Scan barcode
jessicat10's review against another edition
5.0
I was hooked from the first page. This was everything I want in a book. It has magic, romance, mystery, heart. A perfect read. I cannot recommend it enough. I am absolutely going to be reading more from this author.
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
janbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a good book. While I don't read a lot of fantasy, I got sucked in right away. I alternated between joy, anger, suspense and heartbreak. Thank you Netgalley for introducing this story to me. I will certainly recommend it!
tortorreads's review against another edition
5.0
Rating 5/5 ⭐️
I was given this audiobook from NetGalley and Bookouture for my honest review.
First I want to say I didn’t think I would like this book at all. The synopsis had me a little iffy. However I am so happy that I listened to my friend and listened to this amazing, magical book. Then adding Charlie Norfolk as the narrator, wow really brought the book to life.
Jessica Thornes attention to details really helped build this magical world, mixed with a little mystery and fantasy; pulls you in and keeps you on your toes the whole time. Then when it finally ends you wish it didn’t have to. The character development was phenomenal, and not just the main characters to see the growth in all of them. I do have to say watching Sophie's growth was the best, I felt that I could relate to her, all the pains & joys. I could understand all the confusion and wondering who is real and who is fake and I loved the build up because, that final bam was omg really!
I loved the romantic parts of this book however I wish there could have been more, or more explanation. I felt that at some parts it was a little rushed. However the friendships, belonging and self discovery was beautifully interwoven throughout the book.
I can not wait to read this book again. I feel as if you read it over and over you will discover more and more from this book.
I want to thank NetGalley, and bookouture for the opportunity to review this audiobook.
I was given this audiobook from NetGalley and Bookouture for my honest review.
First I want to say I didn’t think I would like this book at all. The synopsis had me a little iffy. However I am so happy that I listened to my friend and listened to this amazing, magical book. Then adding Charlie Norfolk as the narrator, wow really brought the book to life.
Jessica Thornes attention to details really helped build this magical world, mixed with a little mystery and fantasy; pulls you in and keeps you on your toes the whole time. Then when it finally ends you wish it didn’t have to. The character development was phenomenal, and not just the main characters to see the growth in all of them. I do have to say watching Sophie's growth was the best, I felt that I could relate to her, all the pains & joys. I could understand all the confusion and wondering who is real and who is fake and I loved the build up because, that final bam was omg really!
I loved the romantic parts of this book however I wish there could have been more, or more explanation. I felt that at some parts it was a little rushed. However the friendships, belonging and self discovery was beautifully interwoven throughout the book.
I can not wait to read this book again. I feel as if you read it over and over you will discover more and more from this book.
I want to thank NetGalley, and bookouture for the opportunity to review this audiobook.
awakeningbiblio's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you, #Netgalley for the audiobook ARC of this book.
My overall rating of this book was 3.5 stars.
The narration was a 4-star.
The plot was a 3-star.
"Books and magic have always gone hand in hand."
Synopsis
Sophie Lawrence has been away from Ayredale Special Collection Library since the disappearance of her mother. Although she has no memory of her youth experiences, returning to the library unleashes dangerous secrets, unpredictable people, and lost memories that were better left unknown.
Enter the Ayredale Special Collection Library and join Will, Tia, Arthur, Victor, Sophie, and Edward in a mysterious journey combining magic and books.
My Opinions:
What I Liked
- This cover is amazing!
- books, magic, and the library. The overall themes in the story were well done. PLUS I just really enjoy magical tales
- The narrator did an excellent job bringing each character to life. I especially loved her rendition of Tia.
What I didn't like as much:
-There were several storylines and character development opportunities that I feel were missed.
- Unnecessary or repetitive details.
Would I listen to this again? Probably, just to see if there were aspects I missed. Would I read this story? Probably not. I feel like I would skip a lot of the unnecessary or repetitive details.
My overall rating of this book was 3.5 stars.
The narration was a 4-star.
The plot was a 3-star.
"Books and magic have always gone hand in hand."
Synopsis
Sophie Lawrence has been away from Ayredale Special Collection Library since the disappearance of her mother. Although she has no memory of her youth experiences, returning to the library unleashes dangerous secrets, unpredictable people, and lost memories that were better left unknown.
Enter the Ayredale Special Collection Library and join Will, Tia, Arthur, Victor, Sophie, and Edward in a mysterious journey combining magic and books.
My Opinions:
What I Liked
- This cover is amazing!
- books, magic, and the library. The overall themes in the story were well done. PLUS I just really enjoy magical tales
- The narrator did an excellent job bringing each character to life. I especially loved her rendition of Tia.
What I didn't like as much:
-There were several storylines and character development opportunities that I feel were missed.
- Unnecessary or repetitive details.
