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paper_ink_coffeerings's review
4.0
Young Clay Hopper is tasked with the enormous challenge of saving his family from further devastation at the hands of the demonic Red King; a deity whose mercy is nowhere to be found and hell bent on severing the threads holding the grieving Hopper family together.
A heavy drought caused by the Red King is tearing away at the ravaged land making an already financial situation spiral out of control and bringing the worst of patriarch Walt Hopper out in the process.
With the help of Spirit Guide Waringa, young Clay embarks on the perilous journey to save what's left of his family before he suffers another great loss.
Thank you to the team at Hague Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC! And thank you to Author Melanie Rees for writing this story!
I gave this book 4 stars out of 5 and it was so very well deserved. Initially I didn't see myself enjoying this book due to the early themes explored, but as the story progressed I came to see the reason for it and just how powerfully impactive they are not only on the pages but off as well.
A thoroughly well written, thoughtfully explored and 3 dimensional story exploring the impact of Toxic Masculinity, Suicide, Grief, Financial Hardship, and Family Support in a time of crisis.
I especially enjoyed the clever use of metaphors throughout the story told through the eyes of a young person old enough to fathom tragedy, but still young enough to throw himself into a world of fantasy to cope, unable to face the harsh reality at first.
The name Petrichor itself is very appropriate once you understand it's meaning and get to them end of this tale.
Due to the mild use of adult language (swearing) I would recommend this book to 13 -18 year olds.
A heavy drought caused by the Red King is tearing away at the ravaged land making an already financial situation spiral out of control and bringing the worst of patriarch Walt Hopper out in the process.
With the help of Spirit Guide Waringa, young Clay embarks on the perilous journey to save what's left of his family before he suffers another great loss.
Thank you to the team at Hague Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC! And thank you to Author Melanie Rees for writing this story!
I gave this book 4 stars out of 5 and it was so very well deserved. Initially I didn't see myself enjoying this book due to the early themes explored, but as the story progressed I came to see the reason for it and just how powerfully impactive they are not only on the pages but off as well.
A thoroughly well written, thoughtfully explored and 3 dimensional story exploring the impact of Toxic Masculinity, Suicide, Grief, Financial Hardship, and Family Support in a time of crisis.
I especially enjoyed the clever use of metaphors throughout the story told through the eyes of a young person old enough to fathom tragedy, but still young enough to throw himself into a world of fantasy to cope, unable to face the harsh reality at first.
The name Petrichor itself is very appropriate once you understand it's meaning and get to them end of this tale.
Due to the mild use of adult language (swearing) I would recommend this book to 13 -18 year olds.
illiterism's review
4.0
Thank you to Hague Publishing for an ARC copy of this book, which will be released in October 2021!
I will start off by saying that I think the target audience for this book is a bit younger than I am, so there were times when I found it a little childish. However, if I had read it a few years ago, this wouldn't have been an issue. Being able to successfully write about the heavy subject of grief in a way that younger audiences can digest is quite impressive. I imagine that there will be many younger readers out there experiencing loss that will be touched by this story.
"She wanted to capture that and address serious issues farmers were facing" - from the About the Author section
I enjoyed the setting a lot. I love when authors are able to use lived experiences to create a realistic environment for their stories, especially when it brings awareness to real-world struggles. 15% of the publisher's revenue from sales of this book will also be donated to the charities Rural Aid and Beyond Blue, which is amazing.
The characters themselves were my least favourite part. Nobody felt like they had that much personality. This can probably somewhat be put down to the length of the book. It was quite short, so not too much room to concentrate on that. Blank characters can have benefits though. Since the focus of the book was dealing with grief, it leaves space for readers to insert their own feelings into the story and leave with a more personal experience.
Just a little personal addition, but I am currently going through grief myself after losing an immediate family member. This was the sort of book I could really benefit from reading right now. Clayton's reaction vs his dad's reaction was extremely similar to what I have seen within my own family, and it was truly touching to be able to read something so relatable. I'm so glad to have been given the opportunity to pick this up.
So overall, really great! I would definitely recommend this to a younger teen. The fantasy elements mixed with the dark theme create a beautiful way to address something that unfortunately everyone has to go through at some point without being age-inappropriate.
I will start off by saying that I think the target audience for this book is a bit younger than I am, so there were times when I found it a little childish. However, if I had read it a few years ago, this wouldn't have been an issue. Being able to successfully write about the heavy subject of grief in a way that younger audiences can digest is quite impressive. I imagine that there will be many younger readers out there experiencing loss that will be touched by this story.
