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1635 reviews
Sanskari Sweetheart by Ananya Devarajan
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Depends on your expectations
Raina wants to win the National Bollywood Dance Circuit Scholarship to prove that dance is a stable career choice. She also wants to show that she and her boyfriend, Aditya, are still the perfect couple despite the current differences between them. However, Aditya breaks up with her, and the choreography for the event is a mess.
Raina’s hopes for a do-over put her in a time loop where she repeats the same day again and again. Raina has to figure out what went wrong and fix it to fix the issues in her real life. But perfection may not be the only thing required!
The story comes in Raina’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
Before I start the review, I have to confess to laughing at the title. I like alliterations, but this one is so cheesy! Anyhoo!
Though the book is presented as a standalone, it is the story of Raina, Madhuri’s younger sister, from Kismat Connection, the author’s debut novel. Reading book one might help familiarize oneself with her character arc and the family dynamics.
In Kismat Connection, Raina and Aditya are the perfect couple (though they are teenagers). Raina was one of my favorite characters (I liked her more than Madhuri). Here, we see the actual Raina, whose zeal for perfection comes with a ton of insecurities and relationship disasters.
We get straight to the conflict. The time loop starts early, which means there are eight of them before real life resumes. Luckily, the pacing is quite good. However, this is an advantage and a disadvantage.
You will like the book more if your focus is on the time loop or Groundhog Day trope, where Raina tries to figure out how to fix the situation. However, you are likely to be disappointed if you want more elements about Indian American communities, families, or even the trending Bollywood dancing trope. That’s because the book is laser-focused on Raina’s character growth, and the other elements take a back seat. They are used only when necessary and discarded afterward.
Raina’s arc is actually good. She learns a lot thanks to the time loop and understands how and where she went wrong. Aditya shows promise, but since he has been made the perfect boyfriend, there isn’t a chance for much growth. He is easy to like, so no complaints.
I can also see an improvement in the writing style. This book is less clunky and has a smoother flow. Raina is flawed but not a red flag; something that didn’t work as it was supposed to in Kismat Connection.
Now, my issue is with the rest of the details. Though it’s a dance competition, we don’t see a lot of it except for some formations and a couple of moves. Given how dance is integral to Raina’s life, using it as more than a foundation would have helped. Then, there’s that competitor who never got exposed for what she did. It doesn’t seem right that she gets away. Then, the roles of Raina’s mother and sister are severely limited when their presence could have enhanced the plot and added another layer to it. We still don’t know what’s troubling Madhuri.
Though we get some typical competition between aunties and the ‘sanskari’ standards Raina has to deal with, they don’t add much to the plot. It feels superficial and stereotypical.
While there are a few desi emotions and moments, the book doesn’t, as such, stand out among many others that ride the same wave. It’s just another Western book with Indian characters using a few known tropes. It could have been with any characters from a slightly conservative background, and would have read the same.
To summarize, Sanskari Sweetheart is a decent sophomore novel dealing with YA romance. It has improved upon certain elements from the previous book, but it has a few issues of its own. Of course, I’d read more by the author. She shows promise and is a work in progress, just as she should be at this stage of her writing career.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #SanskariSweetheart
***
PS: While the cover is cute, I don’t think it is accurate. Raina has long black curly hair (to her waist), and Aditya has thick black waves framing his face.
One Liner: Depends on your expectations
Raina wants to win the National Bollywood Dance Circuit Scholarship to prove that dance is a stable career choice. She also wants to show that she and her boyfriend, Aditya, are still the perfect couple despite the current differences between them. However, Aditya breaks up with her, and the choreography for the event is a mess.
Raina’s hopes for a do-over put her in a time loop where she repeats the same day again and again. Raina has to figure out what went wrong and fix it to fix the issues in her real life. But perfection may not be the only thing required!
The story comes in Raina’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
Before I start the review, I have to confess to laughing at the title. I like alliterations, but this one is so cheesy! Anyhoo!
Though the book is presented as a standalone, it is the story of Raina, Madhuri’s younger sister, from Kismat Connection, the author’s debut novel. Reading book one might help familiarize oneself with her character arc and the family dynamics.