Would I listen to this again? Probably, just to see if there were aspects I missed. Would I read this story? Probably not. I feel like I would skip a lot of the unnecessary or repetitive details.
jasminegalsreadinglog's review against another edition
4.0
A magical library full of books and secrets is a perfect lure for reading addicts like me. The Book Binder's Daughter is that perfect lure. Sophie who has no memories of her mother keeps dreaming the same dream for years but never gets any answers from her father. Suddenly she gets an opportunity to find out exactly that and her mother's secrets. What happens in this mysterious library and how Sophie is connected to this place is the story of this novel.
The author has weaved a wonderful story of connecting the present library to the ancient libraries of the world and their reasons of destruction. The story is confusing at the beginning but as the story evolves things starts getting a little clearer. I really loved the book though I wish Sophie's character would have been developed a bit more. I wish there was a real library like Ayredale :) I would give it a 3.5 stars.
The author has weaved a wonderful story of connecting the present library to the ancient libraries of the world and their reasons of destruction. The story is confusing at the beginning but as the story evolves things starts getting a little clearer. I really loved the book though I wish Sophie's character would have been developed a bit more. I wish there was a real library like Ayredale :) I would give it a 3.5 stars.
hadassah_'s review against another edition
3.0
•Arc received by the publisher in exchange for a review - However all thoughts and opinions are my own•
I really wanted to love this book
I really wanted to love this book
bookworm_oakey's review against another edition
4.0
This book was the equivalent of a caldron full of exciting ingredients!
I was initially enticed by the beautiful cover and presumed it was a time hopping historical fiction novel but it involved fantasy, mystery and romance with a delicious Gothic flavour.
The story line follows Sophie (swipe for synopsis) who has been offered a new job, by her Uncle, at a library containing rare books...which also happens to be the place she grew up in and where her mother disappeared years earlier. The descriptions of the library are beautiful. I like the mysterious storylines as they kept you guessing....The story kept me gripped and I thought it was a really unexpectedly unique read.
I'm a big Sarah Addison Allen fan and this book had a similar feel. A magical, old worldy, mysterious tale. I haven't read a lot of fantasy so I thank the author for adding that element and broadening my horizons.
Thanks to the author and @netgalley for an ARC of this book
I was initially enticed by the beautiful cover and presumed it was a time hopping historical fiction novel but it involved fantasy, mystery and romance with a delicious Gothic flavour.
The story line follows Sophie (swipe for synopsis) who has been offered a new job, by her Uncle, at a library containing rare books...which also happens to be the place she grew up in and where her mother disappeared years earlier. The descriptions of the library are beautiful. I like the mysterious storylines as they kept you guessing....The story kept me gripped and I thought it was a really unexpectedly unique read.
I'm a big Sarah Addison Allen fan and this book had a similar feel. A magical, old worldy, mysterious tale. I haven't read a lot of fantasy so I thank the author for adding that element and broadening my horizons.
Thanks to the author and @netgalley for an ARC of this book
philomath_in_phila's review against another edition
4.0
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
Sophie is an average woman in a controlling relationship with a good job. Her dreams, however, are fantastical, full of wonders. When offered a job at the Ayredale Library, which holds the finest collection of rare books in the world, the place she grew up, and the place her mother disappeared from, she jumps at the chance. She is reintroduced to a world she had forgotten, as does anyone who leaves the library. Not everyone is as they seem, and she is in danger. Determined to find out what happened to her mother and keep the library safe, Sophie does whatever it takes.
Jessica Thorne's latest, The Bookbinder's Daughter, is an entertaining read. Parts were confusing, but I thought Thorne's writing style was appropriate because I felt as Sophie felt - confused and unsure. Once everything became clear to Sophie, everything was written straightforwardly.
The characters were likable, the setting was a magic library, making the book an enjoyable and quick read. How can you not love a magical library?
According to Goodreads, Thorne writes fantasy and sci-fi romance with a steampunk edge.
I added Thorne's The Queen's Wing, the first in her The Queen's Wing series, to my want-to-read list.
This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.
Sophie is an average woman in a controlling relationship with a good job. Her dreams, however, are fantastical, full of wonders. When offered a job at the Ayredale Library, which holds the finest collection of rare books in the world, the place she grew up, and the place her mother disappeared from, she jumps at the chance. She is reintroduced to a world she had forgotten, as does anyone who leaves the library. Not everyone is as they seem, and she is in danger. Determined to find out what happened to her mother and keep the library safe, Sophie does whatever it takes.
Jessica Thorne's latest, The Bookbinder's Daughter, is an entertaining read. Parts were confusing, but I thought Thorne's writing style was appropriate because I felt as Sophie felt - confused and unsure. Once everything became clear to Sophie, everything was written straightforwardly.
