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adowryofbooks's review
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc of this book.
August and Emery were destined to be together and planned to run away to the mainland after graduation. But following the mysterious death of the friend Lily, a crime for which everyone blamed August, he was forced to leave with his mother, without a word to anyone. August returns to the island of Saoirse after 14 years, following the death of his mother, to bury her ashes their at his mothers request. Many old feelings resurface, along with questions about what really happens that night.
This book had the perfect fall atmosphere with a mix of magic. I loved the relationship between Emery and August and the glimpses into their past together. It was such a sweet relationship between the two before August had to leave; More importantly, though, I wanted to know if they still had that spark to reignite everything. I liked that the book switched between Emery and August’s POV’s with the reader occasionally getting a glimpse at another town members POV. I think this strengthened the sense of mystery and deception, you can’t trust anyone fully because they are all keeping their own secrets.
My only problem with this books was that because the majority of the book focused on the characters and their history there wasn’t much development of the mystery until about the 70% mark. This made the ending feel a little rushed, which was why I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 but overall I did really enjoy this book.
August and Emery were destined to be together and planned to run away to the mainland after graduation. But following the mysterious death of the friend Lily, a crime for which everyone blamed August, he was forced to leave with his mother, without a word to anyone. August returns to the island of Saoirse after 14 years, following the death of his mother, to bury her ashes their at his mothers request. Many old feelings resurface, along with questions about what really happens that night.
This book had the perfect fall atmosphere with a mix of magic. I loved the relationship between Emery and August and the glimpses into their past together. It was such a sweet relationship between the two before August had to leave; More importantly, though, I wanted to know if they still had that spark to reignite everything. I liked that the book switched between Emery and August’s POV’s with the reader occasionally getting a glimpse at another town members POV. I think this strengthened the sense of mystery and deception, you can’t trust anyone fully because they are all keeping their own secrets.
My only problem with this books was that because the majority of the book focused on the characters and their history there wasn’t much development of the mystery until about the 70% mark. This made the ending feel a little rushed, which was why I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 but overall I did really enjoy this book.
caitioconnor's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
cait_demorato's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
prupell's review
3.0
This is a tough one for me to review. I'm still not sure whether or not I liked it. :)
There were parts of it that I did like. The writing was really good. It was so atmospheric, I could almost feel the whisper of the island. And, for some of the book, I was really interested in what would happen next.
But what didn't work for me was that I didn't really connect to any of the characters and I didn't really even like any of them. That kept me from even caring at times. I also would have liked more of a follow up of Dutch, and also the island. I found it a little odd that we got to see Emery and August a few years out, but not so much as a hint as to what happened with the rest of the island.
All in all, not a bad read, and maybe a good choice if you're looking for an atmospheric magical book.
There were parts of it that I did like. The writing was really good. It was so atmospheric, I could almost feel the whisper of the island. And, for some of the book, I was really interested in what would happen next.
But what didn't work for me was that I didn't really connect to any of the characters and I didn't really even like any of them. That kept me from even caring at times. I also would have liked more of a follow up of Dutch, and also the island. I found it a little odd that we got to see Emery and August a few years out, but not so much as a hint as to what happened with the rest of the island.
All in all, not a bad read, and maybe a good choice if you're looking for an atmospheric magical book.
katiekat2015's review
3.0
I enjoyed the story but felt like it was slow and dragged on. The ending was suspenseful but I wish the whole book had been that way.
traceyteaches's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sarahp85's review
3.0
I'm not sure how I want to rate this... 3.5 stars out of 5 perhaps?
I've read most of Adrienne Young's books so far (Fable still being my favourite) and this is her first Adult book.
However it read just like her other books and I think YA readers will like this just as much.
It was a bit slow paced. The setting and feel of the book were great.
But one thing that I also found with some of her other books is that sometimes it takes a while and then the ending is suddenly rushed. Also, some characters deserve more backstory, or more from their point of view or something.
It is, however, a nice read and the story itself I really liked!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, really appreciated it :)
I've read most of Adrienne Young's books so far (Fable still being my favourite) and this is her first Adult book.
However it read just like her other books and I think YA readers will like this just as much.
It was a bit slow paced. The setting and feel of the book were great.
But one thing that I also found with some of her other books is that sometimes it takes a while and then the ending is suddenly rushed. Also, some characters deserve more backstory, or more from their point of view or something.
It is, however, a nice read and the story itself I really liked!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, really appreciated it :)
julylia's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bekahgroop's review
4.0
A murder. A devastating fire. A lost love. An island that draws you back. This book really ropes you in and keeps you guessing until the end! I like the multi-POV so you can get inside the heads of the many residents of Saoirse.
tatyanavogt's review
5.0
This is a book box book so I wasn't sure what I was getting into. But Boooooy was I surprised by just how much I loved everything about this book. We have a spooky island, witchy traditions, a murder mystery and a piece of the puzzle given to us chapter by chapter. The entire time I was into it. Its super mundane and yet crazy engaging. I've read things recently that had similar elements that I didn't connect with but in this case I felt a connection to the characters right off the bat along with an interest in the story that followed me throughout the entire thing. I dont think there was a moment that I tuned out or was ready for it to be over. This book was perfect for me.
Obviously that wont be true for everyone so keep in mind that its more slow murder mystery vibes, there are magic elements but they arent super prevalent the whole time (I actually forgot a few times that witchcraft was a thing, until something would happen to remind me). There is messy relationships as part of the story and lots of secrets. For me, it was great!
Obviously that wont be true for everyone so keep in mind that its more slow murder mystery vibes, there are magic elements but they arent super prevalent the whole time (I actually forgot a few times that witchcraft was a thing, until something would happen to remind me). There is messy relationships as part of the story and lots of secrets. For me, it was great!