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wynwicket's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I picked this up because it was a finalist of last year's Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off, and I'm so glad I did! It feels like a combination of Charles Dickens and Tuck Everlasting, with the addition of creepy dark magical beings called Spektors and plenty of secrets. Our Hero is Ink, a young pickpocket of questionable morality but mostly good intentions, who gets embroiled in an old magical war when he is kidnapped/rescued by a group of refugees. But can they be trusted? Who are the real villains here?
The story is a slow-burn, and I really, really enjoyed it. There's kind of a found-family feel among some of the characters, so I hope I'm not wrong about them. There's also a cliffhanger ending, so you'll want to have the next book or two handy! So good.
The story is a slow-burn, and I really, really enjoyed it. There's kind of a found-family feel among some of the characters, so I hope I'm not wrong about them. There's also a cliffhanger ending, so you'll want to have the next book or two handy! So good.
spetty88's review against another edition
Promising world building but when that slowed down I was just not invested in the characters or in what little plot was happening.
memmah's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Addiction
Minor: Kidnapping and Murder
desolation73's review against another edition
5.0
I do give out five stars out easily because I kind of didn't understand the system before I got reading. Many books you read and thoroughly enjoy but on reflection maybe don't have the impact you first thought they had. My excuse is that before lockdown I wasn't a very experimental reader.
This book I loved its self published but don't let that deter you but you will fall in love with the character inkwell featherfield he starts off as a kind of homage to the artful dodger and indeed the opening sequence feels dickension in spirit but your gripped in the opening chapter by a murder and from that very first chapter you will find it difficult not to turn the page and will hate being interrupted by mundane trivial things like work or family.
Go order this book and thank me later (or ask me for a refund) I'm here for the journey me thinks. Along with the lies of Loch lamora and a few others this has been one of my favourite reads so far this year.
This book I loved its self published but don't let that deter you but you will fall in love with the character inkwell featherfield he starts off as a kind of homage to the artful dodger and indeed the opening sequence feels dickension in spirit but your gripped in the opening chapter by a murder and from that very first chapter you will find it difficult not to turn the page and will hate being interrupted by mundane trivial things like work or family.
Go order this book and thank me later (or ask me for a refund) I'm here for the journey me thinks. Along with the lies of Loch lamora and a few others this has been one of my favourite reads so far this year.
mcnimz's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
leeleet's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
This was so enjoyable at first. Ink is this mischievous, smart, and irreverent kid who is basically a traveling thief. The story is even well written and interesting at first. I’m still even interested in the various mysteries of the world. But as the story goes on he and the story begin to irritate the crap out of me. The last 150 pages and the ending just pissed me off.
As time goes on and the Colonists prove themselves to be more and more trustworthy, he starts to act stupid. He’s so smart but refuses to believe things he sees with his own eyes. And why does he trust the Entrian woman? Because she’s pretty!? All the while constantly saying that he was taught to trust no one. So trust the strange woman but not the people who literally saved you from dying. Also his grandfather is a piece of shit for putting the responsibility of finding the kids parents on him instead of finding a better way. And also not caring for him correctly. Who the hell tells a kid that people you care about will only let you down but then say trust me and I need you to do something for me
There were also a few anachronisms in the story. The author used real world months for her fantasy story a couple of times, but I think she realized that because I don’t see it again for the rest of the book. Long story short I will not be continuing with the series.
There were also a few anachronisms in the story. The author used real world months for her fantasy story a couple of times, but I think she realized that because I don’t see it again for the rest of the book. Long story short I will not be continuing with the series.
bookish_satty's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
I'm so disappointed with myself that I didn't love this book even more to give it 5 stars like most of the other readers out there as this was one of my most anticipated indie fantasy reads ever.
Let me be clear that there is nothing wrong with the book rather it's written extremely well with polished prose and great editing so why did I not like it you say? Well the answer is quite obvious really i.e. being an extremely plot driven reader with attention span issues I couldn't keep my focus on this story for long because mainly it's a character driven story. I would definitely recommend this book to others if you like character driven stories with found family trope.
I absolutely loved the first 25% and enjoyed the last 20% of the book quite a lot but once Ink meets the Colonists I lost all my interest as the story then focused more on building relationships and friendships as well as day to day life affairs rather than the actual mystery plot. The plot does start to move forward at around 75% of the book but by then I've lost all connection with the characters and stopped caring about what happens with any of them. Though to be honest I'm still intrigued by the mystery of the Wickwire Watch and what it does especially after that ending. I liked the worldbuilding too and hope to see the characters venture out of Riverfall even more than they did in Book 1 so that we can experience the world at large.
Another problem I faced while reading the book was that too many characters were introduced too fast and I couldn't keep track of who was who properly and didn't form any emotional bond with them. Hope I can rectify this when I read the sequel.
P.S. - The audio narration is great. I have already added Wayne Farrell to my list of Best Audiobook Narrators.