The characters were likable, the setting was a magic library, making the book an enjoyable and quick read. How can you not love a magical library?
According to Goodreads, Thorne writes fantasy and sci-fi romance with a steampunk edge.
I added Thorne's The Queen's Wing, the first in her The Queen's Wing series, to my want-to-read list.
This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.
pageswithpaige's review against another edition
3.0
CW: Emotional abuse, cheating.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual star rating: 3.5. I’m conflicted in writing this review because I feel this book has so much potential, but ultimately left me feeling a little underwhelmed. The premise of a magical library was enough of a draw card to have me requesting and the library itself was beautifully written, with the philosophy behind it being really interesting. For me, the setting and ambience was the strongest part. I crave to see Ayredale. The magic was drawing on common knowledge but expanded on in a way that was unique and fresh to read but didn’t have rules or structure so for people that need a structured and well explained magic system this might not work for you but I enjoyed going along for the ride.
In terms of characters, Sophie has been in an emotionally abusive relationship (whilst not labelled on page, the characteristics of the relationship described gives me confidence in using it rather than just emotional manipulation - which was also present). I’m gonna give her slack, she made some choices, but I can understand her motivations behind them. The constant references to her memory loss were a little too on the nose for my liking as it was mentioned at least twice a chapter and yes, essential to the plot, but we could have minimised the amount it was mentioned.
Victor was an absolute twat. Will was your typical book-boyfriend with hair that was “overdue for a cut”... Tia was bloody fantastic and I love her. Uncle Edward was your doting, slightly misguided, mostly well-meaning fool but overall, I liked him by the end. Aside from Tia I felt the characters were very 2D but not “bad”, the potential for fuller characters is definitely there, especially seeing what Jessica is capable of with Tia.
In terms of pacing and plot there was a lot to be desired. I want emotions when reading and nothing shocked me or made me feel anything other than “this is enjoyable”. The big bad is obviously the big bad and personally, the mystery isn’t really that mysterious. The plot felt very Young Adult with New Adult aged characters. Personally I think the characters and villains could have been further developed with length. This is only a 248 page standalone so there is definitely room to expand to help support the plot and pacing.
I also received an advanced listeners copy and I cannot fault the audiobook narration. I started listening around 10 chapters in and it helped to further captivate my attention. I feel the issues I had with the characters and their descriptions were less noticeable once I started listening, rather than reading.
Overall, it was a really enjoyable read and I recommend people checking it out for something with a hint of whimsicalness, wanting to get lost in the pages of a book.
Thank you once again to NetGalley and the publishers.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual star rating: 3.5. I’m conflicted in writing this review because I feel this book has so much potential, but ultimately left me feeling a little underwhelmed. The premise of a magical library was enough of a draw card to have me requesting and the library itself was beautifully written, with the philosophy behind it being really interesting. For me, the setting and ambience was the strongest part. I crave to see Ayredale. The magic was drawing on common knowledge but expanded on in a way that was unique and fresh to read but didn’t have rules or structure so for people that need a structured and well explained magic system this might not work for you but I enjoyed going along for the ride.
In terms of characters, Sophie has been in an emotionally abusive relationship (whilst not labelled on page, the characteristics of the relationship described gives me confidence in using it rather than just emotional manipulation - which was also present). I’m gonna give her slack, she made some choices, but I can understand her motivations behind them. The constant references to her memory loss were a little too on the nose for my liking as it was mentioned at least twice a chapter and yes, essential to the plot, but we could have minimised the amount it was mentioned.
Victor was an absolute twat. Will was your typical book-boyfriend with hair that was “overdue for a cut”... Tia was bloody fantastic and I love her. Uncle Edward was your doting, slightly misguided, mostly well-meaning fool but overall, I liked him by the end. Aside from Tia I felt the characters were very 2D but not “bad”, the potential for fuller characters is definitely there, especially seeing what Jessica is capable of with Tia.
In terms of pacing and plot there was a lot to be desired. I want emotions when reading and nothing shocked me or made me feel anything other than “this is enjoyable”. The big bad is obviously the big bad and personally, the mystery isn’t really that mysterious. The plot felt very Young Adult with New Adult aged characters. Personally I think the characters and villains could have been further developed with length. This is only a 248 page standalone so there is definitely room to expand to help support the plot and pacing.
I also received an advanced listeners copy and I cannot fault the audiobook narration. I started listening around 10 chapters in and it helped to further captivate my attention. I feel the issues I had with the characters and their descriptions were less noticeable once I started listening, rather than reading.
Overall, it was a really enjoyable read and I recommend people checking it out for something with a hint of whimsicalness, wanting to get lost in the pages of a book.
Thank you once again to NetGalley and the publishers.