tawniebear096's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
This book was... not good. The only remotely likeable character was a side character. The entire book is people crying about their lives and how people suck boohoo :( the writing was subpar. There is just nothing in this book that makes you care about the characters or what they're feeling and going through. The main character's outlook boils down to "other people are pieces of sh*t, so it's okay if I'm a piece of sh*t to. That's what they expect of me anyway." The cover is pretty though
thebookwormsfeast's review against another edition
5.0
Firstly, how gorgeous is that cover?
That was the trouble with stolen memories, you could never trust them once they were yours.
Oh this book! The synopsis on Goodreads compares to Joe Abercrombie, and I totally get it. Sarilla has Glokta's dedication and ruthlessness - I'd even say Ninefingers self-destruction. I'd definitely throw this book under grimdark, and I am here for it.
Sarilla is a memoria - identified by their white hair and black hands, memoria can see and steal peoples memories through touch. Falon is missing six months of his memories and is hoping that he can get these back by using Sarilla.
This book isn't the longest, so I really am not going to say too much about it - as it would be so easy to spoil. But I thoroughly enjoyed it, even when I wasn't - which makes no sense I know, but this really is a book about flawed characters making flawed decisions. I cannot wait to read the conclusion in the next book - already that small teaser at the back has me completely tantalised.
Thank you to Rachel for sending me a copy a free, this review is completely my own view.
That was the trouble with stolen memories, you could never trust them once they were yours.
Oh this book! The synopsis on Goodreads compares to Joe Abercrombie, and I totally get it. Sarilla has Glokta's dedication and ruthlessness - I'd even say Ninefingers self-destruction. I'd definitely throw this book under grimdark, and I am here for it.
Sarilla is a memoria - identified by their white hair and black hands, memoria can see and steal peoples memories through touch. Falon is missing six months of his memories and is hoping that he can get these back by using Sarilla.
This book isn't the longest, so I really am not going to say too much about it - as it would be so easy to spoil. But I thoroughly enjoyed it, even when I wasn't - which makes no sense I know, but this really is a book about flawed characters making flawed decisions. I cannot wait to read the conclusion in the next book - already that small teaser at the back has me completely tantalised.
Thank you to Rachel for sending me a copy a free, this review is completely my own view.
queenterribletimy's review
3.0
I've read Last Memoria for SPFBO 6, in which it's a finalist. This review was originally published on Queen's Book Asylum along with the reviews of the rest of the team. Our collective rating is 6.5/10. My personal rating is 6.5 which amounts to 3.5*
It’s been a week since I’ve finished reading Last Memoria, but I still have no idea how I feel about it. On one hand, it was a super fast read, but on the other, I’m not quite sure if I liked anything about it. If that makes any sense. It sure does not for me, but whatever. I might figure it out by the time I finish writing up this review.
So we have this kinda bleak world where the kingdom is plagued by something called the blackvine, stealing people’s life. Created by a race called memoria in answer to an attack on them some time ago. Some of the nobles are rioting against the king who doesn’t want to do anything about it, but at the same time keeping his “pets” around to use for his own ends. His nieces and nephew are descendants or the memoria, having some of their powers such as keeping memories away from others, or giving them others’. With them on his side, looking inside one’s head is not much of a problem. It also comes handy when your nobility tries to assassinate you from time to time.
Sarilla, the king’s favorite “pet” tastes freedom for the first time and though torn between her old life and the possibility of a new one, she can’t quite shake off her identity. The first part of the books tells her story – well, part of it, anyway – in third person. In the second part we switch to Falon’s first person narrative. Which is an interesting choice at first glance, but it’ll make sense at the end. Falon is the bastard son of a high ranking Lord, who is in search of his lost memories along with his two friends. When their path crosses with Sarilla just outside of Arvendon where Sarilla is headed, that’s when Last Memoria gets really interesting.
The writing itself is pretty engaging and Shaw deals with questions such as self-identity, prejudices, and how much memories can define us. Actions have consequences, the characters are neither black nor white, but they probably fall into the darker shades of gray. Then again, it’s a question of your POV. I think my biggest issues with Last Memoria were that I couldn’t make myself like or even care about any of the characters. And that for a long time I couldn’t see where to book was going or what the point of almost anything was. I think it also lacked some worldbuilding and honestly, the ending was somewhat underwhelming. Last Memoria also had one of my pet peeves where characters wander up and down for a long period of time and seemingly nothing happens – which would be fine if I enjoyed spending time with the characters, but I really didn’t all that much. And I usually prefer character-driven books. I only wish Havric got more spotlight, he was the only character whom I actually liked from the beginning.
