*I read Evocation first and that will impact my view of the book
Loved being able to look back on characters and see their personal history. It was fun*I read Evocation first and that will impact my view of the book
Loved being able to look back on characters and see their personal history. It was fun getting to look into an event that was referenced in Evocation, but the characters fell flat. I didn't feel like the characters were as strong as in Evocation and their personalities were a bit more sterile. If I had read this first then maybe it would have felt different. Overall, I did enjoy getting to see them in the past and it put in perspective an event that was referenced.
Overall, if you read Evocation I would recommend this because it was a nice little look into the characters past but I don't think it added any value.
The audiobook was great, and I think it made a positive impact on how the characters were perceived.
Thank you to the publisher for an ALC of this book ...more
S.T. Gibson’s writing feels both familiar and perfectly suited to her stories. There’s a unique charm in how she crafts her characters, allowing readeS.T. Gibson’s writing feels both familiar and perfectly suited to her stories. There’s a unique charm in how she crafts her characters, allowing readers to fully understand their desires and intricacies. Her character development is so rich that you feel like you could guess the main characters’ favorite foods! In *Evocation*, all three protagonists are delightful and multi-dimensional, making them easy to connect with.
As someone familiar with Gibson’s style, I appreciated even the quieter, everyday moments that deepened my understanding of the characters. However, the pacing wasn’t always fast, which may not work for everyone. Personally, I enjoyed the slower pace as it allowed me to witness the organic growth of their friendships.
The magic system is thoughtfully developed and feels grounded, making it an excellent introduction for readers new to fantasy. Its integration into the world felt natural, enhancing the story without overwhelming it.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Evocation and eagerly anticipate more from Gibson in the future.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book. ...more
The beginning of this book was instantly captivating, pulling me in and making it hard to put down. However, my motivation waned shortly after, and itThe beginning of this book was instantly captivating, pulling me in and making it hard to put down. However, my motivation waned shortly after, and it took some time for the story to regain momentum. The main character, though intriguing, was challenging to follow due to her unreliable narration stemming from drug use. Additionally, the plot was densely packed—navigating between the parents, the child, the past and present murders, the setting, and the various characters with significant roles felt overwhelming at times. It became almost a chore to keep track of the many plot threads the author wove together.
That said, the complexity did keep me engaged. The constant movement from one storyline to another maintained a steady forward pace, preventing the story from becoming stagnant. I listened to Sleep Tight on audio, and the narration was exceptional—immersive and vivid, breathing life into the story.
I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and police procedurals. However, it leans dark, with horror elements and a heavy focus on children, so it may not suit everyone. Content warnings for alcohol and drug addiction/abuse are worth noting.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced listener's copy as well as the finished copy of this title....more
Set in 19th-century Paris, this gothic mystery follows two estranged sisters, Sylvie and Charlotte, as they attempt one last con on an aristocratic faSet in 19th-century Paris, this gothic mystery follows two estranged sisters, Sylvie and Charlotte, as they attempt one last con on an aristocratic family. The de Jacquinots, who live on the fringes of polite society, are haunted by the vengeful spirit of their great aunt, brutally murdered during the French Revolution.
This stellar debut is rich with intricate moments that seamlessly align the plot. The atmospheric setting drives the story forward, immersing readers in the novel's eerie charm. Both sisters, Sylvie and Charlotte, have strong, well-developed personalities consistently backed by their actions. I always appreciate when an author understands their characters deeply and keeps them true to themselves.
The con itself was a blast to read about, filled with suspense and moments that blur the line between reality and skulduggery. The characters' reflections on their pasts and how they ended up in their current situation add depth to the narrative. The pacing is strong, a trait often hit or miss in debut novels, and it propels the story at a readable, engaging rate.
This book is great for mystery lovers, people who appreciate gothic settings, and anyone who enjoys Sarah Penner's novels. I greatly look forward to seeing what this author will do next.
Thank you to the publisher for an andvanced readers copy of this book. ...more
"A Friend Indeed" is a psychological thriller that focuses on the complexities of friendship and deceit. When Jo Dykstra, is asked to help cover up a "A Friend Indeed" is a psychological thriller that focuses on the complexities of friendship and deceit. When Jo Dykstra, is asked to help cover up a crime by her childhood friend Dana, she finds herself entangled in a web of lies that threatens to unravel everything they hold dear. As secrets from Dana’s seemingly perfect life emerge, Jo must navigate the dangers of loyalty and the price of keeping dark truths hidden.
This book easily fits into the thriller genre, keeping you guessing the entire time. While the premise is intriguing, the various plot points felt loosely tied together, and I found myself wishing the storyline was tighter. The plot becomes overly predictable at times, and the characters lean towards stereotypical portrayals, which takes away some of the story's impact. Despite these shortcomings, it's still a fast-paced and entertaining read.
