City of Ghosts - Victoria Schwab // Book Review

  

City of Ghosts
Victoria Schwab || Publication Date - 28.08.2018

A girl who can split the veil between the living and the dead, and her best friend, who is a ghost...

Fantasy | Paranormal | Teen Fiction

Cassidy nearly died (or did die and she refuses to accept it), and since this incident she's been able to see what lies between the veil. Growing up in a household with scholarly parents known to the wider community as paranormal investigators, she has kept her gift a secret. Along with her gift, Jacob has also been kept under wraps. Her very dead and very ghostly best friend.

One day after school her parents surprise her with the adventure of a lifetime. They will be filming a TV series and going all over the world investigating locations rumoured to be haunted. Their first port of call will be Edinburgh, Scotland.

While across the pond, her eyes are opened to the intricacies of her abilities and she learns things she never knew she could even do. All the while investigating on her own a Red Raven that's terrorising the local area.

The Review (may contain spoilers)

As a whole I quite enjoyed the story and the characters. Cass and Jacob have a sweet relationship despite their circumstances, and I want to continue the series to see how their relationship develops. I did listen to this as an audiobook, and this is my preferred way to read middle grade/teen fiction. I feel narrators do a great job at making these books appear as if you're listening to a story from your friend. For 'City of Ghosts' this is no exception.

Due to the intended audience for this book, ultimately not being a woman in her 30's, this wasn't something to be read for a deep and substantial story. However, if you want to introduce your teens to a well written and fun paranormal story I wouldn't hesitate to give this one a go.

That being said, if you are also an adult in your 30's and want something to read that is fun, simple and leaves you feeling good, I would definitely recommend giving this one a look.

Juniper & Thorn - Ava Reid // Book Review

   

Juniper & Thorn

Ava Reid || Publication Date - 21.06.2022

A young witch fighting for her independence against an oppressive father who has never given her a chance. A retelling of "The Juniper Tree".

Fantasy | Historical | Romance | Horror

Marlinchen, a young witch imprisoned in her own home with her two older sisters by her father. They spend their days making money for their home using their magical gifts on the normal humans who come to see them.

The three young women sneak out of their home to attend a newly opened ballet theatre, where one of the performers quickly and sharply captures Marlinchen's heart.

As Marlinchen continues to defy her father and sneaks out at night to see this man, her town is turned to horror when a monster is skulking around at night. She has a choice to make, continue to be trapped under the tyrannical rule of her father or, uncover the secrets of her terrorised city to expel this evil for good.

The Review (may contain spoilers)

This book hit a lot of really good marks for me in terms of genre and writing. I also feel that in terms of length, it was spot on. My quarrel with rating this higher than I did comes down to the opening of the book and how it overall made me feel.

The characters were good, and I enjoyed the dynamic displayed between the sisters and their abusive father. Unfortunately the opening to this book in my opinion just tried too hard in terms of the prose and descriptions. It took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style, which is not the fault of the author, and it felt like everything needed a comparison description rather than it just being what it is.

For example:

“Magic is the first sip of good wine that makes the edges of your vision blur. Magic is the cool breeze of the boardwalk at night and organ music in the air. Magic is landing a grand jeté and nearly going deaf with hate crowd's applause. Magic is the low flicker of tavern lights and the girl your courting leaning close so you can kiss.”

Why do we need 4 sentences to describe to us what Magic was like? There were also times the descriptors of items, environment and feelings tried to be too clever and ultimately sounded silly.

The relationship between Marlinchen and Sevas also seemed very hollow. Sure enough they were attracted to each other, which I don't think Marlinchen could say anything else about Sevas other than how attractive he was. Sevas also seemed to like her for some reason. Other than being attracted to her kindness and physical body, there didn't seem to be much more there either. Another relationship which could have had depth and gave it more of a place in the story, but never did.

Overall Thoughts

Ultimately I felt the writing was very strong as I got used to it, other than my points mentioned in terms of descriptors going too far. The premise and story did not overstay its welcome in terms of length and it was creative for a retelling, but did not blow my mind.

I do not feel the genres given to this book or it being nominated on Goodreads for "Best Horror of 2022" are warranted. There was a small instance of the monster attacking people which could be considered horrific, but this book had no indication of horror at all.

I am very keen to read more from Ava as I felt she has an amazing mind and one day she will, without a doubt, write something which will be my next favourite book.