Scan barcode
vidotson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Misogyny, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, and Violence
meg_turnsthepage's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
It took me awhile to get into the book, then I’d be hooked and feel really into the story, and then dropped off again. At times the story was fun and adventurous and then would take an abrupt dark turn that seemed too sudden, like it didn’t flow as well as it could.
I liked how the book ended, it warmed my heart and brought everything together full circle.
I listened to the audiobook and some of the accents seemed off at times which confused me. Some problematic language and racial slurs were used that had me saying to myself “did I hear that right?” Along with misogynistic themes that didn’t seem necessary.
Overall, I liked the storyline, enjoyed the friendships and bonds made between some of the characters, but the plot was choppy. The book had 5 star potential if the writing had edited out some unnecessary language and descriptions.
I liked how the book ended, it warmed my heart and brought everything together full circle.
I listened to the audiobook and some of the accents seemed off at times which confused me. Some problematic language and racial slurs were used that had me saying to myself “did I hear that right?” Along with misogynistic themes that didn’t seem necessary.
Overall, I liked the storyline, enjoyed the friendships and bonds made between some of the characters, but the plot was choppy. The book had 5 star potential if the writing had edited out some unnecessary language and descriptions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Murder, Death, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Misogyny, Racial slurs, and Grief
tanilian's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was a great debut novel. The characters were well written and the plot made sense, I don't remember any plot-holes by the end. And for a man writing, this was so refreshingly not in the least male-gazey. No insta-love (technically) too!
There are, however, a few things I found a bit tedious. First and foremost, why the hell do characters insist on monologuing in the fights 90% of the time? Make the first move instead of trash-talking your opponent, for my mentality's sake please.Also in the last confrontation scene, they decide to herd The Woman to the doorway to Nowhere <i>physically</i> instead of using the Book of Control, which was done absolutely to prolong the fight and find something for Izzy (so underused there) in the fight to do. The way the Woman became the evil villain, was a bit anticlimactic, but at least it was not because of rape like so many other male authors are wont to do. There were a few pacing issues as well, when the plot became boring to follow, but they were course-corrected fast so not that big of a deal.
There are, however, a few things I found a bit tedious. First and foremost, why the hell do characters insist on monologuing in the fights 90% of the time? Make the first move instead of trash-talking your opponent, for my mentality's sake please.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Animal death, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent, Cancer, and Dementia
laheath's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? No
5.0
Wow! I know my words will not do justice to this book. I don't think I've ever been so impressed with a debut novel. Clear your schedule because you won't want to put it down! I don't read fantasy often, but the premise of a group of booklovers and a library of magical books captivated me. There's time travel and a battle between good and evil with characters who greatly value their relationships with friends and family. As far as the audiobook, the narrator was fantastic, seamlessly transitioning among the characters' accents.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief, Murder, Violence, Cancer, Blood, and Torture
Minor: Misogyny, Racial slurs, and Cursing
collegeoflores's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
Moderate: Fatphobia and Racism
Minor: Misogyny
heidi_grey's review against another edition
I really wanted to like this, the premise is so fantastic. But the pacing was all over the place and the characters lacked some depth for my taste. It‘s like the author came up with a rough plot but didn‘t manage to properly flesh everything out.
There were also multiple comments on women struggling with food and their body images that didn‘t serve any purpose other than reinforcing stereotypes which really irked me.
There were also multiple comments on women struggling with food and their body images that didn‘t serve any purpose other than reinforcing stereotypes which really irked me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Racial slurs, Sexism, Misogyny, and Violence
carlyguari's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for a digital advanced copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review.
One of my friends loved this book and her recommendation convinced me to get a NetGalley account to read and review this book!
This book had a lot of things going for it that I love: magical realism/magic, multiple POV, convergence, beautifully illustrative descriptions of places and things. I thought this book was 90% fast paced. Every chapter left you wanting to read onto the next chapter. It was a slow start and there were some shifts in plot or perspective that gave me some whiplash (the first chapter about The Woman, for example, I wasn't aware the book got so graphic and dark.) Later on there are some plot points that slow the plot down almost to a halt. I also liked how the author handled a particular sci-fi/fantasy plot mechanic:time travel .
