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a_h_haga's review
4.0
REREAD 2021
I stand by everything I said in my original review, but I also want to add a small thought on Armstrong's way of writing mysteries.
One of my biggest issues with the mystery genre, is that you (often) don't get any more info than you really need, or meet any more characters than you have to, which makes it very easy to guess what's going on and who did what. One of the things I love about Armstrong's writing style, is how she include multiple storylines. Some are more important than others, of course, but they have a nice way of blending deepening the mystery, which I really appreciate.
I'm keeping the original rating.
-----------------------------------
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Ah! I finished it!
The reason this book took so long, was because I couldn't read the physical copy - the light needed is too sharp - so I couldn't read reliably before I bought the ebook.* Which was good, because I've been kinda sad over not being able to read this book.
As usual, Armstrong's writing is on on point, and her characters are well written.
The story in this book is good as well. Better than in the last one, for sure!
Not only does it include all three mains in a good way, but it also gives some good growth to them all, which I missed in [b:Rough Justice|37801970|Rough Justice (Cainsville #5.5)|Kelley Armstrong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1514953053l/37801970._SX50_.jpg|59471524]. On top of that, this book has a lot of fay involved, and I really enjoyed that as well!
And I do hope we get more books set in the Cainsville-universe. It is interesting and entertaining, and there are a lot of good characters here I would love to explore more. Like Patrik. I would love to read more about him than we got in [b:Portents|39989424|Portents (Cainsville, #5.7)|Kelley Armstrong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525000418l/39989424._SY75_.jpg|61922623].
Rating isn't quite a 4 star because... I don't know. It didn't feel quite up there, but it was too good for just a 3 star, so in-between it is.
*Now that I can read on my kindle somewhat reagularly, there's hope I can read a few other books as well! Yay!
I stand by everything I said in my original review, but I also want to add a small thought on Armstrong's way of writing mysteries.
One of my biggest issues with the mystery genre, is that you (often) don't get any more info than you really need, or meet any more characters than you have to, which makes it very easy to guess what's going on and who did what. One of the things I love about Armstrong's writing style, is how she include multiple storylines. Some are more important than others, of course, but they have a nice way of blending deepening the mystery, which I really appreciate.
I'm keeping the original rating.
-----------------------------------
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Ah! I finished it!
The reason this book took so long, was because I couldn't read the physical copy - the light needed is too sharp - so I couldn't read reliably before I bought the ebook.* Which was good, because I've been kinda sad over not being able to read this book.
As usual, Armstrong's writing is on on point, and her characters are well written.
The story in this book is good as well. Better than in the last one, for sure!
Not only does it include all three mains in a good way, but it also gives some good growth to them all, which I missed in [b:Rough Justice|37801970|Rough Justice (Cainsville #5.5)|Kelley Armstrong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1514953053l/37801970._SX50_.jpg|59471524]. On top of that, this book has a lot of fay involved, and I really enjoyed that as well!
And I do hope we get more books set in the Cainsville-universe. It is interesting and entertaining, and there are a lot of good characters here I would love to explore more. Like Patrik. I would love to read more about him than we got in [b:Portents|39989424|Portents (Cainsville, #5.7)|Kelley Armstrong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525000418l/39989424._SY75_.jpg|61922623].
Rating isn't quite a 4 star because... I don't know. It didn't feel quite up there, but it was too good for just a 3 star, so in-between it is.
*Now that I can read on my kindle somewhat reagularly, there's hope I can read a few other books as well! Yay!
quirkycatsfatstacks's review
4.0
I received a copy of Cruel Fate through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Cruel Fate is a novella that fits within the Cainsville series by Kelly Armstrong. But it’s unique in that it was illustrated by Xaviere Daumarie. The novella falls into place after the fifth book in the series, just for reference.
I know that there is some concern about the fate of the Cainsville series – everybody is hoping that Kelly Armstrong will revisit the series (and who can blame us for that?). She finally did here, but I can’t be the only one hoping for more. The novella was appreciated, of course. But I think many fans would happily take another novel or two. Especially since it feels like there’s still so much more to explore in the world that she has built.
