{Review} The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young

Page Count: 327

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Published on: September 3, 2019

Format: audio from Libby + physical (bought by me)

Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis

For as long as she can remember, Tova has lived among the Svell, the people who found her washed ashore as a child and use her for her gift as a Truthtongue. Her own home and clan are long-faded memories, but the sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her as one who can cast the rune stones and see into the future. She has found a fragile place among those who fear her, but when two clans to the east bury their age-old blood feud and join together as one, her world is dangerously close to collapse.

For the first time in generations, the leaders of the Svell are divided. Should they maintain peace or go to war with the allied clans to protect their newfound power? And when their chieftain looks to Tova to cast the stones, she sets into motion a series of events that will not only change the landscape of the mainland forever but will give her something she believed she could never have again—a home.

~ ~ ~

Hey, guys!

When it comes to Adrienne Young, I cannot get enough of her work. Her style is everything that I love and her characters are always so fascinating. The worlds that she creates are so intriguing and hit all of the points that I desire. I love how she's taken from Norse mythology and made her own set of gods and mythology for her world. Unfortunately, The Girl the Sea Gave Back really fell flat for me.

When it comes to TGTSGB, I was incredibly disappointed. I had attempted to immerse myself into this book three or four times before finally sitting down and listening/reading to it this go around because I was just tired of not knowing how I felt about it. (Also, Alex has been waiting forever for me to finish it. It was time.) Unfortunately, it was just hard to continue after putting down. I found the characters to be incredibly boring and lacking and had the hardest connecting with their stories and trials. I also found that the intense and emotional parts that pertain to the ending just fell flat for me.  I feel like because of the disconnect that I was feeling throughout the entire book, that I had just lost the last of my interest in how the book would conclude.  

To me, I felt like the book lacked the urgent pacing that one would expect of a story that took place over a couple of days. The story is so action-packed and there is so much information thrown at you, but you don't get any sort of semblance of the setting and the characters just lacked depth for you to care about the events surrounding them and happening to them. Also! There was romance in this book, but their chemistry was practically nonexistent? I honestly didn't expect them to shack up? I thought they were just friends connected by fate or something, but I guess that was the romance? That was just hardcore lacking. I was so sad. 

Overall, this book lacked the depth and intensity that Sky in the Deep had. This book felt more like a debut that Sky in the Deep did. I adored Sky. It's probably one of my all-time favorites, but Sea was just not it for me.  

What did you think of this book? Let's discuss!
Happy reading!
Olivia
Liv the Book Nerd
Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository Affiliate Code // Book of the Month affiliate link

{Review} Love in the City by Jen Morris

 

Page Count: 392

Publisher: National Library of New Zealand

Published On: October 5, 2020

Genres: adult romance

Format: eARC from author/publisher

Rating: 1 star

Goodreads synopsis:

Turning thirty has a way of making you take a good, hard look at your life. And I think we all know what any sensible adult does in that situation: tequila shots. Lots of them.

It’s okay, though, because I’ve finally escaped my tiny New Zealand home town and my negative parents. And New York is better than my wildest fantasies. 
​
So is Michael, the sexy single dad who lives in the apartment upstairs. And he’s featuring in my fantasies more and more—even if he’s a grump and I only ever seem to make a dork of myself in front of him. Ah well, a girl can dream.

Anyway, I’ve got a writing career to build, and writing about being single is fun. If that means swearing off men for a bit, that’s fine. I can totally do that. It’s just a tiny crush. 
​
Besides… happily ever afters aren’t real. Are they?

~ ~ ~

Hey, guys,

If you've been following my blog for a hot minute -- or rather if you've been following my Goodreads and Instagram because I've been terrible about updating my site -- you'll know of my unconventional adoration of the romance genre of late. I'm obsessed. Romance has really been what has gotten me through 2020. No regrets. 

I've discovered that I have certain tropes and buzzwords that cause me to want to pick up a romance instantly. One of the concepts that I love surrounds writers. I love reading about writers and learning about how they find inspiration, but also how they fall in love. Naturally, when I was approached to take part in the tour for Love in the City, I wanted to participate because the book sounded like my cup of tea. 