Last Memoria is a dark novel about hard choices, about coming in terms with our own identity, about betrayal, about consequences to one’s actions. About love and hate and everything in between. Whether the characters will have a happy ending is yet to be seen, though I think it will all depend on whether they come to terms with their own demons.
It’s been a week since I’ve finished reading Last Memoria, but I still have no idea how I feel about it. On one hand, it was a super fast read, but on the other, I’m not quite sure if I liked anything about it. If that makes any sense. It sure does not for me, but whatever. I might figure it out by the time I finish writing up this review.
So we have this kinda bleak world where the kingdom is plagued by something called the blackvine, stealing people’s life. Created by a race called memoria in answer to an attack on them some time ago. Some of the nobles are rioting against the king who doesn’t want to do anything about it, but at the same time keeping his “pets” around to use for his own ends. His nieces and nephew are descendants or the memoria, having some of their powers such as keeping memories away from others, or giving them others’. With them on his side, looking inside one’s head is not much of a problem. It also comes handy when your nobility tries to assassinate you from time to time.
Sarilla, the king’s favorite “pet” tastes freedom for the first time and though torn between her old life and the possibility of a new one, she can’t quite shake off her identity. The first part of the books tells her story – well, part of it, anyway – in third person. In the second part we switch to Falon’s first person narrative. Which is an interesting choice at first glance, but it’ll make sense at the end. Falon is the bastard son of a high ranking Lord, who is in search of his lost memories along with his two friends. When their path crosses with Sarilla just outside of Arvendon where Sarilla is headed, that’s when Last Memoria gets really interesting.
The writing itself is pretty engaging and Shaw deals with questions such as self-identity, prejudices, and how much memories can define us. Actions have consequences, the characters are neither black nor white, but they probably fall into the darker shades of gray. Then again, it’s a question of your POV. I think my biggest issues with Last Memoria were that I couldn’t make myself like or even care about any of the characters. And that for a long time I couldn’t see where to book was going or what the point of almost anything was. I think it also lacked some worldbuilding and honestly, the ending was somewhat underwhelming. Last Memoria also had one of my pet peeves where characters wander up and down for a long period of time and seemingly nothing happens – which would be fine if I enjoyed spending time with the characters, but I really didn’t all that much. And I usually prefer character-driven books. I only wish Havric got more spotlight, he was the only character whom I actually liked from the beginning.
Last Memoria is a dark novel about hard choices, about coming in terms with our own identity, about betrayal, about consequences to one’s actions. About love and hate and everything in between. Whether the characters will have a happy ending is yet to be seen, though I think it will all depend on whether they come to terms with their own demons.
auburnedge's review
4.0
This was a book that just drew you in and kept you reading till the very end. The main characters ability to steal memories but the marks left behind was probably my favorite. It felt genuine instead of just a magic that has no kickback. I normally do not gravitate towards darker books but I did find this one intriguing enough to finish in an afternoon. The way the author dug deep and made you feel for the characters, especially Falon. He was probably the reason I loved the book as much as I did. I can't imagine what it would be like to have that big of a gap in your memory.
denisero's review
4.0
Last Memoria is a fantasy read centred in a world with memory thieves. We follow Sarilla who has just escaped captivity and abuse, trying to find her way back to her family and normality. Throughout the book we see Sarilla battling her past while the world around her grows increasingly dangerous.
To me Last Memoria felt different to a lot of other fantasy books, as it takes the fight of good vs evil and made it an internal one, adding to the external dangers the main characters are experiencing. I enjoyed the captivating writing style and how well-written the characters are. Although they are flawed, you can see where they are coming from and why they make certain decisions.
I am looking forward to the second book!
(I was sent a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.)
To me Last Memoria felt different to a lot of other fantasy books, as it takes the fight of good vs evil and made it an internal one, adding to the external dangers the main characters are experiencing. I enjoyed the captivating writing style and how well-written the characters are. Although they are flawed, you can see where they are coming from and why they make certain decisions.
I am looking forward to the second book!