Let me be clear that there is nothing wrong with the book rather it's written extremely well with polished prose and great editing so why did I not like it you say? Well the answer is quite obvious really i.e. being an extremely plot driven reader with attention span issues I couldn't keep my focus on this story for long because mainly it's a character driven story. I would definitely recommend this book to others if you like character driven stories with found family trope.
I absolutely loved the first 25% and enjoyed the last 20% of the book quite a lot but once Ink meets the Colonists I lost all my interest as the story then focused more on building relationships and friendships as well as day to day life affairs rather than the actual mystery plot. The plot does start to move forward at around 75% of the book but by then I've lost all connection with the characters and stopped caring about what happens with any of them. Though to be honest I'm still intrigued by the mystery of the Wickwire Watch and what it does especially after that ending. I liked the worldbuilding too and hope to see the characters venture out of Riverfall even more than they did in Book 1 so that we can experience the world at large.
Another problem I faced while reading the book was that too many characters were introduced too fast and I couldn't keep track of who was who properly and didn't form any emotional bond with them. Hope I can rectify this when I read the sequel.
P.S. - The audio narration is great. I have already added Wayne Farrell to my list of Best Audiobook Narrators.
scarlettrogue's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
lezlie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
I accepted a physical copy of this book from the author in consideration of a review. I listened to the audiobook, which was purchased with my own funds, in conjunction with the physical copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
As someone who enjoys reading a variety of genres, THE WICKWIRE WATCH was an absolute delight to read. A mystery that develops into a cozy fantasy/slice of life that evolves into horror and even an element or two of science fiction.
And it worked.
The first thing I fell in love with in THE WICKWIRE WATCH was Jacqueline Hagen's writing style. There was a distinct "classic" feel to it, timeless and beautiful.
Next, I found myself charmed by our main character, Mr. Inkwell Featherfield, a young scamp who makes a living divesting others of their valuables. When Ink finds himself in mortal danger because of one such valuable, a group of folks THAT LIVING ON A FLOATING ISLAND take him in and vow to keep him safe. As you might suspect, this lends into the found family trope and it was magnificent. I will admit that this particular section is laid out in a slice of life fashion and our plot here is much slower moving as each of these characters are introduced and developed.
That floating city - village rather - that I mentioned above? You'd think that might not be the easiest setting for world building, but Hagen pulled it off splendidly! She was meticulous with details explaining how the floating island operated and how the inhabitants maintained a self-sufficient lifestyle up there. Hagen also uses her skill at world building to infuse the story with horror - namely spirits know as Spektors - once mortal, these beings are spirits of those who died so full of hate and bitterness that they could not move on to what comes next, instead they've lingered behind to make otherS feel their pain and suffering.
I did purchase the audiobook as well, in fact I bought the audio for this book and the other two that are currently published in The Riverfall Chronicles, and I would highly recommend this format. Wayne Farrell is the narrator and he did an impeccable job narrating this delightful group of characters' antics and adventures.
Now I finally see why this book has had so many positive reviews and earned a spot in the finals for SPFBO9. As I mentioned above, I already own the next two books in the series on audio and look forward to seeing what happens next!
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
As someone who enjoys reading a variety of genres, THE WICKWIRE WATCH was an absolute delight to read. A mystery that develops into a cozy fantasy/slice of life that evolves into horror and even an element or two of science fiction.
And it worked.
The first thing I fell in love with in THE WICKWIRE WATCH was Jacqueline Hagen's writing style. There was a distinct "classic" feel to it, timeless and beautiful.
Next, I found myself charmed by our main character, Mr. Inkwell Featherfield, a young scamp who makes a living divesting others of their valuables. When Ink finds himself in mortal danger because of one such valuable, a group of folks THAT LIVING ON A FLOATING ISLAND take him in and vow to keep him safe. As you might suspect, this lends into the found family trope and it was magnificent. I will admit that this particular section is laid out in a slice of life fashion and our plot here is much slower moving as each of these characters are introduced and developed.
That floating city - village rather - that I mentioned above? You'd think that might not be the easiest setting for world building, but Hagen pulled it off splendidly! She was meticulous with details explaining how the floating island operated and how the inhabitants maintained a self-sufficient lifestyle up there. Hagen also uses her skill at world building to infuse the story with horror - namely spirits know as Spektors - once mortal, these beings are spirits of those who died so full of hate and bitterness that they could not move on to what comes next, instead they've lingered behind to make otherS feel their pain and suffering.
I did purchase the audiobook as well, in fact I bought the audio for this book and the other two that are currently published in The Riverfall Chronicles, and I would highly recommend this format. Wayne Farrell is the narrator and he did an impeccable job narrating this delightful group of characters' antics and adventures.
Now I finally see why this book has had so many positive reviews and earned a spot in the finals for SPFBO9. As I mentioned above, I already own the next two books in the series on audio and look forward to seeing what happens next!
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.