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r_j_setser's review
2.0
The wife of a drug boss, living wealthy and respected highly, Jacqui has a story that is both exquisitely breathtaking, and dangerously life-threatening. She is a powerful woman who likes to use her prowess to help the people that remind her of where she came from–where she truly feels at home.
As much as I admired and enjoyed reading about Jacqui as a character, I wasn’t impressed with the storyline of The Jacq of Spades. The first half of the book took me in circles of Jacqui’s present and past and was very slow to getting into the action or even sharing what the drive for the story was. There was more backstory, it felt like, than current story and that just didn’t quite make my cup of tea.
Once the action did pick up however, it was executed in a way that was difficult for me to follow and I often had trouble distinguishing some of the background characters from each other because of similar personalities. There were many places that I found myself skipping much of the chapters at once as well.
Another big blow to my opinion of the book was the frequent, obscene language and sexual implications (no scenes however). The action did get violent and detailed at times, however I wouldn’t consider it overly gory.
So though I do believe that Jacqui was a well done character, I think that her story could have used some more attention. I give The Jacq of Spades 2 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from the author via BookSirens for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
As much as I admired and enjoyed reading about Jacqui as a character, I wasn’t impressed with the storyline of The Jacq of Spades. The first half of the book took me in circles of Jacqui’s present and past and was very slow to getting into the action or even sharing what the drive for the story was. There was more backstory, it felt like, than current story and that just didn’t quite make my cup of tea.
Once the action did pick up however, it was executed in a way that was difficult for me to follow and I often had trouble distinguishing some of the background characters from each other because of similar personalities. There were many places that I found myself skipping much of the chapters at once as well.
Another big blow to my opinion of the book was the frequent, obscene language and sexual implications (no scenes however). The action did get violent and detailed at times, however I wouldn’t consider it overly gory.
So though I do believe that Jacqui was a well done character, I think that her story could have used some more attention. I give The Jacq of Spades 2 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from the author via BookSirens for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
booksandchucks's review
2.0
I was given a copy of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
By the description this should be a book I thoroughly enjoyed. Steampunk. Mystery. It checks all the right boxes. It just fell very flat for me and I found myself not caring about any of the characters or what happens. I found the beginning to be very confusing and difficult to follow. When I reached the end of the book I found there was a handy appendix, while this works for printed books, maybe start the ebook off with this bit. I won’t be reading the rest of the book s in this series but I would probably try something else from this author. Just not my cup of tea.
By the description this should be a book I thoroughly enjoyed. Steampunk. Mystery. It checks all the right boxes. It just fell very flat for me and I found myself not caring about any of the characters or what happens. I found the beginning to be very confusing and difficult to follow. When I reached the end of the book I found there was a handy appendix, while this works for printed books, maybe start the ebook off with this bit. I won’t be reading the rest of the book s in this series but I would probably try something else from this author. Just not my cup of tea.
lilyn_g's review
5.0
In The Jacq of Spades Patricia Loofbourrow manages to spin a tale that keeps you guessing right up until the very end. There was always just enough uncertainty about clues to keep you slightly off-balance and make you doubt your conclusions. Add in the fact that the main character is an intelligent, strong woman who could drink more than a few men under the table, and you have a story that is almost irresistible.
Now, this novel is technically Steampunk, but its not heavily mentioned. There aren't a lot of cool gadgets mentioned, but there's talk of Inventors and the mechanisms that make the city work. I won't go into too much detail, just felt it was best to let the readers know that this wasn't a heavily fantastical story. This lack of obvious 'punkery does nothing bad to the story, though. Its mentioned at the appropriate moments, but you don't spend your time ooh'ing and aah'ing over gizmos because you're completely wrapped up in the mystery that's unfolding.
The Jacq of Spades hooked me immediately, almost against my will, and pushed me through a story that both captivated and puzzled me. I don't even have any major critiques worth mentioning in this review. That should tell you something.
Visit Scifi and Scary's Book Reviews for many other Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller, and Kids' Books reviews.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Now, this novel is technically Steampunk, but its not heavily mentioned. There aren't a lot of cool gadgets mentioned, but there's talk of Inventors and the mechanisms that make the city work. I won't go into too much detail, just felt it was best to let the readers know that this wasn't a heavily fantastical story. This lack of obvious 'punkery does nothing bad to the story, though. Its mentioned at the appropriate moments, but you don't spend your time ooh'ing and aah'ing over gizmos because you're completely wrapped up in the mystery that's unfolding.
The Jacq of Spades hooked me immediately, almost against my will, and pushed me through a story that both captivated and puzzled me. I don't even have any major critiques worth mentioning in this review. That should tell you something.
Visit Scifi and Scary's Book Reviews for many other Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller, and Kids' Books reviews.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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