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thethingwithfeathers's review against another edition
I wanted to love this book so bad. Sapphic heist on the titanic? I was so ready.
- lack of excitement in the narrative
- poorly developed back stories that clung to stereotypes
- aggressive racism from the white character towards the only black woman main character that, according to reviews by people who finished, never gets addressed properly.
- lack of excitement in the narrative
- poorly developed back stories that clung to stereotypes
- aggressive racism from the white character towards the only black woman main character that, according to reviews by people who finished, never gets addressed properly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Racism, and Body shaming
Minor: Death of parent and Toxic friendship
mari1532's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I first heard about this book from Lilly's Library, Lilly Singh's book club. Her description of the book sounded interesting so I checked the audiobook out of my library.
Imagine that Ocean's 8 had half the people in on the heist and was set aboard the Titanic. Now add a friend turned rival who thinks he is an expert con artist, a noisy floor matron, and the interworkings of a found family and you have the basic ingredients of this book.
When I tell you that Jaigirdar's writing is fantastic in this book it does not even feel close to being an accurate description. The way that she was able to interweave the perspectives of the four central characters (Josefa, Emilie, Hinnah, and Violet) and made me love each and every one of them honestly didn't feel fair as they are not real people and I cannot in fact become a member of their friend group. Furthermore, the fact that this book was set on the Titanic and Jaigirdar included a countdown truly gave me the worst anxiety because you know what is coming in terms of the ship, but as the reader you have absolutely no idea what that will mean for the characters that she has spent the better part of the novel making you fall in love with.
The found family dynamics of the four women were also so beautiful. The way that they are thrown together by their respective circumstances, but learn to work together was beautiful to watch unfold. I particularly liked how the friendship dynamics were being tested and growing as a romance was blooming. It was so heartwarming.
My only note about this book is very minor and not having the answer to it does not make me love this book any less, but did Matron Wallace steal the hairclip or did she find it? And if she stole it why would she then point the finger for an item that she stole? If she found it why did she keep it? Did they not have a lost and found on the Titanic?
If you love books with strong female characters and chosen families I highly recommend this book. Also if you love a good heist plot line this one does not disappoint. Highly recommend. Absolutely one of my favourite books of the year!
Imagine that Ocean's 8 had half the people in on the heist and was set aboard the Titanic. Now add a friend turned rival who thinks he is an expert con artist, a noisy floor matron, and the interworkings of a found family and you have the basic ingredients of this book.
When I tell you that Jaigirdar's writing is fantastic in this book it does not even feel close to being an accurate description. The way that she was able to interweave the perspectives of the four central characters (Josefa, Emilie, Hinnah, and Violet) and made me love each and every one of them honestly didn't feel fair as they are not real people and I cannot in fact become a member of their friend group. Furthermore, the fact that this book was set on the Titanic and Jaigirdar included a countdown truly gave me the worst anxiety because you know what is coming in terms of the ship, but as the reader you have absolutely no idea what that will mean for the characters that she has spent the better part of the novel making you fall in love with.
The found family dynamics of the four women were also so beautiful. The way that they are thrown together by their respective circumstances, but learn to work together was beautiful to watch unfold. I particularly liked how the friendship dynamics were being tested and growing as a romance was blooming. It was so heartwarming.
If you love books with strong female characters and chosen families I highly recommend this book. Also if you love a good heist plot line this one does not disappoint. Highly recommend. Absolutely one of my favourite books of the year!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Confinement, Death, Grief, Toxic friendship, and Violence
This book is set on the Titanic and as a result death, specifically death by drowning is discussed.saliwali's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Death
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Bullying, Child abuse, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Death of parent
Minor: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Terminal illness
ashylibrarian's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
...I did say I was going to be reading everything by Adiba Jaigirdar, and this exception.
Oceans 8 meets Six of Crows but make it Titanic in this adventurous heist novel.
I had a great time reading this historical fiction. It is not a perfect, flawless novel, but the adventure, the heist, the cast of characters. I could not put it down.
It didn't always feel like I was reading a historical fiction novel, which for me was a bit sad, but I think it helps to make it appeal to a broader audience since historical fiction can be a difficult sell sometimes.