(I was sent a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.)
denisero's review against another edition
4.0
Last Memoria is a fantasy read centred in a world with memory thieves. We follow Sarilla who has just escaped captivity and abuse, trying to find her way back to her family and normality. Throughout the book we see Sarilla battling her past while the world around her grows increasingly dangerous.
To me Last Memoria felt different to a lot of other fantasy books, as it takes the fight of good vs evil and made it an internal one, adding to the external dangers the main characters are experiencing. I enjoyed the captivating writing style and how well-written the characters are. Although they are flawed, you can see where they are coming from and why they make certain decisions.
I am looking forward to the second book!
(I was sent a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.)
To me Last Memoria felt different to a lot of other fantasy books, as it takes the fight of good vs evil and made it an internal one, adding to the external dangers the main characters are experiencing. I enjoyed the captivating writing style and how well-written the characters are. Although they are flawed, you can see where they are coming from and why they make certain decisions.
I am looking forward to the second book!
(I was sent a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.)
rigel's review against another edition
4.0
Such an intriguing magic system! I was hooked all the way through!
I much preferred Sarilla's chapters over Falon's and I hope that in the second book we get to explore a bit more of that secret society.
I much preferred Sarilla's chapters over Falon's and I hope that in the second book we get to explore a bit more of that secret society.
booksandroswell's review against another edition
5.0
*I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I was taken completely by surprise with how much I loved this.
You are thrown straight into the story from the first page with an unreliable narrator called Sarilla who gets her memories mixed up with those that she has stolen. Most of this story takes place on the road with the end destination constantly changing so you never know where it’s going to end up.
The narrative changes half way through the book and you begin to follow Falon, who has had 6 months of his memories stolen by a Memoria - a "monster" that steals memories. All he wants is to regain the memories that he's lost.
I couldn't put this book down and loved the use of internal struggles throughout to explore and make you question what really makes a monster.
The writing style in this book is beautiful and I can’t wait to see what else this author will write.
I was taken completely by surprise with how much I loved this.
You are thrown straight into the story from the first page with an unreliable narrator called Sarilla who gets her memories mixed up with those that she has stolen. Most of this story takes place on the road with the end destination constantly changing so you never know where it’s going to end up.
The narrative changes half way through the book and you begin to follow Falon, who has had 6 months of his memories stolen by a Memoria - a "monster" that steals memories. All he wants is to regain the memories that he's lost.
I couldn't put this book down and loved the use of internal struggles throughout to explore and make you question what really makes a monster.
The writing style in this book is beautiful and I can’t wait to see what else this author will write.
the_ya_book_talk's review
5.0
Sarilla and her family are forced by the king to steal people's memories. She hates her ability, so she and her family plot their escape. However, she gets separated from her brother and runs into Falon, a man in search of the months worth of memories stolen from him. When he comes across Sarilla, he decides that she will aid him in his quest regardless of her opinion on the subject. All Falon wants is to take back what he lost, desperate to understand why his partner is acting so strange. The pair, along with Falon's partner and their friend, start their dangerous venture.
Keep in mind that everyone has their own opinion. This review is only my opinion, and you may have your own, different one. I would take into consideration what I say, but do not make a decision about the book solely based off of this review. Additionally, the author sent me this e-book as a free review copy; however, this did not influence my review. This is 100% my honest opinion. Let's begin:
Rachel Emma Shaw may be a relatively small author right now, but I have no doubts that she will become extremely popular, possibly with this duology. Considering this was my first reviewer copy, I was extremely excited. Then, after reading the description, I was even more enthusiastic. I was not let down with it. There was some room for improvement, as there is with everything, but I really enjoyed reading the book.
The book is split into two parts. The first part is from Sarilla's point of view, while the second is from Falon's. I think this was a very good idea because I was certainly curious to see into Falon's head in the first half, so the second part fulfilled my wish. It gives you a much greater understanding of Falon as a character, and I found I was able to empathize with him a lot more than I would have been able to if the story was only told by Sarilla. There are also small italicized sections in the book in which the perspective is not specifically stated, though you are able to figure it out easily. These sections were especially cool because they made me question my feelings about Sarilla. This gave the book something extra because I was never sure about anything, even if Sarilla was good or not.
