Reviews

Eight Pieces of Silva by Patrice Lawrence

tropicalparadise17's review

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mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.25

It's okay book but nothing catch my interest 

girlglitch's review

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4.0

The premise of Eight Pieces of Silva is intriguing from the start: there's a secret at its heart without it being a straight-up mystery.

Becks is an engaging main character, full of youthful confidence and naivety. Her story addresses many complex issues, including family, race and romantic love, but it's all woven together so instinctively, it never feels like Lawrence is flogging Themes with a capital T. Becks' world feels real, and her character development is wonderfully natural. It's the kind of seamless writing you only see in the very best UKYA.

Becks' London is very much that of a local, at once sprawling and familiar, which may feel a little alienating to readers who don't know the city. At times it also feels like the narrative is oversaturated with references (and I say this as a long-time K-pop fan). While this adds a realistic specificity, at times it felt like a barrier to really getting to know the characters.

Eight PIeces of Silva is a messy mystery but it's also an engaging UKYA, exploring some complex issues in a relatable way.

*Thank you to Hachette Kids for granting my Netgalley wish!*

sienna727's review

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

adamskiboy528491's review

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3.0



[b:Eight Pieces of Silva|52186769|Eight Pieces of Silva|Patrice Lawrence|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1583589263l/52186769._SY75_.jpg|77125243] by [a:Patrice Lawrence|646810|Patrice Lawrence|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1516131519p2/646810.jpg] is a readable family relationship drama with an intriguing mystery at its heart.

Becks’ Mum and Silva’s Dad have gone on a honeymoon, leaving Silva (as a young adult) in charge of (16-year-old) Becks. But Silva never returns from seeing the pair off at the airport. She doesn’t respond to any of Becks’ messages, and Becks is rightly worried. Becks doesn’t want to alarm her parents and cause them to return from a much anticipated holiday, so she manages the situation herself. She crosses the threshold of Silva’s bedroom to look for clues. She finds these in a box under the bed leading her on a trail to piece together a story of complete love and devotion Silva had for a boy none of the family had met.

Both characters were excellently crafted and engaging in their own right, heightening my interest when the narrative kept alternating. Special props to the slightly later introduction of Silva’s perspective/narrative, who was introduced a few chapters later than Becks. This move allowed Becks to shine and set up the story, which allowed for more mystery and intrigue when are finally given Silva’s point of view, which shows both London and blended families vividly and recognisably.

This YA mystery touches on several other themes including race, class, friendship, falling in love & mental health, all of which are woven together so effortlessly that it just works.

laurengeorgia's review

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

slaughtercarrie's review

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.5

i remember nothing about this book lol 

kaydeeyaleni's review

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mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

bethanypaisley's review

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mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

scrollsofdragons's review

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2.0

someone would really go that psycho over a creep? yeah this was not the thriller for me

missoliviareadsbooks's review

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4.0

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

Patrice Lawrence does it again! A real world story full of mystery and emotions with a hugely sensitive issue at its' core. Will be recommending to everyone!!