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ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
What better way to start off October than with a murder mystery book!
The Confectioner's Guild was addicting to read. From the very first moment of meeting Wren, I was intrigued and wanted to know how this whole thing was going to go down. It also doesn't hurt that this book was jam-packed with so many things - sweets, murder, mystery, and endless twists and turns. This was a page turner for me and pretty enjoyable.
Throughout the book Wren is trying to prove that she's innocent. Of course, people don't always believe her and she definitely gets into some sticky situations. With only weeks to save herself from being murdered for something she didn't do, she puts her little investigator hat on and beings to work. Along the way, she meets some interesting characters that eventually help her out.
Lord the amount of delicious food being mentioned made me so hungry. I'm not even a big sweet person and I was like.. omg that sounds so good. Or I had moments where I was like.. oh that sounds familiar to something I've baked before. So, yeah, all of that just made me want to keep turning the pages.
Then there's the romance part. With all the potential guys she met throughout this book, I thought there was going to be more romance than I actually got. Don't get me wrong, I still love what I did get and might even ship her with him.. but I don't really know - I was expecting something a bit more?
In the end, the last chapter was pretty cute. I'm glad that we found out who betrayed who and that people are going to be protective of Wren just like she is of them. Might dive into the next book if it's free on KU.
The Confectioner's Guild was addicting to read. From the very first moment of meeting Wren, I was intrigued and wanted to know how this whole thing was going to go down. It also doesn't hurt that this book was jam-packed with so many things - sweets, murder, mystery, and endless twists and turns. This was a page turner for me and pretty enjoyable.
Throughout the book Wren is trying to prove that she's innocent. Of course, people don't always believe her and she definitely gets into some sticky situations. With only weeks to save herself from being murdered for something she didn't do, she puts her little investigator hat on and beings to work. Along the way, she meets some interesting characters that eventually help her out.
Lord the amount of delicious food being mentioned made me so hungry. I'm not even a big sweet person and I was like.. omg that sounds so good. Or I had moments where I was like.. oh that sounds familiar to something I've baked before. So, yeah, all of that just made me want to keep turning the pages.
Then there's the romance part. With all the potential guys she met throughout this book, I thought there was going to be more romance than I actually got. Don't get me wrong, I still love what I did get and might even ship her with him.. but I don't really know - I was expecting something a bit more?
In the end, the last chapter was pretty cute. I'm glad that we found out who betrayed who and that people are going to be protective of Wren just like she is of them. Might dive into the next book if it's free on KU.
dragonwriter's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
5.0
Wren is quite content with her life working in Master Oldrick’s bakery, so she’s more than a little startled to be suddenly dragged to the Confectioner’s Guild Hall to meet with the Guild Master. He tells her that she’s Gifted, that her cupcakes are infused with magical luck, and he outlines the charter they have with the king, promising all works of the Gifted to the king and his discretion. After swearing her to secrecy and bringing her into the guild fully, Kasper promptly dies of poison, and Wren is accused of murder. Saved only by the generosity of Inspector Lucas, Wren is temporarily spared from the block, but she only has two weeks before the King and his Interrogator return to the city to find the true murderer.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was the perfect, cozy blend of fantasy and mystery. I thought the clues were well spread out; it was perfectly possible to solve the murder without it being spelled out for you, but it wasn’t blatantly obvious. The characters were super fun, as well. Hale made me smile whenever he was on the page, and Lucas was positively adorable! Wren’s backstory was heartbreaking, and I really felt for her situation. I was happy when she was happy, and rooting for her romance with Lucas. The politics were intriguing, and following Wren through the various connections held my attention. The world was fascinating and bright, and I want to spend more time in it. I currently only have the ebook, but I will be securing a hardcopy of this book--as well as buying the rest of the series.
im211's review against another edition
4.0
Many thanks to Claire Luana for the opportunity to review her audiobook, and also Audiobox for featuring such as amazing for work
I am half tempted to add in baking phrases and food adjectives in my review after listening to this. But, Flame it, I'll hold back a bit.
Enjoyable tale about a gifted girl who has the power to infuse magic in her confections, fall into a bit of hot water on the day she discovers them and now her future to sealed as doom.
So Wren with past now haunting her more than ever and her gloomy future catching up to her, she has to find who has framed her and who is speaking to destroy the guilds power as a whole.
-what I liked-
Firstly enjoyed the confection background of the story how every day things like food, clothes etccan have greater purpose to serve than just being used for survival.
I loved the mystery aspect of the story and how the story managed to keep up the intrigue by introducing new suspects and at the same time hurtling new obstacles in Wrens path. It made me wonder will our MC with limited knowledge and power be able to get out of this web of conspiracy.
The characters and their characterizations made this book a whole more worthwhile, Wren with her suspicious instinct with her yearning for love and belonging slipping through, and her friends open minded, supportive and head strong.
No one is as they seem, sweet may turn bitter and vice versa and her worst adversary may not be that at all...they were deeply layered personality with surprises.
Wren had to come around to trust them even if for the sake of clearing her name but the she's not ready for for how convulating this game of power is since its not just one person behind it and it might end up condemning her after all.
I appreciated how after some of Wren's trust backfired she didn't go back in blindly forgiving everything, but was wary and accepting as she should.
_the meh bit_
I found the relationship with Lucas, progressing too fast and was rushed or maybe it was intended to make it see her feelings were because he was her knight in shining Armour?
To me, one bit of the clues made it very obvious who it was the motive too, nevertheless I still like how it resolved at the end and... It wasnt a straight cut one mind you!
I am half tempted to add in baking phrases and food adjectives in my review after listening to this. But, Flame it, I'll hold back a bit.
Enjoyable tale about a gifted girl who has the power to infuse magic in her confections, fall into a bit of hot water on the day she discovers them and now her future to sealed as doom.
So Wren with past now haunting her more than ever and her gloomy future catching up to her, she has to find who has framed her and who is speaking to destroy the guilds power as a whole.
-what I liked-
Firstly enjoyed the confection background of the story how every day things like food, clothes etccan have greater purpose to serve than just being used for survival.
I loved the mystery aspect of the story and how the story managed to keep up the intrigue by introducing new suspects and at the same time hurtling new obstacles in Wrens path. It made me wonder will our MC with limited knowledge and power be able to get out of this web of conspiracy.
The characters and their characterizations made this book a whole more worthwhile, Wren with her suspicious instinct with her yearning for love and belonging slipping through, and her friends open minded, supportive and head strong.
No one is as they seem, sweet may turn bitter and vice versa and her worst adversary may not be that at all...they were deeply layered personality with surprises.
Wren had to come around to trust them even if for the sake of clearing her name but the she's not ready for for how convulating this game of power is since its not just one person behind it and it might end up condemning her after all.
I appreciated how after some of Wren's trust backfired she didn't go back in blindly forgiving everything, but was wary and accepting as she should.
_the meh bit_
I found the relationship with Lucas, progressing too fast and was rushed or maybe it was intended to make it see her feelings were because he was her knight in shining Armour?
To me, one bit of the clues made it very obvious who it was the motive too, nevertheless I still like how it resolved at the end and... It wasnt a straight cut one mind you!
nenasomething's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
4.25
kellerko's review against another edition
3.0
This has so much promise - magical cooking, poison murders, but it was a bit unevenly written and clichéd. However for a young adult book it was still a fun read.
tonyriver's review against another edition
3.0
An easy read. Some interesting characters, including Wren, the hero. The magic seems a little underwhelming, but could be going to develop more in the subsequent books. A worthwhile but not overwhelmingly so book.
edressa's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. This was so much fun to read! There are a few clichés here and there that would have made me give this 4 stars instead, but not only the worldbuilding and magic system are unique and interesting, this book has plotting, red herrings and plot twists that are so well-done, and it's such a satisfying experience after reading so many YA books that fall flat in the mystery solving department. It was slow at first to get me interested, but I really couldn't put the book down once I was deep into the story. I got this book for free as a Kindle giveaway, so you bet I'm off checking out the other books in this series!
someonetookit's review against another edition
4.0
So I went into this with minimal expectations but I felt well entertained throughout. The characters while relatively simplistic, all had their part to play with personalitites ranging from Lucas with his soft and marshmallowy demeanour to Callidus's unchippable marble exterior and venom spitting tongue. Everyone has a place and purpose. Except for maybe Wren's previous boss who seems to only serve the purpose of being a jerk to her in aspects of their involvement.