There were a few character deaths (I will not give specifics so as to avoid spoilers) that I had a hard time feeling upset about when the names were revealed. There were two redeeming things about this, though. First, I do not think they were necessarily supposed to upset readers a ton. I believe they were more vital in moving the plot along and forcing one of the main characters to grow. Second, the main character these deaths affected the most did make me feel sad about the deaths. The struggle the character was going through afterwards was depicted so well that it is nearly impossible not to sympathize or just feel something in general.
Both Falon's and Sarilla's internall struggles were done extremely well. I was able to connect to them in ways that I normally do not with characters because they were very real. Yes, nobody in real life has the ability to steal people's memories. Yes, this is a fictional book, so many things in it are not real. However, there are many real struggles the characters face that many readers will be able to empathize with. This adds a lot to the book and makes it stand out.
The plot as a whole was really cool and unique. I, personally, have never read anything like this. That definitely helped me enjoy it more. It may not be for everyone because it is a very dark book. This is not hidden in any way, even in its advertising. I found that I loved the darkness. Similar to the realness in the characters, the darkness was very real. Dark concepts, emotions, and situations depicted throughout the book are things people experience in everyday life. The author did not try to shy away from these harsh realities out of fear for how they would be received. I give her high props for this, especially as a newer author. This was also done very well. It was done sensitively in a way, but also did not try to dim down the truth of the darkness.
There was very good character development in all of the characters, major and minor. This was especially true for Cedral. I felt many emotions towards Falon's partner during the book, but it was because he kept growing. It was a love-hate relationship in the best of ways with this character, and I absolutely loved it.
There was a fantastic twist to the story towards the last quarter of the book, another thing I loved. I also appreciated how the outcome was hinted at from the very start. It was fun to look back after reading and piece together the little clues leading to the twist. It was done in a subtle way so that readers cannot figure it out when initially reading, but could understand how the ending turned out the way it did afterwards.
If you are like me, you may be confused a bit while reading. This was slightly vexing, but after I thought about it, I understand it better. You are missing a lot of background for much of the book, almost as if you were tossed into the middle of something without explanation of how you I got there. However, I believe this actually immerses you better into the book and helps you understand what the characters are going through better. Falon has lost six months of memories, so he does not know any of the background himself, and Sarilla is constantly falling in and out of memories and the present, sometimes confused as to which she is in. Therefore, it is only fitting that you be as confused as the characters, especially since the story is done from their perspectives and not from a third person point of view. It turned out to be a very nice immersion addition.
I wish there was slightly more description of the characters. I found I had a slightly difficult time visualizing them, except for Sarilla. I guess this would be a preference, though, because some readers like to create the characters' appearance themselves. Everything else had good description.
I would not recommend anyone younger than the YA genre intended age range read this. This is only because of some sexual references and settings in the book. There are also a couple of scenes that are graphic in the violence and gore area. This, of course, depends on what parents are comfortable exposing their children to at different ages, but I recommend no one younger than maybe 12 or 13 reading. It is a great read though for when children reach the appropriate age. Also, keep in mind that it is a YA book, a genre that is intended for people ages 12-18, so it was not written for people younger than that. It is fine for its target audience. I only wanted to include this warning as a precaution because I know that I read YA books before I was in that age range.
The next couple of things are not criticisms nor do they take away from the book. They are merely a couple of recommendations that would be cool for the second book in my opinion. I would love to see a family tree for Sarilla. She has such a fascinating family storyline that it would be fun to be able to see her family tree laid out. I would also absolutely love to see more of Havric. He was such a great character, and I adored the scenes that he was in. I would definitely want even more of Havric, especially because I have a couple of theories about him and his future that I want to see maybe happen. While this is not a recommendation for the second book, it is still something I think would be very enjoyable for readers. I would really enjoy a prequel. We do learn more background towards the end of the book, and it is enough to understand everything that happened; however, I am still interested in learning more and think it would make for another great book.
Overall, this was a really great read. I am very very excited for the second book to be released. I also subscribed to Rachel Emma Shaw's newsletter because I want to get all of the inside information and updates. I highly recommend getting this book.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Author: Rachel Emma Shaw
# of Pages: 320
Genre: YA, Dark Fantasy, Thriller
Series: Memoria Duology
Keep in mind that everyone has their own opinion. This review is only my opinion, and you may have your own, different one. I would take into consideration what I say, but do not make a decision about the book solely based off of this review. Additionally, the author sent me this e-book as a free review copy; however, this did not influence my review. This is 100% my honest opinion. Let's begin:
Rachel Emma Shaw may be a relatively small author right now, but I have no doubts that she will become extremely popular, possibly with this duology. Considering this was my first reviewer copy, I was extremely excited. Then, after reading the description, I was even more enthusiastic. I was not let down with it. There was some room for improvement, as there is with everything, but I really enjoyed reading the book.
