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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
Oh, A Penny For Your Thoughts, where do I even begin?
This book is AMAZING. I never thought I could fall so in love with such a hodgepodge collection of folks, but I have. These characters are tangible, people we can sympathize with, and I appreciate the careful crafting of Joe and his friends. Penny and its cast made me laugh, made me cringe, and by God did it make me cry.
The incredible writing of this book makes me wonder how two others could be one seamless voice. However that works, Hayward and Ford did an amazing job. There was not a single point in this book that I felt was out of place. The story and the settings are immersive, the plot both familiar (be careful what you wish for) and completely original. It won't be long before I go to reread this book. Please, please, please pick this up.
This book is AMAZING. I never thought I could fall so in love with such a hodgepodge collection of folks, but I have. These characters are tangible, people we can sympathize with, and I appreciate the careful crafting of Joe and his friends. Penny and its cast made me laugh, made me cringe, and by God did it make me cry.
The incredible writing of this book makes me wonder how two others could be one seamless voice. However that works, Hayward and Ford did an amazing job. There was not a single point in this book that I felt was out of place. The story and the settings are immersive, the plot both familiar (be careful what you wish for) and completely original. It won't be long before I go to reread this book. Please, please, please pick this up.
I have mixed feelings about my experiences with Bob Ford and Matt Hayward. Don’t tar and feather me, yet. Let me explain. Despite having books by each author on my shelf, this is my first time reading either one. While I’m a bit embarrassed about that, I kind of like the way that the two styles blended together as I remained blissfully unaware of which aspects came from which author. The storytelling is masterful in this book. Come to think of it, masterful may not cut it. Hayward and Ford take a really good and unique story, and elevate it to the next level with the execution on display.
Ford and Hayward create a place in the Lowback Trail that warrants repeat visits, not necessarily just because of the locale, but because of the people. Joe is an ex-junkie and ex-con, and yet we’re unequivocally on his side just a chapter or two in. His friendships with Kenny and Ava are entertaining and put a smile on our faces, but the heart of the story comes from Joe’s relationship with his Pop. It’s written in such a subtle way that the reader doesn’t realize until later in the book just how invested they are in the father-son dynamic. As you might imagine, with the son having the issues he does, their relationship is a complicated one, but the love on display allowed this story to work on me.
The authors have a sequel story coming out later this year in Lady Luck and they’ve said that there’s no finite amount of stories they might have to tell in this world. What works so well here, is that Ford and Hayward have created a world where magic is possible. The jar of wishes the story revolves around sets a precedent for what is and isn’t possible. It may or may not figure into future books, but the idea of grounded characters with just a hint of fantasy has this reader very excited for what comes next.
Ford and Hayward create a place in the Lowback Trail that warrants repeat visits, not necessarily just because of the locale, but because of the people. Joe is an ex-junkie and ex-con, and yet we’re unequivocally on his side just a chapter or two in. His friendships with Kenny and Ava are entertaining and put a smile on our faces, but the heart of the story comes from Joe’s relationship with his Pop. It’s written in such a subtle way that the reader doesn’t realize until later in the book just how invested they are in the father-son dynamic. As you might imagine, with the son having the issues he does, their relationship is a complicated one, but the love on display allowed this story to work on me.
The authors have a sequel story coming out later this year in Lady Luck and they’ve said that there’s no finite amount of stories they might have to tell in this world. What works so well here, is that Ford and Hayward have created a world where magic is possible. The jar of wishes the story revolves around sets a precedent for what is and isn’t possible. It may or may not figure into future books, but the idea of grounded characters with just a hint of fantasy has this reader very excited for what comes next.
Not taking down my review, but note that I no longer support Matt Hayward in any way, and will not be reading/reviewing works he is involved with going forward.
**Full review HERE at The Literary Hooker. Thanks to the authors for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Guys, this book is a fucking trip! It's been a while since I've had this much fun with a book. It's hilarious, it's gross, it's creepy, it's touching...this book gave me a lot of very conflicting feels and I loved every second!
The writing in this book is awesome. So often, collaborative projects end up feeling a little clunky because the authors' styles just don't fully mesh, but this book is seamless. Ford and Hayward clearly jive, because at no point could I pick out a section and say "oh yeah, this is where things switched off." I also loved, LOVED all the little witticisms and descriptions thrown in, they definitely had me chuckling more than once. The story is completely unique, and while I had a couple of points where I had to remind myself not to think too hard about the specifics and just enjoy the ride, for the most part everything weaves together in a rewarding way. I wish we'd spent a bit more time with the Crimson Sisters, and I would have liked a little more detail on the mechanics of the wishes, but honestly this book is so much fucking fun that I can look past the areas that lack a bit of detail.
This book is a seriously fun read. I was hooked from the very first page and I had a hard time tearing myself away from it. It has a couple tiny weak points, but really the story as a whole is strong, original and just SO. DAMN. FUN. Highly recommend grabbing this one if you need a bit of a creepy laugh in your life (and really, who doesn't?)!
**Full review HERE at The Literary Hooker. Thanks to the authors for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Guys, this book is a fucking trip! It's been a while since I've had this much fun with a book. It's hilarious, it's gross, it's creepy, it's touching...this book gave me a lot of very conflicting feels and I loved every second!