The character dynamics were flying all over the page. Each of the main characters had a specific, unique purpose.
I will be recommending this title.
Hands down one of the most fun historical fictions I have read to date.
Titanic ✅
Powerhouse Female Cast ✅
Heist ✅
Josefa, a top-class, cunning thief, has her eyes set on stealing the top-dollar Rubiyat, a one-of-a-kind book encased with millions of dollars worth of stones.
Josefa knows she can’t accomplish this alone, however, so she recruits a crew of equally talented girls to help her out: Hinnah, a daring acrobat; Violet, an actress and expert dissembler; and Emilie, an artist who can replicate any drawing by hand.
Giving Six of Crows mixed with Ocean’s 8 and a side of Titanic.
It wasn’t a perfect book and came with a few questionable plot holes, but, man, did I have a great time reading this one.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, I will read everything Jaigirdar writes.
Image description in the comments.
Oceans 8 meets Six of Crows but make it Titanic in this adventurous heist novel.
I had a great time reading this historical fiction. It is not a perfect, flawless novel, but the adventure, the heist, the cast of characters. I could not put it down.
It didn't always feel like I was reading a historical fiction novel, which for me was a bit sad, but I think it helps to make it appeal to a broader audience since historical fiction can be a difficult sell sometimes.
The character dynamics were flying all over the page. Each of the main characters had a specific, unique purpose.
I will be recommending this title.
Hands down one of the most fun historical fictions I have read to date.
Titanic ✅
Powerhouse Female Cast ✅
Heist ✅
Josefa, a top-class, cunning thief, has her eyes set on stealing the top-dollar Rubiyat, a one-of-a-kind book encased with millions of dollars worth of stones.
Josefa knows she can’t accomplish this alone, however, so she recruits a crew of equally talented girls to help her out: Hinnah, a daring acrobat; Violet, an actress and expert dissembler; and Emilie, an artist who can replicate any drawing by hand.
Giving Six of Crows mixed with Ocean’s 8 and a side of Titanic.
It wasn’t a perfect book and came with a few questionable plot holes, but, man, did I have a great time reading this one.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, I will read everything Jaigirdar writes.
Image description in the comments.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Classism, and Death
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, Sexism, and Violence
Minor: Abandonment and Toxic friendship
evelynyle_88's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
HELLA...
This book came out of my mind eventually. I didn't know why suddenly I want to read or listen to it. The crossover between Titanic and Ocean's 8 make it intriguing. I love the process of understanding every characters.
Josefa; the thief... I love her so much even sometimes I feel like her strategy is risky for four of them. But, I must say... she's brilliant.
Violet; the actress... if not for her brother... I am sure; she won't join Josefa's crazy idea to board on a ship like that
Both Hinnah and Emilie... sometimes I feel conflicted but, I love them being rational.. especially Emilie and her fear.
Overall, this book gave me different feel of historical fiction should like... but I also love the heist part. Great job, Adiba!
This book came out of my mind eventually. I didn't know why suddenly I want to read or listen to it. The crossover between Titanic and Ocean's 8 make it intriguing. I love the process of understanding every characters.
Josefa; the thief... I love her so much even sometimes I feel like her strategy is risky for four of them. But, I must say... she's brilliant.
Violet; the actress... if not for her brother... I am sure; she won't join Josefa's crazy idea to board on a ship like that
Both Hinnah and Emilie... sometimes I feel conflicted but, I love them being rational.. especially Emilie and her fear.
Overall, this book gave me different feel of historical fiction should like... but I also love the heist part. Great job, Adiba!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Classism, and Confinement
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, and Racism
Minor: Sexism, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
anna_17793's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Death
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Toxic friendship, Racism, and Sexism
novelty_reads's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
When someone mentioned the words "heist" and "the Titanic" in the same sentence, I just knew I had to read A Million to One.
I was immediately drawn to the premise. Having read this author's debut, The Henna Wars and having enjoying that, I was sure this book would be a delight. You should've seen me when I got the e-galley copy, I was over the moon and excited to start reading.
Unfortunately, this seemed to be a case where the concept didn't match up with the execution.
