That One Bug’s Reviews > The Last Ember > Status Update

Ah, so the union didn’t even want the egg, they were just made to want it

I realize a lot of my review notes up until now have been kind of preachy… then again i don’t think authors read these? If they can I’m sorry I’m just adding my two cents and having fun. Also I take back my earlier comment about characters acting their ages, this is how it felt to be 13

Cal you dipshit

I am tired of the gaseous sow
And other things from this book that sound like total chaos out of context

Not a great fan of the interludes, but it’s funny how they clarify the antagonist is NOT the spunky orphan’s father, just so we all know we’re not getting that tropey

The narration interludes are very Lemony Snicket, but they’re spaced out pretty far apart and can be jarring to come across. If I were a concept editor I’d suggest making the narrator more of an active character with more commentary so the readers were more engaged with the narration

Things are just kind of happening, but I don’t dislike it, it’s fun and nostalgic

Okay I lied, one more note
I joked earlier about this book doing more for my brain than six of crows, but they actually have the same problem. The characters act very mature for their age, which could be explained by their upbringings, but it’s hard to believe Evan is freshly 12 when she’s a veritable genius and chemist. Prodigies exist, but it’s probably not too relatable to the target demographic

Putting this book down for the evening soon: I really love gaslamp fantasy. As simple as this premise is (kids from different backgrounds, fantasy world in changing times, mythical creatures, class divide) I eat it up every time. Doesn’t matter what age it’s marketed for. The Last Ember is an easy read but not a bad one. I think this has the potential to be a middle grade classic if they keep it up

In which Eva enters her terrorist era. Holy shit don’t die