Read: March 18-19 Verdict: 4 Stars
I received this book from Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review.
This book has trigger warnings for OCD, anxiety, sexual assault. **
Amber Reynolds is in a coma. She can't remember what happened to her but she soon realises she didn't end up in hospital by accident. In flashbacks, Amber slowly begins to remember the days leading up to her accident and begins to suspect everyone around her. The only problem is, Amber is prone to lying. So what happened to her, and who's really to blame?
This book was definitely the definition of a thriller for me. I was so tense reading this book - I could feel my whole body on edge, my heart was racing at times. There were a few moments i actually felt the urge to throw the book across the room because of what was happening or what was being implied and I couldn't handle it but at the same time, I needed to keep reading! This is a book that will leave you gasping, shaking, yelling at the pages and feeling utterly baffled at the same time, and I love it.
I went into this book only knowing three things - the main character was in a coma, she believed her husband no longer loved her and that she sometimes lied. Within a few chapters of the book, I began to soften towards Amber. There were a lot of things seemingly going on in her life that made me feel for her and i wanted things to work out for her. But then a while later, I reminded myself with one of the facts - Amber was prone to lying so how could I, as the reader, believe anything she was saying? Suddenly, Amber changed and became an unlikable character to me and I loved this transition. There were moments I felt for her and other moments when I just had no idea what was happening or who I could believe. I felt completely lost but in a great way, and in a way I come to expect great thrillers to make me feel.
Eventually some things begin to add up, and I eventually guessed some of what was going to happen but it didn't take away any enjoyment of the book for me. It was a really great read.
Read: March 5-7 Verdict: 4.5 stars
I received a free digital copy from the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Tea’s beloved brother Fox dies, killed by a demon like creature called a daeva, she discovers she’s a bone witch when she literally raises him from the dead. Now Tea has to learn how to be a proper asha (witch) and learn about her new skills which involve singing, dancing, runes and even necromancy.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It’s really unique and I don’t think I have read anything much like it before. I really love that Tea was so young when we meet her and start following her journey. She’s only thirteen so as a reader, we really get to see her develop into a scared young girl into a confident young woman. Saying that, she is still only 15 when the book ends so there’s still a long way to go which is exciting.
I loved the world and the world building. There was a lot of kingdoms, eight to be exact, and we do learn gradually about most of them and the rulers, as well as the Faceless - rebels who can use dark magic, much like the magic Tea has, to do terrible things. I found the world itself to be very multi-cultrured in how its described and the different people and where they all come from.
I thought the back and forth between each chapter was very interesting as we are seeing Tea starting out and then an older Tea who has done something wrong, been cast out but is obviously still extremely strong. So even though we see her struggle, we know she gets there in the to become one of the best asha’s ever.
I loved her relationship between her brother Fox. i had a total crush on him - I loved that he was able to take part in some of her lessons and the link they had. There was a lovely closeness between them that was also a nice teasing relationship the way you’d expect a brother to be with his little sister.
Tea’s constant references to her ‘dead love; got a bit annoying in the future parts of the book. While I understood her fury, I felt like we as readers didn’t need the constant reminder and learning more about Tea she would be doing what she was doing for more than just revenge. I also wasn’t surprised at the little twist when it came to that love - I was actually expecting it.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series, as it left off at a point where a lot of stuff was about to go down and i can’t wait to read all about it. This definitely has a lot of potential for a strong, unique YA fantasy series with a cast of great characters. Definitely worth a read!