However, there are things that left a bad taste in my mouth. While the description of places and things was beautiful and vivid, I found the description of people lacking. I felt like the characters were caricatures, especially the villains. To me they read almost like a cartoon villain, merely evil for the sake of evil-ness. Also, the way the author attempted to double down on one character's evil-ness was to ham-fist bigoted statements from this character. And its not just this character, later two charactersIzzy and Lottie are describing other characters and many of the descriptions are racist and unnecessary. "They look like a shampoo commercial for Nazis." The West African man who is a drug lord. The Chinese people who are rumored to work for the Communist party. As other reviewers have also said, the women in the book often comment about their looks and food. Regarding the plot, I was annoyed at how there were gaping plot holes which mostly became plot armor or a means to forward the plot. However, it didn't make sense to me that the characters would miss these kinds of things. And the delivery of the plot twists therefore felt underwhelming.
Who it's for: entry level fantasy readers, someone who needs a fast-paced stand alone read, people who love books about people who love books.
Who it's NOT for: people who think too hard about what they read (e.g. me all the time), fantasy/sci-fi pros, people who are bothered by inflammatory characterizations and language, people who don't like meta and philosophical ideas in their books.
One of my friends loved this book and her recommendation convinced me to get a NetGalley account to read and review this book!
This book had a lot of things going for it that I love: magical realism/magic, multiple POV, convergence, beautifully illustrative descriptions of places and things. I thought this book was 90% fast paced. Every chapter left you wanting to read onto the next chapter. It was a slow start and there were some shifts in plot or perspective that gave me some whiplash (the first chapter about The Woman, for example, I wasn't aware the book got so graphic and dark.) Later on there are some plot points that slow the plot down almost to a halt. I also liked how the author handled a particular sci-fi/fantasy plot mechanic:
However, there are things that left a bad taste in my mouth. While the description of places and things was beautiful and vivid, I found the description of people lacking. I felt like the characters were caricatures, especially the villains. To me they read almost like a cartoon villain, merely evil for the sake of evil-ness. Also, the way the author attempted to double down on one character's evil-ness was to ham-fist bigoted statements from this character. And its not just this character, later two characters
Who it's for: entry level fantasy readers, someone who needs a fast-paced stand alone read, people who love books about people who love books.
Who it's NOT for: people who think too hard about what they read (e.g. me all the time), fantasy/sci-fi pros, people who are bothered by inflammatory characterizations and language, people who don't like meta and philosophical ideas in their books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Gore, and Violence
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, and Vomit
beccisays's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? No
5.0
For me, this was a powerful book. I cried multiple times, especially so during the raw moments of grief and loss of paternal figures. There was an ache of loneliness that echoed throughout the book and it caught me unawares. I really connected with Cassie's desire to return to that feeling of home, of feeling displaced and adrift making her way through life.
From the beginning of the book, I was captivated by the irresistible bookish quotes and setting. Our main character works in a second-hand bookstore in New York, before being swept along on a journey to faraway places and high-stakes escapades. The glimpses of places such as Prague, Venice, New Orleans and New York have awoken my wanderlust and I'm now craving a solo trip to people watch and soak up a foreign city.
The magic system is a lovely metaphor for books holding power and having the ability to affect and transport you. All readers can relate to the feeling of getting lost or escaping within a book, as well as emerging having gained something unexpected. It reminded me a lot of The Starless Sea, The Midnight Library or The End of Mr Y, due to the prominence of books, libraries and doorways to other realities. However, this story felt more rooted in magical realism than your typical fantasy. Some twists (which I don't want to spoil) felt more sci-fi or paranormal in nature than magical and I'll be honest, many of the more scientific musings of the characters or events went over my head.
I don't disagree with other reviewers that some of the characters are abhorrent, designed to be shocking, racist, misogynistic and hateful and without those characteristics adding much to the plot. I can understand those who choose to avoid media with such content as that offends them. I am glad that I was able to stick with the story, to see the heroes take on such vile villains and values in the end.
