kaleighfinn's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, Mental illness, Grief, Gun violence, Medical trauma, Murder, Ableism, Death of parent, and Rape
thatswhatshanread's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
You know what, maybe love is in the air. Because when I tell you that I inhaled this book, I mean I was on another plane of being. MY EMOTIONS!!!! I knew this was a love story, but God did I underestimate how much love would be packed into this story and how much it would affect me. Is it possible to feel loved by a book??
“Archer’s Voice” is a powerful, beautiful love story about trust, acceptance, and complex communication. I really liked how Mia Sheridan handled Archer’s ability to communicate without his voice. It struck a very strong note in me, as I work with many nonverbal individuals and know firsthand how much you don’t know until you learn to communicate using their language.
Because communication is not exclusively vocal. We all know body language makes up a good part of it, but words can also be shown in many different ways. Voice isn’t reserved just for sound that comes out of your mouth, that is spoken. Sometimes voice is sign language (featured in this book) or through a communication device or through writing on paper, reading lips, etc. Whichever it may be, that is your voice. And our sweet, incredibly misunderstood Archer’s voice shouldn’t have been so different from everyone in Pelion, Maine. If only they’d taken the time to listen with more than their ears and preconceived prejudices.
Until Bree shows up, and everything changes for Archer. I fell headfirst into Archer and Bree’s tender, tentative love—how much they trusted each other and believed in one another, despite each of their own past trauma and current obstacles. It was first love and it never read so real to me. When love is right, it’s bigger than anything. (Note: LOTS AND LOTS OF SPICE in case you were wondering!)
I already wish I could read this again for the first time. LOVE is, in fact, the reason.
“Archer’s Voice” is a powerful, beautiful love story about trust, acceptance, and complex communication. I really liked how Mia Sheridan handled Archer’s ability to communicate without his voice. It struck a very strong note in me, as I work with many nonverbal individuals and know firsthand how much you don’t know until you learn to communicate using their language.
Because communication is not exclusively vocal. We all know body language makes up a good part of it, but words can also be shown in many different ways. Voice isn’t reserved just for sound that comes out of your mouth, that is spoken. Sometimes voice is sign language (featured in this book) or through a communication device or through writing on paper, reading lips, etc. Whichever it may be, that is your voice. And our sweet, incredibly misunderstood Archer’s voice shouldn’t have been so different from everyone in Pelion, Maine. If only they’d taken the time to listen with more than their ears and preconceived prejudices.
Until Bree shows up, and everything changes for Archer. I fell headfirst into Archer and Bree’s tender, tentative love—how much they trusted each other and believed in one another, despite each of their own past trauma and current obstacles. It was first love and it never read so real to me. When love is right, it’s bigger than anything. (Note: LOTS AND LOTS OF SPICE in case you were wondering!)
I already wish I could read this again for the first time. LOVE is, in fact, the reason.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Sexual assault, Ableism, Injury/injury detail, Physical abuse, Bullying, Car accident, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Murder, Pregnancy, Rape, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment, Alcohol, Grief, Alcoholism, Medical trauma, Mental illness, and Child abuse
Moderate: Sexual violence, Addiction, Sexual harassment, Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Drug use, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Gore and Vomit
rachaelm13's review
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
2.0
I don’t know what to rate this. This was a highly anticipated book for me but it took me a month to read it. I just kept not picking it up. Some reasons for that: read the physical copy and not ebook which are always harder for me to read due to the fact I read in bed at night. I wasn’t making time for reading so I was too tired to read before bed and if I did it was ebook “My year of rest and relaxation” which put me in a reading slump/weird headspace. The first half of the book I enjoyed and got through pretty quickly but after that was when I was struggling. The family secret got out and I was like well I know how this is going to end so I didn’t have a strong desire to finish reading because of that too. Oh and all the ableism in it. I talk about that more later in the review.
The dandelions on the cover I thought was going to be a reoccurring theme but they were mentioned twice in the first couple chapters then never again.
The main character was literally assaulted (forcibly kissed) by two separate guys and both times she literally brushed it off and justified their actions?? Maybe that was supposed to be because of her previous trauma but I don’t think so. Kinda said that just taking unwanted kisses is okay and its because “oh the poor guy had/did _blank_ so its not his fault”
I also felt like this book the whole time was just trying to make Archer as “normal” as possibly. As in, painting him not disabled and that look there’s something wrong with him but he’s ‘normal’. I got a weird ableism vibe. ESPECIALLY with the whole solo roadtrip thing.
