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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
A BIG thank you to Ben over at OfTomes Publishing for sending me an early copy of this fantastic novel. I am in LOVE with this story and I am wanting the second book ASAP. I enjoyed Ava and her backstory immensely and I am in love with Ethan!!!!
When I started reading this book I wasn’t sure what to expect, I thought it had potential to be a great story if written right, and it definitely was! It was obvious from the beginning of the book that a lot of thought had been put in the world-building of this trilogy, consisting of detailed myths, background stories, odd creatures and an interesting history the story was going to build on.
The thing that stood out the most for me however was how well the characters, in particular Ava, were written. I thought Ava was such an interesting character, portrayed as a stubborn and loud-mouthed girl but not in an over exaggerated and annoying way. In addition to the characters being well written, they were also very much real. Ava was, as she should be, written as a real person with flaws, a girl who comes from an incredibly difficult background. As Ava works on their families farm to pay for their expenses while her father is away, having to switch between herself and her alter-ego Cedar and dealing with her brother who’s closed off and seems to have several secrets of his own, life is not easy. On top of that, even though Ava has to come to terms with a lot of terrifying and overwhelming information in a short period of time, she doesn’t become the fantasy cliche of the girl turned into warrior within the first 20 pages. Ava is much more than a one dimensional character consisting of oneliners, even though hers could be incredibly funny at times. Likewise I enjoyed all the other characters just as much as I got to know more about them and their quirks each chapter, their different background stories and relationship with each-other makes the world-building aspect in this book come to life even more.
I have to admit that I thought the start of the book was quite difficult to get into, as it is a pretty slow paced book in general but as soon as I really started to understand the story, which took me some chapters, I just flew through the pages. Something I didn’t like too much about this book however were the visions and dreams Ava had especially in the beginning. I thought they were usually too long and didn’t really add to the story that much. I also need to add that I hope the next book in this series, doesn’t put too much focus on the relationship between Ava and Ethan, as this is something that fantasy themed stories usually do and I don’t often enjoy when it starts to become the overwhelming story line of the book.
In the end however, I thought this was a well written original addition to the fantasy/young adult genre and I would definitely recommend this to people who want to read a new take on a fantasy cliche, and to everyone who appreciates thorough world-building.
The thing that stood out the most for me however was how well the characters, in particular Ava, were written. I thought Ava was such an interesting character, portrayed as a stubborn and loud-mouthed girl but not in an over exaggerated and annoying way. In addition to the characters being well written, they were also very much real. Ava was, as she should be, written as a real person with flaws, a girl who comes from an incredibly difficult background. As Ava works on their families farm to pay for their expenses while her father is away, having to switch between herself and her alter-ego Cedar and dealing with her brother who’s closed off and seems to have several secrets of his own, life is not easy. On top of that, even though Ava has to come to terms with a lot of terrifying and overwhelming information in a short period of time, she doesn’t become the fantasy cliche of the girl turned into warrior within the first 20 pages. Ava is much more than a one dimensional character consisting of oneliners, even though hers could be incredibly funny at times. Likewise I enjoyed all the other characters just as much as I got to know more about them and their quirks each chapter, their different background stories and relationship with each-other makes the world-building aspect in this book come to life even more.
I have to admit that I thought the start of the book was quite difficult to get into, as it is a pretty slow paced book in general but as soon as I really started to understand the story, which took me some chapters, I just flew through the pages. Something I didn’t like too much about this book however were the visions and dreams Ava had especially in the beginning. I thought they were usually too long and didn’t really add to the story that much. I also need to add that I hope the next book in this series, doesn’t put too much focus on the relationship between Ava and Ethan, as this is something that fantasy themed stories usually do and I don’t often enjoy when it starts to become the overwhelming story line of the book.
In the end however, I thought this was a well written original addition to the fantasy/young adult genre and I would definitely recommend this to people who want to read a new take on a fantasy cliche, and to everyone who appreciates thorough world-building.
