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A review by olivialandryxo
As Red as Blood by Salla Simukka
4.0
4.5 stars
Thanks Penguin Teen for the early copy of the US edition! This doesn't affect my review or opinions.
This is out 1/17 in the US and already is out internationally!
I didn't think I would like this book. At best I thought it would be a quick, average read. While it isn't a favorite, I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It's my first mystery in some time and after this I'll have to look for more. I can't think of any books to compare it to, but it was a fun, intense, and mysterious story.
what I liked:
- The writing was wonderful. I could imagine the different settings of Finland easily and there was a kind of slight wittiness to it.
- The way the mystery was done. The POV changes were really cleverly placed. It didn't switch at a cliffhanger, but each chapter would tempt you with information so you could guess, and then have more questions.
- Elisa's character development. In the beginning she's a spoiled party girl that seems scared of her own shadow. I won't specify, but as the story went on she grew and I liked the new version of her much more. I liked that even when she was afraid, she knew what had to be done.
- Kasper reminded me slightly of a modern, Finnish Kaz. I didn't like him too much, but the similarity was there and that made my inner Six of Crows fangirl VERY HAPPY.
- No romance. One of my goals for the year is to find books with no romance or a protagonist that stays single (inspired by this post on my blog) and I found that in this book. I really liked Lumikki's "I could care less" attitude toward boys, even if it's not the most original character trait.
- The fairy-tale elements. I can't really explain, but it was a really cool, interesting addition to the story.
what I disliked:
- Lumikki was kind of a plain lead. She had a minimalist attitude and didn't fit in or stand out at her school. I liked her toughness and mindset, but I think she could've used a little bit more personality and a quirk or two.
- The ending. The last 75 pages or so were intense and I loved them, but the ending felt loose in a way. I know this is the first in a trilogy and it should be set up for later books, but I just wasn't satisfied. It was kind of abrupt, too. One minute Lumikki is catching criminals and then it's the epilogue.
I wouldn't say I'm dying to read the sequel, but I definitely want to continue this trilogy!
I was so shocked and nervous when Lumikki got trapped in the freezer! I assumed she'd get out but had no idea how, and I think the way she got out was just epic.
Also, can we talk about how she handled that creep at Polar Bear's party? She handcuffed him to the bed, locked the door, and threw the keys in the snow! I like the way she thinks. (I don't know what that says about me as a person, but don't judge, hahah.)
Thanks Penguin Teen for the early copy of the US edition! This doesn't affect my review or opinions.
This is out 1/17 in the US and already is out internationally!
I didn't think I would like this book. At best I thought it would be a quick, average read. While it isn't a favorite, I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It's my first mystery in some time and after this I'll have to look for more. I can't think of any books to compare it to, but it was a fun, intense, and mysterious story.
what I liked:
- The writing was wonderful. I could imagine the different settings of Finland easily and there was a kind of slight wittiness to it.
- The way the mystery was done. The POV changes were really cleverly placed. It didn't switch at a cliffhanger, but each chapter would tempt you with information so you could guess, and then have more questions.
- Elisa's character development. In the beginning she's a spoiled party girl that seems scared of her own shadow. I won't specify, but as the story went on she grew and I liked the new version of her much more. I liked that even when she was afraid, she knew what had to be done.
- Kasper reminded me slightly of a modern, Finnish Kaz. I didn't like him too much, but the similarity was there and that made my inner Six of Crows fangirl VERY HAPPY.
- No romance. One of my goals for the year is to find books with no romance or a protagonist that stays single (inspired by this post on my blog) and I found that in this book. I really liked Lumikki's "I could care less" attitude toward boys, even if it's not the most original character trait.
- The fairy-tale elements. I can't really explain, but it was a really cool, interesting addition to the story.
what I disliked:
- Lumikki was kind of a plain lead. She had a minimalist attitude and didn't fit in or stand out at her school. I liked her toughness and mindset, but I think she could've used a little bit more personality and a quirk or two.
- The ending. The last 75 pages or so were intense and I loved them, but the ending felt loose in a way. I know this is the first in a trilogy and it should be set up for later books, but I just wasn't satisfied. It was kind of abrupt, too. One minute Lumikki is catching criminals and then it's the epilogue.
I wouldn't say I'm dying to read the sequel, but I definitely want to continue this trilogy!
Also, can we talk about how she handled that creep at Polar Bear's party? She handcuffed him to the bed, locked the door, and threw the keys in the snow! I like the way she thinks. (I don't know what that says about me as a person, but don't judge, hahah.)