Also Bree constantly worried how Archer is going to communicate with people and being sad/taking pity on him when he goes in public alone like he’s not a grown ass man who can communicate and has done so by himself thus far. How did he communicate with you before he knew you signed? Body language, gestures, writing things down. Just because he doesn’t speak doesn’t mean he’s incapable. Be mad at society for not being inclusive and knowing sign and being readily willing to communicate with people in anything other than orally. Again its the ableism for me. “Oh poor man he can’t talk his life must suck!¡!” No actually society just isn’t built for anyone but neurotypical, non-disabled people.
Another weird ableist thing about the the epilogue(s) Bree kept mentioning her “loud boys” like what? It was like highlighting the fact that they were “normal” and archer’s genetics didnt “mess them up”. Like it was brought up an oddly large number of times. Th only epilogue that I cared for was the extended version that shower archer’s point of view of the haircutting scene. I wish we would’ve got more of his chapters in the book.
Also would’ve loved to see the sexual learning a bit more. Like this whole trope is girl meets sheltered boy. But all we got was “he masters things so he mastered sex too” like I wanted scenes where he’s actually learning her. I don’t know. Thats just a small qualm but it would’ve been cool.
I think I’m going to have to give this book a 2
Spoiler
that archer is blood related and has rights to the townThe dandelions on the cover I thought was going to be a reoccurring theme but they were mentioned twice in the first couple chapters then never again.
The main character was literally assaulted (forcibly kissed) by two separate guys and both times she literally brushed it off and justified their actions?? Maybe that was supposed to be because of her previous trauma but I don’t think so. Kinda said that just taking unwanted kisses is okay and its because “oh the poor guy had/did _blank_ so its not his fault”
I also felt like this book the whole time was just trying to make Archer as “normal” as possibly. As in, painting him not disabled and that look there’s something wrong with him but he’s ‘normal’. I got a weird ableism vibe. ESPECIALLY with the whole solo roadtrip thing.
Spoiler
He was good enough before. I know he initiated the trip but it still sent the message the author didn’t think he was good enough how he was for Bree. He could’ve grown and gotten more comfortable in society with Bree and in Pelion. Also without completely cutting her off for 3 months and expecting that to be okay and her to willingly take him back after that. All just to prove to the reader ge was normal. Even at the beginning it was, “oh he’s not deaf he’s normal” “he was shot thats why he can’t talk, he wasn’t BORN broken” like yikes tell me you’re ableist without telling me. Its giving *inspiration porn*Also Bree constantly worried how Archer is going to communicate with people and being sad/taking pity on him when he goes in public alone like he’s not a grown ass man who can communicate and has done so by himself thus far. How did he communicate with you before he knew you signed? Body language, gestures, writing things down. Just because he doesn’t speak doesn’t mean he’s incapable. Be mad at society for not being inclusive and knowing sign and being readily willing to communicate with people in anything other than orally. Again its the ableism for me. “Oh poor man he can’t talk his life must suck!¡!” No actually society just isn’t built for anyone but neurotypical, non-disabled people.
Another weird ableist thing about the the epilogue(s) Bree kept mentioning her “loud boys” like what? It was like highlighting the fact that they were “normal” and archer’s genetics didnt “mess them up”. Like it was brought up an oddly large number of times. Th only epilogue that I cared for was the extended version that shower archer’s point of view of the haircutting scene. I wish we would’ve got more of his chapters in the book.
Also would’ve loved to see the sexual learning a bit more. Like this whole trope is girl meets sheltered boy. But all we got was “he masters things so he mastered sex too” like I wanted scenes where he’s actually learning her. I don’t know. Thats just a small qualm but it would’ve been cool.
