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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
It’s one thing for Albert to not help because he’s oblivious but for him to be psychic and know how much trouble he’s causing Scarlett and still laze around letting the girl do all the work was too aggravating for me to deal with. I did not believe that they actually liked each other by the point at which I was supposed to. I felt like the author was stringing me along with world building and plot mysteries to strongarm me into continuing to read despite the really unpleasant dynamic between the two main characters.
I missed the witty non-human character! Will follow on the next adventure though.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4/5 Stars. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC of the novel.
I'll admit it. I requested it because of the cover. Like...LOOK AT THAT. I also loved the description. And then I opened it up, and oh my god. It might have the best first line I've read in a MG/YA novel.
Like, "That morning, with the dawn hanging wet and pale over the marshes, Scarlett McCain woke up beside four dead men. Four!" I was immediately like, okay, I like this. The premise is a bit weird, like a dystopian setting where I assume it's like an alternate timeline of early Britain (since there are the seven kingdoms) but also like the cities don't exist, there are strange creatures, and the cannibals, and all of these other things that fit in a dystopian setting...but it's also like old-timey if the british had western vibes. But it's also steampunk and men have bowler hats and revolvers like Scarlett uses. I sincerely cannot describe the world any better than this. Scarlett also robs banks. I love Scarlett. The world is further discombobulated by the fact that the 'Faith House' runs everything, and there is just a conglomerate of ALL the religions that people can choose from. I don't know how else to describe the world building.
Scarlett is immensely likable. She's a criminal mastermind, but also is intelligent and handy in all situations. Albert is an interesting addition to the world, and also brings in the fact that these people apparently have genetic deformities that give them magical powers like telekinesis and exploding people and things with their minds. Look, if this review doesn't indicate how wacky and wild this book is, I don't know what else to put.
I deducted a star though since I am somewhat confused by the history they live in, and I would have appreciated more world building and background information; however, this appears to be a series, so I hope we learn more as the series continues.
I did not expect to like this book as much as I did...however, the length of this review should convince you that this book....is very good.
I'll admit it. I requested it because of the cover. Like...LOOK AT THAT. I also loved the description. And then I opened it up, and oh my god. It might have the best first line I've read in a MG/YA novel.
Like, "That morning, with the dawn hanging wet and pale over the marshes, Scarlett McCain woke up beside four dead men. Four!" I was immediately like, okay, I like this. The premise is a bit weird, like a dystopian setting where I assume it's like an alternate timeline of early Britain (since there are the seven kingdoms) but also like the cities don't exist, there are strange creatures, and the cannibals, and all of these other things that fit in a dystopian setting...but it's also like old-timey if the british had western vibes. But it's also steampunk and men have bowler hats and revolvers like Scarlett uses. I sincerely cannot describe the world any better than this. Scarlett also robs banks. I love Scarlett. The world is further discombobulated by the fact that the 'Faith House' runs everything, and there is just a conglomerate of ALL the religions that people can choose from. I don't know how else to describe the world building.
Scarlett is immensely likable. She's a criminal mastermind, but also is intelligent and handy in all situations. Albert is an interesting addition to the world, and also brings in the fact that these people apparently have genetic deformities that give them magical powers like telekinesis and exploding people and things with their minds. Look, if this review doesn't indicate how wacky and wild this book is, I don't know what else to put.
I deducted a star though since I am somewhat confused by the history they live in, and I would have appreciated more world building and background information; however, this appears to be a series, so I hope we learn more as the series continues.
I did not expect to like this book as much as I did...however, the length of this review should convince you that this book....is very good.
Not much to say. First Stroud read after I read the bartimaeus trilogy as a teen, enjoyed this!
adventurous
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-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
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-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
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced