This week I'm reviewing:
Fate Unknown by Michelle Burden
Zaragoza Chronicles by A.J. Ayeni
The Real Principal by Sheldon Peart
Evalene's Number by Bethany Atazadeh
The Nocere by Heather Carson
4/5 Stars
This was an enjoyable read. I'm always intrigued with psychics especially when they're used to help the police with investigations. The cliché may seem overdone to others but to me there's always a different spin that can be put onto it. (Take the show Lucifer for example. He's not a psychic but it's a similar comparison.) Something else I also like is when there are limitations. For this book, Marcus, the being inhabiting Ann, doesn't always see everything, and sometimes what he shows Ann is left to be deciphered by her and Mitch, her detective friend.
I liked that romance wasn't a heavy part of this book. It did well as a subplot to keep tension up, but I was far more interested in the missing teenagers and Marcus's true identity.
The ending (no spoilers) was what knocked a star off for me. It was not a bad ending by any means. There were twists that were very enjoyable to learn. However, I wish there had been a few more clues about Pitbull and even though Marcus's character is painted one way, his actions in the book really make me like him regardless. And the very last plot twist at the very end of the book seemed to come and go very abruptly. I understand it's incentive to read the next book, but I was like "Wait, what?"
Overall, I'd highly recommend this book. It kept me entertained and turning pages and I will be reading the next in the series.
3.5/5 Stars
To start off, I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a unique read. The cast alone varied the storytelling like no other book I've read. When all the characters are from different countries it's so interesting to see them interact together. I thought the author did a very good job at giving the characters different voices and personalities as well as exhibiting their knowledge of each country the characters are from.
Since all the characters are essentially handpicked geniuses, the dialogue and word choice reflected that very well. This wasn't a difficult read however, I didn't feel like the author was talking above me. However, there was a lot of dialogue, there was a lot of action too, but more so dialogue as everything the other characters did was told to the MC after it happened. Maybe this story would have been better as third person omniscient so that we could see all the characters complete their trials for ourselves?
My other critique, since this is such a large cast, there were times when I didn't connect with some characters. When they were doing their trials, it was hard to slug through some of them because I had already read 5 others. Picturing it in my head as a movie, this part of the book would have been a compilation showing different parts of the trials for each characters. I know the author wants to highlight each character because they're all important, but there's just so many of them that I was getting a bit lost on who was who.
Another side note though, it would have been interesting to see how the other recipients who didn't join the group were doing with their second trials. Were they finding their powers just as easy?
The book ends a little abruptly but perhaps that's the author's way of leaving us wanting more.
I'm definitely intrigued in knowing more and I do recommend this book.
2/5 Stars
The premise of this book was very promising. But once I began reading, i had trouble continuing. The book needs edits. I'm not sure if it's stylistic, or a grammar issue, but everyone talks in sentence fragments. It's jarring and doesn't sound like realistic dialogue. Sure, we all talk like that sometimes, but not every character and every sentence, especially teachers who should have better conversation skills.
My second problem with his book is literally every characters is always thinking about sex. I understand the father figure because that's a conflict in the book, and I understand some of the students because that's another conflict in the book, but everyone? At some point the MC, the teachers, the principal, the adults, the police, everyone, has a sexual thought. Maybe this was done to throw the reader off of who was the real killer but to me it was off putting and made the characters seem flat.
Also, to show fear, the author had two adults pee themselves. While that's a valid response in some situations, a principal coming to talk to you doesn't seem like one of those situations.
Now, I know that's a lot of critique. There is potential with this book. I did enjoy the detective side of it. Finding out who the killer was and why as well as pieces the puzzle together to come to that conclusion.
For now, I can't recommend this book.
4.5/5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I watch and follow Bethany's YouTube and writing advice, but I'm not going to let that influence my review of her book.
The worldbuilding was really well done. The number system was realistic and I loved seeing both sides of it. (high numbers vs low numbers.) What happened with Evalene's friend I didn't see coming, but after I read it I could see the breadcrumbs leading me there so that was done very well. Of course editing and formatting were all on point.
My critique is I think I would have been interesting to see a little more of Jeremiah pre adoption. I liked his character and wanted to know more about him.
I felt there was something missing with the book. I'm not sure what because it had everything; romance subplot, division, politics, stakes, culture, it was all there and it kept me turning pages. (I read this book in three days.) But I felt it needed something.
Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book, and I will be reading Pearl's Number because I need to know!
5/5 Stars
I LOVED this book! So far, definitely my favorite read for 2021. I stumbled on the author and book through TikTok of all places, but I'm so glad I did.
I read this whole book in one evening. I just couldn't put it down. Things kept happening and I kept turning pages. I did not see the thing with Vorie coming and I love a good shock surprise.
The world building was perfect. I was able to get a sense of the world without feeling info dumbed on. I also fell in love with all the characters. Something about the way the author wrote them just made them feel so real to me.
The thought of running away to the wild is so enticing. I can't wait to see what's out there because I'm sure the author will show us at some point in the series. The Nocere is definitely creepy. The author doesn't even have to elaborate, just the concept it creepy.
I loved this unique idea. The formatting and editing were good. I highly recommend this book, and I will be finishing the series very soon!
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