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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
munsaka's review
4.0
•I finally found a book that my little sister could read
When ever I'm reading she's always bugging me and asking if she can read what i read but at last i have found the perfect book
•This book made me feel warm and fuzzy and it was a super fast read that i enjoyed even thou i am to old for it but you can never be too old for a good book.
•Thanks Hague Publishing for sending me this ARC
When ever I'm reading she's always bugging me and asking if she can read what i read but at last i have found the perfect book
•This book made me feel warm and fuzzy and it was a super fast read that i enjoyed even thou i am to old for it but you can never be too old for a good book.
•Thanks Hague Publishing for sending me this ARC
karlakayjenniges's review
4.0
"The creature spoke so casually that Clayton almost dropped the hammer in shock. Sure, creatures came to life in his books. But they were books. Maybe this was a book. Maybe it was a dream. A dream from one of his fantasy books."
Clayton and his family are living in desolate times. There has been a long drought, leaving failed crops, hungry animals, dust and failing finances. But the most profound difficulty is their deep inner sadness that they just do not want face.
Clayton wants so much for his family to be happy again. When he is approached by a fantastical creature offering him a way, his only choice is to begin on a dark mission to conquer the darkness that surrounds his family.
There is a deeply profound message in this story. One of the inner turmoil and suffering of the loss of family , and the hope that eventually they will overcome the darkness that lies within. It has been written mostly through the eyes of a child that wants nothing more than to believe in that hope. There are some dark elements , but I believe that YA readers could easily relate to and derive an empathy and awareness of the true message. Also the fantasy and paranormal elements add entertainment that fans of the genre will certainly enjoy.
I would recommend this to a fitting generation of readers!
Thank you so much to Blackthorn Book Tours for the complimentary copy!!
Clayton and his family are living in desolate times. There has been a long drought, leaving failed crops, hungry animals, dust and failing finances. But the most profound difficulty is their deep inner sadness that they just do not want face.
Clayton wants so much for his family to be happy again. When he is approached by a fantastical creature offering him a way, his only choice is to begin on a dark mission to conquer the darkness that surrounds his family.
There is a deeply profound message in this story. One of the inner turmoil and suffering of the loss of family , and the hope that eventually they will overcome the darkness that lies within. It has been written mostly through the eyes of a child that wants nothing more than to believe in that hope. There are some dark elements , but I believe that YA readers could easily relate to and derive an empathy and awareness of the true message. Also the fantasy and paranormal elements add entertainment that fans of the genre will certainly enjoy.
I would recommend this to a fitting generation of readers!
Thank you so much to Blackthorn Book Tours for the complimentary copy!!
booknallnight's review
4.0
OK now this I was not expecting! I thought I was in for a YA Spooky/Fantasy read and I got that but also a lot more.
This was a journey to not only save a land, but to save a family. Sometimes fighting the demons we have inside can manifest into lifelike situations and this story was a wonderful portrayal of that.
My heart ached for Clayton and his family, especially since they were dealing with the loss of Davo and the neverending drought plaguing their land. I had tears at the end and loved the way it all wrapped up.
The Red King was written well and amped the spook factor immensely! Quick and fun read Definitely one worth adding to those Spooktober lists.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Blackthorn Book Tours for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
This was a journey to not only save a land, but to save a family. Sometimes fighting the demons we have inside can manifest into lifelike situations and this story was a wonderful portrayal of that.
My heart ached for Clayton and his family, especially since they were dealing with the loss of Davo and the neverending drought plaguing their land. I had tears at the end and loved the way it all wrapped up.
The Red King was written well and amped the spook factor immensely! Quick and fun read Definitely one worth adding to those Spooktober lists.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Blackthorn Book Tours for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
coffeedogsbooks's review
4.0
While this is a YA book, Petrichor handles some heavy subjects and is not for all YA readers. Clayton and his parents are trying to survive, they live in Australia where a seemingly never ending drought is decimating everything and crops are failing. The family situation is not great, his older brother Davao died and his parents refuse to talk about him. When Clayton is visited by a spirit, Waringa, in the form of a fox, he is told he must free the rain spirits being held by the Red King. Thought the story, we see Clayton and his journey, accompanied by his brothers dog Rusty. There are several difficult topics throughout the book, which is why I don’t recommend it for younger YA readers, I will list these at the end as to not spoil anything, needless to say, life isn’t always happy and we learn more about the family dynamics. I would classify this as YA fantasy and recommend it for more mature YA readers, both teen and adult. Thank you to Blackthorn Book Tours and Melanie Rees for the review copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own. 3.5 of 5 stars – CW for suicide, grief, animal cruelty
letsgetreadical's review
4.0
Thank you to Hague Publishing for an ARC copy of Petrichor by Melanie Rees, a YA rural fantasy short novel. Officially out on the 15th of October!