The novella follows Olivia (who’s finally getting her life on track), Gabriel (her boyfriend), and Todd (her father). She’s doing much better than she had, and is even getting control of her life. That is, until her father is released from prison. That in itself is a good thing. The problem is that somebody out there isn’t happy about this, and is doing everything in their power to change that.
To make matters worse, Olivia doesn’t know if it’s a human or a fae that is messing with her. Or rather, messing with her father. So that’s just going to make finding the solution that much harder.
This was a fun and fast-paced read. I really enjoyed reading about Olivia and her thought process for helping her father. And of course the rest of it was great as well. Cainsville fans will really enjoy this one, I think!
I do hope that this isn’t the end of the Cainsville series. Though I suppose if it is I can accept that. The series has had a good (great) run, so I really can’t complain.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Cruel Fate is a novella that fits within the Cainsville series by Kelly Armstrong. But it’s unique in that it was illustrated by Xaviere Daumarie. The novella falls into place after the fifth book in the series, just for reference.
I know that there is some concern about the fate of the Cainsville series – everybody is hoping that Kelly Armstrong will revisit the series (and who can blame us for that?). She finally did here, but I can’t be the only one hoping for more. The novella was appreciated, of course. But I think many fans would happily take another novel or two. Especially since it feels like there’s still so much more to explore in the world that she has built.
The novella follows Olivia (who’s finally getting her life on track), Gabriel (her boyfriend), and Todd (her father). She’s doing much better than she had, and is even getting control of her life. That is, until her father is released from prison. That in itself is a good thing. The problem is that somebody out there isn’t happy about this, and is doing everything in their power to change that.
To make matters worse, Olivia doesn’t know if it’s a human or a fae that is messing with her. Or rather, messing with her father. So that’s just going to make finding the solution that much harder.
This was a fun and fast-paced read. I really enjoyed reading about Olivia and her thought process for helping her father. And of course the rest of it was great as well. Cainsville fans will really enjoy this one, I think!
I do hope that this isn’t the end of the Cainsville series. Though I suppose if it is I can accept that. The series has had a good (great) run, so I really can’t complain.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Man, this was an amazing read, of Todd finally getting out of prison, and all the complications that arise! Loved how the beginning made me think on thing, and how it really was!
laurla's review against another edition
"whatever sickness i had it's cured. i found god and he saved me, and i'm a different man now. a good man."
"a good man? a good man would have gone to the police and told them the truth. a good man would have given those families closure. a good man would have let his brother go down in history as a killer. that's justice. that's righteousness. your god doesn't exist to shield you from your shitty choices barry. don't hide behind him. i'm sure he doesn't appreciate it."
"a good man? a good man would have gone to the police and told them the truth. a good man would have given those families closure. a good man would have let his brother go down in history as a killer. that's justice. that's righteousness. your god doesn't exist to shield you from your shitty choices barry. don't hide behind him. i'm sure he doesn't appreciate it."
dancing_librarian's review against another edition
3.0
I was very sad when i realized Kelley Armstrong’s Cainseville series was ending with book 5. Then i was pleasantly surprised by the subsequent release of several shorter novellas. Olivia, Gabriel, and Ricky are such fun characters, and their genuine friendship and trust in each other make these stories fun to read.
In this novella, Olivia’s father Todd has just been released from prison, after being exonerated of crimes he did not commit. Not even a day passes before someone anonymous calls the police, attempting to pin a murder on him. Who is it, and why? This was a fun, short mystery to read
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for review.
Will post on April on my Library’s book review blog.
In this novella, Olivia’s father Todd has just been released from prison, after being exonerated of crimes he did not commit. Not even a day passes before someone anonymous calls the police, attempting to pin a murder on him. Who is it, and why? This was a fun, short mystery to read
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for review.
Will post on April on my Library’s book review blog.
catsandb00ks's review against another edition
4.0
4☆
ARC received from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All of my opinions are my own, and are in no way affected by the exchange.
