K.T. Egan's Blog
October 12, 2020
Book Review of Unfaithful
A decent ending, a slow beginning, and a very unreliable narrator.
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
This was one of those books that I curled up with under a blanket on my couch and read from start to finish in the course of an evening. And then, when I was done, I had to immediately turn to a new book because I was left unsatisfied.
Unfaithful is the first book that I have read by Natalie Barelli and to me it just kind of fell flat. We start out following Dr. Anna Sanchez as she goes about her day - getting her kids ready for school, going off to the college she teaches at (as a math professor), and trying to assist her 'brightest PhD candidate'. And then, as soon as we start to settle in to her routine, stuff hits the fan in the way that makes a suspense novel good. Problems with the PhD candidate, problems with her marriage, problems with her coworkers, all of its normal, kind of mundane, and easy to predict whats happening next.
And then it all starts to fall apart. Both Anna's world and the plot of the book. There's too much happening in the second half of the book, as if Barelli is trying to make up for the lack of events in the first half. The overcompensation, mixed with some awkwardly scripted conversations and a couple of dead bodies, makes the ending of the book a little hard to parse through.
It is fast paced, and easy to read (for the most part), but as a reader I found myself left wanting more. More suspense, less of Anna's manic thoughts, more June.
I did enjoy Barelli's narative style. First person, in this case, worked really well because we need Anna to be an unreliable narrator in order for the plot to make sense and it is really hard to be reliable when your entire world is falling apart around you. For all the ways the plot waivers, Anna's sense of self, or lack thereof, and the weird situations she finds herself in would not have worked had Barelli not sculpted a fascinatingly unreliable character for us to experience the story through. I do wish Anna was less whiny, but she was truly the shining star of the book as a good first-person narrator should be.
However, despite the stunningly fun narrator, Unfaithful fell short for me. The ending, while it did wrap everything up nicely, wasn't satisfying. Luis being the man he was didn't make a lot of sense, we saw weird snippets of the kids, and June deserved a lot better. And the attempted assault and sexual coercion in the book were NOT necessary. At all. And that was where I had to draw a hard line at not giving this book at least 3 full stars.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Netgalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
This was one of those books that I curled up with under a blanket on my couch and read from start to finish in the course of an evening. And then, when I was done, I had to immediately turn to a new book because I was left unsatisfied.
Unfaithful is the first book that I have read by Natalie Barelli and to me it just kind of fell flat. We start out following Dr. Anna Sanchez as she goes about her day - getting her kids ready for school, going off to the college she teaches at (as a math professor), and trying to assist her 'brightest PhD candidate'. And then, as soon as we start to settle in to her routine, stuff hits the fan in the way that makes a suspense novel good. Problems with the PhD candidate, problems with her marriage, problems with her coworkers, all of its normal, kind of mundane, and easy to predict whats happening next.
And then it all starts to fall apart. Both Anna's world and the plot of the book. There's too much happening in the second half of the book, as if Barelli is trying to make up for the lack of events in the first half. The overcompensation, mixed with some awkwardly scripted conversations and a couple of dead bodies, makes the ending of the book a little hard to parse through.
It is fast paced, and easy to read (for the most part), but as a reader I found myself left wanting more. More suspense, less of Anna's manic thoughts, more June.
I did enjoy Barelli's narative style. First person, in this case, worked really well because we need Anna to be an unreliable narrator in order for the plot to make sense and it is really hard to be reliable when your entire world is falling apart around you. For all the ways the plot waivers, Anna's sense of self, or lack thereof, and the weird situations she finds herself in would not have worked had Barelli not sculpted a fascinatingly unreliable character for us to experience the story through. I do wish Anna was less whiny, but she was truly the shining star of the book as a good first-person narrator should be.
However, despite the stunningly fun narrator, Unfaithful fell short for me. The ending, while it did wrap everything up nicely, wasn't satisfying. Luis being the man he was didn't make a lot of sense, we saw weird snippets of the kids, and June deserved a lot better. And the attempted assault and sexual coercion in the book were NOT necessary. At all. And that was where I had to draw a hard line at not giving this book at least 3 full stars.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Netgalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 2, 2020
Book Review of The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks
**Rating: .5/5 stars**
Unrealistic, unrelatable, and boring.
This was a sad DNF for me at 25.1%.