A first of this genre that I’ve read, and what drew me to wanting to read this one as the fantasy genre is where I mainly live in my reading life.
Following his brother's death, Clayton seeks to destroy the demonic Red King who is preventing rain from returning to his family's farm.
Melanie Rees herself is an environmental scientist, and has spent a lot of time working on outback properties, wetlands, forests and along the coast. She lives in Fleurieu Peninsula on a bushland property.
You can definitely see the environmental inspiration behind her writing. In fact, the descriptions around the weather, the hard ground and the harsh conditions around the drought to be very rich and detailed. I absolutely loved how Rees took the drought and the rain and turned them into characters. The Red King being the drought and keeping the rain at bay, and destroying everything in its wake.
I loved the found friendship with Waringa… a spirit inhabiting a dead fox, yes you read that right. There was some very strong imagery around this that I don’t think I will ever forget. Let’s just say, it was pretty graphic in parts. But I enjoyed that nothing was hidden and it definitely gave a great dynamic to the story that I was not expecting going in.
I will say though, that I think the book should be considered more adult than young adult, purely because of what I said above. The writing itself felt more geared to an “adult” readership. So this might be something to bear in mind if you’re thinking of picking this one up.
But overall, I thought that this one was a great read that gave an important overview of grief and suicide in a fantasy setting. I thought that the relationship with his parents, particularly with his dad, to be powerful. However, I wanted more from the mother, she fell a bit flat for me.
A first of this genre that I’ve read, and what drew me to wanting to read this one as the fantasy genre is where I mainly live in my reading life.
Following his brother's death, Clayton seeks to destroy the demonic Red King who is preventing rain from returning to his family's farm.
Melanie Rees herself is an environmental scientist, and has spent a lot of time working on outback properties, wetlands, forests and along the coast. She lives in Fleurieu Peninsula on a bushland property.
You can definitely see the environmental inspiration behind her writing. In fact, the descriptions around the weather, the hard ground and the harsh conditions around the drought to be very rich and detailed. I absolutely loved how Rees took the drought and the rain and turned them into characters. The Red King being the drought and keeping the rain at bay, and destroying everything in its wake.
I loved the found friendship with Waringa… a spirit inhabiting a dead fox, yes you read that right. There was some very strong imagery around this that I don’t think I will ever forget. Let’s just say, it was pretty graphic in parts. But I enjoyed that nothing was hidden and it definitely gave a great dynamic to the story that I was not expecting going in.
I will say though, that I think the book should be considered more adult than young adult, purely because of what I said above. The writing itself felt more geared to an “adult” readership. So this might be something to bear in mind if you’re thinking of picking this one up.
But overall, I thought that this one was a great read that gave an important overview of grief and suicide in a fantasy setting. I thought that the relationship with his parents, particularly with his dad, to be powerful. However, I wanted more from the mother, she fell a bit flat for me.
karlamcclatchey's review
4.0
Warning: May contain spoilers
"Some things cannot be mended with baling twine"
A land scorched bare by the Red King and dying from drought as the rain spirits are held hostage. A family ravaged by grief following the death of Clayton's older brother Davo. As Clayton mends a broken fence, he is visited by a fox spirit named Waringa, who tells him he must defeat The Red King in order to release the rain spirits and recover the land. In doing so, it will unearth buried feelings of grief and guilt and force open the wounds his family Bury deep concerning Davo.
The novel provides a beautifully stark image of life in the Australian outback, the problems of a harsh climate that can result in financial desolation and hunger as dust affects crops and animals. The darkness that pervades the land, also pervades the family. The story is narrated from the point of view of young Clayton. His sense of loss, confusion, but ultimately his hope to overcome the pain is raw, palpable and relatable. The fantasy elements are engaging and for me reminiscent of ancient indigenous Australian deities and spirits. For Clayton they are "a dream from one of his fantasy books".
Overall, this is a wonderful YA quasi fantasy, capturing themes of family grief, loss through suicide and the difficult path to healing amidst climate struggles and the resultant difficulties in the desolate outback. The magical elements provide some light relief to the heaviness of the themes. It did however seem like an insurmountable challenge for a young boy to take on the weight of saving the land from drought, as well as carrying the burden of witnessing his brother's suicide and feelings of fault and guilt, all alone. The author, Melanie Rees, has kindly pleged to donate a percentage of the profits from this book to charities helping with mental health and drought in Australia. With thanks to the author, and Henry Roi and Hague Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Some things cannot be mended with baling twine"
A land scorched bare by the Red King and dying from drought as the rain spirits are held hostage. A family ravaged by grief following the death of Clayton's older brother Davo. As Clayton mends a broken fence, he is visited by a fox spirit named Waringa, who tells him he must defeat The Red King in order to release the rain spirits and recover the land. In doing so, it will unearth buried feelings of grief and guilt and force open the wounds his family Bury deep concerning Davo.
