Reviews

The Toymaker's Son by Ariana Nash

Only show reviews with written explanations

zzoomzzoom's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

3.25

When you think you know, you don't know ANYTHING!!!

If anyone needs proof of what an excellent storyteller and story-weaver Ariana is, this book is a perfect and irrefutable example of her skills!

Because of the nature of the story it would be a CRIME to spoiler anything, so reviewing it is HARD!!!

Just know there are Victorian, gothic feels all around, a bit of Pinocchio line, obsession and love, lots of twists and turns and even more twists when you think you are done and a heart breaking and heart warming, at the same time, HEA.

Beautiful story telling that gives incredible imagery and I think it's time I brought [b:The Final Masquerade|59739580|The Final Masquerade|Ariana Nash|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638423807l/59739580._SX50_.jpg|87866401] at the top of my TBR.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

lifeinthebooklane's review

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4.0

Oh my goodness, this book is like the craziest game of Pass The Parcel, where you remove a layer each time the music stops to uncover a new reality. With lush storytelling, compelling characters, heartbreaking, breathtaking, emotions and more twisty turns than a box full of corkscrews I couldn't put this one down.

I want to wax lyrically about the worldbuilding and complexity of the plot. I won't because I'm trying to avoid spoilers, it is a book where those shocking revelations need to take you not only by surprise but to knock you sideways. Devere is so broody, full of mysterious silences, dark looks and grand exits, Valentine is beautifully fragile whilst also being stubborn as a mule and determined to save Devere.

This is Ariana Nash at her emotion-wrecking, mind-spinning best and if you love complex, befuddling, fantasy with great characterisation and two heroes who will ensnare, infuriate and mesmerise you then you really need to read this book.