The book follows four girls, con artist and leader of the group, Josefa, circus performer, Hinnah, actress, Violet and aspiring artist, Emilie who board the Titanic to steal a rare and priceless book, The Rubaiyat from one of the First Class passengers. I was expecting a fast paced novel, high stakes and a slow romantic build up (since I knew there would be a sapphic pairing months before reading). But unfortunately, this book didn't live up to my expectations.
For starters, I had a few issues connecting with the characters. With Josefa, from the very start she annoyed me for some reason, and the way she was trying to get the girls to join her on her heist for the Rubaiyat just irked me. If you're trying to get someone to join you on a dangerous mission, especially when two of the said people joining you, you've never really talked to before, please sell their part in the mission as more than just "we need you, I've seen the work you do, there is nobody else in the world who can do [blank] as well as you can!" I don't know... if I were those girls I think I would've refused straight away. It takes a lot of trust and loyalty to a person to literally put your life on the line for them and for them to do so, and so willingly for someone they could classify as a stranger didn't really make sense to me. Even though the backstories were revealed as to why they were willing to go on this heist, to me, it didn't seem justifiable enough, especially for some of the other characters.
I didn't mind Hinnah and Emilie's characters but I still didn't feel connected to them despite the elaborate backstories about their personal lives. Violet was probably the character I connected to the most and even that is a far stretch. She had a brother she left in Croatia who she was trying to help and support as much as she could and I could see that desperate love in every chapter in which she mentioned Marko. But that being said, there were a few parts to her character that I didn't understand. She seemed to be very prickly towards Emilie for no real reason and it seemed like a petty sort of hatred, kind of like the two girls were pitted against each other for no other reason than dramatic purpose. At one point I thought how cool it would be if Violet and Emilie ended up in a relationship together as an enemies-to-lovers/grumpy-sunshine couple, having to work together against all odds to steal the Rubaiyat. The drama would've made more sense then, but unfortunately no reasoning apart from an annoyance at having an amateur con artist to help execute the heist, was used to justify Violet's unfair treatment towards Emilie.
Being a high stakes book featuring a heist, I would've expected the book to have been quite fast paced and action packed. The book however, followed a rhythm which looked something like 200 pages being on developing the characters and letting the reader in to their backstories and the last 74 pages being fast paced as the plot (and Titanic's unfortunate fate) played out which arguably was the most adrenaline filled part. I wished the high stakes and suspense of whether their plan would succeed or fail was continued throughout the entire book because by the time the book picked up the pacing, I just wasn't interested anymore. Because the start of the book fell so flat, I found I wasn't as emotionally invested in August's pursuit of the girls and the ultimate fate of their heist and their lives. When the ending occurred, while it was sad, I was so disinterested that the emotional aspects of the books didn't pack an emotional punch as much as I would've liked.
Now onto the romance. I felt like it was rushed. The two girls wanted to get to know each other and they already had some feelings developed before the events of the book, but the romance felt incredibly surface level without a desired build up of chemistry or romantic tension which I hungered for. I must admit though, the epilogue was very cute and it actually was the best part by far of the entire book.
The other aspect of note was that I never felt truly transported to the world of 1912 Ireland and the Titanic. The setting was never really prominent not when the girls were still living in their Irish boarding house nor when they were on the Titanic among more wealth than they have ever seen in their lives. Considering these girls came from poverty and from the poorer areas of Ireland, I would've expected more emphasis on the decadence of the Titanic to create this sort of fantasy-like dream of a ship, but that historical allure was barely there at all and I felt the remnants of a missed opportunity here.
All in all, I really wanted to love this book, it was a hotly anticipated novel for me but it unfortunately fell flat a bit with the pacing, romance, characters and setting. I do see a lot of things other readers may like, after all, a book sometimes isn't for everyone. Sadly, that is the case with me and A Million to One.
ACTUAL RATING: 2 STARS
When someone mentioned the words "heist" and "the Titanic" in the same sentence, I just knew I had to read A Million to One.
I was immediately drawn to the premise. Having read this author's debut, The Henna Wars and having enjoying that, I was sure this book would be a delight. You should've seen me when I got the e-galley copy, I was over the moon and excited to start reading.
Unfortunately, this seemed to be a case where the concept didn't match up with the execution.
