Month: April 2021

This was a book like no other I have read before. It had all the normal elements of a YA fantasy novel, but was set in an Arabian land, bringing in Arab culture. This made the story feel both familiar and new at the same time.

Despite the Arab setting, there is no mention of religion in the novel, so if you don’t like (real) religions in your stories that won’t be an issue. It is also surprising how diverse the characters were despite being in a setting we may not normally think would be diverse.

I would also say that romance and love of different forms was a key element in this book. That may make some readers more eager to read the book and for those that don’t, I’d say the different setting is worth reading the book for, even if your enjoyment might be reduced slightly.

I’d liken this book in terms of themes and characters to that of Six of Crows so if you liked that book, you’ll definitely love this one too.

A great read for fantasy fans.

When a series of gruesome murders targeting apothecaries brings danger close to home, Christopher Rowe must find out who is behind them by solving the codes, or else he’ll be the next one to end up dead.

The book is fast paced with danger lurking around every corner. You really can’t put it down and want to know how Christopher Rowe will make it out of every dangerous situation he faces.

The characters of the book are likeable and make you want to root for their success. All of the references to apothecary work are also very interesting, learning what mixing different substances can do. Christopher uses his apothecary knowledge to overcome every situation, and the rate of success is realistic (so, it doesn’t always work and he does have to face the dangerous consequences when it doesn’t). This realism in the work is what makes it all the more exciting and tense, as the situation could really go either way.

There isn’t much more that can be said without giving parts of the mystery away, but it is a must-read for any fans of mysteries!

I usually find that the first books in a series (more specifically, a YA, dystopia trilogy) is good, but as you get onto the next book, and then the last, the story just gets disappointing. This was not the case for the Arc of a Scythe series.

Set in a world so advanced that people no longer die, a specific order of ‘scythes’ legally ‘gean’ people to keep the population numbers under control. Through this, you see issues of morality raised on how best to glean a person.

Each book was thoroughly unpredictable and you can’t see the plot twists coming. It kept me on my toes the whole time and I got through each book so quickly because I just couldn’t put it down.

The writing style is also quite unique, with the end/start of chapters beginning with scythe journal entries, Thunderhead’s musings, or even some mock-history source analysis. These items fit in well with the rest of the story, either giving you a glimpse of what may come, or a deeper look into a character’s personality and why they are as they are.

While the book was set in a world where there was barely any genetic racial difference left perceivable. it still somehow managed to make a diverse book, with characters from across the globe and still some different physical traits coming through.

I would highly recommend the entire series. Once you start reading it, you won’t be able to stop.