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novelty_reads's review
3.0
ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I'm really sitting on the fence with this book to be honest.
On one hand I disliked the characterisation of some of the side characters and their dialogue but on the other I liked the themes, backstories and the villains. I'm really 50/50 on this one and I think I'll be rating it an overall 3 stars.
The premise of the book was simply delightful and I couldn't help but quick the request button straight after I read the synopsis. It featured two sisters who go on a quest to rescue their mother only to discover family secrets and a dangerous and sinister plot centuries in the making. Okay I must admit it does sound a bit cliché but I do get excited when superpowers are involved in the books that I am reading. I was ecstatic to see telekinesis and telepathy at the forefront of The Goddess Twins. and little glimpses into time manipulation and shapeshifting too. It made the book so much more interesting and gave it another dimension.
Apart from the superpowers, I didn't expect myself to get a book so centred on sexism and racism. It kind of built up the dynamic of the villain and his corrupt mentality in which he ends up wanting to kill the goddesses out of sheer jealousy and for their power despite them being a part of his family. I thought his characterisation was well rounded through the stories Gran Gran told Arden and Aurora. That being said though, there were a few loop holes such as him leaving during the peak of the plot and him not trying to save his evil plan he was trying to execute for centuries. I reckon that could be easily tied up with a sequel especially since the ending was pretty open for a stand-alone.
Since a sequel hasn't been confirmed, I'm going to rate this based off of this book alone and I think it's time to mention some of the things I really disliked. One being Arden's and Aurora's cousins from London. Their dialogue was very cringy and I found myself wanting to skip some of those scenes just to avoid it. Unfortunately, superpowers could not save my love for the cousins.
Speaking of family, I enjoyed the unravelling of the plot and the backstory of the male figures however, there were a lot of loopholes within it such as the brotherhood and the mysterious kidnapped girls. I wanted to know more about them and I think the author could've delved into it deeper than she did. I hope that there's a sequel... I have so many questions that need answering!
All in all, good and bad points but I definitely can see this becoming a sound series.
ACTUAL RATING: 3.3 STARS
I'm really sitting on the fence with this book to be honest.
On one hand I disliked the characterisation of some of the side characters and their dialogue but on the other I liked the themes, backstories and the villains. I'm really 50/50 on this one and I think I'll be rating it an overall 3 stars.
The premise of the book was simply delightful and I couldn't help but quick the request button straight after I read the synopsis. It featured two sisters who go on a quest to rescue their mother only to discover family secrets and a dangerous and sinister plot centuries in the making. Okay I must admit it does sound a bit cliché but I do get excited when superpowers are involved in the books that I am reading. I was ecstatic to see telekinesis and telepathy at the forefront of The Goddess Twins. and little glimpses into time manipulation and shapeshifting too. It made the book so much more interesting and gave it another dimension.
Apart from the superpowers, I didn't expect myself to get a book so centred on sexism and racism. It kind of built up the dynamic of the villain and his corrupt mentality in which he ends up wanting to kill the goddesses out of sheer jealousy and for their power despite them being a part of his family. I thought his characterisation was well rounded through the stories Gran Gran told Arden and Aurora. That being said though, there were a few loop holes such as him leaving during the peak of the plot and him not trying to save his evil plan he was trying to execute for centuries. I reckon that could be easily tied up with a sequel especially since the ending was pretty open for a stand-alone.
Since a sequel hasn't been confirmed, I'm going to rate this based off of this book alone and I think it's time to mention some of the things I really disliked. One being Arden's and Aurora's cousins from London. Their dialogue was very cringy and I found myself wanting to skip some of those scenes just to avoid it. Unfortunately, superpowers could not save my love for the cousins.
Speaking of family, I enjoyed the unravelling of the plot and the backstory of the male figures however, there were a lot of loopholes within it such as the brotherhood and the mysterious kidnapped girls. I wanted to know more about them and I think the author could've delved into it deeper than she did. I hope that there's a sequel... I have so many questions that need answering!
All in all, good and bad points but I definitely can see this becoming a sound series.
ACTUAL RATING: 3.3 STARS
sxmarie's review
3.0
Thank you to SparkPress for giving me access to this eBook via NetGalley to review.
2.5/5 stars
This is a YA modern fantasy about twin almost eighteen-year-olds. They find out they have powers, and are on a quest to find their mother who was kidnapped. Upon going to London to search for her, they meet their estranged family made up of a grandma and many cousins: all women. The twins learn about a hidden past that allows them to see themselves more clearly- for better or for worse.
