Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.01 AVERAGE
3.01 AVERAGE
Received advanced reader copy from publisher via Baker & Taylor book supplier
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
In the city of Craewick, Madame rules with terror and has made memories a currency. When Etta learns that her mother is due to be Auctioned and her memories sold before she is killed, Etta is determined to rescue her. But Etta knows that this rescue will only be possible with the help of the Shadows, a group she betrayed in order to get her mother a bed in the asylum in order to recover. Etta soon finds herself not only on a journey to save her mother but on a quest to save the realms from Madame’s tyranny.
If ever there was a story that started with a bang and, at the would-be-pre-climax, begins to fall into a whimper, this is the one. What an amazing premise with memories being used as currency, easily stolen by the Gifted, and, when forcefully taken at a rapid speed, a torturous way to die. I quickly grew to love Etta and I was enchanted by her adopted orphan “sister” Ryder (a character I wanted lots of but never did get). The idea of a journey to try to rescue the one person who could help Etta save her mother and who also would help to pull her Realm from Madame’s grasp was intriguing and I was excited to experience the trials and successes. Instead … I got a flop. There was incredible build-up to Etta meeting the manipulative Porter and, yet, when they finally met,. It continued to flounder from there. Each moment that could have been powerful and emotional just kind-of sat there.
At the end of the ARC, there were a glossary and a page defining the realms. This information would be better served at the beginning of the book where it could be referenced as readers try to grow into the world. It is pointless to have at the end of the book as the only ones who will see it are (1) those who have already read to the end and know all of this now-extraneous information and (2) those who cheat by going to read the last page first.
Upon closing the book cover for the last time, I just felt robbed. A beautiful, creative world had been anticipated. Instead, I ended up with a semi-developed world, a dupe in the characters, dissatisfaction over the limited amount of Ryder-story, and overall discomfort over the tidy resolution. So much potential unfulfilled.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
In the city of Craewick, Madame rules with terror and has made memories a currency. When Etta learns that her mother is due to be Auctioned and her memories sold before she is killed, Etta is determined to rescue her. But Etta knows that this rescue will only be possible with the help of the Shadows, a group she betrayed in order to get her mother a bed in the asylum in order to recover. Etta soon finds herself not only on a journey to save her mother but on a quest to save the realms from Madame’s tyranny.
If ever there was a story that started with a bang and, at the would-be-pre-climax, begins to fall into a whimper, this is the one. What an amazing premise with memories being used as currency, easily stolen by the Gifted, and, when forcefully taken at a rapid speed, a torturous way to die. I quickly grew to love Etta and I was enchanted by her adopted orphan “sister” Ryder (a character I wanted lots of but never did get). The idea of a journey to try to rescue the one person who could help Etta save her mother and who also would help to pull her Realm from Madame’s grasp was intriguing and I was excited to experience the trials and successes. Instead … I got a flop. There was incredible build-up to Etta meeting the manipulative Porter and, yet, when they finally met,
Spoiler
he had “seen the light” and became a just, good, gracious man eager to save others from Madame’s evils. Until the last chapter, I waited and waited for the twist where Porter shows his manipulative side and proves that he conned Etta into supporting him. It never cameAt the end of the ARC, there were a glossary and a page defining the realms. This information would be better served at the beginning of the book where it could be referenced as readers try to grow into the world. It is pointless to have at the end of the book as the only ones who will see it are (1) those who have already read to the end and know all of this now-extraneous information and (2) those who cheat by going to read the last page first.
Upon closing the book cover for the last time, I just felt robbed. A beautiful, creative world had been anticipated. Instead, I ended up with a semi-developed world, a dupe in the characters, dissatisfaction over the limited amount of Ryder-story, and overall discomfort over the tidy resolution. So much potential unfulfilled.
I can see that it had a lot of potential, but the writing just wasn’t it. However, I can see the author becoming an amazing author in the future.
"They say memories are the same as living it," he says, swinging his arm around me. "But you have to admit, Jules. Real life is so much better."
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A quick good read that sped up to a too quick rate at the end.
Interesting world, super interesting way to write out ones life traumas. Makes me wish more author would give a brief Why at the end of books.
Well worth a read.
Interesting world, super interesting way to write out ones life traumas. Makes me wish more author would give a brief Why at the end of books.
Well worth a read.
I really liked the concept of the Memory Thief - it is such a creative concept. But as soon as I was getting into the book and acquainting myself with the characters, it was already ending.
For such a fun fantasy concept I wish the book was a little more fleshed out with more meat to it.
For such a fun fantasy concept I wish the book was a little more fleshed out with more meat to it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I found this book to be very forgettable. None of the characters, government, nor the world itself was described with any kind of detail or depth. The characters spent the whole book using their abilities to steal and share memories, but I don’t recall a moment in this book where they actually made any memories worth doing anything for. I did not connect with any of the characters, and I overall found this book to be disappointing.
The book was an okay read. I think the idea of it is really good and overall, it was a cute little story. However, I feel like it was underdeveloped and rushed. There is so much more that could have been put into it had it had a sequel or been part of a trilogy. I found some of the writing to be a little cringy as well. I did enjoy reading it though; it got me out of my reading slump.