A review by heidirgorecki
The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock

dark reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was a dual timeline between 1959 with flashbacks to 1932 that had back history that influenced the more recent timeline and the characters struggling with shame, guilt, or trying to figure out who they were after losses. It primarily focuses on 3 main female characters, one who is in both timelines. 

The book had moments that I engaged with, dealing with the characters trying to navigate class/wealth expectations and disparity between themselves in ‘32, and in ‘59 with civil rights and racism struggles, as well as family issues in a small town, and both with some deaths that influenced the characters. 

While the landscape was well described and at times I engaged with the story, most of the time I kept losing the plot and interest. Maybe it was the audio and the printed would have been better as other reviewers considered, but there were so many characters to keep track of I kept getting confused who was who and what role they had, and I honestly just got bored since there wasn’t a ton going on and it was more character driven. 

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. All opinions are mine.