The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks was a book I wanted to enjoy. I loved the cover, I loved the quirky title, I loved the reviews I'd read by other readers. I was ready to fall in love with this book. But...I couldn't. I had such a hard time connecting with this book that it took me two weeks to finally give up, a quarter of the way through.
Primm, the town Holly lives in, is the kind of cutesy, almost fairytale like town that would make me excited. It resonated a lot, for me anyway, with Stars Hollow and I was here for it. I was even here for the notes and the HOA debacle. That was good.
What I wasn't here for was Holly, her husband, and their dog (which sucks because I love dogs). Struggle just doesn't feel...like a dog. She gets into too much trouble, gets into too much excitement, and ends up really annoying more than anything else. Jack (I think that's his name) was just blah. An unsupportive husband who wrings his hands instead of helping his wife deal with their nutso dog? Yeah, it's 2020 and I'm not here for that lack of spousal support. And Holly...well...Holly was so hard to read I found myself cringing anytime she spoke.
Also, who tries to land a plane in a front yard? Like, c'mon people.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and all of the opinions in this review are my own.
Unrealistic, unrelatable, and boring.
This was a sad DNF for me at 25.1%.
The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks was a book I wanted to enjoy. I loved the cover, I loved the quirky title, I loved the reviews I'd read by other readers. I was ready to fall in love with this book. But...I couldn't. I had such a hard time connecting with this book that it took me two weeks to finally give up, a quarter of the way through.
Primm, the town Holly lives in, is the kind of cutesy, almost fairytale like town that would make me excited. It resonated a lot, for me anyway, with Stars Hollow and I was here for it. I was even here for the notes and the HOA debacle. That was good.
What I wasn't here for was Holly, her husband, and their dog (which sucks because I love dogs). Struggle just doesn't feel...like a dog. She gets into too much trouble, gets into too much excitement, and ends up really annoying more than anything else. Jack (I think that's his name) was just blah. An unsupportive husband who wrings his hands instead of helping his wife deal with their nutso dog? Yeah, it's 2020 and I'm not here for that lack of spousal support. And Holly...well...Holly was so hard to read I found myself cringing anytime she spoke.
Also, who tries to land a plane in a front yard? Like, c'mon people.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and all of the opinions in this review are my own.
October 1, 2020
Book Review of The Murder of Edward VI
**Rating: 3.5/5**
Refreshing historical fiction.
One of my favorite monarchs in history is Elizabeth I of England, and I have always had a sound fascination with the House of Tudor. To the point where, even as a young student, I was pouring over histories and historical fiction novels about what is - arguably - one of the bloodiest families in English history. Now, as an adult, I am extremely pleased to have added The Murder of Edward VI to my HF collection.
Snow's masterful retelling of the history of Henry VII, Mary I, Elizabeth I, and Edward IV was a fast-paced journey that kept me up late two nights in a row. His fictional Barton the perfect mix of senility and poise, pulling me in as a reader and making it possible for me to imagine myself sitting in his cell in the Tower and listening first-hand to his account of the events leading to Elizabeth taking the throne. From Henry's fall into delerium to the events that put Lady Jane Grey on the throne, Barton's compelling (and fictional) account of the uncertainty on the English throne was hard to walk away from.
However, I did find the ending really...disappointing. Snow builds such an exceptional tale that I found the ending a little lack luster. Barton deserved better, and I wish that, as a reader, I got to see more of Elizabeth. Scenes with Mary as a child also felt stilted but the other characters in the book are strong enough to support her rather awkward interactions.
My favorite character out of the whole story would have to be Marta - someone whom I also wish we'd seen more of.
I receive a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers, GenZ Publishing, All opinions and views in this review are my own.
Refreshing historical fiction.
One of my favorite monarchs in history is Elizabeth I of England, and I have always had a sound fascination with the House of Tudor. To the point where, even as a young student, I was pouring over histories and historical fiction novels about what is - arguably - one of the bloodiest families in English history. Now, as an adult, I am extremely pleased to have added The Murder of Edward VI to my HF collection.