In Kismat Connection, Raina and Aditya are the perfect couple (though they are teenagers). Raina was one of my favorite characters (I liked her more than Madhuri). Here, we see the actual Raina, whose zeal for perfection comes with a ton of insecurities and relationship disasters.
We get straight to the conflict. The time loop starts early, which means there are eight of them before real life resumes. Luckily, the pacing is quite good. However, this is an advantage and a disadvantage.
You will like the book more if your focus is on the time loop or Groundhog Day trope, where Raina tries to figure out how to fix the situation. However, you are likely to be disappointed if you want more elements about Indian American communities, families, or even the trending Bollywood dancing trope. That’s because the book is laser-focused on Raina’s character growth, and the other elements take a back seat. They are used only when necessary and discarded afterward.
Raina’s arc is actually good. She learns a lot thanks to the time loop and understands how and where she went wrong. Aditya shows promise, but since he has been made the perfect boyfriend, there isn’t a chance for much growth. He is easy to like, so no complaints.
I can also see an improvement in the writing style. This book is less clunky and has a smoother flow. Raina is flawed but not a red flag; something that didn’t work as it was supposed to in Kismat Connection.
Now, my issue is with the rest of the details. Though it’s a dance competition, we don’t see a lot of it except for some formations and a couple of moves. Given how dance is integral to Raina’s life, using it as more than a foundation would have helped. Then, there’s that competitor who never got exposed for what she did. It doesn’t seem right that she gets away. Then, the roles of Raina’s mother and sister are severely limited when their presence could have enhanced the plot and added another layer to it. We still don’t know what’s troubling Madhuri.
Though we get some typical competition between aunties and the ‘sanskari’ standards Raina has to deal with, they don’t add much to the plot. It feels superficial and stereotypical.
While there are a few desi emotions and moments, the book doesn’t, as such, stand out among many others that ride the same wave. It’s just another Western book with Indian characters using a few known tropes. It could have been with any characters from a slightly conservative background, and would have read the same.
To summarize, Sanskari Sweetheart is a decent sophomore novel dealing with YA romance. It has improved upon certain elements from the previous book, but it has a few issues of its own. Of course, I’d read more by the author. She shows promise and is a work in progress, just as she should be at this stage of her writing career.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #SanskariSweetheart
***
PS: While the cover is cute, I don’t think it is accurate. Raina has long black curly hair (to her waist), and Aditya has thick black waves framing his face.
The Most Magnificent Team by Ashley Spires, Ashley Spires
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
4.5 Stars
Aww… hehe!
Do you like working in teams? It’s not always fun when someone tells you how to do something you are good at, right? Our little girl in red and her doggy assistant face the same problem here. She is first happy to have a fellow builder join hands, but soon they realize how different their working processes are. But then, you can still create something magnificent if you know how to support each other, when to compromise, and when to hold your ground.
This fourth book in the series should work as a standalone. The little girl in red meets her neighbor (possibly the granddaughter of the gray cat’s hooman). The neighbor is equally adorable with those super large specs and her curly Black hair.
The book shows the excitement of making new friends, the disagreements that inevitably happen, and how kids can put their differences aside to work as a team and learn from each other. The writing is simple and aligned with the illustrations.
The pets also have matching expressions and body language. The illustrations really nail their emotions. I love it! The background is minimalistic, and the characters and their creations pop up.
To summarize, The Most Magnificent Team is a lovely book that kids can resonate with and learn from. It would also encourage them to be creative and work with friends.
Thank you, Edelweiss+ and Kids Can Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The Most Magnificent Maker's A to Z by Ashley Spires
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
4.5 Stars
As the title suggests, the book uses the alphabet series (A to Z) to share new words for kiddies to learn while following the adventures of our little girl in red and her doggy assistant. Not only do we get words, but also a bit extra about what it is, accompanied by a lively illustration.
I love the words chosen. They are a blend of life lessons, like not giving up, and terms like creativity, ideas, etc. Each letter is designed using the ‘tools’ from the little girl’s workshop. Such a creative idea!
The illustrations are again a blend of simple backgrounds and details where they matter. The sneaking gray kitty is a favorite now! I love that the pictures also tell a story independent of the words. This is like two stories in one, but without any confusion.
