot is successful.
The following note is hidden as it may be a spoiler:
The story was well-written, but the numerous grammar and punctuation errors (particularly the excessive comma splices) were distracting. The ending was also very abrupt. With some proof-editing and a more developed conclusion, this novella could be a fantastic teaser for the author's upcoming series.
Tiara McClure is a new voice in young adult fantasy. This novella is a prequel to her upcoming Realms of the Fae series. This title was featured on Book Cave's YA Fantasy list. I received a free copy of this book by signing up for the author's newsletter. Below is my honest review.
First, I have to gush over this gorgeous cover!!
The synopsis describes Marion as second-best to her brother Versius, however, the book does not provide this information. The story begins with Marion learning that she will attend the Flowers Ball at the Midsummer Palace. Here, the story melds Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and The Bachelor. This lake-dwelling changeling is about to trade her fins for legs and attend a ball, despite being a lowly fisherman's daughter, in the hopes of being offered a flower, which will secure her chance at becoming a princess and future queen. Of the four courtiers to receive flowers, one will be selected after seven days and given a rose, securing her place as Prince Arion's betrothed. There's a catch: Marion's father and brother are involved in the rebellion's plot to murder the king, and they've sent her to the ball to ensure the plot is successful.
The following note is hidden as it may be a spoiler:
Spoiler
We are told that Marion has hidden her fins with glamour. At the end, this is never addressed. Does she just keep up the pretense of having human legs, despite how exhausting it is to keep up this appearance? Does the prince find out her true form? These questions are nagging at me.The story was well-written, but the numerous grammar and punctuation errors (particularly the excessive comma splices) were distracting. The ending was also very abrupt. With some proof-editing and a more developed conclusion, this novella could be a fantastic teaser for the author's upcoming series.
This review is also available on my blog, Wine Cellar Library.
First, I would like to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with a free Kindle ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Please make a movie! Please please please!
I absolutely loved this book. Honestly, what's not to love? World War II history, winemaking, a love triangle, and a sharp grandmother who keeps you on your toes in between sips of her martini!
There are two alternating timelines with three different narrators. The stories of Inès and Céline begin in 1940, whereas Liv's story begins in 2019.
Inès is the wife of Michel Chauveau, who owns the winery Maison Chauveau. She struggles with feelings of loneliness and inadequacy, which drive her to make rash decisions that endanger her life and others'. Despite Michel and Céline's judgments of Inès, the author writes her character in a way that allows you to sympathize with her...to a point.
Céline is married to the chef de cave of the Maison Chauveau, Theo. The couple lives in a cottage on the winery grounds, so their lives are closely intertwined with Michel and Inès. Half Jewish, she is in constant fear for her father and her paternal grandparents as Jews are increasingly arrested under frivolous charges. Her husband is keen to ignore everything outside of the work at hand, imagining that everything will blow over in due time. Working in close proximity, Céline finds solace with Michel, and despite her good intentions, things will become complicated.
Liv, recently divorced, is whisked away to France by her elderly grandmother without explanation. The more she figures out her grandmother's reasoning for doing so, the harder her grandmother pushes her away. Has she brought Liv across an entire ocean to play matchmaker? Or is there a deeper reason...a painful history that is too difficult to share?
Although there are many true historical facts about the contributions of the people of Reims to le Résistance, the main characters and the Maison Chauveau are fictional. There are also phrases spoken in French and German throughout the book. I believe the phrases in both languages are written with enough context to allow someone who speaks neither language to understand the phrases without the help of a translator.
This book was captivating: heartbreaking yet heartwarming, tragic yet uplifting. It is now at the top of my recommendations list for anyone who loves historical fiction!
#netgalley #thewinemakerswife
First, I would like to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with a free Kindle ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Please make a movie! Please please please!
I absolutely loved this book. Honestly, what's not to love? World War II history, winemaking, a love triangle, and a sharp grandmother who keeps you on your toes in between sips of her martini!
There are two alternating timelines with three different narrators. The stories of Inès and Céline begin in 1940, whereas Liv's story begins in 2019.
Inès is the wife of Michel Chauveau, who owns the winery Maison Chauveau. She struggles with feelings of loneliness and inadequacy, which drive her to make rash decisions that endanger her life and others'. Despite Michel and Céline's judgments of Inès, the author writes her character in a way that allows you to sympathize with her...to a point.
Céline is married to the chef de cave of the Maison Chauveau, Theo. The couple lives in a cottage on the winery grounds, so their lives are closely intertwined with Michel and Inès. Half Jewish, she is in constant fear for her father and her paternal grandparents as Jews are increasingly arrested under frivolous charges. Her husband is keen to ignore everything outside of the work at hand, imagining that everything will blow over in due time. Working in close proximity, Céline finds solace with Michel, and despite her good intentions, things will become complicated.
Liv, recently divorced, is whisked away to France by her elderly grandmother without explanation. The more she figures out her grandmother's reasoning for doing so, the harder her grandmother pushes her away. Has she brought Liv across an entire ocean to play matchmaker? Or is there a deeper reason...a painful history that is too difficult to share?
Although there are many true historical facts about the contributions of the people of Reims to le Résistance, the main characters and the Maison Chauveau are fictional. There are also phrases spoken in French and German throughout the book. I believe the phrases in both languages are written with enough context to allow someone who speaks neither language to understand the phrases without the help of a translator.
This book was captivating: heartbreaking yet heartwarming, tragic yet uplifting. It is now at the top of my recommendations list for anyone who loves historical fiction!
#netgalley #thewinemakerswife