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lillyvannilly's review
4.0
Will never knew where he belonged, that is until Ruby Magnata moves to town. Ruby dreams of making it big and hopes that her singing will one day make her a household name. Will wants nothing more then to see that happen, which is why he stands by her side when she moves to NYC in hopes of starting her career. Ruby’s career eventually takes off. But with the new name Shiver Magnata also comes scandals, lies, and the dark side of stardom. Will will do whatever it takes to see Ruby on the right path, but will his love for her be enough?
caitc's review
3.0
“If you want to get to the top, dear, be prepared to step on and sell all your principles.” This book follows the rise, fall, and rebirth of a pop icon told from the perspective of her best friend. The first half of this book was challenging for me to get into but it picked up In the second half. The story was compelling and I think it paints a good picture of the glamour and dark sides of fame. But I found the dialogue and writing a little clunky. Overall this has a good plot but could do with a little more editing and polishing.
mrjack's review
2.0
MacAl’s debut novel, The Legendary Shiver, follows aspiring singer and song writer Ruby through the eyes of her best friend Will. Her meteoric ascension into the music industry makes her famous and beloved worldwide, even as she is unable to completely comprehend her feelings for Will. Will himself pines for her but is only able to helplessly watch as Ruby’s stardom (under the artist name Shiver Magnata) comes with its own intense trials. Shiver’s star has risen, but is a fall inevitable?
This novel moves at a brisk pace that makes for easy continuous reading.
I am no expert of fame or the music industry, but (from my layman’s perspective) Legendary Shiver delivers a researched, detailed, and realistic glimpse into the world of radio this and celebrity. It’s a sometimes chilling, sometimes heartbreaking world of political intrigue and control.
At its core, though, this is the story of a friendship, and in some ways a love story. Over the course of several years, Will and Ruby meet, become the dearest of friends, and learn to love each other in different ways. It’s a believable long-term friendship. What they have is good, though sometimes turbulent, and it rings true.
Shiver needs another round with the editors; the occasional typo or misused punctuation mars the story, though it doesn’t ruin it. The ending, though emotional, may come across as abrupt or manipulative if tear-jerking stories aren’t your cup of tea.
You can purchase the novel here:
https://www.amazon.com/Legendary-Shiver-J-H-MacAl-ebook/dp/B087499DQC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+legendary+shiver&qid=1591224755&sr=8-1
This novel moves at a brisk pace that makes for easy continuous reading.
I am no expert of fame or the music industry, but (from my layman’s perspective) Legendary Shiver delivers a researched, detailed, and realistic glimpse into the world of radio this and celebrity. It’s a sometimes chilling, sometimes heartbreaking world of political intrigue and control.
At its core, though, this is the story of a friendship, and in some ways a love story. Over the course of several years, Will and Ruby meet, become the dearest of friends, and learn to love each other in different ways. It’s a believable long-term friendship. What they have is good, though sometimes turbulent, and it rings true.
Shiver needs another round with the editors; the occasional typo or misused punctuation mars the story, though it doesn’t ruin it. The ending, though emotional, may come across as abrupt or manipulative if tear-jerking stories aren’t your cup of tea.
You can purchase the novel here:
https://www.amazon.com/Legendary-Shiver-J-H-MacAl-ebook/dp/B087499DQC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+legendary+shiver&qid=1591224755&sr=8-1
krist10reads's review
5.0
The Legendary Shiver is truly a breathtaking debut novel and MacAl is one to watch. From the first few pages, I was completely devoted to the main characters. I myself felt that Will and I were kindred spirits. I found myself invested in every single character in this story. MacAl does a phenomenal job of developing each character and immersing the reader fully into his story. This tale of love and friendship has everything that you wish for in romantic fiction and then some.
Early in the story we meet Will and Ruby who become fast friends their senior year of high school. Both have dreams of leaving their small town life and together they set after their dreams in NYC. As the story progresses we go on their journey as Ruby seeks stardom in the music industry and Will sets out to find himself beside her. I was reminded of myself as I read their story and the bonds of their relationship.
This is a story of fierce friendship and the difficulties of the rise to fame. There is plenty of love to go around but there is also friendship, heartbreak, betrayal, loss, struggle and a journey that is sure to inspire you to live life and take nothing for granted. This was a ride I will not soon forget, for it left me shattered (but in a good way.) I highly recommend this book!