To summarize, The Most Magnificent Makers A to Z is a delightful addition to the series. I can say this is my latest favorite kiddo series. One more book to go for now. Can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, Edelweiss+ and Kids Can Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The Most Magnificent Idea by Ashley Spires
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
4.5 Stars
Idea block is real!
What do you do when your idea machine suddenly stops? What if you can get a single idea?
Our little girl in red is in the same situation. She is a builder, creator, and inventor wrapped in a chota packet. One day, she has no idea what to create next. Gasp!
When my friend Rosh said books 2, 3, & 4 were available on Edelweiss+, I had to grab them right away. This book is as adorable as it looks. The little girl and her doggy assistant need an idea, and they will find it somehow, anyhow.
I’m sure kids and adults can relate to the theme. Some days, it’s hard for the brain to work the way it usually does. Pushing harder only increases frustration. Let it settle down, and inspiration will come from somewhere.
The writing is simple and entertaining, with specific words highlighted in caps. The text is placed alongside the illustrations in 1-4 teeny lines.
The illustrations are also on the simpler side, but have a lot of detailing too. The things the girl builds, her blueprints, the room, etc., showcase fine details, but the background is kept simple. This contrast works well to show how smart the little girl is! I love the gray cat in random frames.
To summarize, The Most Magnificent Idea is an adorable little book for little kids to understand that temporary idea blocks or creative slumps are common, and with some time, they’ll be back in action.
Thank you, Edelweiss+ and Kids Can Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5
3.5 Stars
One Liner: A decent debut
1930, Paris
Opal Luplume is sent to Paris by her mother to spread their milliner business and supply fashionable hats for the most glamorous cabaret in the city. However, the mysterious death of Valentine Beaumanoir, one of the main leads, creates some trouble. While the police conclude it is an accident, Opal thinks otherwise. Wasn’t there a witness who heard the victim cry out her beau’s name and call for help? Where did he vanish from a locked room?
When another murder occurs on the stage, Opal is even more determined to find the elusive killer. Maybe Valentine’s death had less to do with her personal life. Can she find the murderer without risking her neck?
The story comes in Opal's third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
Yep, that’s me again, trying a new cozy mystery series. Luckily, this wasn’t too bad.
The book starts with murder (the best way to begin a mystery), and then we meet the MC. Though the pacing is on the slower side, it doesn’t feel boring.
The cast is large, but it is to be expected when you have a theatre group of dancers, technicians, and a few others.
The MC has a black miniature poodle, Napoleon (look at the cutie on the cover). I thought it would be mostly a prop given the size. To an extent, it is, but the teeny doggy can growl! It has a snoopy nose too, so little poodle does sort of help with the sleuthing. Also, who can resist such a squishy dog?
We get a glimpse into the Parisian life before the Great Depression, as well as touch upon the changing situations in London. Dresses, hats, feathers, dancing, extravagance, etc., are all touched up seamlessly since they are various elements of the plot.
The mystery is actually good. Just right for the cozy vibe, without being too silly or too dark. The MC is good enough, though I can’t say I like her. Nothing wrong with her, but she has yet to make her mark. Needs time, I guess!
There’s a potential love interest (it is not the detective, thank you so much for this). I’m curious to see where it would lead.
To summarize, A Most Parisian Murder is a nice start to a new series. While nothing actually stands out, it is not a boring read either (hence rounding up to 4 stars). I’ll be sure to read the next book or two and hope the MC grows into the character created for her.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #AMostParisianMurder
Killer at the County Show by Kate Wells
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
3.75
3.8 Stars
One Liner: A good mystery
Jude Gray enters the Three Counties Show with her cute Kerry Hill sheep only to find that it’s full of drama and tension. When a competitor’s body is found with a long list of suspects, she has to step up and find the killer before it’s too late. Of course, with everyone hiding secrets, this could be her toughest case yet!
The story comes in Jude’s third-person POV.
My thoughts:
This is the fifth book in the series and can be read as a standalone, except for the sad love track (more on this later).
I read this series to learn something new about current farming practices and difficulties in other countries, namely the UK. It doesn’t shy away from showing the hard work required to run a farm and keep it at least borderline profitable in today’s times. As always, the book scores high marks in this aspect.