I was interested in this story, seeing black girls in modern fantasy. I wanted to explore the potential I saw in how it could incorporate the strange familial dynamics into the conflict. I think that the choice of giving a spotlight to the women in the family, especially how they all have these unique powers that they can share with each other, is very refreshing.
The main problem with this book is that it is incredibly too short for all the author wanted to include. There was little time for, explanation, action, or character development. A good chunk of the story ended up being exposition dumps. Kind of a "this is how we got here" sort of thing.
The twins. Aurora and Arden. Arden is the "good one" and Aurora is the "wild one" with a temper. I honestly don't understand how some people in the reviews hated Aurora over Arden; she is the most complex of the two. Aurora is the only dynamic character in this story, as the rest are pretty static. However, everyone is just an archetype of whatever role they were given. Arden is very self-satisfied in the beginning. She judges her sister a bit harshly for reacting differently than her on the issue of their mother going to London. Throughout the entire book, Arden is just perfect. All the characters we meet crap on Aurora to the point where I think, no wonder she has an attitude problem.
This starts my issues with writing. Arden says her sister has the "emotional intelligence of a two-year-old." Pages later someone then describes HER as "one of the most emotionally intelligent people [they] know." Arden's speech is awkward. The dialogue as a whole can get this way; it is unlike how people speak in real life. This writing is inconsistent but very noticeable. It made it hard to connect with certain characters for me.
*slight spoilers*
The story. This premise was full of potential, but we are skimped of so much of the "magic" and action. Much more telling is happening than showing. It all seems to be placed in Aurora's perspectives- which leaves little room for her actual development to take place. The girls describe things that happen such as the cousins they meet helping them learn techniques to control their magic; which we never see. Also they come up with an extravagant plan to rescue the mom that includes- shape-shifting, astral-projection, diversions, and mind-control- which we also never get to see. The author cuts to the after. The actual climax we do get in the book when we meet the capturer is so... underwhelming. They are turned good in one page; and we get a wrap up of this quirky family finally settling into a new life.
Overall, this book had a good premise. From reading in the epilogue, I see the promise of a sequel. Maybe this will do the story better. A sequel could flesh out this world and our characters more; whereas as a standalone this is not a world I think I'd return to.
2.5/5 stars
This is a YA modern fantasy about twin almost eighteen-year-olds. They find out they have powers, and are on a quest to find their mother who was kidnapped. Upon going to London to search for her, they meet their estranged family made up of a grandma and many cousins: all women. The twins learn about a hidden past that allows them to see themselves more clearly- for better or for worse.
I was interested in this story, seeing black girls in modern fantasy. I wanted to explore the potential I saw in how it could incorporate the strange familial dynamics into the conflict. I think that the choice of giving a spotlight to the women in the family, especially how they all have these unique powers that they can share with each other, is very refreshing.
The main problem with this book is that it is incredibly too short for all the author wanted to include. There was little time for, explanation, action, or character development. A good chunk of the story ended up being exposition dumps. Kind of a "this is how we got here" sort of thing.
The twins. Aurora and Arden. Arden is the "good one" and Aurora is the "wild one" with a temper. I honestly don't understand how some people in the reviews hated Aurora over Arden; she is the most complex of the two. Aurora is the only dynamic character in this story, as the rest are pretty static. However, everyone is just an archetype of whatever role they were given. Arden is very self-satisfied in the beginning. She judges her sister a bit harshly for reacting differently than her on the issue of their mother going to London. Throughout the entire book, Arden is just perfect. All the characters we meet crap on Aurora to the point where I think, no wonder she has an attitude problem.
This starts my issues with writing. Arden says her sister has the "emotional intelligence of a two-year-old." Pages later someone then describes HER as "one of the most emotionally intelligent people [they] know." Arden's speech is awkward. The dialogue as a whole can get this way; it is unlike how people speak in real life. This writing is inconsistent but very noticeable. It made it hard to connect with certain characters for me.
*slight spoilers*
The story. This premise was full of potential, but we are skimped of so much of the "magic" and action. Much more telling is happening than showing. It all seems to be placed in Aurora's perspectives- which leaves little room for her actual development to take place. The girls describe things that happen such as the cousins they meet helping them learn techniques to control their magic; which we never see. Also they come up with an extravagant plan to rescue the mom that includes- shape-shifting, astral-projection, diversions, and mind-control- which we also never get to see. The author cuts to the after. The actual climax we do get in the book when we meet the capturer is so... underwhelming. They are turned good in one page; and we get a wrap up of this quirky family finally settling into a new life.
Overall, this book had a good premise. From reading in the epilogue, I see the promise of a sequel. Maybe this will do the story better. A sequel could flesh out this world and our characters more; whereas as a standalone this is not a world I think I'd return to.
vortacist's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
3.0
psreadsmore's review against another edition
1.0
This is a story of two sisters coming to terms with their newly discovered powers and going on a quest to save their missing mother. They end up finding family they didn't know existed and new versions of themselves.
