nicolenikonetz's review against another edition
3.0
This wasn't a bad book by any means, and there are a lot of good qualities to it, yet when I start to write my review I feel like the negatives are popping up and making it seem worse than it was. When reading it, I found Beware the Wild to be an enjoyable light read, while in the critical sense there were a number of things that could have been done better.
Let's start with the positives; I loved the southern twang and culture and both were delivered just the right amount without being over the top. The same with the setting; I could practically feel the mugginess of the air and the storms blowing in, very well done.
I also enjoyed the characters; they didn't make me pull out my hair with frustration over any TSTL tendencies, although there are a couple eye-roll worthy moments. Overall though, I enjoyed Sterling as a protagonist and her transition from weakness to strength, and the support Heath gave while obviously still working through some personal demons of his own. My favourite character though is probably the best friend, Candy. I loved her no-bullshit attitude and the fierceness with which she looks out for her friends. It would have been easy to make her the naggy non-believer but she felt really well rounded and I always liked the scenes she was in.
The main thing that I found detracted from the quality of the book was the plot: it was relatively straightforward and I had figured out all the twists and breakthroughs before the characters did, which took away some of the suspense. In relation to that, the antagonist (I won't give it away for those who haven't read it yet) kind of felt like a one-trick pony. They were supposed to be oh-so powerful and unstoppable, but every scene that Sterling faces off with them felt remarkably similar and didn't incite any fear in me. It's always "oh watch out or I'll turn you into a gatorboy/girl" over and over.
Also, the exact nature of how Phin and Lenora May switched places was pretty damn vague, and the magical peaches that were going to solve all of the problems seemed way too easy and kind of like a cop out since it was basically handed to them.
Aside from that, I found it to be an enjoyable well-paced read, even if the plot was a little lacking.
Let's start with the positives; I loved the southern twang and culture and both were delivered just the right amount without being over the top. The same with the setting; I could practically feel the mugginess of the air and the storms blowing in, very well done.
I also enjoyed the characters; they didn't make me pull out my hair with frustration over any TSTL tendencies, although there are a couple eye-roll worthy moments. Overall though, I enjoyed Sterling as a protagonist and her transition from weakness to strength, and the support Heath gave while obviously still working through some personal demons of his own. My favourite character though is probably the best friend, Candy. I loved her no-bullshit attitude and the fierceness with which she looks out for her friends. It would have been easy to make her the naggy non-believer but she felt really well rounded and I always liked the scenes she was in.
The main thing that I found detracted from the quality of the book was the plot: it was relatively straightforward and I had figured out all the twists and breakthroughs before the characters did, which took away some of the suspense. In relation to that, the antagonist (I won't give it away for those who haven't read it yet) kind of felt like a one-trick pony. They were supposed to be oh-so powerful and unstoppable, but every scene that Sterling faces off with them felt remarkably similar and didn't incite any fear in me. It's always "oh watch out or I'll turn you into a gatorboy/girl" over and over.
Also, the exact nature of how Phin and Lenora May switched places was pretty damn vague, and the magical peaches that were going to solve all of the problems seemed way too easy and kind of like a cop out since it was basically handed to them.
Aside from that, I found it to be an enjoyable well-paced read, even if the plot was a little lacking.
_gess_reads_'s review
mysterious
medium-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
2.5
This one was giving mid-2010s YA and I'm here for it. Also she uses the word way too many times and the fact that I didn't cringe from it is pretty commendable, I think.
Spoiler
"gatorboy"
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, Death, and Eating disorder
Minor: Racism
krwriter8's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, did this book create such a creepy, southern gothic vibe! From the moment Sterling's brother disappears into the swamp and Lenora May climbs out in his place, I was hooked. I am awed at the way the author made me hate Lenora May yet feel bad for her at the same time. I was lucky enough to snag an ARC of book 2, so thankfully I don't have to wait to return to Sticks, Louisiana.
ninatest's review against another edition
4.0
Powerful swap and crazt memory lose for a town ...weird and intriguing concept
sarahelisewrites's review against another edition
5.0
An elegant tale of sibling relationships with just enough magic to turn it into something wild. I could practically see the humidity coming off the page while reading this story set in rural Louisiana. The small town setting rang true and the characters kept me turning the page long after I should have turned my lights out for the night.
kba76's review against another edition
3.0
Sterling has always wondered why everyone in her town is so worried about the swamp. Then her brother, Phinn, disappears. Nobody remembers him and, in his place, is a young girl called Lenora.