I first got an arc of this book back in November last year for the release in February. When I read it then I loved it! and that's why it is going to be really hard to write my "revamped" reviews.
The second time around, I didn't enjoy it like the first time. I'm not entirely sure why but my reading tastes have changed so much since last November. I used to love books like this but they just aren't my cup of tea anymore, which sucks.
One thing that didn't change though is that I still love the writing style! That has not changed one bit!
The second time around, I didn't enjoy it like the first time. I'm not entirely sure why but my reading tastes have changed so much since last November. I used to love books like this but they just aren't my cup of tea anymore, which sucks.
One thing that didn't change though is that I still love the writing style! That has not changed one bit!
I have to sadly DNF this book (did not finish)
i requested to take part in the reviews for the book because I wanted to try something new never reviwed for a publisher before and also the premise of the story is something that I have never read anything like it before and i was enjoying the story until the point i released i as the reader was miles ahead of the main character in regards to the creatures of this world which frustrated me so much but it is a good book i just can't handle the YA tropes and unutilised slow pace its obvious the pace is only so the plot can span the trilogy but it did get me in the mood for reading 1984 by george Orwell which i am enjoying far more as i am DNF this book (at 57%) i will not be reviewing it on my YouTube channel or Amazon as was the original plan
i requested to take part in the reviews for the book because I wanted to try something new never reviwed for a publisher before and also the premise of the story is something that I have never read anything like it before and i was enjoying the story until the point i released i as the reader was miles ahead of the main character in regards to the creatures of this world which frustrated me so much but it is a good book i just can't handle the YA tropes and unutilised slow pace its obvious the pace is only so the plot can span the trilogy but it did get me in the mood for reading 1984 by george Orwell which i am enjoying far more as i am DNF this book (at 57%) i will not be reviewing it on my YouTube channel or Amazon as was the original plan
To seventeen-year-old Ava, wild woodcats, hungry stragglers, and simple-minded townsfolk are the evils she’s grown accustomed to. But when Ethan, an unusual man with eyes of smoke and fire opal, enters her world she quickly understands that there are worse things out there than drunken men and carnivorous forest creatures. She’s a specialised liar and a hell of a fighter, but against a group of animalistic men called Berserkers she struggles to survive the encounter as the desperate swing of a dagger is all it takes to change her life for good.Half-dead and hunted by the Berserker’s leader when he forms a monstrous obsession with her, Ava escapes his pursuit in an unfamiliar land full of impossible creatures, unlikely allies, and the man she doesn’t know whether to kiss or kill.
But after dreadful news of her missing brother surfaces, Ava becomes more involved in the centuries-long war and begins to unravel the reasons behind her relentless nightmares, discovering truths long-buried in a violent history of love, loss and betrayal. - from Goodreads
I was really excited to read this book. It promised great characters, an interesting plot, and lots of people on Goodreads has been raving about it. The publisher is a promising new business, who has turned out a lot of books and has had great reviews. (Side note: I have only had good relations with the publisher, honest. This review does not reflect on their conduct.) Needless to say, I was disappointed.
Firstly, let's start with the main character: Ava. I did not meld with her, at all. I thought she was fickle, stupid, stubborn, and held back information which then caused catastrophic consequences. She thought she knew what was best (NEWS FLASH: she's brand new to this world and really does not) and therefore butted in where she wasn't wanted/needed, and caused a lot of strife for other characters. I could not stand her at all. There were so many inconsistencies in what she said that I couldn't even keep track. She seemed to be amazed that she could do things that's she's literally been doing for half of a book (eg talking to ghosts. She does it many times and then is like, "WHAT?! I CAN TALK TO GHOSTS?!"). She was just, to be honest, a stereotypical YA heroine. I couldn't stand her and that really negatively affected my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
And let's talk about the men in this book, actually. There was only one I liked: Ric. The others were misogynistic, or they were pig-headed. I don't understand the attractiveness at all. They were also violent (as was Ava - she even hit her potential love interest. Like, what?!) and aggressive. Nuh-uh. No taa.
