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bouncybumblebee 's review for:
The City of Stardust
by Georgia Summers
Edit: the more I think about this and see other reviews, the more I'm leaning even lower than my original rating. 2.5-3.
I was going back and forth between a three and a four stars for this... The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards three, but part of that I can see being personal rather than a reflection on the quality of the book.
I'm sure this is going to be a hit when it finds the right audience, but I could see some not loving this. If you like those slow, atmospheric types of novels, I think you will love this story. If you're looking for something fast-paced with fully developed characters and clear answers at the end, I think this should be a pass for you.
The world is expansive and interesting, and that is truly the highlight of the story. I kept wanting to learn more and explore all of it. The writing is so beautifully descriptive that it makes the environment come to life. I found the concept unique and interesting.
The plot is probably where my enjoyment fizzled a little. There's always a lot going on, but at times it felt like it dragged, and it took until part 3 to hook me to the point where I couldn't put it down. Once it hit that point, I was all in. If you're okay with slower-paced stories, books that make you take your time when reading, then this will work for you.
There was something I found lacking in the characters as well. You aren't just in Violet's head, so you end up knowing more than she does, which ends up being frustrating and makes her feel a little underdeveloped. I also think the romance was rushed at the end. I liked them individually and together, but something was missing, and the ending didn't feel as earned as I wanted it to be.
For a debut, this is interesting, and I would be interested to see what this author does next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was going back and forth between a three and a four stars for this... The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards three, but part of that I can see being personal rather than a reflection on the quality of the book.
I'm sure this is going to be a hit when it finds the right audience, but I could see some not loving this. If you like those slow, atmospheric types of novels, I think you will love this story. If you're looking for something fast-paced with fully developed characters and clear answers at the end, I think this should be a pass for you.
The world is expansive and interesting, and that is truly the highlight of the story. I kept wanting to learn more and explore all of it. The writing is so beautifully descriptive that it makes the environment come to life. I found the concept unique and interesting.
The plot is probably where my enjoyment fizzled a little. There's always a lot going on, but at times it felt like it dragged, and it took until part 3 to hook me to the point where I couldn't put it down. Once it hit that point, I was all in. If you're okay with slower-paced stories, books that make you take your time when reading, then this will work for you.
There was something I found lacking in the characters as well. You aren't just in Violet's head, so you end up knowing more than she does, which ends up being frustrating and makes her feel a little underdeveloped. I also think the romance was rushed at the end. I liked them individually and together, but something was missing, and the ending didn't feel as earned as I wanted it to be.
For a debut, this is interesting, and I would be interested to see what this author does next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.