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deethereader's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Reuts Publications for this eARC
I really enjoyed this book. It was a story that has been told all over the world many times involving humans rather than goblins or trolls. I enjoyed the characters and the friendships that formed throughout the book. The message that the ready is left with is one I found very powerful also
I really enjoyed this book. It was a story that has been told all over the world many times involving humans rather than goblins or trolls. I enjoyed the characters and the friendships that formed throughout the book. The message that the ready is left with is one I found very powerful also
justgeekingby's review against another edition
3.0
For my full review please visit my blog: https://geeking-by.net/review/the-night-girl-by-james-bow/
The Night Girl was provided for free by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley and the Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to review this book.
The Night Girl was a fun read with an interesting premise, however, it fell short for me personally. If you’re looking for a humorous fantasy romp then this book has it all. From the opening sentences to one of the most inventive scenes with a piece of furniture, there are some really unique scenes in The Night Girl. As a protagonist, Perpetua is interesting and to begin with feels genuine, resembling a real person rather than a fictional one.
The problem is that as the novel continued Perpetua didn’t hold up to scrutiny. At the start, I was impressed with how she was portrayed as a woman attending interviews and having to contend with annoying and often ridiculous questions. Her reactions to interviews and job applications were completely on point, not over the top, but the right mixture of wariness and anger that women worldwide know all too well. Likewise, when she first becomes aware of the supernatural she doesn’t freak out. She doesn’t exactly take it in her stride, she just weighs it up practically; she needs a job and it’s a good job. There are a lot worse things out there and she knows that for sure because she interviewed for a lot of them!
This sort of attitude leads to her being championed as someone who “sees everything”, however, the further along the story goes the more the wool is pulled over Perpetua’s eyes. She is supposed to be so aware and yet she misses the most obvious information despite it being mentioned multiple times. These clues, given to her and the reader, are given too many times. I’m not sure if this book is intended for an adult or young adult audience (other books by the author have been YA), and honestly, I don’t think that should make a difference. I’ve read young adult books all my life and in my experience, a perceived younger audience does not require the author to drop more tips.
What started as a novel with brilliant opening sentences and great world-building just didn’t quite meet the finishing line for me. I still enjoyed the novel, hence the three-star rating, and for some people, a fun fantasy read is just what they’re looking for in a book. I’ll admit, I’m a little pickier and there was only so much nose wrinkling I could take by the protagonist before the author’s lack of ingenuity being able to find another response got irritating.
The Night Girl was provided for free by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley and the Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to review this book.
The Night Girl was a fun read with an interesting premise, however, it fell short for me personally. If you’re looking for a humorous fantasy romp then this book has it all. From the opening sentences to one of the most inventive scenes with a piece of furniture, there are some really unique scenes in The Night Girl. As a protagonist, Perpetua is interesting and to begin with feels genuine, resembling a real person rather than a fictional one.
The problem is that as the novel continued Perpetua didn’t hold up to scrutiny. At the start, I was impressed with how she was portrayed as a woman attending interviews and having to contend with annoying and often ridiculous questions. Her reactions to interviews and job applications were completely on point, not over the top, but the right mixture of wariness and anger that women worldwide know all too well. Likewise, when she first becomes aware of the supernatural she doesn’t freak out. She doesn’t exactly take it in her stride, she just weighs it up practically; she needs a job and it’s a good job. There are a lot worse things out there and she knows that for sure because she interviewed for a lot of them!
This sort of attitude leads to her being championed as someone who “sees everything”, however, the further along the story goes the more the wool is pulled over Perpetua’s eyes. She is supposed to be so aware and yet she misses the most obvious information despite it being mentioned multiple times. These clues, given to her and the reader, are given too many times. I’m not sure if this book is intended for an adult or young adult audience (other books by the author have been YA), and honestly, I don’t think that should make a difference. I’ve read young adult books all my life and in my experience, a perceived younger audience does not require the author to drop more tips.
What started as a novel with brilliant opening sentences and great world-building just didn’t quite meet the finishing line for me. I still enjoyed the novel, hence the three-star rating, and for some people, a fun fantasy read is just what they’re looking for in a book. I’ll admit, I’m a little pickier and there was only so much nose wrinkling I could take by the protagonist before the author’s lack of ingenuity being able to find another response got irritating.
macaronoui's review against another edition
4.0
This is a delightful story! We follow Perpetua as she gets to know an underground world where Trolls, Goblins, Faeries and Gargoyles are forced to hide sometimes in plain sight.
It was a fantastic journey through an outsiders perspective.
I love that this book is set in Toronto, Canada. More books set there please!
It is a fun, adventurous ride. I am currently also reading a book on discrimination LGBTQ+ members face in different parts of the world, and while this book has no overt political leanings, it's clear a lot of the same problems in the book Goblins etc face, is the way that group and refugees have to live.
