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classicbhaer's review
4.0
I want to note that I received this book for free from the publisher via Netgalley for this review.
What I Liked
While I really enjoyed the first book in this companion series, The Seafarer’s Kiss, I found this retelling to be just as imaginative and interesting. This time around Julia Ember pulled from Norse mythology to aid in creating a retelling of Peterpan in a way. I find that Ember does a wonderful job in keeping to the characters she is has drawn inspiration from, but also makes them something new and her own. I know that sounds contradictory, but it is true.
I also really liked about this novel was the fact that it has flawed characters. For me when I see a flawed characters, even with a bit of magic and mythology surrounding them, it makes them more real, more tangible. Throughout the book Ragna is making mistakes, unreliable, and can just be rude. But, this makes her seem more human. I also did enjoy the sense of tension between her and her crew. I though it was an interesting way to go with their relationship since she rely on them and they rely so much on her as a leader. It also makes some of the issues “internal” in a sense and not just us against others.
Another thing I really liked was the fact that this novel the focus was not on romance. While I really enjoyed the previous book, I was glad to see more than just a romance. It allowed the world to become bigger, more vibrant, and the characters to shine on their own a bit more. Also, can I just say the mixture of mythology and elements from Peter Pan made such an interesting world and story. This combination was unique and I have not read anything similar to it.
What I Didn’t Like
One thing I was not overly thrilled with was the fact that were are times of violence that was pushing my limits at times. I do not think the violence in any way was prolonged, but it is there. Now, this is personal and I do want to point out that I am pretty sure Interlude, the publishing house that oversees Duet Books does post warning about their books. I did not look at these before hand. If this is something you think will bother you I highly suggest you look up the warning. But, I will be honest I would have read it anyway because I enjoyed Ember’s previous book and I enjoyed this one as well even though it had moments of violence.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, I thought this was a unique book. The combination of Embers world building, characters, and tension create a very good read. I also think that this is something that can be read on its own or the books can be easily read out of order and the reader wont miss out on anything. If you are looking for an interesting retelling I highly suggest this book.
What I Liked
While I really enjoyed the first book in this companion series, The Seafarer’s Kiss, I found this retelling to be just as imaginative and interesting. This time around Julia Ember pulled from Norse mythology to aid in creating a retelling of Peterpan in a way. I find that Ember does a wonderful job in keeping to the characters she is has drawn inspiration from, but also makes them something new and her own. I know that sounds contradictory, but it is true.
I also really liked about this novel was the fact that it has flawed characters. For me when I see a flawed characters, even with a bit of magic and mythology surrounding them, it makes them more real, more tangible. Throughout the book Ragna is making mistakes, unreliable, and can just be rude. But, this makes her seem more human. I also did enjoy the sense of tension between her and her crew. I though it was an interesting way to go with their relationship since she rely on them and they rely so much on her as a leader. It also makes some of the issues “internal” in a sense and not just us against others.
Another thing I really liked was the fact that this novel the focus was not on romance. While I really enjoyed the previous book, I was glad to see more than just a romance. It allowed the world to become bigger, more vibrant, and the characters to shine on their own a bit more. Also, can I just say the mixture of mythology and elements from Peter Pan made such an interesting world and story. This combination was unique and I have not read anything similar to it.
What I Didn’t Like
One thing I was not overly thrilled with was the fact that were are times of violence that was pushing my limits at times. I do not think the violence in any way was prolonged, but it is there. Now, this is personal and I do want to point out that I am pretty sure Interlude, the publishing house that oversees Duet Books does post warning about their books. I did not look at these before hand. If this is something you think will bother you I highly suggest you look up the warning. But, I will be honest I would have read it anyway because I enjoyed Ember’s previous book and I enjoyed this one as well even though it had moments of violence.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, I thought this was a unique book. The combination of Embers world building, characters, and tension create a very good read. I also think that this is something that can be read on its own or the books can be easily read out of order and the reader wont miss out on anything. If you are looking for an interesting retelling I highly suggest this book.
mylovescenario's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
2.5
tonedevoured's review
3.0
terapia pesada na ragna!!!!!
e assim, tudo bem ok menos esse final que parece ter sido escrito em cima da hora.
3 estrelas pela honor apenas.
e assim, tudo bem ok menos esse final que parece ter sido escrito em cima da hora.
3 estrelas pela honor apenas.
booksandladders's review
5.0
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.
Actual Rating: 4.5*
LOL THAT'S NOT HOW THIS ALL ENDS. That's not fair. There is going to be another book right?? Because this was good - and getting to the best part. So like no, there is more. Full review to come on Books and Ladders closer to release date!