I think I’m going to have to give this book a 2
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Death of parent, Death, Murder, Pregnancy, Ableism, Child abuse, Alcohol, Grief, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Vomit, Injury/injury detail, and Sexual content
gwennymolina's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Eating disorder, Violence, Gun violence, Death of parent, Rape, and Sexual harassment
abesreading's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual assault, Ableism, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
avery_hutchinson's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A really cute and sweet book
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism
teardropsonmypaperback's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
archer is as sweet as honey, and so is this book
both bree and archer worked through their own pasts and insecurities and ended up stronger in the end
both bree and archer worked through their own pasts and insecurities and ended up stronger in the end
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Ableism
Moderate: Physical abuse, Gun violence, Alcoholism, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Miscarriage and Sexual violence
*none of these done by the main characters :)cozybec's review
dark
sad
slow-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
1.0
Don't read this review if you love this book, you will hate my guts.
I just want to preface this review by saying I completely gave this up and DNF'd at 50%, the rest of the book I skimmed and got the general plot and just said screw it to finishing this. I cannot believe people think this is one of the best love stories ever written. Maybe I'm just in the minority here, the reviews would seem to agree with that statement - but this book is bad.
Archer's Voice follows Bree, which after a traumatic experience moves to a small town in Maine that she used to visit in the summers with her parents. It's when she moves to the town that she has a chance meeting with Archer Hale, a local man who seems to be self-isolating and has no friends, though his family owns the town. As Bree and Archer get closer, the mystery of what happened to Archer's parents finally comes to light, exposing the town's murky past.
This book was written in 2014 so I automatically cut it enough slack from the get-go. I'm no stranger to reading books from decades ago, so I (wrongfully) assumed this one wouldn't startle me too much with the content, but when I say it went in with the ableism, it went in. I cannot even begin to describe how freaking uncomfortable I was with Bree's narration surrounding Archer and his inability to speak. Multiple times she refers to him as her "strong silent man" or "mute boy" and every single time he was infantilized I wanted to rip my hair out at the roots and throw my iPad against a wall. Archer was raised by his uncle (who suffered from severe PTSD after being a soldier) in a remote house, was homeschooled, and subsequently we, as the reader, are made to expect he's innocent and doesn't know anything about the world. Each time he was discussed or his POVs came up, I felt nauseous at the way the author chose to make his thoughts so child-like, not understanding sex or these blatantly traumatic situations he was being put in. He also came off as extremely autistic coded, and though it's never mentioned on page (that I saw) this only made me hate the infantilization of his character even more.
The writing in this book is so, unbearably bad, I've read better fan-published works than this from the early 2000s. There were frequent mistakes (in a book nearly a decade old!! Fix the manuscript!) and the kind of flat, bland writing I'd expect from an article about paint drying. Some of the sentences completely pulled me out of this book, in a way that jarred me enough I had to start highlighting them. Bree once thinks, "and of all the bitchy, condescending... bitches! Who were really bitchy!" and my brain short-circuited because, genuinely, who has internal dialogue like this? Let alone the frequent use of cursing on the calibre of middle schoolers?
The characters were laughably one-dimensional. We get some classics in here like the "town jock, who's privileged and a jerk" and the "busy-body old neighbor who drinks tea on her porch." These characters only become a mockery of themselves because of the things they say, like a certain character mentioning that sex in a strip club is alright because his friend, "has been married for almost ten years now, and he still takes advantage of the girls in the back rooms. His wife looks the other way because she benefits from it, too. Get it?" I think I pulled away from the book at that point to stare at the ceiling and question what I was doing with my time.
Lastly, maybe it's on me, maybe I should have paid more attention to the content warnings - but the content in this book made me so painfully uncomfortable. Multiple characters are coerced into sexual situations without fully understanding what's going on - there's attempted rape in the past and a severe, gross mishandling of PTSD after the fact. I cannot in good faith ever recommend this book to a survivor because as one myself, this was so poorly done and mismanaged. I saw quite a few people upset over the way Bree's character handles her flashbacks, which personally, I didn't find an issue with those - it's the "magical cure" for them that had me genuinely angry at this piece of fiction.
I saw the ending coming a thousand miles away and while skimming, it just confirmed to me the plot that was slowly set up the entire first half. Honestly, this book would be 30% it's length without the absolutely cringe-inducing sex scenes and bizzare, Hallmark Mysteries level side-plot it ventured down. I think it broke me and I'm going to go touch some grass and pray I don't remember a single line of this novel in the morning.