"She wanted to capture that and address serious issues farmers were facing" - from the About the Author section
I enjoyed the setting a lot. I love when authors are able to use lived experiences to create a realistic environment for their stories, especially when it brings awareness to real-world struggles. 15% of the publisher's revenue from sales of this book will also be donated to the charities Rural Aid and Beyond Blue, which is amazing.
The characters themselves were my least favourite part. Nobody felt like they had that much personality. This can probably somewhat be put down to the length of the book. It was quite short, so not too much room to concentrate on that. Blank characters can have benefits though. Since the focus of the book was dealing with grief, it leaves space for readers to insert their own feelings into the story and leave with a more personal experience.
Just a little personal addition, but I am currently going through grief myself after losing an immediate family member. This was the sort of book I could really benefit from reading right now. Clayton's reaction vs his dad's reaction was extremely similar to what I have seen within my own family, and it was truly touching to be able to read something so relatable. I'm so glad to have been given the opportunity to pick this up.
So overall, really great! I would definitely recommend this to a younger teen. The fantasy elements mixed with the dark theme create a beautiful way to address something that unfortunately everyone has to go through at some point without being age-inappropriate.
km_allan's review
4.0
Working on the land with his father, Clayton comes across a fox spirit who lets him know the drought they've been experiencing is because of the Red King, a demon who has scared away the rain spirits. Desperate to stop the dry from ruining his family's farm, Clay looks for a weapon to defeat the Red King, all while dealing with the grief of losing his older brother and the hole it has torn in his family. While this is a YA book, it's definitely geared toward younger readers, due to the age of the MC and the way he deals with things. While the issues of grief, loss, and suicide are heavy, this book raises them with care and is well-written. It captures what life on the land is like in outback Australia, and how humans can triumph after tragedy when they open up to each other.
cyireadbooks's review
2.0
Petrichor reads like a middle grade book, but it is classed as a young adult fantasy. This classification is due in part to the issues of suicide, animal cruelty, and abuse. Petrichor is a dark fantasy centered around the environment. It is not a feel good book about fairies, kings, and queens. That being said, Petrichor might not be suited for all fans of the fantasy genre.
The characters are developed enough, but I felt as if there could have been more. I just could not quite connect with any of the players in the story. But, at 147 pages, the development is probably limited in scope.
The foundation of the story centered on the climate, with drought being the crux of the plot. And plot-wise, the narrative was easy to follow. But there were some parts that didn’t quite fit, in my opinion, which made for some puzzling moments.
Overall, Petrichor is a decent read for readers of dark young adult fantasy novels, but there wasn’t any “wow” factor for this reader. Two okay stars.
I received a digital copy of the book from Blackthorn Book Tours. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
The characters are developed enough, but I felt as if there could have been more. I just could not quite connect with any of the players in the story. But, at 147 pages, the development is probably limited in scope.
The foundation of the story centered on the climate, with drought being the crux of the plot. And plot-wise, the narrative was easy to follow. But there were some parts that didn’t quite fit, in my opinion, which made for some puzzling moments.
Overall, Petrichor is a decent read for readers of dark young adult fantasy novels, but there wasn’t any “wow” factor for this reader. Two okay stars.
I received a digital copy of the book from Blackthorn Book Tours. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
reading_fox's review
3.0
Thank you to Hague publishing for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I learned a new word: petrichor -the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil. Which I think is really quite a beautiful thing!
I enjoyed this book - I would say that it felt more of a teen read, than a young adult one, despite the complex themes of death and grief. It was the perfect speculative fiction - interlacing the very real issues of farming in a harsh environment and death with a bit of magic and surrealism.
For my personal taste I would have liked more from the mum character and perhaps a bit more on the dad's transformative journey, . However, I thought the ending was nicely done.
First of all, I learned a new word: petrichor -the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil. Which I think is really quite a beautiful thing!
I enjoyed this book - I would say that it felt more of a teen read, than a young adult one, despite the complex themes of death and grief. It was the perfect speculative fiction - interlacing the very real issues of farming in a harsh environment and death with a bit of magic and surrealism.