Despite that, there is a coziness woven into the story that gives moments of comfort and respite. The Fox Library sounds like a reader's dream, made of old books, carved wood and comfy places to curl up with a cuppa. Regularly the characters steal precious minutes of camaraderie, croissants and coffee in far-flung corners of the world. I was generously provided with an e-book ARC and ended up switching to audiobook after the release and I really enjoyed the narrator's performance. She has a calm, soothing voice that lent itself to the story well. She also skillfully switched between accents and voices, Scottish, South African, French, English and American to name a few and that in itself left a lasting impression.
Thank you Random House UK and Gareth Brown for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
From the beginning of the book, I was captivated by the irresistible bookish quotes and setting. Our main character works in a second-hand bookstore in New York, before being swept along on a journey to faraway places and high-stakes escapades. The glimpses of places such as Prague, Venice, New Orleans and New York have awoken my wanderlust and I'm now craving a solo trip to people watch and soak up a foreign city.
The magic system is a lovely metaphor for books holding power and having the ability to affect and transport you. All readers can relate to the feeling of getting lost or escaping within a book, as well as emerging having gained something unexpected. It reminded me a lot of The Starless Sea, The Midnight Library or The End of Mr Y, due to the prominence of books, libraries and doorways to other realities. However, this story felt more rooted in magical realism than your typical fantasy. Some twists (which I don't want to spoil) felt more sci-fi or paranormal in nature than magical and I'll be honest, many of the more scientific musings of the characters or events went over my head.
I don't disagree with other reviewers that some of the characters are abhorrent, designed to be shocking, racist, misogynistic and hateful and without those characteristics adding much to the plot. I can understand those who choose to avoid media with such content as that offends them. I am glad that I was able to stick with the story, to see the heroes take on such vile villains and values in the end.
Despite that, there is a coziness woven into the story that gives moments of comfort and respite. The Fox Library sounds like a reader's dream, made of old books, carved wood and comfy places to curl up with a cuppa. Regularly the characters steal precious minutes of camaraderie, croissants and coffee in far-flung corners of the world. I was generously provided with an e-book ARC and ended up switching to audiobook after the release and I really enjoyed the narrator's performance. She has a calm, soothing voice that lent itself to the story well. She also skillfully switched between accents and voices, Scottish, South African, French, English and American to name a few and that in itself left a lasting impression.
Thank you Random House UK and Gareth Brown for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexism, Gore, Racial slurs, Racism, Gun violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Torture, Violence, and Misogyny
words_and_pages's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Misogyny, Torture, Sexism, Suicide, and Gun violence
Minor: Fatphobia
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.0
A Starless Sea meets Ink Blood Sister Scribe, in this gorgeously crafted and unputdownable debut that, (though a little dark at times) stole my heart with its immersive and irresistibly addictive storytelling.
Spanning multiple POVs (and quite a few timelines) I was blown away by how detailed and intricately woven every aspect seemed to be—but I was especially impressed with the development of the characters!
Multifaceted and full of emotion, their complex personal journeys and interconnected backstories (which touch upon themes of grief, loss, loneliness and pain) captured the essence of the human condition (in all its raw and chaotically flawed glory) to perfection. I was on the edge of my seat and emotionally invested every step of the way—especially when it came to our introverted protagonist, Cassie; whose endearing journey of grief, love and tender (found family-esque) friendship really resonated with me.
I should probably mention the pacing was a little slow to start, but it didn’t take long to pick up speed, which is when things really started to get interesting. And the plot twists! I was amazed by how perfectly timed and practically never ending they were, which (if you’re anything like me) will definitely make for a nail bitingly intense reading experience.
Overall, this was a well plotted and exquisitely action packed fantasy that’s perfect for fans of magical realism, time travelling books and Erin Morgenstern- style whimsy. Just be sure to check the TWs beforehand.
Also a huge thank you to Izzie over at Transworld/Bantam for the physical proof.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Cancer, Death of parent, Grief, and Torture
Minor: Vomit, Misogyny, and Animal death