The writing was engaging. As I've said before, it repeated itself and changed details all the time, but the bare bones of it were enough to keep me reading, once I got through the first bit.
I do think that a lot of my problems with this book stem from Ava and I really not getting along. Because she is the main character, she is in the entire thing.
The plot seemed to drag on for a long time, and I didn't get how the title related to the book. We also didn't find out what the locket is, which I presume we discover in book 2. I think it might be something to do with souls or alternate worlds or time travel, but I'm not sure and to be honest I don't know if I want to pick up book 2 to find out. However, the plot did pick up a lot and I found it fairly engaging. The different creatures could be explained more, and there seemed to be characters suddenly appearing and I had no idea how they got there, but it was interesting; and, evidently, I kept reading.
In all honesty, though, despite everything I have said, I think people would enjoy this book. Looking at all of the other 4 - 5 star reviews, I am obviously (almost) alone in thinking this about the book. A lot of people seem to love Ava and say that she's badass - I just disagree. I would still recommend this book because you might find some really good enjoyment in it, and if I get the chance I will probably pick up book 2 - I just might not go looking for it. I also have another book by the same publisher that I will definitely be reading, despite not enjoying this novel.
My copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
#TeamBerserker <3
TITLE: Trapped in Silver (Eldryn Chronicles #1)
AUTHOR: Emily Sowden
GENRE: YA Fantasy
PUBLISHER//YEAR OF PUBLICATION: Oftomes Publishing // 2017
NUMBER OF PAGES: 366
ISBN: 978-0995636507
GOODREADS
PERSONAL SOURCE: Sent by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
RATING: 2.5/5
This is a spoiler free review.
I gave this book a 4/5 stars. This is a great novel, and I recommend it to all fantasy lovers.
Here is the synopsis- Seventeen-year-old Ava is used to wild woodcats, homeless wanderers, and simple town people. But when a boy named Ethan arrives she quickly understands that there are worse things to deal with. She’s very good at lying to protect herself and she is an amazing fighter, but against the Berserker’s she is having difficulty maintaining her stance.
Near dead and being hunted by the Berserker’s leader, Ava escapes to an unfamiliar land full of creatures she believed to be fictional and some unlikely allies. After news of her missing brother surfaces, Ava becomes more involved in the centuries-long war and begins to understand her continuous nightmares and the truths that lie within them.
I really loved the writing style throughout the novel. I thought it was visually descriptive, and it was as though I was there with the characters. I was particularly fond of the descriptions of the houses in the trees. They seemed magical and wistfully beautiful. I think the dual perspectives added depth and connection to the characters. I think my favorite character is Ava. She is a strong main character since she is relatable, brave and very smart. However, I also enjoyed learning the backstories of each of the characters, because each had their own unique characteristics and experiences becoming integral parts of the story line.
After finishing this book, I immediately wanted to pick up the second book because it ended on a cliffhanger. The reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was because I thought the beginning was little hard to get into, and it didn’t grasp my attention right away. Once I was further along, I got into the story more. Overall, it was a great novel and I definitely recommend it.
Love love love this book. Going to read it again! Cannot wait for more!
This is the story of Ava who lives on, and practically runs, her families farm alongside her 'brother' Roan. She has to dress up as a boy, Ceder, in order to trade, take part in town life and ultimately survive. She's not like the usual girls in town, she doesn't want to be matched and she often has strange recurring nightmares. One night Ava is attacked by a group of what only can be described as beasts. She is rescued by another group of strangers and suddenly she realizes that there's a whole other world out there.
I really enjoyed this story. I found it to be very mysterious and it pulled me in right from the beginning, I was totally gripped throughout. I thought the pacing of the story was great. It sped up with the tension and the anticipation and the action scenes were very fast paced. Emily was then able to slow it down again when she was giving us some important information so we were able to focus in on the details. I also liked how things were revealed in smaller chunks rather than all in one go. Often when I'm bombarded with information I can get a bit lost but that wasn't the case here. The slower reveals also enabled me to stay invested in the story with a want to know explanations.
