3.5/5 stars
Merit Press, 2013
216 pages
YA Contemporary Retelling
Scheduled for release January 18
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
After loving Tempestuous, I was eager to check out the next book in the Twisted Lit series. One of my disappointments with Tempestuous was that I did not know the story of The Tempest well enough to be able to spot similarities or differences. I do know Macbeth well though so I was excited to see this "twisted" take on it.
What I Liked: Again I loved the writing style-Askew and Helmes are a great writing team! I felt like everything flowed naturally and was a fun mix of contemporary with some Shakespeare references. I also loved the trio of friends who stood in for the witches; while I wish there could have been more of them, that might have overwhelmed the story. I also loved the setting in Alaska-very evocative of the cold and perfect for this darker story.
What I Was Neutral About: The remix of Macbeth. I could see the similarities but they are very loose. This is good for those who don't know the story of Macbeth or are looking for a less tragic version (there are way fewer deaths in this version for one thing!) As said above, I thought the updated witches was the best part while Skye's character doesn't really have a parallel, making her kind of a weird entry point to the story.
What I Didn't Like: Skye has had a crush on Craig (the Macbeth character) for years and was his first friend when he moved to Alaska but then he quickly became swept up in the popular crowd, leaving her behind. Still she adores him and spends most of the book protecting his secrets. First I didn't get why she liked the guy so much and second, she's covering up what she thinks might be a murder. And she doesn't say anything! I just wanted to scream at her.
Cover: Love the blue and the crown-it's not a busy cover and I appreciate that.
Other Opinions:
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The (YA) Bookcase
Wow, I still haven't read Tempestuous yet and there is already another one. Thanks for the review. I really think I need to give these a try.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
I'm not sure if I have heard of these books before, but it sounds like an okay series. I do like stories about witches, but I'm not sure if I will like this series. Anyway, great review.
ReplyDeleteI have both Tempestuous and Exposure on my shelf and this one just sounds kind of mediocre. I like the sounds of a twisted take on Macbeth (since like you I know the story) but I don't think I'll set my expectations very high. Great review!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it even if there were issues. I don't know much about Macbeth, and not sure if I will read this one but still enjoyed your review.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading,
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
I'm about start this one, so it's nice to get your thoughts. It sounds like it will be a fun read. I haven't read any of the other Twisted Lit novels, but I'm curious, becaues I do like Macbeth. I've only read it once, though, so the fact that it's not tied TOO closely to the original might work for me.
ReplyDeleteI haven't even heard of these books but they sound good. I find that when a book is a retelling it's sometimes better not to know the original. Sometimes.
ReplyDelete