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A review by racheyreads
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book hit a lot of really good marks for me in terms of genre and writing. I also feel that in terms of length, it was spot on. My quarrel with rating this higher than I did comes down to the opening of the book and how it overall made me feel.
The characters were good, and I enjoyed the dynamic displayed between the sisters and their abusive father. Unfortunately the opening to this book in my opinion just tried too hard in terms of the Prose and descriptions. It took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style, which is not the fault of the author, and it felt like everything needed a comparison description rather than it just being what it is. There were also times the descriptors of items, environment and feelings tried to be too clever and ultimately just sounding silly.
The relationship between Marlinchen and Sevas also seemed very hollow. Sure enough they were attracted to each other, which I don't think Marlinchen could say anything else about Sevas other than how attractive he was. Sevas also seemed to like her for some reason, other than he being attracted to her kindness and physical body, there didn't seem to be much more there either. Another relationship which could have had depth and gave it more of a place in the story, but never did.
Ultimately I felt the writing was very strong as I got used to it, other than a few points in terms of descriptors. The premise and story did not overstay its welcome in terms of length and it was creative for a retelling, but did not blow my mind.
I am very keen to read more from Ava as I felt she has an amazing mind and one day she will, without a doubt, write something which will be my next favourite book.
The characters were good, and I enjoyed the dynamic displayed between the sisters and their abusive father. Unfortunately the opening to this book in my opinion just tried too hard in terms of the Prose and descriptions. It took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style, which is not the fault of the author, and it felt like everything needed a comparison description rather than it just being what it is. There were also times the descriptors of items, environment and feelings tried to be too clever and ultimately just sounding silly.
The relationship between Marlinchen and Sevas also seemed very hollow. Sure enough they were attracted to each other, which I don't think Marlinchen could say anything else about Sevas other than how attractive he was. Sevas also seemed to like her for some reason, other than he being attracted to her kindness and physical body, there didn't seem to be much more there either. Another relationship which could have had depth and gave it more of a place in the story, but never did.
Ultimately I felt the writing was very strong as I got used to it, other than a few points in terms of descriptors. The premise and story did not overstay its welcome in terms of length and it was creative for a retelling, but did not blow my mind.
I am very keen to read more from Ava as I felt she has an amazing mind and one day she will, without a doubt, write something which will be my next favourite book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Gore
Moderate: Bullying, Gaslighting, Eating disorder, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Death