The mystery starts well. The dead man is not someone you’d want to be associated with, so it’s no surprise that the list of suspects is long and includes almost everyone who was around him at that time. Binnie makes a grand entry and is as efficient as ever. I liked her from the first book (in fact, I like her more than Jude, the MC).
The topic of discussion here is rewilding – the concept of letting nature take over fields in an attempt to bring back lost animal/ insect species and strengthen the ecosystem again. While it sounds idealistic in theory, the practicalities are different. Not every land is suitable for rewilding. A wrong choice could cause more harm than good and destroy farmlands that are still useful for cultivation.
There are some developments in the personal tracks, and that is where I have a huge issue. I’ve grumbled about Jude’s ‘should I or should I not’ debate with Marco. Here, it gets even worse with deliberate miscommunication and immaturity. Please, act your age and have a proper discussion like adults. I don’t want something like this to put me off a good series. But if this stretches for more books, I will have to rethink my options.
Of course, as always, Jude rushes into danger to solve the case, and this time, she might have gone a bit too far! Still, you can trust her to solve the case. If only she used the same brain to deal with her personal life!
To summarize, Killer at the County Show is a good mystery set in the countryside and deals with quite a few themes. The pacing is on the slower side, as it often is in this series.
Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
4.5 Stars
One Liner: I can see why it is so popular!
Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor’s old house. However, no one believes her about the land of Narnia. Not until the others, Peter, Susan, and Edmund, discover the magic themselves. They also meet Aslan, the Great Lion, and nothing is ever the same again!
The story comes in the third-person omnipresent POV.
My Thoughts:
Well, it took me a long time to read this book, but I did at last!
Isn’t it an adorable story with adventure, magic, danger, good vs. evil, sweet kids and bratty bullies, a marvelous setting, and whatnot!
The story has a steady pace. The omnipresent narrator with a bit of quirkiness adds charm to the voice and creates the perfect storytelling vibe at campfire or sleep time.
Lucy is undoubtedly my favorite character, followed by Aslan. That girl has a heart of gold! She is such a darling.
Of course, the book has a lot of Christian context, but that’s what it was supposed to be anyway. Not like the author pretended otherwise, if I remember right. Also, it was first published in 1950. We cannot forget that.
However, none of it affects the imaginative plot or the rest. I’m sure I missed a lot of the religious aspects, but I enjoyed it very much as a middle-grade fantasy adventure.
To summarize, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a delightful story about little kids joining an adventure and fighting wars. It is also about knowing what is right and having a kind heart. I’ll definitely read the other books in the series.
An Italian Wedding Adventure by Leonie Mack
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
3.5 Stars
One Liner: It was nice, but dragged a little
Eight years ago, on the leap day (29th Feb), wedding planner Sophie-Leigh Kirke proposed to her then-boyfriend, who broke her heart. She cut contact with him and moved on with her life.
Mountaineer Andreas is now back in her life, working for an adventure travel company; the same one with which her destination wedding company has been merged. With Andreas assigned as her guide, Sophie has to search for the perfect local for a destination wedding for the client.
Thrown together by circumstances, can the two sort out their past and decide their future? Will it be together or apart from one another?
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Sophie and Andreas.
My Thoughts:
Well, I liked the premise of a second chance romance with a virtual tour of the Italian hills, never mind that I’m not into mountaineering. Imagine wanting to climb a mountain as part of your wedding. Shudder! Good if you like it. Not for me!
This is quite an angsty book where the tension between the lead couple starts almost at the beginning. Some of it was well done, especially Sophie’s arc.
We also get a lot of descriptions of the places they hike and explore to finalize the venue for the destination wedding. I did enjoy most of it. Who doesn’t like a virtual tour of a new place?
There are a few side characters we meet at the beginning, but they don’t have much role to play until the end (not even then, TBH). However, the reason for their presence is hinted at in the epilogue and the acknowledgments. This is apparently the first book in the series. There will be more with the same team, but different couples.
However, the storyline seems to drag on for a while. The book feels longer than it should have been. There’s also a lot of repetition about the MMC’s opinion about marriage and weddings.
What made this a 3-star instead of a 4-star was the MMC. Even after reading the book, I couldn’t actually see the reason for his actions (except that he acted like a man-child afraid of emotions and commitment). Maybe his inability to express his feelings is realistic, but he annoyed me quite a lot for the majority of the book. He did manage to pull himself together, though.
