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A review by michaela_s
Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
WARNING FOR SLIGHT SPOILERS
also I'm sorry in advance because this might read as a little harsh...
For me this read as a Wattpad story that the author wrote and then wanted to add more depth to so made the characters traumatised. I mean Bree literally went from having PTSD flashbacks/panic attacks every morning to suddenly not having them basically ever again after one night talking to/crying with Archer - unrealistic when you really think about the severity of Bree's PTSD. Same thing with Archer. He's experienced a SUPER traumatic event, lost his ability to speak, and largely been raised by a very paranoid uncle (and has been left to deal with it all for years with no support system), then goes away (spontaneously and by himself) for three months and has become so much more comfortable and confident within himself and society? To me it just didn't add up enough to be realistic; author missed a chance to provide accurate representation I think (it was obvious both characters realistically needed professional help). On top of that, why did Phoebe even exist? Author was relatively consistent with mentioning her in the first third but even then it was just a "I fed her", "I let her out to do her business," "I put her in my bike basket," or "I let her down to find the pups." It just felt unnecessary, and then from then on she's barely mentioned other than a "had to go let Phoebe out" or something of the kind every now and then - it just felt silly when that was all that was really said about the dog; I mean the one description we got was that she had "white fluff". Having Phoebe just felt random and something the author HAD to keep coming back to (it read as if the author forgot she existed and then every now and then remembered so added in "Anne was with her" or something like that).
also I'm sorry in advance because this might read as a little harsh...
For me this read as a Wattpad story that the author wrote and then wanted to add more depth to so made the characters traumatised. I mean Bree literally went from having PTSD flashbacks/panic attacks every morning to suddenly not having them basically ever again after one night talking to/crying with Archer - unrealistic when you really think about the severity of Bree's PTSD. Same thing with Archer. He's experienced a SUPER traumatic event, lost his ability to speak, and largely been raised by a very paranoid uncle (and has been left to deal with it all for years with no support system), then goes away (spontaneously and by himself) for three months and has become so much more comfortable and confident within himself and society? To me it just didn't add up enough to be realistic; author missed a chance to provide accurate representation I think (it was obvious both characters realistically needed professional help). On top of that, why did Phoebe even exist? Author was relatively consistent with mentioning her in the first third but even then it was just a "I fed her", "I let her out to do her business," "I put her in my bike basket," or "I let her down to find the pups." It just felt unnecessary, and then from then on she's barely mentioned other than a "had to go let Phoebe out" or something of the kind every now and then - it just felt silly when that was all that was really said about the dog; I mean the one description we got was that she had "white fluff". Having Phoebe just felt random and something the author HAD to keep coming back to (it read as if the author forgot she existed and then every now and then remembered so added in "Anne was with her" or something like that).
ALSO why does another hugely traumatic event happen in like the last chapter? Very interesting choice structure wise.
ALSO ALSO you'd think that a SUSPECTED MURDERER WOULD BE DETAINED?! So that was another unrealistic element for me.
Another thing that felt unrealistic was the extent to which Travis' mum hated Archer, like it was insane.
And OH MY LORD THE SMUT WAS HORRENDOUS
I am so sorry why was it literally a third of the book, vividly detailed EVERY TIME and JUST NON STOP.
But also people love this book and I think the fact it's helped so many people get back to reading should be acknowledged and praised :)
But also people love this book and I think the fact it's helped so many people get back to reading should be acknowledged and praised :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Gun violence
Minor: Rape