Gallant by V.E. Schwab Book Review (Audiobook & Physical Book)

 

I found that I preferred a mix of listening to the audiobook and physically reading this book. 

While it took me a while to finish the book, it was more that I wanted to really savor a V.E. Schwab world rather than I was bored or didn't like it.

I was pleasantly surprised, after I had not really enjoyed her middle grade book, that this book read more like a mix between adult and YA even though our MC is relatively young.

It is a very atmospheric book and I highly recommend listening to it if you have the option, even though the narrator is not a woman it makes it more engrossing as a whole. The prose is wonderful, and it feels like no page or word is wasted. I enjoyed the pace of the story, it is however not for everyone, it is a slow-paced book and it worked perfectly for the story and the mystery we are solving alongside our MC. 

I really loved the side characters, the family and the lore behind the powers/ghouls. We learned just enough every chapter to continuously be intrigued and also feel like we weren't as "in the dark" as before we had read it. The chapters are short and there is a mixed media aspect with the journal scattered throughout the physical copy of it. (The journal is not described in the audiobook unless it was described on page)

I can totally understand while some people would not love the book, it is an all vibes and not action-packed type of book (even if there are things happening in the book, the pacing is very Robin Hobb-esque in the sense of the slow-paced action/events). 

If you did not like "The invisible life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab" or "The ocean at the end of the lake by Neil Gaiman" this is not a book for you, it verges, in my opinion, on the edge of being magical realism. 

Otherwise, I highly recommend you give it a shot, it's perfect for spooky season or cold season.

4.5/5 stars

Weyward by Emilia Hart ARC Book Review (audiobook)

 Disclaimer: I received an audiobook ARC of this book, my thoughts are my own.

This audiobook was great. 

I loved our three MC's, their women empowerment, timelines and magic. 

It's this subtle magic, connected to nature, but not fantasy world type of magic, more so related to healing and more "undercover" type of magic.

Each characters felt fleshed out and I could see and truly understand how their timeline, situations and daily life affected their different approaches to discovering their magic and reacting to it, etc. 

The audiobook narrator had a lovely voice and way to narrate the book, I loved the atmosphere and how engrossing she made the experience. I did listen to it 1.75-2x speed, but that's normal to me.

All the voices of each character felt very different and I enjoyed how each chapter began by giving us the POV, date and place. Overall I had an amazing time with it and the writing beautiful (from me hearing it).

I highly recommend this audiobook/novel.

4/5 stars

Bookarina

Always The Almost by Edward Underhill ARC Book Review

 

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book, my thoughts are my own.

This book was nice, reminiscent of "I wish you all the best" by Mason Deaver, it was a book about self acceptance, becoming/discovering who you are as a person when you grow older and more into your true self. 

The writing style was easy to read and the main characters likeable. Unfortunately in the first half of the book the side characters lack dept, I would've preferred to have a more seamless way to get to know them more spread throughout the book rather than very condensed in the second half of it. 

The pacing of the story is well kept, plot wise, there is enough information about both MC's to get a sense of who they are and see the personal growth each get by the end of the book. I did however find myself putting it down for no apparent reason in the first 30-40% of the book. There wasn't a particular reason I just felt meh about it, not loving or hating it just okay. Things really picked up for me once I got more attached to our MC's.

Overall I enjoyed the book, while not perfect it was entertaining and fun as a whole.

4/5 stars

Bookarina