Overall, *A Friend Indeed* is a mid-tier thriller. It's not a standout in the genre, but it's worth picking up if you're in the mood for a quick, suspenseful story. While it may not leave a lasting impression, it’s an enjoyable ride for those who appreciate the genre.
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of this book as well as a finished copy to read and review. ...more
When T. Kingfisher writes it, I read it! This is yet another incredible hit. I love how the author creates an atmosphere that enriches the book on mulWhen T. Kingfisher writes it, I read it! This is yet another incredible hit. I love how the author creates an atmosphere that enriches the book on multiple levels. Unfamiliar with Grimms' "Goose Girl," I found everything fresh and original in Kingfisher's voice. The story felt like a dark coming-of-age tale, infused with mystery, magic, and murder! While the pacing occasionally seemed uneven, I never mind slowing down in T. Kingfisher's books to savor the story. I also felt the pacing reflected the main character's emotions and the lull in her life before everything intensified and a lot started happening. I felt like a conspirator along with the characters, and always interested in what was going to happen next.
If you enjoy T. Kingfisher's work, this book will be another hit for you!
I had a chance to also listen to the audiobook and the narration was great. I don't think that it necessarily added anything to the story but I can always appreciate a crisp and clear narration.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book. ...more
Eve, is a strong and determined heroine on a mission to defeat an ancient monster known as the Knight. She has unique abilities to communicate with anEve, is a strong and determined heroine on a mission to defeat an ancient monster known as the Knight. She has unique abilities to communicate with animals and conjure weapons from nature, Eve faces the challenge of saving her family and kingdom from the Knight’s corrupt deals.
I enjoyed the storyline and found Eve to be a realistic and relatable teenager, marked by moments of defiance and frustration. The writing in this book is stronger than Barron's previous works, with a well-crafted setting and atmosphere that adds a touch of grimdark to the narrative. Overall, this was a fun and engaging read, showcasing Barron's growth as an author.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced readeres copy of this book to review. ...more
So much potential! The synopsis promised a dark academia mystery following star-crossed lovers and a love match connection, yet it turned out that theSo much potential! The synopsis promised a dark academia mystery following star-crossed lovers and a love match connection, yet it turned out that the synopsis was the most exciting part of the book. The author sets up many moments of connection that I expected to feel more important, but they are lost amidst unnecessary moments. The female main character spends so much time contemplating her financial limitations in dating the male main character and her reluctance to run her family's sandwich shop. While these themes could have been compelling, they are repeated to the point of annoyance.
The atmosphere was great, and I wish the author had leaned into it more because it helped add an air of mystery that the author failed to achieve on their own. I can envision myself enjoying this author's other books or future works, but this one felt like it was in a late draft phase that still needed to remove excess and repetitive information to become a stronger book."
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book. ...more
Stranded at a secluded lodge, surrounded by the very individuals crucial to solving a cold case massacre – one of whom may be the perpetrator – our FBStranded at a secluded lodge, surrounded by the very individuals crucial to solving a cold case massacre – one of whom may be the perpetrator – our FBI agent protagonist confronts both her past and her future. As nefarious events unfold and seemingly suicidal deaths occur, the stage is set for a classic locked room mystery. While it doesn't necessarily redefine the genre, it's undeniably captivating.
The narrative unfurls in real-time, immersing you in the characters' palpable apprehension towards one another while peeling back layers of the past. As the truth behind the massacre gradually emerges, alliances shift and suspicions mount, leaving you constantly reassessing whom to trust. With its brisk pace and abundant intrigue, this is a novel I wholeheartedly recommend.
The narration captures the tension between characters, drawing you deeper into their world. Each voice is distinct, accentuating their personalities and eliciting a range of emotions from readers. I eagerly anticipate further adventures with this intelligent and relatable protagonist.
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced readers copy of this book to review. ...more
"The Darkness Within Us" by Tricia Levenseler is a sequel I didn't know I needed. Initially, it seemed like a repeat of the first book in terms of cha"The Darkness Within Us" by Tricia Levenseler is a sequel I didn't know I needed. Initially, it seemed like a repeat of the first book in terms of character archetypes, but as the story progressed, the unique motivations of each character became more apparent.
What truly captivated me was the evolving relationship between the sisters, Chrysantha and Alessandra. Their initial hostility towards each other, fueled by misunderstanding and personal battles, gradually gives way to a deeper, more nuanced connection. Watching them realize that they are not each other's enemies but are instead fighting their own struggles was a highlight of the book.
The plot twists, especially with Chrysantha's determination to reclaim what she believes is rightfully hers, kept me engaged. Her complex feelings towards Eryx Demos, a man who is both a threat and an enigma, added layers of intrigue and tension. Levenseler masterfully weaves these elements together, making this sequel not just a continuation, but an essential expansion of the story.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book. ...more