The book is split into two parts. The first part is from Sarilla's point of view, while the second is from Falon's. I think this was a very good idea because I was certainly curious to see into Falon's head in the first half, so the second part fulfilled my wish. It gives you a much greater understanding of Falon as a character, and I found I was able to empathize with him a lot more than I would have been able to if the story was only told by Sarilla. There are also small italicized sections in the book in which the perspective is not specifically stated, though you are able to figure it out easily. These sections were especially cool because they made me question my feelings about Sarilla. This gave the book something extra because I was never sure about anything, even if Sarilla was good or not.
There were a few character deaths (I will not give specifics so as to avoid spoilers) that I had a hard time feeling upset about when the names were revealed. There were two redeeming things about this, though. First, I do not think they were necessarily supposed to upset readers a ton. I believe they were more vital in moving the plot along and forcing one of the main characters to grow. Second, the main character these deaths affected the most did make me feel sad about the deaths. The struggle the character was going through afterwards was depicted so well that it is nearly impossible not to sympathize or just feel something in general.
Both Falon's and Sarilla's internall struggles were done extremely well. I was able to connect to them in ways that I normally do not with characters because they were very real. Yes, nobody in real life has the ability to steal people's memories. Yes, this is a fictional book, so many things in it are not real. However, there are many real struggles the characters face that many readers will be able to empathize with. This adds a lot to the book and makes it stand out.
The plot as a whole was really cool and unique. I, personally, have never read anything like this. That definitely helped me enjoy it more. It may not be for everyone because it is a very dark book. This is not hidden in any way, even in its advertising. I found that I loved the darkness. Similar to the realness in the characters, the darkness was very real. Dark concepts, emotions, and situations depicted throughout the book are things people experience in everyday life. The author did not try to shy away from these harsh realities out of fear for how they would be received. I give her high props for this, especially as a newer author. This was also done very well. It was done sensitively in a way, but also did not try to dim down the truth of the darkness.
There was very good character development in all of the characters, major and minor. This was especially true for Cedral. I felt many emotions towards Falon's partner during the book, but it was because he kept growing. It was a love-hate relationship in the best of ways with this character, and I absolutely loved it.
There was a fantastic twist to the story towards the last quarter of the book, another thing I loved. I also appreciated how the outcome was hinted at from the very start. It was fun to look back after reading and piece together the little clues leading to the twist. It was done in a subtle way so that readers cannot figure it out when initially reading, but could understand how the ending turned out the way it did afterwards.
If you are like me, you may be confused a bit while reading. This was slightly vexing, but after I thought about it, I understand it better. You are missing a lot of background for much of the book, almost as if you were tossed into the middle of something without explanation of how you I got there. However, I believe this actually immerses you better into the book and helps you understand what the characters are going through better. Falon has lost six months of memories, so he does not know any of the background himself, and Sarilla is constantly falling in and out of memories and the present, sometimes confused as to which she is in. Therefore, it is only fitting that you be as confused as the characters, especially since the story is done from their perspectives and not from a third person point of view. It turned out to be a very nice immersion addition.
I wish there was slightly more description of the characters. I found I had a slightly difficult time visualizing them, except for Sarilla. I guess this would be a preference, though, because some readers like to create the characters' appearance themselves. Everything else had good description.
I would not recommend anyone younger than the YA genre intended age range read this. This is only because of some sexual references and settings in the book. There are also a couple of scenes that are graphic in the violence and gore area. This, of course, depends on what parents are comfortable exposing their children to at different ages, but I recommend no one younger than maybe 12 or 13 reading. It is a great read though for when children reach the appropriate age. Also, keep in mind that it is a YA book, a genre that is intended for people ages 12-18, so it was not written for people younger than that. It is fine for its target audience. I only wanted to include this warning as a precaution because I know that I read YA books before I was in that age range.
