duskbladedrow's review against another edition
5.0
It is because of books like this that I keep my hopes up while trying out indie books. It is such a great feeling to find a gem like this one in Amazon's ebook grab-bag. Although it's not perfect, and I would be more harsh on the review if it were published by a big publisher with a lot of surrounding hype, I just get so excited to find an indie book that goes beyond my expectations. Like an underdog, David vs. Goliath, tale, I cheer on this author and hope for her success. Her writing deserves a huge thumbs up from me.
ashyoung555's review against another edition
3.0
The world-building left something to be desired, but the candymaking is a fantastic concept and wonderful anchor for the story, and the banter between the characters is really good. Thane is my favourite character by far, and I'm kind of sad we didn't get a chapter in his perspective at the end so we could see his personal response to the revelations, because I'm sure it would have been interesting.
belindaclemons_123's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book so much it was really unique in that it was about a girl candy maker who has a dangerous secret that can get her killed but she isn't the only one with such secrets. to read more you have to get this awesome book. I haven't read anything like this. Such a great story line such great characters I really cant wait to read book 2
gingerblack's review against another edition
5.0
When I began this book, I was thinking that I was not going to enjoy it much. My mood right now seems to go to paranormal and fantasy. Instead I am shook it off and cleared my thoughts. I am so glad that I did. I was quickly snared by the plot, mysteries, and intrigue that just left me wanting more. Before I knew it, I had reached the end and am left wondering what next? I am anticipating getting the next one and interrupting my to be read pile once again.
joants's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars! For Scotland fans!!
A nice story with elements of fantasy, magic, romance and packed with action! Visit my blog for a spoiler free review : http://joantsblog.blogspot.gr/2018/03/edinburgh-seer-by-alisha-klapheke-book.html
A nice story with elements of fantasy, magic, romance and packed with action! Visit my blog for a spoiler free review : http://joantsblog.blogspot.gr/2018/03/edinburgh-seer-by-alisha-klapheke-book.html
katieb94's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jckang's review against another edition
5.0
This alternate Earth urban fantasy has great characters and wonderful writing.
See my full review on Fantasy Faction
http://fantasy-faction.com/2018/edinburgh-seer-by-alisha-klapheke
See my full review on Fantasy Faction
http://fantasy-faction.com/2018/edinburgh-seer-by-alisha-klapheke
victoriaknow's review
I read the prequel Enliven and the first chapter of this book before abandoning the series. I found the writing too clunky and the story failed to engage my attention.
The setting was a very strange mix of old-fashioned and modern. Although it's an interesting idea, it was unfortunately not well executed enough to be convincing. There were some very weird juxtapositions, such as the main character walking past a cage that had previously held victims of capital punishment for witchcraft, while receiving a text message on her mobile phone. I simply did not get how such old-fashioned beliefs could co-exist with modern technology. It seems like an anthropological improbability. I suspect that a more skilled writer who had done INTENSIVE work on the world-building side could perhaps have pulled it off, but in my view, this book did not succeed.
I also found the Americanised language very jarring. The story is supposedly set in Edinburgh, but my suspense of disbelief was immediately killed off at the first use of the word "candy". Other phrases such as a character saying "hold please" upon answering the phone, were also disturbingly non-British, let alone Scottish. This is probably not something that American readers would pick up on, but if the author wishes to write for the larger world - particularly inhabitants of the country she is setting her stories in - I would recommend her to get future books checked by a native of that country before publishing. There were loads of examples in just the first chapter.
When it comes to the writing itself, there were also a lot of weirdly unnatural parts. For example in the first chapter, the main character tries to get a look at the tattoos on her co-worker's hands. Has she never seen his hands before? It didn't make sense that she's only just trying to look. And there's an explanation about never writing anything down, right before the father goes to make some notes. These inconsistencies were annoying and frustrating.
I have to admit that one aspect where this book really and truly succeeds is the amazing cover and the title. Those were what prompted me to give the book a chance. I imagine many people have enjoyed the book since it has a fair amount of positive reviews. But I wasn't one of them.
The setting was a very strange mix of old-fashioned and modern. Although it's an interesting idea, it was unfortunately not well executed enough to be convincing. There were some very weird juxtapositions, such as the main character walking past a cage that had previously held victims of capital punishment for witchcraft, while receiving a text message on her mobile phone. I simply did not get how such old-fashioned beliefs could co-exist with modern technology. It seems like an anthropological improbability. I suspect that a more skilled writer who had done INTENSIVE work on the world-building side could perhaps have pulled it off, but in my view, this book did not succeed.
I also found the Americanised language very jarring. The story is supposedly set in Edinburgh, but my suspense of disbelief was immediately killed off at the first use of the word "candy". Other phrases such as a character saying "hold please" upon answering the phone, were also disturbingly non-British, let alone Scottish. This is probably not something that American readers would pick up on, but if the author wishes to write for the larger world - particularly inhabitants of the country she is setting her stories in - I would recommend her to get future books checked by a native of that country before publishing. There were loads of examples in just the first chapter.
When it comes to the writing itself, there were also a lot of weirdly unnatural parts. For example in the first chapter, the main character tries to get a look at the tattoos on her co-worker's hands. Has she never seen his hands before? It didn't make sense that she's only just trying to look. And there's an explanation about never writing anything down, right before the father goes to make some notes. These inconsistencies were annoying and frustrating.
I have to admit that one aspect where this book really and truly succeeds is the amazing cover and the title. Those were what prompted me to give the book a chance. I imagine many people have enjoyed the book since it has a fair amount of positive reviews. But I wasn't one of them.
trinah's review
5.0
Just realised I hadn’t put a review up for this trilogy, actually listened to these books as an audiobook, loved the narrator’s accents. Was so glad I had the whole trilogy and didn’t have to wait for the next book. Could not stop listening, can definitely recommend.
therealestreya's review
3.0
Strange mix of 1600s and modern technology. The sparce world-building effort didn't really do it for me. They have telephones but can't communicate efficiently most of the time. They use horses and wagons but have satellites? They're a feudal society but have airplanes? It just didn't really work for me.
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