The book follows four girls, con artist and leader of the group, Josefa, circus performer, Hinnah, actress, Violet and aspiring artist, Emilie who board the Titanic to steal a rare and priceless book, The Rubaiyat from one of the First Class passengers. I was expecting a fast paced novel, high stakes and a slow romantic build up (since I knew there would be a sapphic pairing months before reading). But unfortunately, this book didn't live up to my expectations.
For starters, I had a few issues connecting with the characters. With Josefa, from the very start she annoyed me for some reason, and the way she was trying to get the girls to join her on her heist for the Rubaiyat just irked me. If you're trying to get someone to join you on a dangerous mission, especially when two of the said people joining you, you've never really talked to before, please sell their part in the mission as more than just "we need you, I've seen the work you do, there is nobody else in the world who can do [blank] as well as you can!" I don't know... if I were those girls I think I would've refused straight away. It takes a lot of trust and loyalty to a person to literally put your life on the line for them and for them to do so, and so willingly for someone they could classify as a stranger didn't really make sense to me. Even though the backstories were revealed as to why they were willing to go on this heist, to me, it didn't seem justifiable enough, especially for some of the other characters.
I didn't mind Hinnah and Emilie's characters but I still didn't feel connected to them despite the elaborate backstories about their personal lives. Violet was probably the character I connected to the most and even that is a far stretch. She had a brother she left in Croatia who she was trying to help and support as much as she could and I could see that desperate love in every chapter in which she mentioned Marko. But that being said, there were a few parts to her character that I didn't understand. She seemed to be very prickly towards Emilie for no real reason and it seemed like a petty sort of hatred, kind of like the two girls were pitted against each other for no other reason than dramatic purpose. At one point I thought how cool it would be if Violet and Emilie ended up in a relationship together as an enemies-to-lovers/grumpy-sunshine couple, having to work together against all odds to steal the Rubaiyat. The drama would've made more sense then, but unfortunately no reasoning apart from an annoyance at having an amateur con artist to help execute the heist, was used to justify Violet's unfair treatment towards Emilie.
Being a high stakes book featuring a heist, I would've expected the book to have been quite fast paced and action packed. The book however, followed a rhythm which looked something like 200 pages being on developing the characters and letting the reader in to their backstories and the last 74 pages being fast paced as the plot (and Titanic's unfortunate fate) played out which arguably was the most adrenaline filled part. I wished the high stakes and suspense of whether their plan would succeed or fail was continued throughout the entire book because by the time the book picked up the pacing, I just wasn't interested anymore. Because the start of the book fell so flat, I found I wasn't as emotionally invested in August's pursuit of the girls and the ultimate fate of their heist and their lives. When the ending occurred, while it was sad, I was so disinterested that the emotional aspects of the books didn't pack an emotional punch as much as I would've liked.
Now onto the romance. I felt like it was rushed. The two girls wanted to get to know each other and they already had some feelings developed before the events of the book, but the romance felt incredibly surface level without a desired build up of chemistry or romantic tension which I hungered for. I must admit though, the epilogue was very cute and it actually was the best part by far of the entire book.
The other aspect of note was that I never felt truly transported to the world of 1912 Ireland and the Titanic. The setting was never really prominent not when the girls were still living in their Irish boarding house nor when they were on the Titanic among more wealth than they have ever seen in their lives. Considering these girls came from poverty and from the poorer areas of Ireland, I would've expected more emphasis on the decadence of the Titanic to create this sort of fantasy-like dream of a ship, but that historical allure was barely there at all and I felt the remnants of a missed opportunity here.
All in all, I really wanted to love this book, it was a hotly anticipated novel for me but it unfortunately fell flat a bit with the pacing, romance, characters and setting. I do see a lot of things other readers may like, after all, a book sometimes isn't for everyone. Sadly, that is the case with me and A Million to One.
ACTUAL RATING: 2 STARS
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Body shaming, Confinement, Grief, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, Abandonment, Racism, and Violence
librariangeorgia's review
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I absolutely loved HANI AND ISHU'S GUIDE TO FAKE DATING that this was an automatic must-read for me.