I thought the characters were also well done. I loved Ava, I thought she had spunk. She was able to think for herself and make her own decisions. She didn't fall into the usual 'damsel in distress' trope that can sometimes be seen in fantasy novels. It was also nice to see that Ava was not afraid to admit that she was scared in certain situations and she was able to ask the others for help when she needed it. I found Ethan to be quite a mysterious character and I loved it when we finally got some chapters from Ethan's perspective. It enabled us to get inside his head and see what he was really thinking. I also really enjoyed the relationships between the characters. I thought Ethan's and Ava's relationship developed well overtime. There were some wonderfully intimate moments as well as some strong tension. I also enjoyed the friendship between Ric and Ava. It was very heartwarming and you could see that Ric genuinely cared for Ava from the was he always looked out for her.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read. I thought it was a really interesting story, set in a well thought out world with some really likeable characters. I really can't wait to get my hands on the sequel to see where the story goes.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be found on my blog at https://gemmasbooknook.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/review-trapped-in-silver-by-emily-sowden.html
I really enjoyed this story. I found it to be very mysterious and it pulled me in right from the beginning, I was totally gripped throughout. I thought the pacing of the story was great. It sped up with the tension and the anticipation and the action scenes were very fast paced. Emily was then able to slow it down again when she was giving us some important information so we were able to focus in on the details. I also liked how things were revealed in smaller chunks rather than all in one go. Often when I'm bombarded with information I can get a bit lost but that wasn't the case here. The slower reveals also enabled me to stay invested in the story with a want to know explanations.
I thought the characters were also well done. I loved Ava, I thought she had spunk. She was able to think for herself and make her own decisions. She didn't fall into the usual 'damsel in distress' trope that can sometimes be seen in fantasy novels. It was also nice to see that Ava was not afraid to admit that she was scared in certain situations and she was able to ask the others for help when she needed it. I found Ethan to be quite a mysterious character and I loved it when we finally got some chapters from Ethan's perspective. It enabled us to get inside his head and see what he was really thinking. I also really enjoyed the relationships between the characters. I thought Ethan's and Ava's relationship developed well overtime. There were some wonderfully intimate moments as well as some strong tension. I also enjoyed the friendship between Ric and Ava. It was very heartwarming and you could see that Ric genuinely cared for Ava from the was he always looked out for her.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read. I thought it was a really interesting story, set in a well thought out world with some really likeable characters. I really can't wait to get my hands on the sequel to see where the story goes.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be found on my blog at https://gemmasbooknook.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/review-trapped-in-silver-by-emily-sowden.html
Read in one sitting, it's currently 5:30am and I haven't slept... I just couldn't put this book down I fell in love from the first page and wanted to know more and did not see the ending and twists coming even though I thought I did!!!! I loved learning about this world and can't wait to learn more and all the characters were beautiful, I mean most of them some were complete douche bags I wanted to die but still, the friendships Ava made were pure and long lasting and the romance was not Insta lovey at all and grew all the way through, definitely a love hate thing haha. I'm just so surprised by it all I can't wait for book 2!!!
2.5 Stars
The premise of this book was very promising, at least that's what I thought.
It took me a bit long to get into it. There is a lot of suspense in it, unfortunately most of the "twists" or upcoming scenes were very predictable.
I liked the writing style and the humor/sarcasm from the main characters, but I couldn't feel attached to any of them.
Overall, it wasn't bad but it wasn't the book for me.
The premise of this book was very promising, at least that's what I thought.
It took me a bit long to get into it. There is a lot of suspense in it, unfortunately most of the "twists" or upcoming scenes were very predictable.
I liked the writing style and the humor/sarcasm from the main characters, but I couldn't feel attached to any of them.
Overall, it wasn't bad but it wasn't the book for me.