Late April ARC/Book Reviews

Good afternoon! I am a bit behind on reviews so wanted to catch up on my ARCs. Here are my last 3 reads of April.

Last Voyage of Poe Blythe by Ally Condie

RATING: 4.25 stars

Dystopian fans will adore this bold novel, which follows Poe on a dangerous mission. She is captaining the Outpost's final mining voyage for gold, but her true motivation lies in dishing out cold-hearted revenge to the river raiders who killed Call - and along with him, her happiness. But as betrayals begin and blood sheds, she must learn how she can trust, and how to believe in herself, if she wants to make it out alive.

This novel was a pleasant surprise. The strong female lead was enjoyable, and the dystopian/pirate mix was unique.  Poe learned how to be a true leader, and the female empowerment element of that was great to read about. The novel was set at a good pace, and it was a quick read for the most part. I liked the plot twists, as I did not see some of them coming. I did hope for a more defined ending, but perhaps it could lead to a sequel later on haha.

* Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *


The Sound of Drowning by Katherine Fleet

RATING: 4.5 stars

Meet Meredith Hall, a high school student who takes a ferry every night to visit her best friend, and first love, Ben. But after meeting Wyatt, a Texas newcomer with an accent and sweet heart, her heart begins to flutter for someone else. However, nothing is as it seems, and when secrets are revealed, Meredith's will have to fight for what she wants, and let the past go, if she wants to stay alive.

This novel is a whirlwind of emotions, with plot twists that keep coming. Contemporary fans will appreciate the romance in the novel, with a unique writing style that switches from past and present. The mental health in this novel was very well done, and offered a powerful voice in YA fiction regarding depression and other topics. I do not want to spoil anything, but I was so surprised with this novel, and highly recommend it.

* Thank you Manda Group for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *


Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen

RATING: 4 stars

This bold fantasy novel follows Fie, a member of the lowest caste in her kingdom, on a high stakes vow to save the crown prince and his warrior bodyguard. But when things take a bloody turn, Fie's family, and the kingdom, are at stake.

I really enjoyed the mix of action, journey, and a hint of romance, as it can be an enticing combination for a variety of readers. I did find the first half to be a bit slow, but the second half of the story picked up in pace which I found more enjoyable. Tavin, the cunning and handsome bodyguard, was my favourite character actually, I liked his wits and humour, and he stood strong for what, and who, he believed in.

Overall, I think readers will be pleasantly surprised by this novel, especially high fantasy fans.

* Thank you FierceReads for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *