Hello Treasures!
I’ve been so swamped with work and editing my book I haven’t had a minute to write another post recently, sorry about that! However, here’s a book review for a pleasant book that I enjoyed reading today after coming home from work (because today was the latest I let myself go and HAD to get the review published by, so of course I waited until the last day to actually read it [okay that’s not true because I have been working a lot and I didn’t seriously have a minute yet. XD])
Anyway, onto the review! Personally, I adore butterflies, hence, my book Dewdrops and Butterflies. (which btw is available via my shop here for $13, signed, with free shipping!) Butterflies were symbolic of Nora’s life as well, the main character.
The Plot
I did like the plot. I like the way that it was split into three sections, without huge time jumps between each. I didn’t get lost along the way.
I also really appreciated the ending of each section, it felt like that section was complete and we were ready for the next part of the story.
The pacing of the story, based on the genre it was, which was historical fiction, was well done. It wasn’t too slow, and not too fast. I got just enough details without getting bored. The descriptive skills of the author were really a pleasure to read and I felt like I got to experience India where the scientists were as best as could possibly have been done! The atmosphere, characters engaging with each other, and everything that happened was exciting and even kept my eyes open even though I sometimes feel like I’m going to fall asleep while I’m reading. XD
The Characters
Nora Shipley was a good main character. The strength of her character… I almost felt uncomfortable reading her story because she was such a good description of me, despite her backstory. Her courage and weaknesses and her determination was something that struck me so close I was almost scared to keep reading. But it was all in good and I did keep reading. Her story was well closed up at the end. I admired her determination. The one thing I will say about her… The way she handled the situation with Sita was not right, and I feel like she could have gone about it another way. I don’t believe that the way she did it was the only way. And I don’t feel like this was realistic or real. I absolutely agree that Nora had to do something, but I also believe that the author had all the power at the edge of her fingertips and she could have woven just a bit more into it. That’s just my personal opinion.
Owen Epps was a splendid character. Well rounded and admirable. What I am going to say that you didn’t really draw the conclusion that Nora had about Owen at the beginning, which gave her character a bit of weakness. But they both grew and that was much better so that didn’t really matter.
Sita was a sweetheart and I loved that she broke the stereotypical “rescue girl” of any general YA or adult fiction involving this sort of thing. She was spunky, had her faith, and a strength that wasn’t unrealistic and yet amazing. I appreciated her part in the story for sure.
Lucius was the worst. Nora’s mother was such a weak sauce. I literally couldn’t stand her much more than Lucius himself.
Overall
This story was very good and I recommend it for anybody 16 and older. It’s clean in regards to language. There’s no sexual content, but there are several kisses, and of course since there is the romantic aspect of the book, everything that comes with romance. That is, liking someone, admiring their qualities, holding, hands, nearness, and intimate but not inappropriate touches. (it’s a historical fiction y’all. They have a reputation to keep).
I will mention though, that there was a character that had a child out of wedlock and another character was to be submitted to heathen constitutional practices. There are no details or descriptions of glances of any scenes, as they don’t actually happen.
There is no witchcraft in the story, but there is mention of idol worship and Indian gods, as well as a minor amount of superstition.
This story is not graphic, but it doesn’t shrink from mentioning blood during minor injuries; the death of Nora’s father is also described, but in no way is it graphic or disturbing. Also, there’s a fair amount of vomiting. XD Basically, just keep that in mind if you’re squeamish.
That’s all for today! I’ll see you girls later. 😀
