Reviews tagging 'Torture'

The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith

9 reviews

dreambornnicole's review

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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scrumblebooks's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I enjoyed this book, however I feel it had a lot of potential that it just didn't live up to. It felt in need of fleshing out, particularly where intercharacter relationships are concerned. We are told of developments in relationships but never shown how or why such developments have occured. I also think that there were interesting characters and ideas that were not fully explored, which was a little disappointing while I was reading. Having said all that, I found the book exciting and found myself looking forward to reading it, so still worth a read if the premise appeals. Also, this is the author's debut novel, so I'm hopeful that her later works will have a little more meat on the bones.
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akgeekgirl's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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sorrel29's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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amabile_cocco's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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sophs_mood_reading's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A wonderful witchy novel following Elena’s awakening from a 7 year curse to discover the life she has always known has changed. We follow Elena learning how to fit into this changed environment including a new owner of the vineyard who is against all things magic and superstitious, rediscovering her magic, trying to save her beloved vineyard all while seeking revenge on the man she believes is at fault for all her sorrow. 

This novel is beautifully written and you easily fall into the world of the vineyards and witchcraft. I did find myself cringing with the arrival of the dreaded “wrongly accused hero” trope however it was short lived as the focus moved quickly onto new intrigue and another adventure began. 

One thing I found difficult is I really found it hard to figure out when the book was set in time. I still am a little confused. It made it hard to adjust to what knowledge and prejudices may be current and it wasn’t until about half way though I think I worked out it was set in the early 1900’s but even now I’m not certain.
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anastashamarie's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

🎧 Note that I listened to the audio book of this, which may have swayed my opinion because it is a GREAT story to have read to you, and the narrator was delightfully soothing.

🍷 This comes across as a grown-up fairytale with vivid descriptions of wine and food thrown in for good measure. Set in the French countryside. Simple magic system. Mystery and clearing one's name as the central storyline. Not a lot of brain power required, but not boring either. Just an enjoyable late summer read, especially as part of the evenings getting cooler and breezy where I live.

🌾 -1 star because the romance was too much telling and not enough showing (honestly, it was hardly a part of the story) and because of the villains ridiculously long monologue. But regardless of that, I very much enjoyed this beginning to end.
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lectora21's review against another edition

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mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

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whirl's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

Nice easy read, nothing too weird or shocking but an interesting world and use of magic and I enjoyed it 
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