Snow's masterful retelling of the history of Henry VII, Mary I, Elizabeth I, and Edward IV was a fast-paced journey that kept me up late two nights in a row. His fictional Barton the perfect mix of senility and poise, pulling me in as a reader and making it possible for me to imagine myself sitting in his cell in the Tower and listening first-hand to his account of the events leading to Elizabeth taking the throne. From Henry's fall into delerium to the events that put Lady Jane Grey on the throne, Barton's compelling (and fictional) account of the uncertainty on the English throne was hard to walk away from.
However, I did find the ending really...disappointing. Snow builds such an exceptional tale that I found the ending a little lack luster. Barton deserved better, and I wish that, as a reader, I got to see more of Elizabeth. Scenes with Mary as a child also felt stilted but the other characters in the book are strong enough to support her rather awkward interactions.
My favorite character out of the whole story would have to be Marta - someone whom I also wish we'd seen more of.
I receive a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers, GenZ Publishing, All opinions and views in this review are my own.
September 25, 2020
Book Review of Rise of Knight and Sword
Wade's debut novel is definitely a refreshing take on an old-literary favorite.
If you've ever read White's The Sword and the Stone then you know that there are a lot of ways that Arthurian legend can be interpreted. Wade's Rise of Knight and Sword is reminiscent of White's attempt to reinvent Arthur, Guinevere, and the story that brought Arthur to power in Camelot - with a couple of modern twists.
The steam punk feel of the world Wade creates, including an intrinsic look at the age's technological fascination, goes hand-in-hand with her retelling of the struggle to power that put Arthur on the throne and created a whole new era for the citizens under his reign. With strong female characters, like Guinevere and Merlin, and sassy male hot-heads (looking at you Arthur),, Wade takes you on an adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat at times.
I laughed, I shook my head, I got extremely angry at Mordred and had to stop reading for a while. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am super excited to see what Arthur and Guinevere's next adventure will be.
My only complaint has to do with the dinosaurs. Not gonna give away any spoilers though, so if you wanna find out what's up with the dino's you'll have to pick a copy up for yourself.
I receive a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers, GenZ Publishing, All opinions and views in this review are my own.
If you've ever read White's The Sword and the Stone then you know that there are a lot of ways that Arthurian legend can be interpreted. Wade's Rise of Knight and Sword is reminiscent of White's attempt to reinvent Arthur, Guinevere, and the story that brought Arthur to power in Camelot - with a couple of modern twists.
The steam punk feel of the world Wade creates, including an intrinsic look at the age's technological fascination, goes hand-in-hand with her retelling of the struggle to power that put Arthur on the throne and created a whole new era for the citizens under his reign. With strong female characters, like Guinevere and Merlin, and sassy male hot-heads (looking at you Arthur),, Wade takes you on an adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat at times.
I laughed, I shook my head, I got extremely angry at Mordred and had to stop reading for a while. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am super excited to see what Arthur and Guinevere's next adventure will be.
My only complaint has to do with the dinosaurs. Not gonna give away any spoilers though, so if you wanna find out what's up with the dino's you'll have to pick a copy up for yourself.
I receive a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers, GenZ Publishing, All opinions and views in this review are my own.
August 21, 2020
Book Review: Sing Me Home by Judith Cuffe
This was the second book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Judith Cuffe and, while I did enjoy it, I had a hard time getting as into Ann's story as I had in her mother's story in the previous installment in the series, When Destiny Sings.
Ann's story follows her as she reinvents herself after a bitter divorce, and in light of finding out the dark secret behind her mother's childhood and the woman who created her. As a story of self discovery, second chances, and the hint of new romance, the novel did not fall flat. However, the characters in the story seem a little monotonous at times, and the idea that Ann and Tracy can be anything aside from surly neighbors was one I had a hard time wrapping my head around. However, I really enjoy Nathan and Sophie - I love that Sophie's happily ever after is so linked with Ann's. Their friendship is super refreshing, and just as wholesome as Ann's new relationships with Ian and Denise.
I had a blast reading this novel - even if I did enjoy When Destiny Sings a bit more - Cuffe has a way of writing perfectly flawed heroines that makes you want to sympathize with them as well as give them a shake for good measure. I am satisfied with how the book ended, and truly loved the sentiments of the last handful of paragraphs. As a journey of self love, this novel did not disappoint. And I cannot wait to begin the third installment in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ann's story follows her as she reinvents herself after a bitter divorce, and in light of finding out the dark secret behind her mother's childhood and the woman who created her. As a story of self discovery, second chances, and the hint of new romance, the novel did not fall flat. However, the characters in the story seem a little monotonous at times, and the idea that Ann and Tracy can be anything aside from surly neighbors was one I had a hard time wrapping my head around. However, I really enjoy Nathan and Sophie - I love that Sophie's happily ever after is so linked with Ann's. Their friendship is super refreshing, and just as wholesome as Ann's new relationships with Ian and Denise.