The novel provides a beautifully stark image of life in the Australian outback, the problems of a harsh climate that can result in financial desolation and hunger as dust affects crops and animals. The darkness that pervades the land, also pervades the family. The story is narrated from the point of view of young Clayton. His sense of loss, confusion, but ultimately his hope to overcome the pain is raw, palpable and relatable. The fantasy elements are engaging and for me reminiscent of ancient indigenous Australian deities and spirits. For Clayton they are "a dream from one of his fantasy books".
Overall, this is a wonderful YA quasi fantasy, capturing themes of family grief, loss through suicide and the difficult path to healing amidst climate struggles and the resultant difficulties in the desolate outback. The magical elements provide some light relief to the heaviness of the themes. It did however seem like an insurmountable challenge for a young boy to take on the weight of saving the land from drought, as well as carrying the burden of witnessing his brother's suicide and feelings of fault and guilt, all alone. The author, Melanie Rees, has kindly pleged to donate a percentage of the profits from this book to charities helping with mental health and drought in Australia. With thanks to the author, and Henry Roi and Hague Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
venlareads's review
4.0
Thankyou for gifting me this ARC Hague Publishing.
Review of Petrichor, by Melanie Rees
This was a beautiful story. The author describes the setting and events so vividly, it was an adventure in my head. This novella also deals with deep themes linked with loss and dealing with grief as well as hard times financially. I loved the potentially metaphorical antagonist and the main character. Their point of view was at times mature and sometimes juvenile, as a teenager would be. This story touched me deeply, especially the theme of family and being there for each other. I give this novella 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I hope Melanie Rees is successful and more people read this book.
Review of Petrichor, by Melanie Rees
This was a beautiful story. The author describes the setting and events so vividly, it was an adventure in my head. This novella also deals with deep themes linked with loss and dealing with grief as well as hard times financially. I loved the potentially metaphorical antagonist and the main character. Their point of view was at times mature and sometimes juvenile, as a teenager would be. This story touched me deeply, especially the theme of family and being there for each other. I give this novella 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I hope Melanie Rees is successful and more people read this book.
roughdraftbooks's review
3.0
It took me a bit to actually get into the storyline but once I was there it was smooth sailing. I enjoyed the emotional journey the family had overcome not only individually but together. Clayton reminded me of certain things that as a teenager I need to learn. Thank you to the publishing company for offering me the ARC!
beckyqlibrarian's review
3.0
Thank you to Hague Publishing for an ARC copy of this book, which will be released in October 2021.
I’ve seen several other reviews that make me feel better for not knowing what “petrichor” meant when I started the book. I googled it and discovered that it’s the smell of rain. What a great word, and what a wonderful smell.
In Petrichor, Clayton Hopper lives on a farm in rural Australia with his parents. We know something has happened to his older brother, but the discovery of his absence is a mystery until toward the end of the novel. Melanie Rees paints a vivid picture of a dry and barren landscape that desperately needs rain. The Hopper family is also in desperate need, not only of rain, but of healing as well.
I have a little trouble deciding where to place this novel. Clayton is relatable to young adults, but at times it read like a book for adults instead of teens. There is an adventurous aspect of the novel, but also a bit of fantasy. In the end, it might defy easy classification.
A short read that will introduce non-Australian readers to a world they haven’t experienced with language they’ll learn to understand. I look forward to seeing what Melanie Rees does next.
I’ve seen several other reviews that make me feel better for not knowing what “petrichor” meant when I started the book. I googled it and discovered that it’s the smell of rain. What a great word, and what a wonderful smell.
In Petrichor, Clayton Hopper lives on a farm in rural Australia with his parents. We know something has happened to his older brother, but the discovery of his absence is a mystery until toward the end of the novel. Melanie Rees paints a vivid picture of a dry and barren landscape that desperately needs rain. The Hopper family is also in desperate need, not only of rain, but of healing as well.
I have a little trouble deciding where to place this novel. Clayton is relatable to young adults, but at times it read like a book for adults instead of teens. There is an adventurous aspect of the novel, but also a bit of fantasy. In the end, it might defy easy classification.
A short read that will introduce non-Australian readers to a world they haven’t experienced with language they’ll learn to understand. I look forward to seeing what Melanie Rees does next.
missy_reading's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Suicide
Minor: Animal death and Bullying