Tag: mara rutherford

Book Review: A Multitude of Dreams by Mara Rutherford

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Mara Rutherford
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Release Date: August 29th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The bloody plague is finally past, but what fresh horror lies in its wake?

Princess Imogen of Goslind has lived a sheltered life for three years at the boarded-up castle—she and the rest of its inhabitants safe from the bloody mori roja plague that’s ravaged the kingdom. But Princess Imogen has a secret, and as King Stuart descends further into madness, it’s at great risk of being revealed. Rations dwindle each day, and unhappy murmurings threaten to crack the facade of the years-long charade being played within the castle walls.

Nico Mott once enjoyed a comfortable life of status, but the plague took everyone and everything from him. If not for the generosity of a nearby lord, Nico may not have survived the mori roja’s aftermath. But does owing Lord Crane his life mean he owes him his silence?

When Lord Crane sends Nico to search for more plague survivors in the castle, Nico collides with a princess who wants to break out. They will each have to navigate the web of lies they’ve woven if they’re going to survive the nightmares that lie ahead.

KIND OF FORGETTABLE.

I read this book two days ago and as I’m sitting here trying to write this review I am remembering very little. It just kind of happened and I’ve already moved on?

The gothic vibes were there and I did like those. There’s a hidden identity trope and that’s always a favorite of mine. Waiting for the two points of view to collide was good and some of the world development was there. Though I don’t think the intention of the story worked well in this pure fantasy vs. a historical fantasy.

Otherwise, I think a lot of execution was lacking. I don’t totally get the vampire/zombie thing. I wasn’t invested in the romance and with it being a shorter standalone I just needed more.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: Fade to black
  • Violence: moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: anti-Semitism, plague, loss of life

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ARC Book Review: The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy + Romance
Length: 400 pages
Author: Mara Rutherford
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Release Date: December 6th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Outsiders are always given a choice: the Forest or the lake. Either way, they’re never heard from again.

Leelo has spent her entire life on Endla, coexisting with the bloodthirsty Forest and respecting the poisonous lake that protects her island from outsiders who seek to destroy it. But as much as Leelo cares for her community, she struggles to accept that her younger brother will be exiled by his next birthday, unless he gains the magic of enchanted song so vital to Endla.

When Leelo sees a young outsider on the verge of drowning in the lake, she knows exactly what she’s supposed to do. But in a moment that will change everything, Leelo betrays her family, her best friend, and Endla by making an unthinkable choice.

Discovery could lead to devastating consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren, but as they grow closer, Leelo realizes that not all danger comes from beyond the lake—and they can only survive if Leelo is willing to question the very fabric of her society, her people, and herself. 

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC.

NEEDED SOMETHING.

I wanted to love this. I went in hoping I would, buuuut here we are. I liked it, it just wasn’t a favorite.

It did have a very distinct YA fantasy feel. And I know that can be a winner for a lot. For me, I felt like I needed more. Something that added an edge, something I hadn’t read before. I don’t know. Within a few chapters I knew exactly what was going to happen and I wasn’t surprised by how it ended.

I did love Leelo as a main character. She has that strength and loyalty that I always appreciate in a FMC. I love that she was open to changing her opinions and took time to understand the new information that was being heaped upon her. Leelo handled a lot of things really well.

The romance is a bit much on the insta-love side. I was hoping for to see them connect over more things before confessions of love started rolling out. Leelo and Jaren were charming and easily sweet on each other.

I loved Leelo’s Mom and Brother. They were some of my favorite side characters and helped me enjoy and look forward to scenes with them. I liked the conclusion and do think it wrapped up things pretty well.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy + Romance
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: make-outs
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent, loss of loved ones, poison, weapons violence, murder, physical altercations

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ARC Book Review and Blog Tour: Kingdom of Sea and Stone (Crown of Coral and Pearl #2) by Mara Rutherford

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Rating: ☆☆☆ 1/2
Audience: Young adult fantasy
Length: 368 pages
Author: Mara Rutherford
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Release Date: October 6th, 2020
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Ever since Nor was forced to go to a nearby kingdom in her sister’s place, she’s wanted nothing more than to return to the place and people she loves. But when her wish comes true, she soon finds herself cast out from both worlds, with a war on the horizon.

As an old enemy resurfaces more powerful than ever, Nor will have to keep the kingdom from falling apart with the help of Prince Talin and Nor’s twin sister, Zadie. There are forces within the world more mysterious than any of them ever guessed—and they’ll need to stay alive long enough to conquer them.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own!

SOLID CONCLUSION.

This was a good conclusion, not great, but good.

I loved being back in this world and was stoked that I got to see more of it! There were a lot of travelling aspects to KOSAS, allowing for a much bigger map view. I would even love spin-offs in other areas because I wanted to spend time all over this land.

What didn’t fit in line was the romance (or lake thereof?). It was a pretty big piece in the first book, and this one made it feel stilted and stuffed in. Nor struggled the entire time with her feelings and frankly, I felt bad for Talin. More communication would have really enlightened everything. Or honestly, I was way more into a ship with a different character.

The ending felt a bit trivial with how the villain story-line went down. I thought it was anti-climatic to everything they had done in the first book. It could have used something else to add to it.

I liked that Nor was more vulnerable and open once she saw the world around her. Her strength helped her make some tough choices, but her love for her family (especially her sister) was always clear. Nor had a lot of personality and learned to love herself, flaws and all. The ending did wrap everything up, I didn’t feel like their were loose ends. It ended the way the book was definitely leading up towards, which some might love and others not.

The writing was still beautiful and made for a quick read. I’m excited to see what other stories Rutherford will write.

Overall audience notes:

  • Young adult fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: battle scenes, murder, physical; not intensely gory/bloody

Author Bio:

Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. Originally from California, Mara has since lived all over the world with her marine-turned-diplomat husband. A triplet born on Leap Day, Mara holds a master’s degree in cultural studies from the University of London. When she’s not writing or chasing after her two sons, she can usually be found pushing the boundaries of her comfort zone, whether at a traditional Russian banya or an Incan archaeological site. Mara is a former Pitch Wars mentee and three-time mentor.

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