They also go around in circles a lot. Cutting down some of this (and making the book shorter) would have helped a lot and also shown the MMC in a better light.
The epilogue has nothing to do with this story, so it is more of a teaser for the next book (this is to be a series).
To summarize, An Italian Wedding Adventure is a decent romance with travel, adventure, and some drama. It could have been better, but it does have its moments.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #AnItalianWeddingAdventure
This Thing Called Love by Debbie Howells
hopeful
medium-paced
3.75
3.7 Stars
One Liner: This was sweet
When Bee loses her job, home, and boyfriend on the same day, she is at her lowest point. It doesn’t help that some guy spilled his coffee on her. However, she finally learns the name of her father, Luke Friday, a musician she has never met. Bee decides to search for him and find out more.
Alex is the guy who spilled coffee on her. At home, he takes care of his mother, whose memories desert her. In an attempt to help her, Alex wants to find a man called Luke Friday, someone with whom his mother played music once upon a time.
As Alex and Bee search for the same person, Luke’s nine-year-old daughter is trying to find something or someone to bring her father out of his grief. How will their paths cross? What happens next?
The story comes in Bee and Alex’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
This is contemporary fiction and family drama where the lead characters are on their personal quests. Though their paths will eventually interact, it doesn’t happen until the last quarter.
The book deals with themes like dementia, being a caregiver, emotionally unavailable parent, loss of a partner and parent, loneliness, etc. While these make the story a bit heavy, the book doesn’t feel overwhelming.
It takes a little time to like Bee. However, her confusion, fears, vulnerabilities, etc., are well-presented. She is hesitant, sad, and ready to give up, much like how people react in similar situations. This elevates her character as the story progresses.
Alex is a good guy; someone easy to like, pretty much from the first. We can’t help but root for both main leads to find the ray of light in their lives.
Little Mack is adorable! God, I loved her! My heart broke for her, but she put it together with her childlike wisdom and innocence. The side characters are certainly interesting, and some of them have prominent roles.
Both main characters have careers related to nature (sort of), though we don’t actively see them at work. There’s a love track for them, which really doesn’t make any impact. It has been left too late and seems like a last-minute patch-up. Either they should have met earlier and shared a part of the journey, or their romance should have gotten a hint only at the end (like a slice-of-life ending).
Still, the rest of it is rather good, so I’m willing to look over the issues. Also, a certain character I disliked doesn’t have a 360-degree change of heart. There’s no forced ‘family comes first’ nonsense. Here, family is found family. Just the way I like it.
To summarize, This Thing Called Love is a heartwarming book about finding your people, caring for your loved ones, and the power of music and memories for people with dementia.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ThisThingCalledLove
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia, Grief, Death of parent
A Letter from the Lonesome Shore by Sylvie Cathrall
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
3 Stars
One Liner: Well… I wish I liked it better
Sophy and Vyerin, respective siblings of E. and Henerey, finally figured out what had happened. Now, they are on a mission to search and bring back their loved ones. They even discover the elusive Entries. However, before they can succeed, an ancient cosmic threat could destroy everything.
Will the siblings reunite, and can E. and Henerey have their HEA without any threats looming overhead?
This is an epistolary novel and comes in a series of letters, journal entries, notes, records, etc.
My Thoughts:
This is not a standalone. You have to read the previous book before you get to this. As much as I want to tell you that you should read them together, I won’t. The pacing is so slow that back-to-back such books could put you in a slump. Space books #1 and #2, with a couple of quick reads in between.
In a way, this book does feel easier to read. However, it is also a chore. There’s a bit of intrigue about what the danger is or what could have happened, but honestly, it takes too long to get to the point. This was okay in the previous book since it set the stage. Here, there isn’t enough plot for a 400-page book, and yet, it feels like I’ve read an 800-page tome. In short, it drones on and on.
The bits with E. and Henerey are still adorable and made the book more bearable. Scholar 30.ii is also cute in a bumbling way. They brought some much-needed lightness to the narrative.