The writing in this book is awesome. So often, collaborative projects end up feeling a little clunky because the authors' styles just don't fully mesh, but this book is seamless. Ford and Hayward clearly jive, because at no point could I pick out a section and say "oh yeah, this is where things switched off." I also loved, LOVED all the little witticisms and descriptions thrown in, they definitely had me chuckling more than once. The story is completely unique, and while I had a couple of points where I had to remind myself not to think too hard about the specifics and just enjoy the ride, for the most part everything weaves together in a rewarding way. I wish we'd spent a bit more time with the Crimson Sisters, and I would have liked a little more detail on the mechanics of the wishes, but honestly this book is so much fucking fun that I can look past the areas that lack a bit of detail.
This book is a seriously fun read. I was hooked from the very first page and I had a hard time tearing myself away from it. It has a couple tiny weak points, but really the story as a whole is strong, original and just SO. DAMN. FUN. Highly recommend grabbing this one if you need a bit of a creepy laugh in your life (and really, who doesn't?)!
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“…that thought was soon drowned out by something much more frightening; something that made the walls of prison seem like a good idea. That child’s notes kept their word.”
This book rocks. End of review. I kid, of course, but as with any book that I truly enjoy, it’s hard to write a review that doesn’t fangirl all over the place or give away entirely too much of the novel. Have no fear of spoilers, but I cannot guarantee there won’t be some moments of cheerleading.
As mentioned in the synopsis above, this novel mainly focuses on Joe Openshaw and his slow reintroduction into society after a stint in prison, thanks largely to a wicked heroin addiction. He is flawed, resilient, and engaging. His relationship with his father is touching and REAL. There are problems, devastation, and a true sense of a father/son relationship. This is the part that dug its claws into my heart, and probably one of the reasons I’m still thinking about this book a week after reading it.
The remaining cast of characters aren’t just props, however. They are fully realized and we learn more about them organically as the story naturally progresses. There are no tedious info dumps or poorly done flashbacks. Even the characters with the smallest part to play add a richness to the novel.
“You can’t get through this damned life without carrying some kind of debt. Some’s forced on you and others you take on yourself. But sooner or later, payment comes due.”
As with some of my favorite novels, horror or not, this story provides a deeper meaning to it all. How far is too far to get what you want? Where is the line between right and wrong/love and hate? I liked the integration of this – it’s not gimmicky or “over done”; it just is. As a collaboration, this factor alone shows the writing chops of both Ford and Hayward.
BUT WAIT! This isn’t all gloom and doom and deep, emotional thoughts. There are parts of this book that made me CRY WITH LAUGHTER. I had to put the book down and wipe my face. So much so that I had to take a moment to message Matt and Bob and share my joy. I DO NOT normally do this – but who could I tell??? I knew I was one of the first to read it and there was no way I’d risk spoiling something this hilarious for anyone else. They were, thankfully, gracious about my message – I enjoyed sharing it with them. I cannot wait for all of my bookish friends to read this and hear their reactions.
To close, this book drew me in and made me laugh. Made me cry with happiness and sadness. Made my heart race with anxiety. And kept me guessing until the very end. This is a must read and is solidly in my top 10 books for 2019. You’re going to love it.
This book rocks. End of review. I kid, of course, but as with any book that I truly enjoy, it’s hard to write a review that doesn’t fangirl all over the place or give away entirely too much of the novel. Have no fear of spoilers, but I cannot guarantee there won’t be some moments of cheerleading.
As mentioned in the synopsis above, this novel mainly focuses on Joe Openshaw and his slow reintroduction into society after a stint in prison, thanks largely to a wicked heroin addiction. He is flawed, resilient, and engaging. His relationship with his father is touching and REAL. There are problems, devastation, and a true sense of a father/son relationship. This is the part that dug its claws into my heart, and probably one of the reasons I’m still thinking about this book a week after reading it.
The remaining cast of characters aren’t just props, however. They are fully realized and we learn more about them organically as the story naturally progresses. There are no tedious info dumps or poorly done flashbacks. Even the characters with the smallest part to play add a richness to the novel.
“You can’t get through this damned life without carrying some kind of debt. Some’s forced on you and others you take on yourself. But sooner or later, payment comes due.”
As with some of my favorite novels, horror or not, this story provides a deeper meaning to it all. How far is too far to get what you want? Where is the line between right and wrong/love and hate? I liked the integration of this – it’s not gimmicky or “over done”; it just is. As a collaboration, this factor alone shows the writing chops of both Ford and Hayward.
BUT WAIT! This isn’t all gloom and doom and deep, emotional thoughts. There are parts of this book that made me CRY WITH LAUGHTER. I had to put the book down and wipe my face. So much so that I had to take a moment to message Matt and Bob and share my joy. I DO NOT normally do this – but who could I tell??? I knew I was one of the first to read it and there was no way I’d risk spoiling something this hilarious for anyone else. They were, thankfully, gracious about my message – I enjoyed sharing it with them. I cannot wait for all of my bookish friends to read this and hear their reactions.
To close, this book drew me in and made me laugh. Made me cry with happiness and sadness. Made my heart race with anxiety. And kept me guessing until the very end. This is a must read and is solidly in my top 10 books for 2019. You’re going to love it.