Reviews

The Edinburgh Seer by Alisha Klapheke

macnificence's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

ameserole's review against another edition

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2.0

Meh.

Honestly, this book looked way more interesting before I dove into it. However, once I did.. well I was kind of bored. I feel like it took me forever to get to the end of this book. In it, you will meet Aini. She lives with her father in Edinburgh and he just happens to be a candy maker. He makes magical candy. Unfortunately, people want to use his magical candy powers for bad.

Besides her, there's Thane. He's not proud of where he comes from family-wise but that doesn't stop him from being a spy. He's an intern at Aini's father's candy shop. Of course, there's going to be something happening between these two. Once Aini's father is taken away.. well, that doesn't sit to well with her.

These two were okay characters and I could sort of see the romance blooming between them. However, this book's pace just felt so slow to me. Plus there were things that weren't adding up for me that kind of annoyed me to no end. I have so many questions about this book but I don't think I will dive into book 2 anytime soon. Just not motivated right now.

gypsydawn's review against another edition

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3.0

Alright

While I can see the potential for this book, especially with such lush World building, it still managed to fall flat for me. I enjoyed the characters and the setting, and the notion there is a modern world, with a changed history (like the revolution went in Britain’s favor, etc) is fascinating - but something was missing in the narrative. Maybe it was the flow or the way it combined, but it ended up being just a meh read, when it feels like it should have been spectacular.

Third person, multiple POV. Episodic. PNR... kinda?
M/F
Rating = R for violence.
Character age range = 17+

Pros:
- Character dialogue can be downright witty.
- World building is prime.
- I like the way these characters, with flaws and fissures, are crafted.

Cons:
- Jumps sounds too much.
- Plot is hard to pin down, though the crux of it is startlingly simple.
- Too Slow in places and way too fast in others.

saarnetar's review against another edition

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1.0

There are some minor spoilers here, but nothing too big.

I'm not quite sure if I should give this book one or two stars. I gave two, only because I did finish reading it.

My biggest issue with the book was the characters. I felt they were quite flat. I didn't feel attached to them at all. If the main character would have died in the middle of the book, I wouldn't have cared. The only character that felt a little bit deeper was Myles.

Another issue was the world building. When the story starts, it says it's year 2017. Some things do indicate if as well. But some things during the book, feel like they were from centuries ago. And these things were not mixed well enough to feel believable. I had really hard time imagining how the world was.

The writing could have been better too. There were parts where I just felt confused because of the writing, not quite sure what was happening. Some parts were getting lots of attention, even too much and even repeating, and then some scenes, actions, were over before they even started. For example, once Aini's phone rings. She then starts to talk. There's no indication that she actually answered the phone. Just that it rings. Also, when Aini finds the secret room in the lab, there's no reaction from her part. She finds it and goes in. Just like that. She's not surprised, she doesn't show any emotion, nothing. When Thane escapes the barn where the rebellions were, he leaves by riding a horse. The horse was just suddenly there. Out of the blue. Because he needs it. Little things like these really irritates me

Also, everyone pressing their fist against their mouth, what was with that?!

I have the other books too, the rest of the trilogy, but I doubt I will read them, sorry.

readingistravel's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved all the candy making

It was a bit confusing as to the setting because the first chapter mentions 2017, but at times it felt like it was set in a different year. But other than that, I loved the story and the characters. And how particular Aini was about rule following, I found it endearing.

duskbladedrow's review against another edition

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5.0

It is because of books like this that I keep my hopes up while trying out indie books. It is such a great feeling to find a gem like this one in Amazon's ebook grab-bag. Although it's not perfect, and I would be more harsh on the review if it were published by a big publisher with a lot of surrounding hype, I just get so excited to find an indie book that goes beyond my expectations. Like an underdog, David vs. Goliath, tale, I cheer on this author and hope for her success. Her writing deserves a huge thumbs up from me.

ashyoung555's review against another edition

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3.0

The world-building left something to be desired, but the candymaking is a fantastic concept and wonderful anchor for the story, and the banter between the characters is really good. Thane is my favourite character by far, and I'm kind of sad we didn't get a chapter in his perspective at the end so we could see his personal response to the revelations, because I'm sure it would have been interesting.

belindaclemons_123's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book so much it was really unique in that it was about a girl candy maker who has a dangerous secret that can get her killed but she isn't the only one with such secrets. to read more you have to get this awesome book. I haven't read anything like this. Such a great story line such great characters I really cant wait to read book 2

gingerblack's review against another edition

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5.0

When I began this book, I was thinking that I was not going to enjoy it much. My mood right now seems to go to paranormal and fantasy. Instead I am shook it off and cleared my thoughts. I am so glad that I did. I was quickly snared by the plot, mysteries, and intrigue that just left me wanting more. Before I knew it, I had reached the end and am left wondering what next? I am anticipating getting the next one and interrupting my to be read pile once again.

joants's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars! For Scotland fans!!
A nice story with elements of fantasy, magic, romance and packed with action! Visit my blog for a spoiler free review : http://joantsblog.blogspot.gr/2018/03/edinburgh-seer-by-alisha-klapheke-book.html