Also, imagine a world where being on time for an appointment means they arrive four hours early! Sounds funny until they knock on your door at 4 AM because you planned to meet at 8 AM. Still, the scene made me laugh.
Since the whole thing is essentially notes, letters, and records, there’s a lot of stream-of-consciousness rambling, which goes overboard in many places. Just because something is fun to write doesn’t make it fun to read. Sorry, I say this as an author myself.
The mental health rep is wonderfully done. It shows the situations without making it preachy or OTT. There are other themes like the dark side of academia, fear of the unknown, restrictive perspectives, personal prejudices, influence, etc. None of them feel forced, so that’s a good thing.
I liked meeting the mysterious sea woman again. Wouldn’t have minded if she had more space.
The world-building is interesting. There are details, though not enough to explain everything. In a way, this is good. The book is a slog as it is. However, I could visualize the domes, the library, the underwater garden, the rooms, etc. No complaints here.
It takes way too long to get to the Antepelagic insights, the backstory, and stuff. The Predator doesn’t feel the least bit scary either. In a way, it’s good that he isn’t mentioned often.
The climax and ending are… lackluster… bland and underwhelming. Not that I expected anything big given the tone so far, but what we get is just too weak to make a proper impact. I can see why it ends with that entry. It’s a saving grace for those who enjoyed the book more for E. and Henerey.
To summarize, A Letter from the Lonesome Shore has a few nice things to offer, but doesn’t give the same experience as the previous book, despite offering a conclusion. I wish I enjoyed it better!
Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ALetterFromTheLonesomeShore
One Liner: Well… I wish I liked it better
Sophy and Vyerin, respective siblings of E. and Henerey, finally figured out what had happened. Now, they are on a mission to search and bring back their loved ones. They even discover the elusive Entries. However, before they can succeed, an ancient cosmic threat could destroy everything.
Will the siblings reunite, and can E. and Henerey have their HEA without any threats looming overhead?
This is an epistolary novel and comes in a series of letters, journal entries, notes, records, etc.
My Thoughts:
This is not a standalone. You have to read the previous book before you get to this. As much as I want to tell you that you should read them together, I won’t. The pacing is so slow that back-to-back such books could put you in a slump. Space books #1 and #2, with a couple of quick reads in between.
In a way, this book does feel easier to read. However, it is also a chore. There’s a bit of intrigue about what the danger is or what could have happened, but honestly, it takes too long to get to the point. This was okay in the previous book since it set the stage. Here, there isn’t enough plot for a 400-page book, and yet, it feels like I’ve read an 800-page tome. In short, it drones on and on.
The bits with E. and Henerey are still adorable and made the book more bearable. Scholar 30.ii is also cute in a bumbling way. They brought some much-needed lightness to the narrative.
Also, imagine a world where being on time for an appointment means they arrive four hours early! Sounds funny until they knock on your door at 4 AM because you planned to meet at 8 AM. Still, the scene made me laugh.
Since the whole thing is essentially notes, letters, and records, there’s a lot of stream-of-consciousness rambling, which goes overboard in many places. Just because something is fun to write doesn’t make it fun to read. Sorry, I say this as an author myself.
The mental health rep is wonderfully done. It shows the situations without making it preachy or OTT. There are other themes like the dark side of academia, fear of the unknown, restrictive perspectives, personal prejudices, influence, etc. None of them feel forced, so that’s a good thing.
I liked meeting the mysterious sea woman again. Wouldn’t have minded if she had more space.
The world-building is interesting. There are details, though not enough to explain everything. In a way, this is good. The book is a slog as it is. However, I could visualize the domes, the library, the underwater garden, the rooms, etc. No complaints here.
It takes way too long to get to the Antepelagic insights, the backstory, and stuff. The Predator doesn’t feel the least bit scary either. In a way, it’s good that he isn’t mentioned often.
The climax and ending are… lackluster… bland and underwhelming. Not that I expected anything big given the tone so far, but what we get is just too weak to make a proper impact. I can see why it ends with that entry. It’s a saving grace for those who enjoyed the book more for E. and Henerey.
To summarize, A Letter from the Lonesome Shore has a few nice things to offer, but doesn’t give the same experience as the previous book, despite offering a conclusion. I wish I enjoyed it better!
Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ALetterFromTheLonesomeShore