Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'

Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall

2 reviews

dearhaleynicole's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-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

4.5

I truly loved reading "Waiting for the Flood" by Alexis Hall! I had no idea this was a re-release of work for Hall and that it was two novellas in ONE book 🙌🏻 I personally enjoy going into some books not knowing the story's set up and discovering as I read on and uncover more about the characters. I have to say, this was the PERFECT book to go in blind to. It felt so refreshing to see how both Edwin & Marius open up to their respective partners and grow from their pasts. I was personally a huge fan of Marius & Leo's story but definitely hold a place there too for Edwin & Adam 🥰

Both novellas, "Waiting for the Flood" and "Chasing the Light," were great reads by themselves but I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I listened to this as an audiobook and WOW was that the right move here. Will Watt, the narrator, did such a wonderful job bringing life to each unique character from the smallest of details in Edwin's hesitations, to Marius' vigor, to Marius' mother's light, flippant quips... It was perfect. I flew through this audiobook! 

The story. The writing. The characters. The piroshki (!) Overall, a fantastic read that kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. Also, I loved the bonus content and epilogue for the book! Especially (you guessed it) Marius' mother's piroshki recipe. Every detail felt intentional and purposeful to the story. I was absolutely left wanting more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review in exchange for an honest review!
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sarrie's review against another edition

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emotional funny relaxing sad tense fast-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? Yes

3.5

 
TL;DR: I really enjoyed the first novella in this collection but the second one didn’t connect for me in a great way. 

Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall is the Spires short story collection that comes after the first book, Glitterland. This collection follows Edwin and Marius in their respective stories. Edwin is pretty much a shut in after his messy divorce from Marius and he finds love in a gentleman who comes to assist when a flood threatens the neighborhood. In Marius’s story we find him hurt and stranded next to a row of boats. A lovely man rescues him and a relationship develops. 

I really enjoyed Edwin, though at times I found him a bit too pretentious. Marius’s story is what actually destroyed this for me, and that’s entirely on me. Marius is very hard edged, sarcastic, unlikable, and takes it out on everyone and himself via an eating disorder (not named, but plainly visible on page). That was a little too close to home for me so I connected in a bad way to that. 

These stories were fun, I’m not sure how or where they’ll plug into the main story overall but I enjoyed them (mostly). I do recommend if you’re following the story and enjoy Alexis’ style and unlikeable leads. 
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