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Erica Waclawski

  • 29
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A beautiful historical fiction

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-16-25

I think Kristin Hannah is a master of historical fiction. She brilliantly writes characters in a way where you really think you are reading their life stories. All of the characters were so well written. I don’t really want to talk about the actual story too much because I think the less you know the more impactful this story is. I will say we follow two sisters trying to learn anything about their mom and her life before them. It’s a poignant and beautiful story about loss and the terrible choices that war times bring on people. I truly don’t understand why this is the least talked about Hannah book. Be prepared to feel all the emotions.

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The writing

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-03-25

This book is beautifully written as well as a beautiful story about life, grief and what home is. Johnston felt like it’s own character as well as Johnnys. I think listening to the audiobook adding emotional impact to the story. Cash and his friends felt like fully formed people. All that being said sadly I didn’t find myself emotionally invested to the story or characters and that is a big issue for me. I do think it’s worth a read if you like contemporary small town stories.

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I’m looking forward to the next installment.

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-30-24

I really love the world and magic system. It was dark and bloody and definitely not for the faint of heart. The characters were complex and compelling. The political intrigue and workings were super interesting. As much as I loved the romance I honestly could have done with less of it and more politics or world building. I found the writing to be very engaging and I do look forward to the next installment.

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The Themes are on point.

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-28-24

First I would like to say the narrators crushed this. I am a huge fan of the themes that are explored in this book. We get generational trauma, motherhood, womanhood, what makes a monster, and what fear does. The themes being shown through the lens of fairytales/folklore was really fun. I will say at first I thought the plot was pretty predictable but enjoyable. Later into the story there were some actual surprises so that was nice. The writing and prose was really enjoyable it was a draw you in and don’t let go kinda prose. The use of duel POV really enhanced the story and themes of this one. Overall it was enjoyable and I would recommend it.

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Grippingly devastating

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-12-24

First I would like to give major props to the narrators because they crushed this one. I love how Arden completely transports you to WW1. The way this book focuses on the horrors and experiences of war and trauma is breathtaking. The fact that siblings love is the core of this story had me completely obsessed from the first page. I loved this historical fantasy! Once again Arden doesn’t miss for me.

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New favorite

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-10-23

This book was excellent, I love the way Ava can describe something grotesque in the most beautiful prose imaginable. You will be enthralled from the first line.

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Magnus Chase is the man.

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-19-23

I love this book. Magnus is such a loveable character and so are the entire cast. The way Rick weaves mythology into modern storytelling is masterful. Can not wait to continue this series.

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Omg this book.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-30-22

The book is phenomenal, and I think everyone should read it. I think most people who read this will come out on the other side changed with a deeper understanding of their own biases and prejudices. R. F Kuang is amazing and. Her writing is engaging and impossible to put down.

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New favorite

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-05-22

This series is fabulous and a perfect winter read. I simply adore this trilogy and I’m so excited to see how it ends!!!

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Wow

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-10-22

The writing of the book was so engaging I couldn’t stop once I started. I will say at times this was hard to read, because the subject matter was really dark. I love it though thought the whole thing was very well done. Even by the end you are supposed to draw your own conclusions as to weather you think Sybil is guilty or not.

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