Unfortunately, I really did not like this book. I wanted to DNF within the first 15-20%, but I stuck it out in hopes that the writing and concept strengthened as the novel continued on. It didn't and my one-star rating is the result. 

I had been asked to take part in the blog tour for this book, but as you can see. I backed out because of my rating. 

For me, one of the main things I unfortunately disliked was the writing style. There was so much telling instead of showing. It read like the character's journal and the writing wasn't solid or polished enough for me to genuinely enjoy the writing style. My dislike of the writer's style really caused me to struggle to immerse myself in the story or enjoy the characters. To me (this is just my opinion), the entire story read like draft-level fanfiction stuff. The wording was awkward and strange to read and there were many moments that were supposed to be funny or swoony, but I was just cringing. It was just really two-dimensional and surface level and I couldn't get behind it. 

Another thing that I didn't enjoy was that the main character was just really annoying. She was supposed to be really creative and artsy, but she really didn't use her noggin 100% of the time. The entire conflict surrounding her blog was that she had pitched an idea for a writing series for a large publication, but it wasn't even really set in stone until the end. She hadn't been given the 100% go-ahead to start on the work and she just pinned herself down to a topic that she didn't jive with throughout. She had so many options, but she blatantly refused to actually communicate with the person and company that she desperately wanted to collaborate with. It was completely unrealistic and bugged me to no end. So unnecessary. 

Additionally, she just didn't communicate with anyone around her until it became incredibly difficult to function. It was just so unrealistic and I couldn't handle it. 

Overall, I cannot recommend this book; however, I'd love to discuss this with other readers. I don't think I'm being too harsh because these are my opinions, but I'd love to discuss why you probably think I'm wrong. I love the discussion!

Happy reading!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository Affiliate Code // Ko-Fi // Book of the Month

September & October 2020 Reading Wrap Up

 

Hello hello!

I've really been slacking when it comes to blogging, but I'm finally back with my reading wrap-up for the past two months. In September and October, I managed to read 18 novels, graphic novels, and novellas. I'm really pleased with the books I've read and I've even found a few new favorites. 

Here is what I read these past two months!

An Ember in the Ashes, A Torch Against the Night, & A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

Ratings:

Ember: 4 stars
Torch: 4.75 stars
Reaper: 5 stars

Publisher: Razor Bill

Format: audio + physical via Libby/Personal Collection

One of the first things I did in September started the Ember trilogy via audiobook through my library's Libby subscription. Not only was I completely blown away by my reread, but I also had to continue bingeing the series up until the beginning of October. Not only is the finale one of my new most anticipated releases, I instantly preordered the book and asked for the release day off from work so that I can sob as I read it in full. It's one of those, guys.

An Ember in the Ashes definitely felt like a debut novel, but I really really loved it. I probably loved it even more than when I first read it in 2016. The audio performance was phenomenal and I was so glad to have the next two books to binge so that I could continue to experience the twists and turns that are the plot of the series. 

Torch and Reaper were just phenomenal, but Reaper was definitely the most awe-inspiring. I am so completely impressed with the improvement to her writing skills, the obvious care, and originality that went into her story. I'm so freaking jazzed to read A Sky Beyond the Storm. 

{click here for the OG 2016 review for Ember}

The Switch by Beth O'Leary

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Release Date: August 18, 2020

Format: audio provided by NetGalley & publisher

What a delightful read! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I adored how it wasn't romance-focused (though I wish it wasn't marketed as such) and I loved the focus on personal growth and change. The characters were so well-written. I absolutely adored Eileen and her part of the story in London. While Lena was really interesting and fun to follow, she definitely didn't capture my interest like her grandmother did. 

This is an excellently written novel. It's character-driven (which I love!) and so witty and smartly written. The banter is so delightful. If you're a fan of British humor, you will love this book. Just know that this really isn't a romance novel like The Flatshare. It's definitely more of a contemporary novel. 

Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Rating: 4.75 stars 

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: October 27, 2020

Format:  eARC provided by NetGalley + the publisher

Once again, NetGalley has blessed me with one of my most anticipated 2020 releases. This was everything I could have hoped for. Lyssa Kay Adams' books just keep getting better and better. I loved everything about this book. The only reason it isn't getting is a five-star rating is that something (the extra oomph that gets me every time) was just missing. It really was just a me-thing. This book was so freaking excellent. If you haven't picked up any of the Bromance Book Club books yet, I urge you to do so soon. 

The next installment in the series follows The Russian! I'm so freaking jazzed. I've been waiting for his book since I first read the first book in the series. 

Previous Reviews:

Bromance Book Club: {click}

Undercover Bromance: {click}

The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: Forever

Format: audio borrowed from Libby

I freaking love Abby Jimenez's writing style so much. Her books are so compulsively readable and I adore how she tackles her chosen tropes and makes something new of them. While I really liked this book, it really fell short when it came to the end. As I hit the 60% mark, the pacing just seemed to lag and I really didn't like how the characters began to interact. Jason began to rub me the wrong way and their very very realistic relationship that had developed in the first 200-ish pages just died for me. 

Overall, Jimenez has this really fantastic ability to create likable and realistic characters and relationships. I loved the twists and turns that she took us on when it came to the band-traveling-bits. It was really frustrating at times, but it really made you think differently toward the end. 

{My thoughts on The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez}

Love in the City by Jen Morris

Rating: 1 star

Format: eARC provided by publisher + NetGalley widget

Release Date: October 5, 2020

While I desperately wanted to adore this book -- Hello! It follows a romance writer as she falls in love in New York -- but this was just not for me at all. By the end of the book, I began to skim and I dreaded picking it up to finish it. This was just not well done and I really didn't enjoy a lot of it when it's all said and done.  I'm definitely in the minority when it comes to the reviews on Goodreads. There's definitely a base for those who enjoyed this book, but I definitely did not. 

Full review to be published tomorrow!

A Gathering of Shadows & A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

Rating: 5 stars (both!)

Publisher: Tor

Format: audio (Libby) + physical (mine)

Well, I'm officially a V.E. Schwab stan. I was already a borderline mega-fan, but I didn't think that it was official until I continued on with this series. A Darker Shade of Magic has sat with me for months on months now. I'm so upset that I didn't just binge the series when I could. I had books! Now, I'm so obsessed! 

I'm already planning on rereading soon. I just love love love these books and I cannot recommend them enough. They are PERFECTION! 

Once I finish with my VES backlist, know that I will be raving about all things V.E./Victoria Schwab!

Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Graphix

Format: originally Libby

 (but by some chance, I found a physical copy on my birthday and splurged!)

I've been dying to get my hands on the published copies of Heartstopper to finally support Alice Oseman when it comes to her comic career. (Now I know that I can read it online and support her through there too!) I adore all of Alice Oseman's work. She is such a fantastic writer and I cannot wait to support her work even more.

Heartstopper was absolute perfection. I desperately want the second and third volumes so that I can just have them in my hands. Her writing style and drawing style is everything that I love. I love Charlie and Nick. It was also so great to see Frances again. 

The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young 

Rating: 3 stars

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Format: audio from Libby + physical (bought by me)

When it comes to Adrienne Young, I cannot get enough of her work. Her style is everything that I love and her characters are always so fascinating. The worlds that she creates are so intriguing and hit all of the points that I desire. I love how she's taken from Norse mythology and made her own set of gods and mythology for her world. Unfortunately, The Girl the Sea Gave Back really fell flat for me. 

Full review coming next week!

All Scot and Bothered by Kerrigan Byrne

Rating: 2 stars

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Released On: September 29, 2020

Format: eARC via NetGalley/publisher & audio via Libby

Trigger/Content warnings for abuse and neglect, emotional abuse, trauma, violence, bombs, child abuse, child trafficking

Another disappointing read. 

When going into this, the synopsis instantly captivated me. I adore a Scottish historical romance. I love an unconventional pairing. I love a hint of scandal and intrigue!

