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booksbyantheia's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
"Face the change" is the perfect title for this book. We find our heroines regrouping after a series of events which forced them into evolution. Events I do not know since I haven't read the first two books of the saga. Luckily, the writer is one of the kindest people around and gives you some remarks to help the reader to remember the previous plots. I also have to say that I had a little summary courtesy of Bryant. That way, I was able to follow the novel.
Kind of. But I'll talk about it later.
The structure is ideal given that this is book three, and while the beginning could be slow for some readers, it's a necessary pace that sets our protagonists' stories up to go. And I'm glad that the writer sacrificed those first moments because, without that picture, we wouldn't understand the title.
The characters are AMAZING. The premise is just enough to pick your interest. Leonel, Patricia, Sally Ann, Jessica, Helen, Mary and Cindy: each one feels fleshed out and different. Not once did I mistake Jessica and Sally or Patricia and Helen. They all have their motivations, their fears. A multiple-point-of-view novel is difficult to work, and Bryant does it smoothly. The reader ends up following each story faster than expected.
I wish, however, that Mary and Patricia had been more central to the story. Although the characters play a role in the plot, seeing another character end up in the Department with no one to speak to was unsatisfactory. These two women had all the reasons to appear there, to make a scene, but they weren't.
While I write this review, I just decided to change the number of stars. Why? Because it was an enjoyable book! I wasn't confused at the start due to a problem with the text. I was the one out. I cannot deduct a star just because I didn't get it. As I previously mentioned, the writer attempts to engage you and does so amazingly.
I also enjoyed the humour in this book. Patricia's play word of the Closet was hilarious, and Cindy is a delightful cynical person. I think Bryant knew how to take advantage of her opportunities, like Cindy's new youth, and it ended well.
I think this book is a solid three/four. As the third novel in a series, I think it's a great rating! I want to see more of these heroines and their stories.
Kind of. But I'll talk about it later.
The structure is ideal given that this is book three, and while the beginning could be slow for some readers, it's a necessary pace that sets our protagonists' stories up to go. And I'm glad that the writer sacrificed those first moments because, without that picture, we wouldn't understand the title.
The characters are AMAZING. The premise is just enough to pick your interest. Leonel, Patricia, Sally Ann, Jessica, Helen, Mary and Cindy: each one feels fleshed out and different. Not once did I mistake Jessica and Sally or Patricia and Helen. They all have their motivations, their fears. A multiple-point-of-view novel is difficult to work, and Bryant does it smoothly. The reader ends up following each story faster than expected.
I wish, however, that Mary and Patricia had been more central to the story. Although the characters play a role in the plot, seeing another character end up in the Department with no one to speak to was unsatisfactory. These two women had all the reasons to appear there, to make a scene, but they weren't.
While I write this review, I just decided to change the number of stars. Why? Because it was an enjoyable book! I wasn't confused at the start due to a problem with the text. I was the one out. I cannot deduct a star just because I didn't get it. As I previously mentioned, the writer attempts to engage you and does so amazingly.
I also enjoyed the humour in this book. Patricia's play word of the Closet was hilarious, and Cindy is a delightful cynical person. I think Bryant knew how to take advantage of her opportunities, like Cindy's new youth, and it ended well.
I think this book is a solid three/four. As the third novel in a series, I think it's a great rating! I want to see more of these heroines and their stories.
samanthabryant's review against another edition
5.0
I just finished my final re-read of Face the Change, hoping to track down every stray comma and skipped word here in the last week before publication. I have to say, I think I wrote another dang fine book. In a universe where I try to write realistically about characters dealing with completely unrealistic things, it's all about emotions. And this book has all the feels.
Readers who have followed me this far are in for some surprises in the way relationships shift and alliances change. There's heartbreak and new love, deepening respect and regrets. People finding these books for the first time will hopefully be inspired to go back and see how we got here.
I continue to love these characters and creating adventures for them and obstacles for them to overcome. Heroism comes in many shapes, sizes, and ages, and I'm happy to help re-define "strong female character."
Readers who have followed me this far are in for some surprises in the way relationships shift and alliances change. There's heartbreak and new love, deepening respect and regrets. People finding these books for the first time will hopefully be inspired to go back and see how we got here.
I continue to love these characters and creating adventures for them and obstacles for them to overcome. Heroism comes in many shapes, sizes, and ages, and I'm happy to help re-define "strong female character."
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