Actual Rating: 4.5*
LOL THAT'S NOT HOW THIS ALL ENDS. That's not fair. There is going to be another book right?? Because this was good - and getting to the best part. So like no, there is more. Full review to come on Books and Ladders closer to release date!
kappareads's review
3.0
Real rating: 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book, but if you want to read my full review, read it here! https://kappareadsbooks.home.blog/2019/01/14/the-navigators-touch-book-review/
I enjoyed this book, but if you want to read my full review, read it here! https://kappareadsbooks.home.blog/2019/01/14/the-navigators-touch-book-review/
hikari1993's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
destiel74's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
There was plenty of action and adventure but not much in the way of romance. I felt like the book was more interested setting for another book that doesn't seem to be coming out than it was being a story on its own.
bayy245's review
3.0
I was really disappointed in this one. I didn’t like Ragna at all, really. Her indecisiveness annoyed me to no end and she was utterly selfish the entire book. There was little to no romance and I was shipping them hard from the first book. It was a really short book page wise, but I felt like it would never end. The ending was extremely unsatisfactory.
Stick with the first one.
*Thank you to Netgalley for this review copy*
Stick with the first one.
*Thank you to Netgalley for this review copy*
writingwwolves's review
4.0
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This book y’all!!! I’m obsessed. From the very beginning Julia Ember’s writing sucks readers in & refuses to let go. I’m so ill right now that I have no idea how to write this short review, but damn read this book!! There was so much emotion & adventure in every page of this story & it was like reading The Pirates of the Caribbean but 100% better (& without J.Depp ruining it). I need more of Ragna & her story asap.
⚠️ This book contains violence, kidnapping, murder, discussions of torture, abuse toward children as well as battle scenes ⚠️
I was sent an e-copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.
Extended Review to follow.
This book y’all!!! I’m obsessed. From the very beginning Julia Ember’s writing sucks readers in & refuses to let go. I’m so ill right now that I have no idea how to write this short review, but damn read this book!! There was so much emotion & adventure in every page of this story & it was like reading The Pirates of the Caribbean but 100% better (& without J.Depp ruining it). I need more of Ragna & her story asap.
⚠️ This book contains violence, kidnapping, murder, discussions of torture, abuse toward children as well as battle scenes ⚠️
I was sent an e-copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.
Extended Review to follow.
book_banshee's review
2.0
***I received a free e-ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
I hate reviewing books so poorly before they’ve even released, but The Navigator’s Touch was a disappointment. It was boring most of the time, lacked a greater sense of plot, and the protagonist was annoying and unlikable.
The Navigator’s Touch is a companion to the f/f romance, little mermaid retelling, The Seafarer’s Kiss (which is also inspired by Norse mythology). This book can be read as a standalone, given that it essentially spoils the entire plot of the previous book, so if you’re at all intrigued by either of these books, definitely pick up The Seafarer’s Kiss first. In this book though, we are given the perspective of Ragna, a shield maiden who has now gathered a ship of (untrustworthy) men to reclaim her village and extract revenge on the invaders who destroyed it and murdered her family. With her shapeshifting mermaid lover by her side, Ragna takes her crew to Skjordal to ask the Jarl (leader) for aid. In order to save her village, Ragna must figure out how to handle not only her unruly crew and the trickster god, Loki, but also herself.
Something that I appreciated about this book, and that I commend the author for doing, is listing trigger warnings. And not only does Julia Ember list general content warnings of “violence, depiction of kidnapping” at the back of the book, but she also breaks it down into specific, chapter-by-chapter warnings. I thought this was really admirable for an author do.
And though I wasn’t a big fan of the plot, I really did like the idea of the story, especially the Norse mythology inspired aspect. I feel like these types of mythology retellings aren’t as common, and I appreciate the uniqueness of this characteristic. Additionally, I appreciated how Julia Ember included a glossary of the all the Old Norse terminology at the end of the book.
Besides these two awesome characteristics of the book, the only other thing I liked about the book and what held up my rating for the book, was Ersel’s character. She’s such a badass, and the fact that she’s a shapeshifting mermaid is so cool. Not mention, she’s so pure and innocent, yet still strong in her own way and ahhhhh, Ersel, you deserve better than Ragna. I also really liked Ersel’s decision at the end of the book, but I won’t say more for the fear of spoilers.
Okay, now prepare for some intense critique. The plot in this story, if you can even claim it has a plot, is extremely weak. The plot is awkwardly stretched out, and the “obstacles” only require a brief amount of effort on the part of the characters. Any interesting scenes are quickly rushed through. Important plot points weren’t given the time they deserve. Most of the time, reading this book felt like a chore.