For my personal taste I would have liked more from the mum character and perhaps a bit more on the dad's transformative journey, . However, I thought the ending was nicely done.
kaylacreviews's review
5.0
Petrichor turned out to be one of those books that nestled so far into my heart that time couldn't wrest it away from me. I completed this book months ago and I still find myself thinking about it—and tearing up when I do. No joke. Petrichor was a super heavy read that deftly blended hope and despair. Its brevity did nothing to lessen the impact of the subject matter. Melanie Rees didn't just tug on my heartstrings, she ripped them out. She excellently captured the pent-up rage, sorrow, and guilt so often associated with grief. The deep symbolism and complex character relationships Rees included were utterly engrossing. Petrichor explored a horrible family tragedy and its consequences by intertwining the drama with elements of dark fantasy. Those fantasy elements helped make Petrichor more palatable, but they also added an extra layer of eeriness that was rightfully haunting.
The one criticism I have to offer is that a few of Clayton's actions struck me as pointless and forced. However, I don't think I would have thought that if I'd read this when I was a teen or preteen, which is the target age group of the book. Reading this as an adult made me want to jump in and comfort Clayton and explain why his parents were acting the way they were. Melanie Rees expertly drew me into the characters' plights, both emotional and physical. I enjoyed how Rees kept me wondering whether or not the fantasy elements were more than just figments of Clayton's imagination. Everything built up to a satisfying, stunning conclusion. Whether you're a young adult or older, if you love magical realism, dark fantasy, and drama—and if you're up for a harrowing yet imaginative read that delivers more than one gut punch—I urge you to check out Petrichor by Melanie Rees.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from Blackthorn Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: This work contains themes of suicide and trauma.
The one criticism I have to offer is that a few of Clayton's actions struck me as pointless and forced. However, I don't think I would have thought that if I'd read this when I was a teen or preteen, which is the target age group of the book. Reading this as an adult made me want to jump in and comfort Clayton and explain why his parents were acting the way they were. Melanie Rees expertly drew me into the characters' plights, both emotional and physical. I enjoyed how Rees kept me wondering whether or not the fantasy elements were more than just figments of Clayton's imagination. Everything built up to a satisfying, stunning conclusion. Whether you're a young adult or older, if you love magical realism, dark fantasy, and drama—and if you're up for a harrowing yet imaginative read that delivers more than one gut punch—I urge you to check out Petrichor by Melanie Rees.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from Blackthorn Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: This work contains themes of suicide and trauma.
alistairlowe's review
4.0
Thank you to Hague Publishing for providing me with this ARC. The book will be released in October of 2021.
“Sometimes to help those we love we need to hurt them.”
This is a story about a boy named Clayton who’s dealing with the aftermath of his brother’s death which deeply affected his family. The story has certain “magical” elements to it such as a spirit in the shape of a fox communicating with Clayton and sending him on a mission, which I would say can be understood metaphorically. The emphasis of the book is mainly around grief and learning to heal and forgive yourself after a tragedy. It’s a very short book and not something meant for my age range so I’m taking that into account while giving my thoughts on it.
Overall, I think this was a nice and unique story. What I noticed right away was the atmosphere. The book does a great job of portraying a rural place hit by drought as well as desperation that people caught up in such situation feel. While majority of story reads as something for younger audience there are certain parts which I found more serious and something that’s maybe meant for more mature readers.
I only wish that the story took more time to explore the complex family dynamic that was built. Clayton’s father is quite a tempered man who patronizies his son a lot, so I would have loved if the process of him realizing how his actions have affected both Clayton and his brother were a little more gradual. The resolution of it was good, but I would just prefer more communication between characters.
Nevertheless, I did like the writing and the book was quite fast paced and an easy read so I think younger audience would enjoy it. I’ve also read that 15% revenue from the sales of this book will be donated to the charities Rural Aid and Beyond Blue which is amazing.
“Sometimes to help those we love we need to hurt them.”
This is a story about a boy named Clayton who’s dealing with the aftermath of his brother’s death which deeply affected his family. The story has certain “magical” elements to it such as a spirit in the shape of a fox communicating with Clayton and sending him on a mission, which I would say can be understood metaphorically. The emphasis of the book is mainly around grief and learning to heal and forgive yourself after a tragedy. It’s a very short book and not something meant for my age range so I’m taking that into account while giving my thoughts on it.
Overall, I think this was a nice and unique story. What I noticed right away was the atmosphere. The book does a great job of portraying a rural place hit by drought as well as desperation that people caught up in such situation feel. While majority of story reads as something for younger audience there are certain parts which I found more serious and something that’s maybe meant for more mature readers.
I only wish that the story took more time to explore the complex family dynamic that was built. Clayton’s father is quite a tempered man who patronizies his son a lot, so I would have loved if the process of him realizing how his actions have affected both Clayton and his brother were a little more gradual. The resolution of it was good, but I would just prefer more communication between characters.
