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kaeliwolf's review
1.0
Shea Ernshaw has a very distinct writing style that borders on boring the reader and entertaining them. The entire idea of the story reminds me too much of The Hazel Wood written by Melissa Albert, which I can go so far as to say is better than this. I honestly couldn't finish it.
kberry_co's review
5.0
Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for giving me a the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Synopsis: Maggie St. James is a sucessful childrens book author that goes missing at the height of her career. Her disappearance becomes a mystery when there is no trace left behind save for a small charm. After years of searching and desparate for answers her parents hire a man with a special gift to try and find out what happened to their daughter. What he finds pulls him into the mystery and doesn't let him go...
A History of Wild Places drew me in from the very beginning--the cover artwork, the story line and the promise of something mysterious and dark. Yes please. Starting as the story of a search for a missing woman, it develops into so much more. Beyond the disappearance of Maggies St. James, it dives into the intricacies and weaknesses of the human mind, as well as the places that we call home.
What I liked: Ernshaw has a magical way with words. The imagery throughout the book created such vivid pictures in my mind and made me feel so much a part of the story. I did not want to put it down. I felt connected to every single one of the characters and was very invested in their story and growth throughout the book. I appreciated the pace of the character development, it was not rushed and felt realistic. She also did a excellent job of seamlessly alternating between multiple points of view. In terms of the story, I loved the mystery aspect of it and was certainly surprised by the ending. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more by Shea Ernshaw.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Synopsis: Maggie St. James is a sucessful childrens book author that goes missing at the height of her career. Her disappearance becomes a mystery when there is no trace left behind save for a small charm. After years of searching and desparate for answers her parents hire a man with a special gift to try and find out what happened to their daughter. What he finds pulls him into the mystery and doesn't let him go...
A History of Wild Places drew me in from the very beginning--the cover artwork, the story line and the promise of something mysterious and dark. Yes please. Starting as the story of a search for a missing woman, it develops into so much more. Beyond the disappearance of Maggies St. James, it dives into the intricacies and weaknesses of the human mind, as well as the places that we call home.
What I liked: Ernshaw has a magical way with words. The imagery throughout the book created such vivid pictures in my mind and made me feel so much a part of the story. I did not want to put it down. I felt connected to every single one of the characters and was very invested in their story and growth throughout the book. I appreciated the pace of the character development, it was not rushed and felt realistic. She also did a excellent job of seamlessly alternating between multiple points of view. In terms of the story, I loved the mystery aspect of it and was certainly surprised by the ending. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more by Shea Ernshaw.
alexchad's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
meyrathedreamer's review
it was okay, a bit boring in the middle but still enjoyable
cgausman's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
littlelifeofbooks's review
4.0
Get me far far away from these wild places!!! I started this on audiobook and I listened to it for 3 hours and could not focus or feel like I was getting into the story.
courtneynp09's review
4.0
I did not think I would like this book as much as I did. It’s a captivating mystery book that is a true page turner. At first, I did not understand why we left Travis and Maggie behind so quickly to focus on Calla, Theo, and Bee, but the more you read the more quickly puzzle pieces come together. Would read again.
jesslolsen's review
5.0
4.5 stars
This story had me completely hooked! There was a part in the last third of the book that got a bit weird and I wasn’t expecting it to turn out like that, but the ending ties it up well.
This story had me completely hooked! There was a part in the last third of the book that got a bit weird and I wasn’t expecting it to turn out like that, but the ending ties it up well.