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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Probably needed to give it more time, but I just could not get into it.
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty
This was insane! Inthe best possible way! The Pretender is a so smart, thought-provoking exploration of identity, memory, and morality. Set in a world where memories can be rewritten, the story follows a “replacement” who assumes others’ lives. But truly never knows his own..
This was full circle of psychological intrigue with emotional depth, raising questions about authenticity and selfhood which are very relatable (especially when you aren’t sure where you fit in).
The writing is sharp and the pacing keeps you hooked. A gripping, unsettling read that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended for speculative fiction fans. This was such a good one! 4 stars
This was full circle of psychological intrigue with emotional depth, raising questions about authenticity and selfhood which are very relatable (especially when you aren’t sure where you fit in).
The writing is sharp and the pacing keeps you hooked. A gripping, unsettling read that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended for speculative fiction fans. This was such a good one! 4 stars
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
reflective
sad
slow-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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Murder, War
Minor: Animal death, Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault, Blood, Grief
How can you not be curious when you see this cover 👀 A friend shared about how much she was enjoying The Pretenders and the next day I received a copy from Knopf and immediately started it.
This is a story about Lambert Simnel, who is believed to be the true heir to the throne occupied by Henry VII, raised as a peasant boy to protect his safety, and briefly crowned, at the age of 13 as King Edward VI, last of the Plantagenet kings… thank you book synopsis.
I always surprise myself with books I pick up on a whim and find myself devouring. The Pretender was definitely one. Within a few pages I could tell this would be a unique read giving a voice to a name from history I knew nothing about. My heart often ached for the young protagonist for reasons that will be great conversation starters about self and identity. The journey through 15th century England was a wild ride. And a google search or two added to the pleasure of reading this vulgar but beautiful book that had me chuckling throughout.
I listened to the audio and it’s a must! Narrated by John Hollingworth who did fantastic.
Thank you Knopf & PRH Audio for the gifted copy!
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.Andthebookshelf/
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Murder