Nevertheless, I did like the writing and the book was quite fast paced and an easy read so I think younger audience would enjoy it. I’ve also read that 15% revenue from the sales of this book will be donated to the charities Rural Aid and Beyond Blue which is amazing.
clockworkchapters's review
4.0
Thank you to Hague Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book, which will be released in October 2021.
The deaths of Clayton's older brother and the drought brought by Red King has nearly broken Clayton's family. Clayton sets out on a quest to free the rain spirits imprisoned by the Red King, aided by the magical creature Waringa. But his efforts sometimes worsens the situations, enrage his father, and even as memories of his role in his brother's death begin to surface.
The author generated vivid pictures in my head of the scenery, a family farm greatly affected by drought, and I could feel the characters emotions in the written words. Given the subject matter, there is a lot of sadness in this narrative, but the author conveys it in a very lovely way. Also I loved the name ' Petrichor' and its meaning!
The story examines a number of serious problems, including the impact of suicide and the value of family. I felt these issues were constructively raised and easily understood by younger readers as well. I thought that the ending was somewhat predictable, but it gives a feel good satisfaction and I felt that it was the perfect way to finish a lovely story.
The deaths of Clayton's older brother and the drought brought by Red King has nearly broken Clayton's family. Clayton sets out on a quest to free the rain spirits imprisoned by the Red King, aided by the magical creature Waringa. But his efforts sometimes worsens the situations, enrage his father, and even as memories of his role in his brother's death begin to surface.
The author generated vivid pictures in my head of the scenery, a family farm greatly affected by drought, and I could feel the characters emotions in the written words. Given the subject matter, there is a lot of sadness in this narrative, but the author conveys it in a very lovely way. Also I loved the name ' Petrichor' and its meaning!
The story examines a number of serious problems, including the impact of suicide and the value of family. I felt these issues were constructively raised and easily understood by younger readers as well. I thought that the ending was somewhat predictable, but it gives a feel good satisfaction and I felt that it was the perfect way to finish a lovely story.
sunetarios's review
4.0
First of all, huge thanks to Hague Publishing for giving me a chance to read this book early on its journey. It took me a while to keep up with it because it’s definitely not the kind of book I’m interested in, but despite that I feel like the story certainly improved itself chapter after chapter. I like fantasy, and I take very seriously the fact that the author talked about things that are mundane but important on the prospect of life. What more can I say? Every book changes your life even just a little, and I enjoyed it above everything.
bubblewombat's review
3.0
I've finally found a book that I feel too old for. I wasn't sure when exactly it would happen, but I knew it would eventually and here we are.
Despite the themes explored (suicide, grief, and being not-so-nice to the family dog) it reads a bit on the younger side of YA and I struggled to get through it in the middle part.
The whole book is sad, but I feel so bad for poor Rusty. But don't worry, this isn't another Robin Hobb case where canine companions come to die. The dog is fine.
Clayton's father made me so mad. He's one of the main reasons why I didn't like this as much as I could've. He does grow at the end, but it takes him a looooooong time to get there and I'm not going to forgive him.
I liked Waringa and the magic. It was a nice addition, although it wasn't used to its full potential.
Something I wanted to see was Clayton talking to his parents about the magic. Some scenes made it seem like they were aware of it. Then again, who goes on a magical adventure and tells their parents? Nobody.
This feels a little negative, so let me add that the writing and scenery were on point. I want to visit Australia even more now.
Even though I didn't love this, you should give it a chance.
The author is also donating some of the sales revenue to charities, which is super cool.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Despite the themes explored (suicide, grief, and being not-so-nice to the family dog) it reads a bit on the younger side of YA and I struggled to get through it in the middle part.
The whole book is sad, but I feel so bad for poor Rusty. But don't worry, this isn't another Robin Hobb case where canine companions come to die. The dog is fine.
Clayton's father made me so mad. He's one of the main reasons why I didn't like this as much as I could've. He does grow at the end, but it takes him a looooooong time to get there and I'm not going to forgive him.
I liked Waringa and the magic. It was a nice addition, although it wasn't used to its full potential.
Something I wanted to see was Clayton talking to his parents about the magic. Some scenes made it seem like they were aware of it. Then again, who goes on a magical adventure and tells their parents? Nobody.
This feels a little negative, so let me add that the writing and scenery were on point. I want to visit Australia even more now.
Even though I didn't love this, you should give it a chance.
The author is also donating some of the sales revenue to charities, which is super cool.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*