Tag: book reviews on the run

Review: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

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Before We Were Yours

 

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Adult, no language, child violence/abuse/neglect, no love scenes
Length: 342 pages
Author: Lisa Wingate
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Release Date: June 6th, 2017
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

TAKES A LOT OUT OF YOU.

Oh this book. Oh my heart. WHY ARE PEOPLE THE WAY THAT THEY ARE? It’s one thing to completely fictionalize something, but it’s another to know that it’s a historical fiction.

CRAP LIKE THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED.

Rill and her siblings are swept on the most horrible river of life. I was only moderately appeased by the end, because things yes, do end ‘well’, but then you remember once again all the trauma that they went through and it pulls on your heart strings again.

Be wary that this may be too much for some readers. Thankfully, things aren’t described in depth, but things are insinuated that makes you hug any small child you know tighter.

I enjoyed the perspective of Avery Stafford, but didn’t know if it was totally necessary. I felt it was more added to help give light to the shadows of the past which I do appreciate. There was just some bits that weren’t needed.

Better suited for someone a bit older, no language that I can recall. A lot of child abuse, neglect, and violence. No love scenes, a kiss.

Review: A Reaper at the Gates (An Ember in the Ashes #3) by Sabaa Tahir

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A Reaper at the Gates

 

Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
Audience: YA+, little language, violence, one love-adjacent scene, a few kiss scenes
Length: 464 pages
Author: Sabaa Tahir
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: June 12th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

MY HEART HURTS.

I’m pretty sure Tahir sat at her computer laughing nefariously over the horrors she brought upon this cast of characters. And I am DEVASTATED because of it. This might be the most appropriate title for a book I’ve seen in awhile.

Yet, I found the story intoxicating. I’m sad for everyone. Though now I am soooooo excited for the next book. She fixes things right? Not sure at this point, but I want to know what happens regardless.

Each character had a moment when my heart broke for them and when, under duress, they broke my heart. Such despair for Elias, Laia, and the Shrike.

Where does the Empire go now?! What will the Nightbringer do?! DOES ANYONE GET A HAPPY ENDING!?!

THESE ARE THE QUESTIONS THAT HAUNT ME.

Side note: While I hate cover changes because I usually can’t afford to get the updated version in its entirety, this cover change was definitely for the better. I love the strength and personas brought out by each new cover and look forward to seeing what the last one looks like!

Young adult book definitely. Only a little bit of language. One scene I will refer to as “love-adjacent,” and a few kiss scenes round out this book. Very good, quick read. Short chapters (my fav) with cliff hangers keep you turning the page for more.