I give it 9/10. Highly recommend if you like fiction/fantasy.
Read it in one day!
I read this book as an ARC provided by NetGalley.
It was a fantastic journey through an outsiders perspective.
I love that this book is set in Toronto, Canada. More books set there please!
It is a fun, adventurous ride. I am currently also reading a book on discrimination LGBTQ+ members face in different parts of the world, and while this book has no overt political leanings, it's clear a lot of the same problems in the book Goblins etc face, is the way that group and refugees have to live.
I give it 9/10. Highly recommend if you like fiction/fantasy.
Read it in one day!
I read this book as an ARC provided by NetGalley.
constant2m's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book about racism and discrimination. I was not expecting this.
After a fight with her mother, Perpetua left home and arrived in Toronto with no job, no place to stay, and $500 to her name. A kind cab driver helps her find a job in the city as the receptionist for what appears to be an employment agency. The twist? Her boss is a goblin who finds work for other goblins and trolls.
Yes, Goblins and trolls do exist, and so do faeries, but they have been hiding from humans for the past 3000 years and no one really believes they exist anymore. Until they see them.
The book starts off slowly. At first, it was the story of a girl barely surviving, a mere step away from being homeless. But it changed as she began to see the world differently, to see others differently. Eventually, it became the story of the marginalized, of those forced to live on the outskirts of society, of those who only wish to be seen and accepted for who they are. The question is, will those rights be gained through education or force?
You'll have to read the book to find out.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and have reviewed it willingly.
After a fight with her mother, Perpetua left home and arrived in Toronto with no job, no place to stay, and $500 to her name. A kind cab driver helps her find a job in the city as the receptionist for what appears to be an employment agency. The twist? Her boss is a goblin who finds work for other goblins and trolls.
Yes, Goblins and trolls do exist, and so do faeries, but they have been hiding from humans for the past 3000 years and no one really believes they exist anymore. Until they see them.
The book starts off slowly. At first, it was the story of a girl barely surviving, a mere step away from being homeless. But it changed as she began to see the world differently, to see others differently. Eventually, it became the story of the marginalized, of those forced to live on the outskirts of society, of those who only wish to be seen and accepted for who they are. The question is, will those rights be gained through education or force?
You'll have to read the book to find out.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and have reviewed it willingly.
thewoollygeek's review against another edition
2.0
An interesting story. Not what I was expecting at all, I think YA fans will probably enjoy this, it’s got great characters (I adored Howard so much) deals with issues relevant to today, while the plot could be a touch predictable I still really enjoyed it and it didn’t bother me. It’s a fun, entertaining story and one I definitely recommend
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
nushreadsbooks's review
3.0
** received from netgalley in exchange for a fair review **
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book. But it was called Pratchett-esque so I wanted to give it a try.
Let me just start off saying that this is not any way similar to Terry Pratchett's books. It lacks the wit, smarts and complexities of a Discworld book. Instead we have a trope-filled quick read.
Our protagonist, Perpetua (seriously?) arrives in Toronto with a measly $500 in her bra. Perpetua is not a smart cookie (as showcased by her arrival in a big city without a plan) but she's friendly and charming so she is quickly introduced to the hidden population of goblins, trolls and fairies.
I can't say that the plot was original (I saw a plot point coming from a mile away) but it was a fun and entertaining read. Perpetual reads quite young - that may be the low brow sarcasm that she employs instead of actual jokes - but it adds to her character and makes her naivety seem more plausible.
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book. But it was called Pratchett-esque so I wanted to give it a try.
Let me just start off saying that this is not any way similar to Terry Pratchett's books. It lacks the wit, smarts and complexities of a Discworld book. Instead we have a trope-filled quick read.
Our protagonist, Perpetua (seriously?) arrives in Toronto with a measly $500 in her bra. Perpetua is not a smart cookie (as showcased by her arrival in a big city without a plan) but she's friendly and charming so she is quickly introduced to the hidden population of goblins, trolls and fairies.
I can't say that the plot was original (I saw a plot point coming from a mile away) but it was a fun and entertaining read. Perpetual reads quite young - that may be the low brow sarcasm that she employs instead of actual jokes - but it adds to her character and makes her naivety seem more plausible.
jessicareadsit's review
4.0
“I could use a little magic right now.”
Haven’t we all thought that at least once, twice, or in my case every day! For our MC Perpetua Tallulah Collins (yes, its quite a mouthful), I think the adage “Be careful what you wish for” is quite appropriate. After a row with her mum, Perpetua takes a humongous leap of faith and leaves the only home she’s ever known to try her luck in the big city- Toronto Canada. With $500 tucked away in her bra, because where else would she put it right, she journeys into the big unknown.