This just did not tick my boxes. However, it isn't because the book is written badly. Not by any means. This book was so freaking well-written. I loved the historical aspects, the unconventional plays on gender and gender expectations for that time period. However, I didn't enjoy the hero of the story and I guess I just didn't jive with the heroine either. I was really wanting to love this story, but I didn't enjoy the way the steamy scenes were written (they felt far too long and drawn out and I didn't like the terms used in them). 

Overall, I just didn't like how the author fleshed out her characters. I'm a very character-focused reader. I love to connect with who I'm reading, but I just couldn't with this book. Ramsey was just not the kind of guy I like.

One quote I liked, however, was: 

"She wept because people were so unkind. Because they preyed upon one another in ways she couldn't begin to imagine, and that fact made her feel helpless and afraid."

~@59% of the novel~

That quote just sums up a good portion of my mental state in 2020... if that tells you anything. 

There were a lot of good moments in this book, but I just didn't really enjoy the main couple as much as I've enjoyed others. 

I do plan on continuing my search for my favorite Kerrigan Byrne novel because I definitely have a couple more queued up for future reading.

Her Accidental Highlander Husband by Allison B. Hanson

Rating: 1.5 stars

Publisher: Entangled Publishing LLC

Release Date: September 28, 2020

Format: eARC provided by NetGalley & publisher

Trigger/Content warnings for domestic physical abuse/assault (on-page descriptions + emotions and flashbacks pertaining to the experience), panic attacks, emotional abuse.

When I picked up this book, I was instantly intrigued by our heroine. She was so strong and I loved how her panic attacks and trauma from her previous marriage were discussed on-page and described. It was very well done. However, I felt like once I got past the first third of the novel, I lost interest and the writing just went downhill. 

I had wanted more from the relationship, but once you hit a certain point, Marian's emotional struggles disappeared (even when she was assaulted AGAIN and kidnapped). During a couple points of extreme stress (moments that would expect to cause a person to experience moments of panic due to their previous experiences), she had no reaction whatsoever and it just seemed really unrealistic that her panic attacks and trauma would disappear once she became slightly more comfortable because of her accidental husband. 

Another issue I had was with the pacing. The middle parts of the novel had some good plot-driving and character developing moments, but it really just felt like a whole lot of nothing. By the time the characters made it to the end of the story, I was incredibly bored, uninterested in what the conclusion could have been, and annoyed with how it turned out. 

This was just not my cup of tea. 

One Year at Ellsmere by Faith Erin Hicks

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: First Second

Release Date: July 14, 2020 (originally published December 29, 2008)

What a delightful graphic novel! I adored Faith Erin Hicks' additions to Rainbow Rowell's Pumpkinheads. Her illustration style has everything that I love. It was so nice to read another one of her books. I really want more from this world and cast of characters. 

This story has everything you need:

- Full-color illustrations

- Awesome, complex characters

- A hint of the fantastical

- Middle-grade friendship

- Spooky, competitive boarding school setting

The Duke & I + The Duke & I Epilogue II &
The Viscount Who Loved Me + The Viscount Who Loved Me Epilogue II by Julia Quinn

Ratings: 

Duke: 3 stars

Duke Epilogue II: 3 stars

Viscount: 4 stars

Viscount Epilogue II: 3 stars

So, I was supposed to be reading the Bridgerton books for the readathon happening over on YouTube and Instagram with Jess from PeaceLoveBooksxo, Kerry, Natasha, Krys, and Alecia (it's called the Binging Bridgerton Readathon), but somehow my hold from my library went through right away instead of the three-week wait that it had told me previously. I didn't expect it, but I've been binging them and I can't stop reading these addicting books. 

I won't be releasing my reviews for these books until after the discussions take place with the readathon group, but I'm eager to post a series review once I've finished all eight books!

Trigger warning for rape and nonconsensual happenings in The Duke & I.

Reading Stats: 

Total Read: 18

September Reads: 5

October Reads: 13

Avg. Rating: 3.58 stars

Genre Break-Down:

YA Fiction: 4

Adult contemporary: 1

Adult contemporary romance: 3

Adult fantasy: 2

Adult historical romance: 6

Graphic novels: 2

What did you read this month? What was your favorite?

Happy reading!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository Affiliate Code // Ko-Fi // Book of the Month