Reviews

Ascension of Larks by Rachel Linden

missykemp's review

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emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

3.75

beastreader's review

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4.0

In the beginning, there was some warming up to both the story and the characters. Yet, after I got over that small hurdle I was able to really enjoy the story as well as the characters. There was a bit of a message as well "All shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."

To be honest, it was not only Lena and her three children, Gabby, Luca, and Jonah that needed assistance; Maggie did as well. She just did not know it at first. Yet, by the end of the story, everyone had grown stronger. I can't forget to mention Lena's Aunt Ellen. She was a bit of the glue that helped bind everyone together as well.

Daniel was the mystery wild card in the story. However, as his story was slowly revealed, I came to like him as well. He brought great knowledge as his profession in poetry. He may not have fully found his peace but it was coming. This book will stick with you even after you have finished the last page with engaging characters and a well written story.

meg37's review

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3.0

I was fortunate enough to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It really captured my attention the whole way through and I enjoyed the book overall. I would describe it as a tragic, peaceful, empowering story.

meezcarrie's review

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4.0

Ascension of Larks is haunting… and heartwrenching … and heartwarming. It’s a story of loss, grief, loneliness, survival and redemption. Complex characters leap off the page and into your heart, and you’ll find yourself captivated by their journey.

While this is in many ways a novel about death – death of a person, death of dreams, death of hope – it is even more so a novel of survival. Of picking up the pieces and figuring out how to make a beautiful mosaic. Of allowing your heart to grieve but also of allowing your heart to celebrate – and knowing the difference even as they co-exist. The author captures these dichotomies beautifully with words, mirroring the way that Maggie captures them with her camera.

Bottom Line: I really enjoyed this debut novel from Rachel Linden. It’s compelling and very well-written, and the characters are still hanging around in my heart. The spiritual thread is subtle and strays a little into the mystical, but hope lingers between the lines. The ending is just as poignant and complex as the rest of the novel, and I so hope we get to revisit Maggie and her ‘family’ again one day. I need to know more of the story, of what happens next, and while I realize that life doesn’t always work out that way it doesn’t stop me from wishing! If you are a fan of Katie Ganshert and Catherine West, you will love Ascension of Larks too.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

megs2kool's review

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

bibliobabe94's review against another edition

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3.0

Traditional women's fiction (drama, drama, love interest, drama, happy ever after), a bit drawn out, but a good read.

lcannone's review

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2.0

Please note that this review is for the audio book.
I thought the writing style was fantastic. The story itself just did not appeal to me. I could not really connect with any of the characters. One note is that I did not care for the style of the narrator. I found that there really was not any feeling in the reading. I might choose to read the actual book at a later date. I would, however, recommend this to a few of my friends who would love, love, love, this book/audio.

brianajae's review

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5.0

I liked this a lot. Sweet, compelling story, characters I wanted to know more about and a great setting (I'm biased though ... I live in the area!)

kristi518's review

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4.0

Still coming out of my reading slump I grabbed this book from my tbr pile. I picked it because a trusted friend told me she had read it and it was really good. I wasn't expecting to enjoy the book as much as I did. I certainly didn't expect to feel this story as much as I did.

From the first page I found this story well written. The descriptions of Maggie taking pictures of the workers in the coffee fields of Nicaragua made me feel as if I were right there in the field along side her and seeing everything through her eyes. I had the same feelings as I read about Maggie and Marco meeting and then Lena joining the duo. I didn't just feel this story visually but I also felt it emotionally. This story is about friendship, family, love, regrets, growing up, and letting go.

I enjoyed the way the story was written in the present day and then going back in time to Maggie and Marco meeting and then the addition of Lena and the dynamic of their relationship through the years. It was so easy to really get a good understanding of the characters this way.

While this story isn't a suspense there was always that feeling of something else about to happen. The author slowly built up to the next revelation in the story in a way that made me anxious and curious to know what it was. I was so pulled into the story that I read most of the book in one day. Whenever I couldn't be reading I was wondering what was going to happen and found myself being drawn back to the book.

If you're looking for a book that has a story that will immediately draw you in then this is the one you want. I would recommend clearing your schedule for a day because once you start this book you won't want to stop reading until you've reached the end. A definite must-read.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

lisa_cannone's review

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2.0

Please note that this review is for the audio book.
I thought the writing style was fantastic. The story itself just did not appeal to me. I could not really connect with any of the characters. One note is that I did not care for the style of the narrator. I found that there really was not any feeling in the reading. I might choose to read the actual book at a later date. I would, however, recommend this to a few of my friends who would love, love, love, this book/audio.