To say her trip takes some unexpected twists turns and dives is an understatement as she encounters a weird magical stalker/cab driver, gets directions from a Gargoyle, has a plethora of “What in tarnation, did anyone else see that!” moments and ends up working for a real troll.
Perpetua soon realizes everything may not be as it seems and that deception is closer than she thinks. As the mysteries surrounding her past and present collide, harsh truths come to light which paints our main character in quite a different light. With the help of some magical interventions, and a lot of luck she may just be the catalyst that lifts the veil between humanity and the unknown.
The best way to describe the Night Girl is honestly- “organized chaos.” The careful balance between reality and the veil gave a shockingly realistic insight into humanity and their inability to comprehend that which is deemed different or out of the societal norm.
I loved having that ‘aha’ moment when the book title makes sense and everything starts falling into place. I thoroughly enjoyed the role that fate/destiny or perhaps mere coincidence played in a lot of the scenes within the novel. Perpetua’s sense of optimism and determination for equality was heartwarming as she looks beyond appearances to see who people truly are.
Totally off-topic, but equally notable, I also wish to commend James on writing perhaps the sweetest love scene to date. Too often it’s more about the act than the emotions behind it and in the Night Girl, I loved that the girl was guiding the guy, there were no raunchy descriptions but rather an honest and real moment between a cab guy and his traffic girl.
The Night Girl was witty and intriguing with just the right touch of humor that made for a thoroughly enjoyable read. One of the most memorable themes for me throughout the Night Girl was definitely acceptance. Because in the end, we all have monsters lying underneath the surface now don’t we?
Thank you to NetGalley and REUTS Publications, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for providing me with an arc. All views expressed above are my own.
This book review will appear on my blog from 19th Aug 2020 and can be found here: https://jessicareadsit.wordpress.com/2020/08/19/the-night-girl-by-james-bow/
Haven’t we all thought that at least once, twice, or in my case every day! For our MC Perpetua Tallulah Collins (yes, its quite a mouthful), I think the adage “Be careful what you wish for” is quite appropriate. After a row with her mum, Perpetua takes a humongous leap of faith and leaves the only home she’s ever known to try her luck in the big city- Toronto Canada. With $500 tucked away in her bra, because where else would she put it right, she journeys into the big unknown.
To say her trip takes some unexpected twists turns and dives is an understatement as she encounters a weird magical stalker/cab driver, gets directions from a Gargoyle, has a plethora of “What in tarnation, did anyone else see that!” moments and ends up working for a real troll.
Perpetua soon realizes everything may not be as it seems and that deception is closer than she thinks. As the mysteries surrounding her past and present collide, harsh truths come to light which paints our main character in quite a different light. With the help of some magical interventions, and a lot of luck she may just be the catalyst that lifts the veil between humanity and the unknown.
The best way to describe the Night Girl is honestly- “organized chaos.” The careful balance between reality and the veil gave a shockingly realistic insight into humanity and their inability to comprehend that which is deemed different or out of the societal norm.
I loved having that ‘aha’ moment when the book title makes sense and everything starts falling into place. I thoroughly enjoyed the role that fate/destiny or perhaps mere coincidence played in a lot of the scenes within the novel. Perpetua’s sense of optimism and determination for equality was heartwarming as she looks beyond appearances to see who people truly are.
Totally off-topic, but equally notable, I also wish to commend James on writing perhaps the sweetest love scene to date. Too often it’s more about the act than the emotions behind it and in the Night Girl, I loved that the girl was guiding the guy, there were no raunchy descriptions but rather an honest and real moment between a cab guy and his traffic girl.
The Night Girl was witty and intriguing with just the right touch of humor that made for a thoroughly enjoyable read. One of the most memorable themes for me throughout the Night Girl was definitely acceptance. Because in the end, we all have monsters lying underneath the surface now don’t we?
Thank you to NetGalley and REUTS Publications, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for providing me with an arc. All views expressed above are my own.
This book review will appear on my blog from 19th Aug 2020 and can be found here: https://jessicareadsit.wordpress.com/2020/08/19/the-night-girl-by-james-bow/
melaniefiction's review
4.0
I just finished reading The Night Girl by James Bow, and boy was I surprised by this book.
