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A review by r_j_setser
The Alchemy Thief by R.A. Denny
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Alchemy Thief is a well-researched and thoroughly planned story of time traveling amid tumultuous times. It's an example of the classic "accidental hero", as Peri is thrust into a world that she doesn't understand.
While I found the premise and storyline to be engaging and exciting, I regret to say that I did feel bogged down by the writing. There are many info-dumps in strange places and scenes often felt rushed and jumpy. I think one of the biggest turnoffs for me was how the story was heavily "told" and not shown. For example, we didn't get to experience Peri's interactions in ways that allowed us, as the reader, to understand her feelings and choices. Her dates with Liam were summed up with "he made her feel special" or some similar phrase, without even sharing conversations that reflected those feelings. So, to me, Peri often appeared naïve and gullible; and I'm fairly certain she's supposed to be smart.
What I'm pinpointing as the cause of this is that it feels like the author wanted to present only facts or key points relevant to the story, and omitted as much of the "fluff" as possible. So, The Alchemy Thief strikes me as a very bare-bones and to-the-point story, without time spent on emotional or otherwise "fluffy" content. It's presented to you straight like it happened and there's not a word wasted on things that aren't relevant to the plotline. And as I mentioned earlier, the plot itself is very good and well-researched.
As for my personal opinion, however, I prefer writing styles that include the fluff and I would've enjoyed the book a lot more if I had experienced the emotion and character development that I found lacking. If you're a fan of to-the-point stories and typically prefer to skip things like relationship building conversations or prose-heavy descriptions, and you just want an exciting story, this book might be more your style!
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Content Disclosures: Some heavier topics from action-heavy scenes (t3rrorism, b0mbs, etc). There was no cursing, however, and some minor, undetailed kissing scenes.
While I found the premise and storyline to be engaging and exciting, I regret to say that I did feel bogged down by the writing. There are many info-dumps in strange places and scenes often felt rushed and jumpy. I think one of the biggest turnoffs for me was how the story was heavily "told" and not shown. For example, we didn't get to experience Peri's interactions in ways that allowed us, as the reader, to understand her feelings and choices. Her dates with Liam were summed up with "he made her feel special" or some similar phrase, without even sharing conversations that reflected those feelings. So, to me, Peri often appeared naïve and gullible; and I'm fairly certain she's supposed to be smart.
What I'm pinpointing as the cause of this is that it feels like the author wanted to present only facts or key points relevant to the story, and omitted as much of the "fluff" as possible. So, The Alchemy Thief strikes me as a very bare-bones and to-the-point story, without time spent on emotional or otherwise "fluffy" content. It's presented to you straight like it happened and there's not a word wasted on things that aren't relevant to the plotline. And as I mentioned earlier, the plot itself is very good and well-researched.
As for my personal opinion, however, I prefer writing styles that include the fluff and I would've enjoyed the book a lot more if I had experienced the emotion and character development that I found lacking. If you're a fan of to-the-point stories and typically prefer to skip things like relationship building conversations or prose-heavy descriptions, and you just want an exciting story, this book might be more your style!
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Content Disclosures: Some heavier topics from action-heavy scenes (t3rrorism, b0mbs, etc). There was no cursing, however, and some minor, undetailed kissing scenes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence