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booksandlemonsquash's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I give the Confectioner’s Guild a strong 3.5 stars as it is a light and fun look at magic and conspiracies and romance and murder. Yes I just said fun approach to murder. 😂 but it is! It’s cleverly done actually - a murder mystery but also lots of baking and light fantasy. See? Fun! 😂
It did take me a while to catch up to what was going on, much like Wren, but I think it’s an approach that works. The baking is fun, and made me want to break my diet lol. The magic system is inspired as well, as is it all being a big secret. I like the way that all played into the conspiracy and crime aspects of it.
Wren is a hard character to get to know - we learn very little about her, and she is a little easily distracted by boys (ugh romance), but she is determined and focussed on getting the evidence she needs. Hale I quite liked originally, just because he was fun and silly, but I didn’t like him treating Wren like a play thing when she’d said no, and I didn’t end up liking him overall. And we don’t really learn enough about Sable to say anything. I think that’s my biggest complaint (other than romance lol) - you don’t really learn enough about any of the characters. Similarly with Lucas, he’s okay, but I don’t really see why Wren likes him so much. I did like his actions throughout though. And Callidus was probably the most interesting, even if his actions in the first scene are completely unjustified and stupid.
Given all that, I liked the set up and the tone enough to plan on reading book 2 - and I am definitely hoping for more of the political intrigue.
I give the Confectioner’s Guild a strong 3.5 stars as it is a light and fun look at magic and conspiracies and romance and murder. Yes I just said fun approach to murder. 😂 but it is! It’s cleverly done actually - a murder mystery but also lots of baking and light fantasy. See? Fun! 😂
It did take me a while to catch up to what was going on, much like Wren, but I think it’s an approach that works. The baking is fun, and made me want to break my diet lol. The magic system is inspired as well, as is it all being a big secret. I like the way that all played into the conspiracy and crime aspects of it.
Wren is a hard character to get to know - we learn very little about her, and she is a little easily distracted by boys (ugh romance), but she is determined and focussed on getting the evidence she needs. Hale I quite liked originally, just because he was fun and silly, but I didn’t like him treating Wren like a play thing when she’d said no, and I didn’t end up liking him overall. And we don’t really learn enough about Sable to say anything. I think that’s my biggest complaint (other than romance lol) - you don’t really learn enough about any of the characters. Similarly with Lucas, he’s okay, but I don’t really see why Wren likes him so much. I did like his actions throughout though. And Callidus was probably the most interesting, even if his actions in the first scene are completely unjustified and stupid.
Given all that, I liked the set up and the tone enough to plan on reading book 2 - and I am definitely hoping for more of the political intrigue.
aelynreads's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really cool book to read. A murder mystery with magic cupcakes - the premise is so tantalising and it was a very enjoyable read.
The setting and the world are fantastically designed. I love the idea of the guilds and the Gifted imbuing magic into their creations. I also loved reading about all the confectionery... yummy! The idea of Wren discovering her Gift and then being trained at the guild is an exciting concept, until she is accused of murder immediately after. I was looking forward to reading about her training and her forming new friendships, but with the accusation of murder hanging over her, I felt that aspect of the story was a little strained.
Among explanations of the world and Wren's adventures as she tries to clear her name, we're given hints and flashbacks to Wren's dark past. It adds another dimension to the story and to Wren's character, but it seems out of place. This book is a confusing mixture of sickly sweet people, who are all good and nice, and Wren's mysterious dark past and the murder charge against her. It's a strange balance and, at first, I thought this might even be a children's book until it introduced some really dark themes.
This book is unrealistic - the romance was very unbelievable and juvenile and the murder investigation and trial are highly improbably. I mean, the main suspect is allowed access to the crime scene, really? I personally didn't mind the unbelievable aspects of the book, but it does give this book more of a childish feel.
The setting and the world are fantastically designed. I love the idea of the guilds and the Gifted imbuing magic into their creations. I also loved reading about all the confectionery... yummy! The idea of Wren discovering her Gift and then being trained at the guild is an exciting concept, until she is accused of murder immediately after. I was looking forward to reading about her training and her forming new friendships, but with the accusation of murder hanging over her, I felt that aspect of the story was a little strained.
The sweet vanilla flavor of the fluffy cupcake mingled with the silky sugar of the frosting, hitting her taste buds like a cotton candy cloud.
Among explanations of the world and Wren's adventures as she tries to clear her name, we're given hints and flashbacks to Wren's dark past. It adds another dimension to the story and to Wren's character, but it seems out of place. This book is a confusing mixture of sickly sweet people, who are all good and nice, and Wren's mysterious dark past and the murder charge against her. It's a strange balance and, at first, I thought this might even be a children's book until it introduced some really dark themes.
This book is unrealistic - the romance was very unbelievable and juvenile and the murder investigation and trial are highly improbably. I mean, the main suspect is allowed access to the crime scene, really? I personally didn't mind the unbelievable aspects of the book, but it does give this book more of a childish feel.
annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Confectioner's Guild is the first book in a new YA/NA series by Claire Luana. It combines elements of fantasy and cozy mystery with an interesting take on world building and a magic system which is catchy and original.
The story moves along pretty quickly and main character Wren finds herself whisked (*snort*) out of her more or less dead-end job as an apprentice to appear before the guildmaster who tells her she's *very* special and then expires horribly at her feet, poisoned by Wren's own cupcakes.
It's a quick read and moves along at a good clip; few readers will be bored or find the narrative moving too slowly. Despite the length (395 pages) it reads very quickly. I finished it in one sitting. It feels like a book aimed at the younger end of the YA spectrum, with the codicil that there -are- sexual situations (not explicit) as well as some very slight language - a few "asses" and "damns" nothing really objectionable and most 12 year olds have a lot more mature vocabulary than that.
It's due to be released 23rd Oct, 2018, and is available in ebook and paperback formats. Possibly worth noting, this book and the prequel are available as Kindle Unlimited selections for subscribers.
I enjoyed it and will give future installments a read.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Confectioner's Guild is the first book in a new YA/NA series by Claire Luana. It combines elements of fantasy and cozy mystery with an interesting take on world building and a magic system which is catchy and original.
The story moves along pretty quickly and main character Wren finds herself whisked (*snort*) out of her more or less dead-end job as an apprentice to appear before the guildmaster who tells her she's *very* special and then expires horribly at her feet, poisoned by Wren's own cupcakes.
It's a quick read and moves along at a good clip; few readers will be bored or find the narrative moving too slowly. Despite the length (395 pages) it reads very quickly. I finished it in one sitting. It feels like a book aimed at the younger end of the YA spectrum, with the codicil that there -are- sexual situations (not explicit) as well as some very slight language - a few "asses" and "damns" nothing really objectionable and most 12 year olds have a lot more mature vocabulary than that.
It's due to be released 23rd Oct, 2018, and is available in ebook and paperback formats. Possibly worth noting, this book and the prequel are available as Kindle Unlimited selections for subscribers.
I enjoyed it and will give future installments a read.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so much fun to read. It was like a Harry Potter book with magical food! We get a fantastic and well-written story. It was very well paced. The world building was excellent. It had a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. A little romance. Some great friendships. A likable cast of characters (even if all of them acted a decade older than they were supposed to be). I enjoyed it a lot and can't wait to get my hands on the next book. This one gets two thumbs up from yours truly.
especbooks's review against another edition
5.0
One of the absolute best books I have read this year. The premise was both delightful and chilling. So very well executed. I not only care about these characters, I believe in them, for good or ill. Not only is the storytelling masterful, but there was not one technical issue to distract me from my enjoyment of the tale. This author and series are definitely going on my wish list. Such originality in fiction is refreshing. A magical read.
littlefoot10's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this entire story. Wren is thrown into this magical world because she can infuse Luck into her confections. There is a murder mystery throughout this entire novel; and Wren is the main suspect.
Wren and Lucas the investigator that vouches for her seek to find out the truth. This novel is full of a wonderful and intriguing cast of characters. There are lies at every turn and you're never sure who you can trust. I am really excited to hold the finished product in my hand. I love the political intrigue of this novel. Wren and Lucas are beyond adorable and I cannot wait to see how the King (Lucas's father) reacts in the next installment
Wren and Lucas the investigator that vouches for her seek to find out the truth. This novel is full of a wonderful and intriguing cast of characters. There are lies at every turn and you're never sure who you can trust. I am really excited to hold the finished product in my hand. I love the political intrigue of this novel. Wren and Lucas are beyond adorable and I cannot wait to see how the King (Lucas's father) reacts in the next installment
adequateanja's review against another edition
1.5
Liked the idea of the magic system but not much else. The Insta attraction was a hard no for me.
writehollydavis's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a fun, enjoyable read! The characters are all relatable, the writing is strong, and the mystery murderer was unraveled so nicely. I loved how satisfying Wren's arc is-- I was really rooting for her and felt connected to her the whole book. Of course, it didn't hurt that there were so many lovely food descriptions and puns to satisfy one's palette. I was so impressed by this book as a whole and can't wait to sink my teeth into the next book!
numinousspirit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
4.0