And alongside the horrendous plot, the narrative is told in a strange timeline. The first chapter is takes place in the present, followed up by a flashback that lasts three chapters. The flashback both starts and ends abruptly. I understand scattered brief flashbacks, but to do it all in one big go, and after only one chapter? It was bizarre and awkward. The story would have been a lot stronger if the author had opened up with the flashback, or dispersed it in little pieces throughout the novel. In addition to this extensive flashback, there’s a lot of exposition used to catch readers up on the events of The Seafarer’s Kiss. The reader literally learns the entire plot of the previous book through this extensive summarization.
And my final complaint for this book is about the protagonist, Ragna. She’s not likable. She repeatedly disrespects her lover, Ersel. She’s always apologetic afterwards, BUT SHE DOESN’T STOP. In all honestly, she’s rude to most of the people around her. I wish that the author had written the second book with Ersel’s perspective instead (she’s the protagonist of the first book).
Overall, I’m so glad I’ve finished reading this book so I can move onto better ones. The Navigator’s Touch was cheap, boring, and awkwardly plotted. I will have to continue to keep a lookout for good Norse Mythology retellings and mermaid stories, because this book was neither.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You can see this review, my other reviews & additional bookish posts at my blog: Are You My Book?
I hate reviewing books so poorly before they’ve even released, but The Navigator’s Touch was a disappointment. It was boring most of the time, lacked a greater sense of plot, and the protagonist was annoying and unlikable.
The Navigator’s Touch is a companion to the f/f romance, little mermaid retelling, The Seafarer’s Kiss (which is also inspired by Norse mythology). This book can be read as a standalone, given that it essentially spoils the entire plot of the previous book, so if you’re at all intrigued by either of these books, definitely pick up The Seafarer’s Kiss first. In this book though, we are given the perspective of Ragna, a shield maiden who has now gathered a ship of (untrustworthy) men to reclaim her village and extract revenge on the invaders who destroyed it and murdered her family. With her shapeshifting mermaid lover by her side, Ragna takes her crew to Skjordal to ask the Jarl (leader) for aid. In order to save her village, Ragna must figure out how to handle not only her unruly crew and the trickster god, Loki, but also herself.
Something that I appreciated about this book, and that I commend the author for doing, is listing trigger warnings. And not only does Julia Ember list general content warnings of “violence, depiction of kidnapping” at the back of the book, but she also breaks it down into specific, chapter-by-chapter warnings. I thought this was really admirable for an author do.
And though I wasn’t a big fan of the plot, I really did like the idea of the story, especially the Norse mythology inspired aspect. I feel like these types of mythology retellings aren’t as common, and I appreciate the uniqueness of this characteristic. Additionally, I appreciated how Julia Ember included a glossary of the all the Old Norse terminology at the end of the book.
Besides these two awesome characteristics of the book, the only other thing I liked about the book and what held up my rating for the book, was Ersel’s character. She’s such a badass, and the fact that she’s a shapeshifting mermaid is so cool. Not mention, she’s so pure and innocent, yet still strong in her own way and ahhhhh, Ersel, you deserve better than Ragna. I also really liked Ersel’s decision at the end of the book, but I won’t say more for the fear of spoilers.
Okay, now prepare for some intense critique. The plot in this story, if you can even claim it has a plot, is extremely weak. The plot is awkwardly stretched out, and the “obstacles” only require a brief amount of effort on the part of the characters. Any interesting scenes are quickly rushed through. Important plot points weren’t given the time they deserve. Most of the time, reading this book felt like a chore.
And alongside the horrendous plot, the narrative is told in a strange timeline. The first chapter is takes place in the present, followed up by a flashback that lasts three chapters. The flashback both starts and ends abruptly. I understand scattered brief flashbacks, but to do it all in one big go, and after only one chapter? It was bizarre and awkward. The story would have been a lot stronger if the author had opened up with the flashback, or dispersed it in little pieces throughout the novel. In addition to this extensive flashback, there’s a lot of exposition used to catch readers up on the events of The Seafarer’s Kiss. The reader literally learns the entire plot of the previous book through this extensive summarization.
And my final complaint for this book is about the protagonist, Ragna. She’s not likable. She repeatedly disrespects her lover, Ersel. She’s always apologetic afterwards, BUT SHE DOESN’T STOP. In all honestly, she’s rude to most of the people around her. I wish that the author had written the second book with Ersel’s perspective instead (she’s the protagonist of the first book).
Overall, I’m so glad I’ve finished reading this book so I can move onto better ones. The Navigator’s Touch was cheap, boring, and awkwardly plotted. I will have to continue to keep a lookout for good Norse Mythology retellings and mermaid stories, because this book was neither.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You can see this review, my other reviews & additional bookish posts at my blog: Are You My Book?