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. This is likely more targeted toward younger YA readers despite featuring high school students. While the premise is promising, and the magical concept is cool, the writing and the plot are fairly simple and didn't hold much pay off for me personally but a older middle grade reader may find it fun. Its also a diaspora book with elements that some Jamaican readers may find frustrating, from what I've heard. Overall, it's a quick read and could appeal to younger readers looking for some Black girl magic and sister drama.
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. This is likely more targeted toward younger YA readers despite featuring high school students. While the premise is promising, and the magical concept is cool, the writing and the plot are fairly simple and didn't hold much pay off for me personally but a older middle grade reader may find it fun. Its also a diaspora book with elements that some Jamaican readers may find frustrating, from what I've heard. Overall, it's a quick read and could appeal to younger readers looking for some Black girl magic and sister drama.
booksandthemes's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Twins Arden and Aurora couldn’t be any more different. Arden, is the more reserved bookworm twin, and Aurora, is the more outgoing and test the boundaries type of twin. But the twins are not just different in their personalties. They are different in a way that as they reach their 18th birthday, they begin to uncover their telepathic and telekinetic powers each possess which they had no clue they would gain. However, others know that this time is coming and is anxious to steal what they felt they should have. As the twins discover these abilities, they also discover their mom is missing as well. They set out to find their mom, and find new relatives they never knew as well as other family secrets.
This book was a fast paced read. So fast paced that I feel there were gaps in the story. There were places that I felt I time hopped in the story. I wish there were more explanations in some parts to explain a few things a bit more. I will say that the ending left off where I feel that there has to be a book 2 coming. I would be curious to see where the story is taken if there is a book 2.
whaterikaisreading's review
3.0
3.5/5 Stars (rounded up)
This was definitely a pick from outside of my reading comfort zone. It’s a YA novel about twins who find out that they are goddesses (a fact that their mother hid from them for their entire lives) and must save their mother in an epic journey! I loved that the story was centered around women of color and shed a light on Jamaican culture. It reminded me of Twitches (which I loved)! The book was very short so I found that some of the plot was underdeveloped - I didn’t really understand why the grandfather wanted to take over the world and why the timing was so important.
Thank you to BookSparks and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review (coming soon).
This was definitely a pick from outside of my reading comfort zone. It’s a YA novel about twins who find out that they are goddesses (a fact that their mother hid from them for their entire lives) and must save their mother in an epic journey! I loved that the story was centered around women of color and shed a light on Jamaican culture. It reminded me of Twitches (which I loved)! The book was very short so I found that some of the plot was underdeveloped - I didn’t really understand why the grandfather wanted to take over the world and why the timing was so important.
Thank you to BookSparks and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review (coming soon).
bookinitwithahtiya's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mimsii's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This is an idie book and as such I won't be too harsh. It was a "meh" read for me. The book needed a strong edit or in the very least a good proof read. The premise was good but the execution left many loopholes and unanswered questions.
cakt1991's review
3.0
I was intrigued by the concept, but there’s so much I feel like could have been fleshed out more, like the characters and their relationships (especially with the strong emphasis on family) and a bit more exploration of the world, especially the magical/mythological aspects.
sleepydoe's review
1.0
The Goddess Twins is a great example of a book that has a super interesting premise, but fails at the execution of said premise.
The story is about two sisters Arden and Aurora who are goddesses belonging to a family full of goddesses, but they don't know that yet. Their mom gets kidnapped out of London, so these two idiots fly to the little city across the pond to go rescue her. They get accosted by their family at the airport and then proceed to learn the truth about their family and start concocting a plan to rescue their mom. There's also this grandfather character who thinks women are stupid and he's the guy who has kidnapped the mom so he can steal all their powers and be the all powerful alpha male that he knows he is.
I'll tell you what this book had going for it - the whole goddesses premise. Even the mysoginistic asshole who wants to murder them for powers is a great starting point for conflict. But you need to be subtle in how to get your message across. And there was none of that nonsense in this book, no sir. If there's a thing you needed to know, you got told it without subtlety to the point where it felt like someone was slapping you in the face.
The simple-ish story wasn't my biggest problem with this, however. However a plot is going, I truly believe that good writing and good character work can salvage the book. This one, sadly, had neither going for it.