I had a blast reading this novel - even if I did enjoy When Destiny Sings a bit more - Cuffe has a way of writing perfectly flawed heroines that makes you want to sympathize with them as well as give them a shake for good measure. I am satisfied with how the book ended, and truly loved the sentiments of the last handful of paragraphs. As a journey of self love, this novel did not disappoint. And I cannot wait to begin the third installment in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2020
Book Review of When Destiny Sings by Judith Cuffe
After finishing this book, I had to put it aside for a day to really think through what I wanted to say about it.
I devoured this book. I read more than 3/4 of it in one sitting, having a hard time putting it down, and then rushed to get back to it the next morning. I don’t know if it’s the compelling story of Felicity, or the anguishing way Ann comes full circle, or even the bitter taste Margot left in my mouth, but whatever held me captivated by this book was magic. And I need more of it.
Not only is this a story of circles, how one life can definitely affect (in both the positive and negative ways) another, and how families can be much messier than we want to believe, but it’s also a story of second chances. New beginnings. And roots so deep, and so touching, that we have a hard time muddling through them.
I can say one thing for sure. I am so excited to read the sequel - and I am in love with Cuffe’s writing.
I received an advance review copy for free book via BookSirens and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I devoured this book. I read more than 3/4 of it in one sitting, having a hard time putting it down, and then rushed to get back to it the next morning. I don’t know if it’s the compelling story of Felicity, or the anguishing way Ann comes full circle, or even the bitter taste Margot left in my mouth, but whatever held me captivated by this book was magic. And I need more of it.
Not only is this a story of circles, how one life can definitely affect (in both the positive and negative ways) another, and how families can be much messier than we want to believe, but it’s also a story of second chances. New beginnings. And roots so deep, and so touching, that we have a hard time muddling through them.
I can say one thing for sure. I am so excited to read the sequel - and I am in love with Cuffe’s writing.
I received an advance review copy for free book via BookSirens and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
July 9, 2020
Book Review of Enthrallment by Meg Evans
*I received an Advanced Readers Copy of Enthrallment by Meg Evans in exchange for an honest review.*
I’m a big sucker for a good young adult romance – I have always been, and I will probably always be so. That being said, I don’t know if I’ve read a young adult romance that’s even remotely similar to Enthrallment. In the best way possible.
The book starts off very unassuming with an introduction to the main character, Zara, and her chaotic daily schedule. Within the first fifty pages, however, the reader is thrown into this intriguing mythos and a seriously steamy love affair. I couldn’t get enough of the book; I ran through the entire book in two days, with minimal reading breaks, and found myself rereading the last two chapters several times because I was devastated it was over. I fell in love with Zara and with her flaws and her ability to handle the situation she was put in. I also couldn’t get enough of Dorian, but I’m a big sucker for the mysterious bad boy type.
The ending had me wanting more. I know the book isn’t even released yet but I am already counting down the days until the second book in the series is released. Anyone who really enjoys romance will gladly dive into this fast paced, enthralling read.
I’m a big sucker for a good young adult romance – I have always been, and I will probably always be so. That being said, I don’t know if I’ve read a young adult romance that’s even remotely similar to Enthrallment. In the best way possible.
The book starts off very unassuming with an introduction to the main character, Zara, and her chaotic daily schedule. Within the first fifty pages, however, the reader is thrown into this intriguing mythos and a seriously steamy love affair. I couldn’t get enough of the book; I ran through the entire book in two days, with minimal reading breaks, and found myself rereading the last two chapters several times because I was devastated it was over. I fell in love with Zara and with her flaws and her ability to handle the situation she was put in. I also couldn’t get enough of Dorian, but I’m a big sucker for the mysterious bad boy type.
The ending had me wanting more. I know the book isn’t even released yet but I am already counting down the days until the second book in the series is released. Anyone who really enjoys romance will gladly dive into this fast paced, enthralling read.