Content warnings: on page panic attacks, depictions of PTSD flashbacks, sexual content, car crash description, death of parents, shooting, gun violence, ableism, past attempted rape, mentions of sexual assault, harassment, coercion, and probably more that I'm missing.
I just want to preface this review by saying I completely gave this up and DNF'd at 50%, the rest of the book I skimmed and got the general plot and just said screw it to finishing this. I cannot believe people think this is one of the best love stories ever written. Maybe I'm just in the minority here, the reviews would seem to agree with that statement - but this book is bad.
Archer's Voice follows Bree, which after a traumatic experience moves to a small town in Maine that she used to visit in the summers with her parents. It's when she moves to the town that she has a chance meeting with Archer Hale, a local man who seems to be self-isolating and has no friends, though his family owns the town. As Bree and Archer get closer, the mystery of what happened to Archer's parents finally comes to light, exposing the town's murky past.
This book was written in 2014 so I automatically cut it enough slack from the get-go. I'm no stranger to reading books from decades ago, so I (wrongfully) assumed this one wouldn't startle me too much with the content, but when I say it went in with the ableism, it went in. I cannot even begin to describe how freaking uncomfortable I was with Bree's narration surrounding Archer and his inability to speak. Multiple times she refers to him as her "strong silent man" or "mute boy" and every single time he was infantilized I wanted to rip my hair out at the roots and throw my iPad against a wall. Archer was raised by his uncle (who suffered from severe PTSD after being a soldier) in a remote house, was homeschooled, and subsequently we, as the reader, are made to expect he's innocent and doesn't know anything about the world. Each time he was discussed or his POVs came up, I felt nauseous at the way the author chose to make his thoughts so child-like, not understanding sex or these blatantly traumatic situations he was being put in. He also came off as extremely autistic coded, and though it's never mentioned on page (that I saw) this only made me hate the infantilization of his character even more.
The writing in this book is so, unbearably bad, I've read better fan-published works than this from the early 2000s. There were frequent mistakes (in a book nearly a decade old!! Fix the manuscript!) and the kind of flat, bland writing I'd expect from an article about paint drying. Some of the sentences completely pulled me out of this book, in a way that jarred me enough I had to start highlighting them. Bree once thinks, "and of all the bitchy, condescending... bitches! Who were really bitchy!" and my brain short-circuited because, genuinely, who has internal dialogue like this? Let alone the frequent use of cursing on the calibre of middle schoolers?
The characters were laughably one-dimensional. We get some classics in here like the "town jock, who's privileged and a jerk" and the "busy-body old neighbor who drinks tea on her porch." These characters only become a mockery of themselves because of the things they say, like a certain character mentioning that sex in a strip club is alright because his friend, "has been married for almost ten years now, and he still takes advantage of the girls in the back rooms. His wife looks the other way because she benefits from it, too. Get it?" I think I pulled away from the book at that point to stare at the ceiling and question what I was doing with my time.
Lastly, maybe it's on me, maybe I should have paid more attention to the content warnings - but the content in this book made me so painfully uncomfortable. Multiple characters are coerced into sexual situations without fully understanding what's going on - there's attempted rape in the past and a severe, gross mishandling of PTSD after the fact. I cannot in good faith ever recommend this book to a survivor because as one myself, this was so poorly done and mismanaged. I saw quite a few people upset over the way Bree's character handles her flashbacks, which personally, I didn't find an issue with those - it's the "magical cure" for them that had me genuinely angry at this piece of fiction.
I saw the ending coming a thousand miles away and while skimming, it just confirmed to me the plot that was slowly set up the entire first half. Honestly, this book would be 30% it's length without the absolutely cringe-inducing sex scenes and bizzare, Hallmark Mysteries level side-plot it ventured down. I think it broke me and I'm going to go touch some grass and pray I don't remember a single line of this novel in the morning.
Content warnings: on page panic attacks, depictions of PTSD flashbacks, sexual content, car crash description, death of parents, shooting, gun violence, ableism, past attempted rape, mentions of sexual assault, harassment, coercion, and probably more that I'm missing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Gun violence
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Car accident
bookwormbullet's review
emotional
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Gun violence, Bullying, and Ableism
Minor: Death of parent, Death, Car accident, and Sexual harassment
kateped's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Bullying, Sexual assault, Car accident, Gun violence, Ableism, and Blood