The next couple of things are not criticisms nor do they take away from the book. They are merely a couple of recommendations that would be cool for the second book in my opinion. I would love to see a family tree for Sarilla. She has such a fascinating family storyline that it would be fun to be able to see her family tree laid out. I would also absolutely love to see more of Havric. He was such a great character, and I adored the scenes that he was in. I would definitely want even more of Havric, especially because I have a couple of theories about him and his future that I want to see maybe happen. While this is not a recommendation for the second book, it is still something I think would be very enjoyable for readers. I would really enjoy a prequel. We do learn more background towards the end of the book, and it is enough to understand everything that happened; however, I am still interested in learning more and think it would make for another great book.
Overall, this was a really great read. I am very very excited for the second book to be released. I also subscribed to Rachel Emma Shaw's newsletter because I want to get all of the inside information and updates. I highly recommend getting this book.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Author: Rachel Emma Shaw
# of Pages: 320
Genre: YA, Dark Fantasy, Thriller
Series: Memoria Duology
wittyandsarcasticbookclub's review
4.0
Thank you to the author for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This will be available on May tenth.
It’s amazing how much is packed into this short book. I was sucked in from the start. So many things were done well!
Sarilla is a memoria, meaning she has the ability to steal memories with just a touch. In this way, she’s sort of stealing identities. A lot of who we are is based on our experiences , so it’s really a dangerous power to have. In the beginning, she and her brother (who is a jerk with a capital ‘j’) are running from the king, who has been using her as a weapon to keep his subjects in line. Honestly, though, the A to B of the book is the least important part.
A good chunk of this book centers simply on Sarilla’s coming to grips with who she is and what she can do. There’s a lot of guilt and regret, as well as fear of who she could become. It’s interesting to see themes of choice vs. nature discussed in such a way. Sarilla was fully-developed, and I enjoyed her inner thoughts more than the rest of the book, although I liked the book as a whole.
The second part of the book takes place from the perspective of Falon, a man whose memories were taken from him. Add to that the fact that there is a bit of a romantic history, and it’s a fascinating combination. He struggles with (justified) anger, which added a cool dynamic. His attitude was horrible a good chunk of the time, but it was completely understandable considering what he was dealing with.
The fantasy world itself wasn’t fully realized, but I think that was done deliberately, leaving the Reader to make inferences based on glimpses seen in stolen memories. It was a risky move, but it worked. I was hooked. I quickly became invested in both the characters, and the feel of the book. It didn’t shy away from the ugly parts of the world, instead bringing them to light in a way that was both jarring and powerful.
It’s amazing how much of a wallop this shorter book packed. If you’re looking for action, this book won’t fill that itch. But if you like a fantasy that makes you think, one that deals with subjects like grief, loss, and the choices we make, this one is for you.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.home.blog/2020/02/04/last-memoria-by-rachel-emma-shaw/
It’s amazing how much is packed into this short book. I was sucked in from the start. So many things were done well!
Sarilla is a memoria, meaning she has the ability to steal memories with just a touch. In this way, she’s sort of stealing identities. A lot of who we are is based on our experiences , so it’s really a dangerous power to have. In the beginning, she and her brother (who is a jerk with a capital ‘j’) are running from the king, who has been using her as a weapon to keep his subjects in line. Honestly, though, the A to B of the book is the least important part.
A good chunk of this book centers simply on Sarilla’s coming to grips with who she is and what she can do. There’s a lot of guilt and regret, as well as fear of who she could become. It’s interesting to see themes of choice vs. nature discussed in such a way. Sarilla was fully-developed, and I enjoyed her inner thoughts more than the rest of the book, although I liked the book as a whole.
The second part of the book takes place from the perspective of Falon, a man whose memories were taken from him. Add to that the fact that there is a bit of a romantic history, and it’s a fascinating combination. He struggles with (justified) anger, which added a cool dynamic. His attitude was horrible a good chunk of the time, but it was completely understandable considering what he was dealing with.
The fantasy world itself wasn’t fully realized, but I think that was done deliberately, leaving the Reader to make inferences based on glimpses seen in stolen memories. It was a risky move, but it worked. I was hooked. I quickly became invested in both the characters, and the feel of the book. It didn’t shy away from the ugly parts of the world, instead bringing them to light in a way that was both jarring and powerful.
It’s amazing how much of a wallop this shorter book packed. If you’re looking for action, this book won’t fill that itch. But if you like a fantasy that makes you think, one that deals with subjects like grief, loss, and the choices we make, this one is for you.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.home.blog/2020/02/04/last-memoria-by-rachel-emma-shaw/