Set in Toronto, we follow a young woman named Perpetua who has just arrived in the city with very little money and no friends (or so she thought). But there's a guy in a taxi cab... and a weird hostel for her to stay in... and she eventually finds a job... working in Toronto's underground city... for a goblin. I'll leave it at that, so as not to give too much away. :)
I read this book for one of my book clubs, but I wasn't able to go because of snowy roads. Which is sad because I heard the author - James Bow - was there! I would have loved to have met him, and let him know I really enjoyed reading his book. I'm not generally an urban fantasy reader, but I just gobbled this book up. I give it a solid 4 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Set in Toronto, we follow a young woman named Perpetua who has just arrived in the city with very little money and no friends (or so she thought). But there's a guy in a taxi cab... and a weird hostel for her to stay in... and she eventually finds a job... working in Toronto's underground city... for a goblin. I'll leave it at that, so as not to give too much away. :)
I read this book for one of my book clubs, but I wasn't able to go because of snowy roads. Which is sad because I heard the author - James Bow - was there! I would have loved to have met him, and let him know I really enjoyed reading his book. I'm not generally an urban fantasy reader, but I just gobbled this book up. I give it a solid 4 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
tbhonest_uk's review
5.0
The Night Girl is an extremely interesting novel, with engaging characters, an alternate world where supernatural creatures like Troll exist. It's well paced, original and very enjoyable read.
justgeekingby's review
3.0
For my full review please visit my blog: https://geeking-by.net/review/the-night-girl-by-james-bow/
The Night Girl was provided for free by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley and the Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to review this book.
The Night Girl was a fun read with an interesting premise, however, it fell short for me personally. If you’re looking for a humorous fantasy romp then this book has it all. From the opening sentences to one of the most inventive scenes with a piece of furniture, there are some really unique scenes in The Night Girl. As a protagonist, Perpetua is interesting and to begin with feels genuine, resembling a real person rather than a fictional one.
The problem is that as the novel continued Perpetua didn’t hold up to scrutiny. At the start, I was impressed with how she was portrayed as a woman attending interviews and having to contend with annoying and often ridiculous questions. Her reactions to interviews and job applications were completely on point, not over the top, but the right mixture of wariness and anger that women worldwide know all too well. Likewise, when she first becomes aware of the supernatural she doesn’t freak out. She doesn’t exactly take it in her stride, she just weighs it up practically; she needs a job and it’s a good job. There are a lot worse things out there and she knows that for sure because she interviewed for a lot of them!
This sort of attitude leads to her being championed as someone who “sees everything”, however, the further along the story goes the more the wool is pulled over Perpetua’s eyes. She is supposed to be so aware and yet she misses the most obvious information despite it being mentioned multiple times. These clues, given to her and the reader, are given too many times. I’m not sure if this book is intended for an adult or young adult audience (other books by the author have been YA), and honestly, I don’t think that should make a difference. I’ve read young adult books all my life and in my experience, a perceived younger audience does not require the author to drop more tips.
What started as a novel with brilliant opening sentences and great world-building just didn’t quite meet the finishing line for me. I still enjoyed the novel, hence the three-star rating, and for some people, a fun fantasy read is just what they’re looking for in a book. I’ll admit, I’m a little pickier and there was only so much nose wrinkling I could take by the protagonist before the author’s lack of ingenuity being able to find another response got irritating.
The Night Girl was provided for free by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley and the Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to review this book.
The Night Girl was a fun read with an interesting premise, however, it fell short for me personally. If you’re looking for a humorous fantasy romp then this book has it all. From the opening sentences to one of the most inventive scenes with a piece of furniture, there are some really unique scenes in The Night Girl. As a protagonist, Perpetua is interesting and to begin with feels genuine, resembling a real person rather than a fictional one.
The problem is that as the novel continued Perpetua didn’t hold up to scrutiny. At the start, I was impressed with how she was portrayed as a woman attending interviews and having to contend with annoying and often ridiculous questions. Her reactions to interviews and job applications were completely on point, not over the top, but the right mixture of wariness and anger that women worldwide know all too well. Likewise, when she first becomes aware of the supernatural she doesn’t freak out. She doesn’t exactly take it in her stride, she just weighs it up practically; she needs a job and it’s a good job. There are a lot worse things out there and she knows that for sure because she interviewed for a lot of them!
This sort of attitude leads to her being championed as someone who “sees everything”, however, the further along the story goes the more the wool is pulled over Perpetua’s eyes. She is supposed to be so aware and yet she misses the most obvious information despite it being mentioned multiple times. These clues, given to her and the reader, are given too many times. I’m not sure if this book is intended for an adult or young adult audience (other books by the author have been YA), and honestly, I don’t think that should make a difference. I’ve read young adult books all my life and in my experience, a perceived younger audience does not require the author to drop more tips.
What started as a novel with brilliant opening sentences and great world-building just didn’t quite meet the finishing line for me. I still enjoyed the novel, hence the three-star rating, and for some people, a fun fantasy read is just what they’re looking for in a book. I’ll admit, I’m a little pickier and there was only so much nose wrinkling I could take by the protagonist before the author’s lack of ingenuity being able to find another response got irritating.