
Title: Ivory apples.
Author: Lisa Goldstein.
Format: E-ARC.
Publisher: Tachyon Publications.
Page count: 224.
Release day: October 15th 2019.
Genre: Adult, fantasy.
Rating: 2.5 stars.
*Thanks to Edelweiss for providing this ARC!*
What is it about? (Summary from GoodReads)
Ivy and her sisters have a secret: their reclusive Great-Aunt
is actually Adela Martin, inspired author of the fantasy classic, Ivory Apples.
Generations of obsessive fans have searched for Adela, poring over her letters,
sharing their theories online, and gathering at book conventions. It is just a
matter of time before one fan gets too close.
So when the seemingly-perfect Kate Burden
appears at the local park, Ivy knows that something isn’t right. Kate has
charmed the entire family, but she is suspiciously curious about Ivory Apples.
And Ivy must protect what she and her Great-Aunt share: magic that is real,
untamable, and—despite anyone’s desire—always prefers choosing its own vessel.
My thoughts:
This book sounded so good! I mean a book about a book!? Should be good! But tbh I was quite disappointed..
In the beginning of the book I just didn’t understand the direction the book was trying to take, it felt as if the author wanted to combine more than one story and it didn’t really work out. It felt a bit all over the place. After a bit I could see where it was going, somewhat, and it got interesting. But still it felt like lots was missing, and sometimes there was too much information. I’m not sure if that was this book, or if that is the way this author always writes.
This book is written as a memory afterwards, so there are some random time jumps, which makes sense, but sometimes it was a bit confusing. I kept forgetting that it was a memory, and then there would be a phrase like ‘the next part was hard to write’, and it would be such a weird reminder.. I think I just didn’t really connect with this writing style, and it definitely made me enjoy the story less..
I did really enjoy the idea of this book, with her aunt being this famous writer, hiding from her fans. I like the slight magic elements in this book, but they were not explained that much. But I think that was a bit the point, no one really understand this magic, which was actually pretty well done, and I think my favourite part of the book!
Ms Burden is the ‘bad’ character in this book, which in the beginning you wouldn’t think so, except that Ivy doesn’t trust her. And they keep pushing it to you, reminding you that indeed she is not good. I feel like the book told me that a bit too often.
This is an interesting story, I just didn’t match with the writing, and that really took me out of the story! But I’ve seen many positive reviews, so I hope any other readers will love it!
Oh wow! You’ve changed your blog!! It’s so pretty, and I love your new profile picture!! (Also, this book sounds… ok-ish? I’m sorry you didn’t like it more!)
Thanks
Yeah I was quite sad about it 🙁 I hope others like it better!
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear this was disappointing! I’m just about to start. Fingers crossed…
I hope you will connect with the story better than me!
I agree with you that the blurb sounds amazing so I’m really sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy this. It does sound a bit strangely written though.
Yeah I think it could have been really good if the writing was different! But maybe it was just me not connecting with it or something!
Either way I hope you enjoy your next read more (:
Thanks! I’m loving my current reads!
Oh that’s disappointing! I got an ARC of this, but maybe I won’t be in such a rush to check it out now, and I’ll temper my expectations 🙂
Oh, and looks like with your new template, I can comment again! It’s working, yay! 😀
Yes that’s so nice! 🙂
Maybe that was the problem?!
Maybe you will like it better than me