I loved the concept of this book - 4 girls coming together to try and pull off a heist aboard the Titanic. We all know what happened to the Titanic so that element of the story was obvious, however I still enjoyed the tense whats-going-to-happen-will-they-succeed side of the story. Each of the girls come from different walks of life and I really liked the dynamics between them.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to seeing what else this author publishes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Classism, Sexism, Confinement, Racism, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
betweentheshelves's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Josefa has come up with a plan to steal a priceless artifact from the Titanic, the Rubaiyat. In order to pull it off, she had to form a team. So, she finds an artist (Emilie), an acrobat (Hinnah), and an actress (Violet). Stealing the Rubaiyat is the key for all of them to get a better life. To achieve their goals.
However, Josefa wasn't honest about the nature of the mission. Careless mistakes and a possible new romance through a wrench into their plan. When tragedy strikes the Titanic, they all realize they might be in more danger than they ever thought possible.
Thanks to HarperTeen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar to review! I didn't know I needed a sapphic heist on the Titanic story, but here we are! It's a unique place to set a heist novel, but it surprisingly works really well. Knowing what happens on the Titanic adds an element of urgency to the novel, even if the characters themselves don't know it. I was impressed by Jaigirdar's pacing, and it really drove the entire story forward.
And the characters! We get four points of view throughout the book, which always runs the chance of the voices all blending together. But each of the characters felt unique enough, and they all added a new element and perspective to the story. They each have their own strengths they bring to the table. The main romance also felt natural; the two characters had excellent chemistry.
All in all, even if this book might end in tragedy, the setting and the plot at times make you forget it. I definitely recommend picking it up when it comes out in December!
However, Josefa wasn't honest about the nature of the mission. Careless mistakes and a possible new romance through a wrench into their plan. When tragedy strikes the Titanic, they all realize they might be in more danger than they ever thought possible.
Thanks to HarperTeen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar to review! I didn't know I needed a sapphic heist on the Titanic story, but here we are! It's a unique place to set a heist novel, but it surprisingly works really well. Knowing what happens on the Titanic adds an element of urgency to the novel, even if the characters themselves don't know it. I was impressed by Jaigirdar's pacing, and it really drove the entire story forward.
And the characters! We get four points of view throughout the book, which always runs the chance of the voices all blending together. But each of the characters felt unique enough, and they all added a new element and perspective to the story. They each have their own strengths they bring to the table. The main romance also felt natural; the two characters had excellent chemistry.
All in all, even if this book might end in tragedy, the setting and the plot at times make you forget it. I definitely recommend picking it up when it comes out in December!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Death
Moderate: Death of parent and Racism
Minor: Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, and Sexism
ezwolf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Josefa, Emilie, Hinnah, and Violet all come together to pull off a heist with a big payout on board the Titanic. Josefa is the mastermind thief who brings them all together, Emilie the artist to help create maps and documents, Hinnah is an acrobat, and Violet is a grifter. Even though they're all virtually strangers, they work together to steal a prized and jeweled book of poems to sell for a high price and be able to achieve the lives they've been searching for.
If you're a fan of the show Leverage, I highly recommend this book for you. The story starts with pulling our begrudging team to work togetherm all the way through to the end where they realize they've found a family in each other.
I loved the way Emilie and Josefa's relationship developed over the course of the book. And I especially loved the relationships between all four girls, they all have had struggles in life and once they realize none of them have had an easy go of it, they develop closer and more protective bonds and the end had me in tears.
Listening to the audiobook without the designated narrator and the synthesized voice provided by NetGalley was a bizarre experience, but I liked it none the less.
Thank you to Net Galley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review!
If you're a fan of the show Leverage, I highly recommend this book for you. The story starts with pulling our begrudging team to work togetherm all the way through to the end where they realize they've found a family in each other.
I loved the way Emilie and Josefa's relationship developed over the course of the book. And I especially loved the relationships between all four girls, they all have had struggles in life and once they realize none of them have had an easy go of it, they develop closer and more protective bonds and the end had me in tears.
Listening to the audiobook without the designated narrator and the synthesized voice provided by NetGalley was a bizarre experience, but I liked it none the less.
Thank you to Net Galley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Death
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Sexual assault, Alcohol, Toxic friendship, Sexism, and Death of parent
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