The writing style was clunky and inconsistent. There were all these weird descriptions when the characters find out about their family history. It was like that thug notes guy telling you about Gods and Fates and what not, except it felt super forced and like a very bad attempt at, you know, having a Percy Jackson-esque voice that failed miserably. The dialogue and descriptions were also super odd. I guess the two narrators - the twins - did have distinct voices but I attribute that more to the fact they had the one-dimensional personalities of minions than anything else.
Speaking of the twins, THE CHARACTER WORK HERE WAS SO BAD I WANTED TO CRY!!! The only person I could even remotely stand was Arden. Everyone else was INSUFFERABLE! Aurora is a psychotic bitch who has so many mood swings that I had whiplash trying to keep up with her! Arden just feels sorry for herself for no reason and is supposed to be this meek, shy introverted bookworm or some shit. And those fucking cousins. I swear, if I ever see someone like Lilo irl, I will go to prison because I will murder them in under five seconds and that's a fact. The villains were also such cartoon-ish evil because they are evil villains and the good guys weren't that good tbh. Basically, this character work left much to be desired and desire, I did.
Also ALSO ALSO there was this weirdass romance subplot that happened for five pages in the beginning and end, and like, it was so forced and bad?? You think insta-love is pushing it?? This is some OTHER LEVEL, okay! This is psychic-Insta-love. Where they don't even know each others names, but the guy has been dreaming about her so he straight goes to suck face five seconds after he sees her irl. And it's just like… KMN PLS I CANT HANDLE THIS CRIGNE.
The story ends in a very predictable manner and there's no casualties and tbh, it all goes so well that the stakes just feel manufactured. Which they were, let's be honest.
All in all, did not enjoy it. Would not recommend. Can't believe I actually sat reading the whole thing instead of DNFing at 10% when I FELT like this is how it would go. I'm actually super disappointed because I really was intrigued by the premise and the cover and thought this was going to be a fun read but oofé. Here we are, I guess.
The story is about two sisters Arden and Aurora who are goddesses belonging to a family full of goddesses, but they don't know that yet. Their mom gets kidnapped out of London, so these two idiots fly to the little city across the pond to go rescue her. They get accosted by their family at the airport and then proceed to learn the truth about their family and start concocting a plan to rescue their mom. There's also this grandfather character who thinks women are stupid and he's the guy who has kidnapped the mom so he can steal all their powers and be the all powerful alpha male that he knows he is.
I'll tell you what this book had going for it - the whole goddesses premise. Even the mysoginistic asshole who wants to murder them for powers is a great starting point for conflict. But you need to be subtle in how to get your message across. And there was none of that nonsense in this book, no sir. If there's a thing you needed to know, you got told it without subtlety to the point where it felt like someone was slapping you in the face.
The simple-ish story wasn't my biggest problem with this, however. However a plot is going, I truly believe that good writing and good character work can salvage the book. This one, sadly, had neither going for it.
The writing style was clunky and inconsistent. There were all these weird descriptions when the characters find out about their family history. It was like that thug notes guy telling you about Gods and Fates and what not, except it felt super forced and like a very bad attempt at, you know, having a Percy Jackson-esque voice that failed miserably. The dialogue and descriptions were also super odd. I guess the two narrators - the twins - did have distinct voices but I attribute that more to the fact they had the one-dimensional personalities of minions than anything else.
Speaking of the twins, THE CHARACTER WORK HERE WAS SO BAD I WANTED TO CRY!!! The only person I could even remotely stand was Arden. Everyone else was INSUFFERABLE! Aurora is a psychotic bitch who has so many mood swings that I had whiplash trying to keep up with her! Arden just feels sorry for herself for no reason and is supposed to be this meek, shy introverted bookworm or some shit. And those fucking cousins. I swear, if I ever see someone like Lilo irl, I will go to prison because I will murder them in under five seconds and that's a fact. The villains were also such cartoon-ish evil because they are evil villains and the good guys weren't that good tbh. Basically, this character work left much to be desired and desire, I did.
Also ALSO ALSO there was this weirdass romance subplot that happened for five pages in the beginning and end, and like, it was so forced and bad?? You think insta-love is pushing it?? This is some OTHER LEVEL, okay! This is psychic-Insta-love. Where they don't even know each others names, but the guy has been dreaming about her so he straight goes to suck face five seconds after he sees her irl. And it's just like… KMN PLS I CANT HANDLE THIS CRIGNE.
The story ends in a very predictable manner and there's no casualties and tbh, it all goes so well that the stakes just feel manufactured. Which they were, let's be honest.
All in all, did not enjoy it. Would not recommend. Can't believe I actually sat reading the whole thing instead of DNFing at 10% when I FELT like this is how it would go. I'm actually super disappointed because I really was intrigued by the premise and the cover and thought this was going to be a fun read but oofé. Here we are, I guess.