Early in the story we meet Will and Ruby who become fast friends their senior year of high school. Both have dreams of leaving their small town life and together they set after their dreams in NYC. As the story progresses we go on their journey as Ruby seeks stardom in the music industry and Will sets out to find himself beside her. I was reminded of myself as I read their story and the bonds of their relationship.
This is a story of fierce friendship and the difficulties of the rise to fame. There is plenty of love to go around but there is also friendship, heartbreak, betrayal, loss, struggle and a journey that is sure to inspire you to live life and take nothing for granted. This was a ride I will not soon forget, for it left me shattered (but in a good way.) I highly recommend this book!
libertybrass's review
4.0
The Legendary Shiver is a young adult contemporary romance that follows the story of Ruby from the point of view of her best friend William. The character development and diversity was well written, and MacAl did a great job of taking you through each character's ups and downs throughout the entire story forming a lovely narrative.
I enjoyed that real life topics were addressed in realistic scenarios, such as, mental health, LGBTQ, and the tenacity it takes to create a career. I rated it a four versus a five due to the love story. It felt a little lackluster, and there was a back and forth element that went on longer than I enjoyed. If you’re looking for a quick Kindle read this is a great option if you are looking for something raw and real.
I was asked to review this book by the author, all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed that real life topics were addressed in realistic scenarios, such as, mental health, LGBTQ, and the tenacity it takes to create a career. I rated it a four versus a five due to the love story. It felt a little lackluster, and there was a back and forth element that went on longer than I enjoyed. If you’re looking for a quick Kindle read this is a great option if you are looking for something raw and real.
I was asked to review this book by the author, all opinions are my own.
bookswithlaurence's review
4.0
William and Ruby met in Senior year of High School and became best friends immediately. After graduation, they move from their small town to New York. The story is mainly focused on the rise to fame of Ruby has a singer told through the perspective of Will. You witness the good and the bad of fame through the years as Ruby tries to come to terms with her past.
For the most part, I enjoyed this debut novel. It was something I’ve never read about before, and it was not predictable. It really took me by surprise! At the beginning, things were moving very fast, and I wish we could see more of Will and Ruby’s relationship in high school and when they first move to New York. But, at the halfway mark, I felt that the events were better paced and more elaborated. Since things were happening fast, I wasn’t bored reading this book. The characters and the friendship were well developed. The friendship between Will, Ruby, John and Keysha is one I really like. I also feel that the events that take place during this book are a good representation of the reality as an upcoming star in the music industry and the things you got to do to be at the top. I also love Will’s development! For me, he started as only the narrator of Ruby’s story, but as the story goes on, he started to have his own story and ambitions. And the plot twist at the end was so unexpected, but good! I loved the writing style, especially in the moments full of emotions where it shined and made me feel things.
I would have loved to have some chapters from Ruby’s POV since it’s her story to fame. I think it would have been interesting to know more about what she was thinking, especially as her fame become to grow. This book took place in a period of ten years. I wish there would have been a better time reference, because it’s difficult to know how much time has passed since the beginning after some time.
Thanks to the author for sending me an e-copy of his book in exchange of a review!
For the most part, I enjoyed this debut novel. It was something I’ve never read about before, and it was not predictable. It really took me by surprise! At the beginning, things were moving very fast, and I wish we could see more of Will and Ruby’s relationship in high school and when they first move to New York. But, at the halfway mark, I felt that the events were better paced and more elaborated. Since things were happening fast, I wasn’t bored reading this book. The characters and the friendship were well developed. The friendship between Will, Ruby, John and Keysha is one I really like. I also feel that the events that take place during this book are a good representation of the reality as an upcoming star in the music industry and the things you got to do to be at the top. I also love Will’s development! For me, he started as only the narrator of Ruby’s story, but as the story goes on, he started to have his own story and ambitions. And the plot twist at the end was so unexpected, but good! I loved the writing style, especially in the moments full of emotions where it shined and made me feel things.
I would have loved to have some chapters from Ruby’s POV since it’s her story to fame. I think it would have been interesting to know more about what she was thinking, especially as her fame become to grow. This book took place in a period of ten years. I wish there would have been a better time reference, because it’s difficult to know how much time has passed since the beginning after some time.
Thanks to the author for sending me an e-copy of his book in exchange of a review!