Scan barcode
A review by ryner
Splinters of Scarlet by Emily Bain Murphy
dark
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? Yes
3.0
Though Marit herself has aged out of the Danish orphanage system, her almost-little sister Eve has caught the eye of a former ballerina who wishes to adopt her, and Marit is also asked to join the household as a seamstress. The two girls are delighted and relieved at the possibility of staying together. However, Marit is also keeping a few secrets: She has never revealed to Eve her magical abilities for fear of frightening her, and their new family, the Vestergaards, own the mines where her her father's mysterious death occurred, and Marit wants answers.
This standalone teen novel was an entertaining palate cleanser, and I liked the writing style, though it wasn't as much of a page turner as I was maybe expecting. It has lovely cover art, and I love the idea that someone may have embroidered the design just for this book. One area in which I feel the author stumbled was in being uncommitted to the language the characters spoke (Danish or English?). Danish terms are sprinkled throughout the text, which is fun, but then in one scene Marit fondly recalls the way in which Eve used to mispronounce "upside down." The singling out of this very non-Danish phrase felt a little odd. Recommended overall, possibly enjoyed more by readers who can keep themselves from overanalyzing. :)
This standalone teen novel was an entertaining palate cleanser, and I liked the writing style, though it wasn't as much of a page turner as I was maybe expecting. It has lovely cover art, and I love the idea that someone may have embroidered the design just for this book. One area in which I feel the author stumbled was in being uncommitted to the language the characters spoke (Danish or English?). Danish terms are sprinkled throughout the text, which is fun, but then in one scene Marit fondly recalls the way in which Eve used to mispronounce "upside down." The singling out of this very non-Danish phrase felt a little odd. Recommended overall, possibly enjoyed more by readers who can keep themselves from overanalyzing. :)