Reviews

A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw

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tatyanavogt's review against another edition

3.0

Okay so I was pretty annoyed with this book for a good portion of it. It really feels like you're promised one thing and given something else entirely and even though the story given is interesting it just felt like a let down when the book butters you up for something else entirely. That being said I did like where the story went and how it ended. If it did a better job setting up expectations (perhaps giving us the intro chapters at later times in the story or something) I feel like i would enjoy it more. As it was it felt like i started reading one book and then was thrown into a different one against my will.

spregasaur94's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book! The scene was beautifully set, the story was compelling, and the characters felt real, human, and fascinating to get to know. This was a page turner for sure!

jessicabobessica's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Content Warnings

shbooks23's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

4.5

kaeliwolf's review against another edition

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1.0

Shea Ernshaw has a very distinct writing style that borders on boring the reader and entertaining them. The entire idea of the story reminds me too much of The Hazel Wood written by Melissa Albert, which I can go so far as to say is better than this. I honestly couldn't finish it.

kberry_co's review against another edition

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5.0

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for giving me a the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

Synopsis: Maggie St. James is a sucessful childrens book author that goes missing at the height of her career. Her disappearance becomes a mystery when there is no trace left behind save for a small charm. After years of searching and desparate for answers her parents hire a man with a special gift to try and find out what happened to their daughter. What he finds pulls him into the mystery and doesn't let him go...

A History of Wild Places drew me in from the very beginning--the cover artwork, the story line and the promise of something mysterious and dark. Yes please. Starting as the story of a search for a missing woman, it develops into so much more. Beyond the disappearance of Maggies St. James, it dives into the intricacies and weaknesses of the human mind, as well as the places that we call home.

What I liked: Ernshaw has a magical way with words. The imagery throughout the book created such vivid pictures in my mind and made me feel so much a part of the story. I did not want to put it down. I felt connected to every single one of the characters and was very invested in their story and growth throughout the book. I appreciated the pace of the character development, it was not rushed and felt realistic. She also did a excellent job of seamlessly alternating between multiple points of view. In terms of the story, I loved the mystery aspect of it and was certainly surprised by the ending. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more by Shea Ernshaw.