Sterling faces some pretty nasty stuff as she tries to get her brother back.
Supernatural shenanigans, with a pretty interesting set of characters. Sadly I just felt it sort of fizzled out.
Sterling faces some pretty nasty stuff as she tries to get her brother back.
Supernatural shenanigans, with a pretty interesting set of characters. Sadly I just felt it sort of fizzled out.
mckenzierichardson's review against another edition
4.0
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
Honestly, for a first novel, this one is pretty darn good.I stumbled across this in a lending library, was intrigued by the spooky cover, and figured it was worth a read. Oh my goodness, I was sucked in from the first page. Literally the first page. Even before I knew what was happening or what the book was about, I was hooked. Just that short intro to the swamp at the beginning was enough for me to hunker down and prepare myself for a good read. Yes, I could have done without the whole eating disorder plotline, but despite that this was actually a very engaging, wonderful book. While some of the twists and turns were a bit predictable, I was still interesting it the unique writing style and world building even when I could see where the story was headed. I sped through this one pretty quickly because it was so easy to get lost in the narrative. I also really liked the focus on female characters and the complexities of various relationships. There was so much to unpack with this one.
Great writing. Interesting characters. And definitely a gripping story. This was overall a fantastic read. My only real critique was that I thought the eating disorder thing could have been done better and possibly just avoided altogether. It kind of made Sterling out to be a little kid throwing a temper tantrum and refusing to eat dinner rather than, you know, like an actual hardcore problem that affects so many people.
While reading this book, I honestly didn't even realize who the author was. Once I started looking to see if there was a sequel, I realized this was the person who wrote Seafire. I haven't read it yet, but have always been interested by the cover (I'm a bit behind on my YA). Looks like I've got some new books to add to my TBR list and another author to follow.
Honestly, for a first novel, this one is pretty darn good.I stumbled across this in a lending library, was intrigued by the spooky cover, and figured it was worth a read. Oh my goodness, I was sucked in from the first page. Literally the first page. Even before I knew what was happening or what the book was about, I was hooked. Just that short intro to the swamp at the beginning was enough for me to hunker down and prepare myself for a good read. Yes, I could have done without the whole eating disorder plotline, but despite that this was actually a very engaging, wonderful book. While some of the twists and turns were a bit predictable, I was still interesting it the unique writing style and world building even when I could see where the story was headed. I sped through this one pretty quickly because it was so easy to get lost in the narrative. I also really liked the focus on female characters and the complexities of various relationships. There was so much to unpack with this one.
Great writing. Interesting characters. And definitely a gripping story. This was overall a fantastic read. My only real critique was that I thought the eating disorder thing could have been done better and possibly just avoided altogether. It kind of made Sterling out to be a little kid throwing a temper tantrum and refusing to eat dinner rather than, you know, like an actual hardcore problem that affects so many people.
While reading this book, I honestly didn't even realize who the author was. Once I started looking to see if there was a sequel, I realized this was the person who wrote Seafire. I haven't read it yet, but have always been interested by the cover (I'm a bit behind on my YA). Looks like I've got some new books to add to my TBR list and another author to follow.
chloereadsbooksyoutube's review against another edition
3.0
It was fine, but sadly nothing special! The first chapter was horrifying, then I didn't really feel much after this.
plumeriade's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 would be the true rating, but bumping it up because i can't give it just 3.
annaalsup's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
I really liked this book. Bought it not expecting much besides an interesting premise, but I thought the MC was enjoyable and the ending was satisfying. Easy to read!