This follows the release of Olivia's father, Todd, from prison. I cant really explain the plot of this book without spoiling the entire series.
I read the series on audio last year and really really enjoyed it. I liked the setting and the narrator. I thought the characters were well developed and the plot was engaging and approachable.
All of that was present in this story. It took me a while to get back into this world since it has been quite some time since I read the last story in this series. I liked seeing some of my favorite characters again. I thought the mystery was well written. I do wish it was a bit longer though. I thought this could definitely have been a full length novel.
ARC received from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All of my opinions are my own, and are in no way affected by the exchange.
This follows the release of Olivia's father, Todd, from prison. I cant really explain the plot of this book without spoiling the entire series.
I read the series on audio last year and really really enjoyed it. I liked the setting and the narrator. I thought the characters were well developed and the plot was engaging and approachable.
All of that was present in this story. It took me a while to get back into this world since it has been quite some time since I read the last story in this series. I liked seeing some of my favorite characters again. I thought the mystery was well written. I do wish it was a bit longer though. I thought this could definitely have been a full length novel.
aracherry's review
5.0
I NEED MOOOOOORE 😭 the book was so short, but I loved it, it was so good. I really need another full length novel with these characters. I guess I'll have to settle for this.. for now... hopefully there will be more in the future. It's definitely a must read if you've read and enjoyed the Cainsville Series.
sionna's review
5.0
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
4.5 stars
First thing, this one cannot be read as a standalone, you really need to read the entire series to understand this one, since it does take place after the series is over.
That being said, I'll still try to make this review as spoiler free as possible.
Okay, Kelley Armstrong has an amazing gift with writing. The way she creates characters and how they fit together is amazing. Coming into this book, with months between reading the last book I was still able to get into the groove and felt right at home. The relationships between everyone are complex and so amazing to read about.
I still wish there was more to the fae -- I feel like Olivia's main power with omens isn't used often, nor do I always understand the guys' gifts.
I really liked this look into their life after the main issue has been resolved. It shows that things are still having to adjust because of the conclusion, but makes the story feel even more real. With her father out of prison, I wonder if there will be a book featuring her mother coming up for appeal or anything.
I'm a huge fan of this series and I'm not ready to give it up. I highly recommend this series to people who like thrillers with touches of magic and if you have read the series, I do think this novella is worth the read. I liked Gabriel and Ricky's POVs here.
4.5 stars
First thing, this one cannot be read as a standalone, you really need to read the entire series to understand this one, since it does take place after the series is over.
That being said, I'll still try to make this review as spoiler free as possible.
Okay, Kelley Armstrong has an amazing gift with writing. The way she creates characters and how they fit together is amazing. Coming into this book, with months between reading the last book I was still able to get into the groove and felt right at home. The relationships between everyone are complex and so amazing to read about.
I still wish there was more to the fae -- I feel like Olivia's main power with omens isn't used often, nor do I always understand the guys' gifts.
I really liked this look into their life after the main issue has been resolved. It shows that things are still having to adjust because of the conclusion, but makes the story feel even more real. With her father out of prison, I wonder if there will be a book featuring her mother coming up for appeal or anything.
I'm a huge fan of this series and I'm not ready to give it up. I highly recommend this series to people who like thrillers with touches of magic and if you have read the series, I do think this novella is worth the read. I liked Gabriel and Ricky's POVs here.
lsneal's review
3.0
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley.
I always look forward to more Cainsville novellas! This one focuses on the release of Olivia's father from prison, after his original convictions have been overturned...and unraveling the mystery of who is trying to have him sent back again. There was some good stuff here, but it felt a little rushed and underdeveloped. I wish it could have been a new novel, instead of a novella.
I always look forward to more Cainsville novellas! This one focuses on the release of Olivia's father from prison, after his original convictions have been overturned...and unraveling the mystery of who is trying to have him sent back again. There was some good stuff here, but it felt a little rushed and underdeveloped. I wish it could have been a new novel, instead of a novella.
megf's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
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