While the setting of the narrative is fairly generic, the reader's mind is frequently engaged with the vivid descriptions of various sweets. I mean who doesn't love thinking about cake and truffles, and eating cakes and trufffles. I may or may not have gotten hungry frequently for the entire duration of this novel.
The premise of the book, killer cupcakes, is an interesting one I have not seen before. Yes I have seen poisonings and various other foods such as wine and dinners being the culprit, but had i ever imagined noshing on the prettiest and immaculately decorated cupcake in existence and then sudddenly dropping dead? I can inexplicably say no.
While I enjoyed the novel, it did drag in places and therefore attracted a lower rating. At some points, I actually felt bored. At others I was caught unawares. It was however, overall well paced.
Would I read it again? Probably. Would I read its sequels? Definitely.
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
While the setting of the narrative is fairly generic, the reader's mind is frequently engaged with the vivid descriptions of various sweets. I mean who doesn't love thinking about cake and truffles, and eating cakes and trufffles. I may or may not have gotten hungry frequently for the entire duration of this novel.
The premise of the book, killer cupcakes, is an interesting one I have not seen before. Yes I have seen poisonings and various other foods such as wine and dinners being the culprit, but had i ever imagined noshing on the prettiest and immaculately decorated cupcake in existence and then sudddenly dropping dead? I can inexplicably say no.
While I enjoyed the novel, it did drag in places and therefore attracted a lower rating. At some points, I actually felt bored. At others I was caught unawares. It was however, overall well paced.
Would I read it again? Probably. Would I read its sequels? Definitely.
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
patchy_at_best's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
exeidur's review against another edition
3.0
This was a nice read overall, though some stuff around the halfway point almost made me give up in frustration. That said, it finished quite strong. Would recommend you give this a try!
Plot
The plot is structured like a mystery/whodunnit, with the tension being in the fact that the main character's life is at stake if she doesn't solve it quickly. I think it was structured well for the most part, though as a reader, you won't be able to feel "smart" and figure out who did it almost until the reveal. That's because vital information is only given when it becomes relevant/when the main character discovers it. I don't know, maybe some readers were able to figure this out, but I felt there weren't enough hints about what was going on. So I really felt like a little kid being walked through a problem, pretty much held by the hand. A good thing for "lazy" readers, but a bit disappointing to me.
There are a few subplots, mostly romance. That's fine with me, though I wasn't invested in any romance whatsoever. There seemed to be an apprentice plot going, but that was pretty much abandoned after two lessons. Everything seems to be set up wel for the sequel, though, so I'm sure that plot should be pretty solid as well.
Characters
Main character, Wren, is likeable enough. She seems quite plausible as a person, though the reader is spoon-fed her past as well. The same information or similar information if given multiple times, which takes the punch out of her backstory. She didn't actively annoy me, so she'll do.
Side characters: eh. There's one guy who, to me, just reads like "this is Severus Snape only we're not calling him that". His name is Callidus and he's sombre, imposing, wears all black, and is a bit of an arse.
Apart from this dude, there aren't too many characters and they're all defined enough for me to remember them, which is good. There's a generic friend (Olivia), a mean-girl enemy (Marina? Marinara? Something like that), and a few hot dude love interests (Hale and Lucas), who didn't really do it for me. Though they weren't flat characters, I just would never choose either of them. There are more characters, which I'm not all listing, but I liked most of them. Especially Pike, he seemed cool. Didn't really need his whole life story randomly, but he seemed cool nonetheless.
World building/setting
All right, I guess. No clear world building elements to set a specific time, I felt. Somewhere before the invention of computers/televisions, but after ice cream stores & coffee shops became a thing for the regular public. I liked food being a big focal point, though.
