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if you can hang in there, it gets better

Reviewed: 05-19-25

A few hours in I was ready to call it quits. The writing wasn't great, it seemed like every plot device was being used, and I couldn't stand the narration. I kept putting it on because I didn't have the chance to buy another. IF you can make it through the first few hours, and then make it through some (I'm not sure what to call it) over exaggerated ridiculous fat shaming that seems to go on for an age... then it gets better and interesting. I was invested by the end. I would also like to mention it does have an actual ending, for those who, like me,are forever in fear of a "Lost like" plot ending.

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eh, disappointed in this one.

Reviewed: 02-07-25

Starting with the positives, the author did lay off of a certain affectation that seemed to be on every page of the last book.

For this book, I was disappointed in several areas. I feel some characters are becoming unlikable, the plot was not believable (even by cozy mystery standards,) and the fat shaming was over the top. I'm not one who gets turned off by different viewpoints, but the way the author handled the subject matter made me question if I would continue and I'm not sure I will stay with the series.

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decent, narration must have been fixed

Reviewed: 01-25-25

They must have corrected the narration because it seemed fine to me. story is decent, characters interesting, reads like a YA novel. At some point 3/4 the way it turns into a romance novel. I think editing would have really helped the flow of the story but the overall plot kept me going through the repetitive parts.

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don't waste your credit or time

Reviewed: 12-24-24

ugh, I'm surprised by the positive reviews, I almost gave up several times and kept hoping it would get better...it doesn't. On the pro side, narrator did a fantastic job. But for me, the protagonist is dithering, extremely slow on the uptake, and has zero protective instincts- not a main character I can get invested in. Maybe if the story was shortened by half it would have been better, but it just drags on to the conclusion that you can guess pretty early on.

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pleasantly surprised

Reviewed: 09-19-24

To be honest, as much as I love St. Mary's I wasn't really looking forward to this one for some reason. I should have had more faith in all things Jodi, because I really enjoyed it. As always, Zara Ramm is a gift to the world.

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I really tried (Reviewed after 2.3 books)

Reviewed: 11-27-22

This series has great promise and I personally really liked several of the characters...so I really tried to give it a chance.

I think the main problem is the narrator. She is overly dramatic and in the wrong places. She makes everyone sound desperate, extremely agitated, and over-reactive- which then makes them sound idiotic (and often juvenile). I was hoping she would work out the kinks (some narrators seem to) but after 2 books unfortunately that is not the case. For a while I thought the writing was lending to the issue, but I can't speak to that as I can't get past the narrator.

I do think the writing could be more polished. it doesn't always seem to hold my attention and if I miss a part I don't bother rewinding, which to me is a significant sign.

I can't continue the series...they all just sound like inexperienced people with poor communication skills.

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1 person found this helpful

Nope

Reviewed: 03-31-22

I picked up this book because other reviews mentioned this author in the same sentence as Agatha Christie. The only similarity I can see is they are both writers. Maybe her other books are better, but after the first one I started to wonder if they were written as satire. The time period is not cohesive, the endings are weak, and the writing...just feels off. Glad these were included books otherwise I would have returned. I gave two stars because the main character is quite likeable (however not likeable enough to continue with this series.)

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Took me a little while to get into this one...

Reviewed: 12-24-21

if you like the first two, this is in line with them. Personally, I think I just wasn't into the storyline at first, but it grew on me. for anyone that has not read the first books, the narrator is wonderful...but this is not a book for when you are trying to fall asleep...or do a focused task such as disarming a bomb or handling china...some of the voices are loud and jarring (totally in line with the story) but still not a book to relax to, necessarily.

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Love this series!

Reviewed: 03-14-20

I believe it is rare that an author can develop a world of fantasy that is easy to fall into, navigate around, and then wish to stay in. I appreciate the characters are well developed, the descriptions are such that the reader can get a clear mental picture of what the author has created. I wish that the author would continue with the series, but I don't think that seems to be the case. I was worried that the narrator was chosen for both Fire and Bitterblue- but that was unfounded- she did a wonderful job.
*Public Service Suggestion: if you are able to read a physical book, please read "Graceling" rather than listen to audiobook. The production is terrible and sounds like a bad telenovela. I only listened to it because I am no longer able to read, otherwise it would have turned me off to the whole series had I not read it before.

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Did not want it to end

Reviewed: 04-13-19

I loved this book. The writing, the story, the narration... the whole package. It was a book that you are sorry when it ends and think about it afterwards. I am anxiously waiting more from this author and from the reader as well. (It was so good that when I saw it as the daily deal a few days ago I was not even upset that I had used a credit for it!)

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