Take a photo of a barcode or cover
mlgilliland 's review for:
The Memory Hunters
by Mia Tsai
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Mia Tsai, and Kensington Publishing for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this book but it didn’t live up to expectations. Firstly, I liked Key and Vale as the main characters. I understand why people say Key is an unlikable character but it makes sense to me. Considering, that she is an intense privileged academic of blood memories. Then her bodyguard Vale, who comes from a smaller town wants to prove herself. I enjoyed their dynamic. I didn’t feel like they were well-rounded characters. They fell a little flat.
The magic system was unique and interesting. I wanted to know more about it. Key mentions she is an anthropologist with the ability to dive into blood memories. I thought that was fascinating. I was curious about the “science” aspects. I felt like the reader is dropped into the story while that works for some stories. I felt like a better understanding of the world would have kept my attention. The pacing was a bit slow at times.
I can see the potential of this story. I hope the next book in the series is a bit more flushed out. I do agree that this book can be compared to Blood Over Bright Haven in aspects. They both deal with a trusting academic FMC and blinding believing people in authority. It is a dystopian that focuses on climate change and who has the right to choose which stories are worth remembering and which are not.
I wanted to love this book but it didn’t live up to expectations. Firstly, I liked Key and Vale as the main characters. I understand why people say Key is an unlikable character but it makes sense to me. Considering, that she is an intense privileged academic of blood memories. Then her bodyguard Vale, who comes from a smaller town wants to prove herself. I enjoyed their dynamic. I didn’t feel like they were well-rounded characters. They fell a little flat.
The magic system was unique and interesting. I wanted to know more about it. Key mentions she is an anthropologist with the ability to dive into blood memories. I thought that was fascinating. I was curious about the “science” aspects. I felt like the reader is dropped into the story while that works for some stories. I felt like a better understanding of the world would have kept my attention. The pacing was a bit slow at times.
I can see the potential of this story. I hope the next book in the series is a bit more flushed out. I do agree that this book can be compared to Blood Over Bright Haven in aspects. They both deal with a trusting academic FMC and blinding believing people in authority. It is a dystopian that focuses on climate change and who has the right to choose which stories are worth remembering and which are not.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Vomit