Magic System
Not explained overly well, but I like the idea. Basically: pour your all into making your food and, if you're Gifted, it'll be imbued with magic. The type of magic is different for different people, no explanation yet why, and it only works for specific types of food (no reason given/discovered why), so there are guilds with the different kinds of gifted people spread amongst them.
Seems like you could do a lot with this, but the biggest amount of time was spent on the murder mystery & romance subplot, leaving little room to really delve into the magic. Could be a good system if developed further.
Writing style
It's a bit more telling than showing than I'd like, but it passes most of the time. You can read through this quickly and not stumble upon too many things you may find annoying, at least that's how it was for me. Not much to say on this: not stellar, but not bad either.
(Almost) deal-breaker (s)
A few moments, mostly around the halfway point, really annoyed me and seemed like lazy writing. They made me want to stop reading, and really pulled me out of the story.The main one I remember is that Wren visits Lucas and they, at some point, start making out in his home. Almost randomly, they knock into a piece of evidence Lucas just had laying around his apartment, destroying it. Like, how even. That's so incredibly stupid, and it was just put in there to create fake tension. They didn't even need it in the end, but it was still so incredibly stupid. Just very implausible. <\spoiler> Other examples are the random Pike backstory, Wren's past being told like 5 times (just have 1 reveal, 2 at maximum. If there are more, don't write it all out again), and the obvious
Plot
The plot is structured like a mystery/whodunnit, with the tension being in the fact that the main character's life is at stake if she doesn't solve it quickly. I think it was structured well for the most part, though as a reader, you won't be able to feel "smart" and figure out who did it almost until the reveal. That's because vital information is only given when it becomes relevant/when the main character discovers it. I don't know, maybe some readers were able to figure this out, but I felt there weren't enough hints about what was going on. So I really felt like a little kid being walked through a problem, pretty much held by the hand. A good thing for "lazy" readers, but a bit disappointing to me.
There are a few subplots, mostly romance. That's fine with me, though I wasn't invested in any romance whatsoever. There seemed to be an apprentice plot going, but that was pretty much abandoned after two lessons. Everything seems to be set up wel for the sequel, though, so I'm sure that plot should be pretty solid as well.
Characters
Main character, Wren, is likeable enough. She seems quite plausible as a person, though the reader is spoon-fed her past as well. The same information or similar information if given multiple times, which takes the punch out of her backstory. She didn't actively annoy me, so she'll do.
Side characters: eh. There's one guy who, to me, just reads like "this is Severus Snape only we're not calling him that". His name is Callidus and he's sombre, imposing, wears all black, and is
Spoiler
presumed to be the bad guy only he isn't, kind of like in Sorcerer's Stone. Plus, he'sApart from this dude, there aren't too many characters and they're all defined enough for me to remember them, which is good. There's a generic friend (Olivia), a mean-girl enemy (Marina? Marinara? Something like that), and a few hot dude love interests (Hale and Lucas), who didn't really do it for me. Though they weren't flat characters, I just would never choose either of them. There are more characters, which I'm not all listing, but I liked most of them. Especially Pike, he seemed cool. Didn't really need his whole life story randomly, but he seemed cool nonetheless.
World building/setting
All right, I guess. No clear world building elements to set a specific time, I felt. Somewhere before the invention of computers/televisions, but after ice cream stores & coffee shops became a thing for the regular public. I liked food being a big focal point, though.
Magic System
Not explained overly well, but I like the idea. Basically: pour your all into making your food and, if you're Gifted, it'll be imbued with magic. The type of magic is different for different people, no explanation yet why, and it only works for specific types of food (no reason given/discovered why), so there are guilds with the different kinds of gifted people spread amongst them.
Seems like you could do a lot with this, but the biggest amount of time was spent on the murder mystery & romance subplot, leaving little room to really delve into the magic. Could be a good system if developed further.
Writing style
It's a bit more telling than showing than I'd like, but it passes most of the time. You can read through this quickly and not stumble upon too many things you may find annoying, at least that's how it was for me. Not much to say on this: not stellar, but not bad either.
(Almost) deal-breaker (s)
A few moments, mostly around the halfway point, really annoyed me and seemed like lazy writing. They made me want to stop reading, and really pulled me out of the story.