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A review by bryanhoardsbooks
Mayhem by Estelle Laure
4.0
Disclaimer: This review is not sponsored. I am part of the International Blog Tour for this book and I was given an e-ARC of the book by the publisher and author in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Suicide, Domestic and Emotional Abuse, Sexual Assault, Drug Use, Kidnapping
When I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew that I had to hit that request button right away. Mayhem was definitely a tough read, but an important one. So when I read the Author’s note at the first few pages of the book, I know that the story will keep me awake. I included the Author’s note at the end of this blog post, so feel free to check it out.
Powerful, dark and magical. That’s how I would describe this book. Let me give you three reasons why Mayhem should be in your TBR list. How the story of the Brayburn women lit the way and how magic allowed them to find strength in their weakness.
1.) It talks about real-life issues
I always find it brave if an author decides to write a book about sensitive, real-life issues that aims to raise awareness and find comfort in the hands of the readers. Laure doesn’t only give us a glimpse of how violence and assault looks like, she also gives us a slice of reality by showing the trauma it leaves to the victims. Sometimes it feels like there’s no way out, but this book tells us otherwise. I know it writing this book was hard, but I truly applaud Laure for bringing the Brayburn women to life.
2.) Magic and destiny
Magic runs in the blood of Brayburn women, and Mayhem’s arc revolves around discovering what she’s made of, what she could do and who she could be. I love me a good discovering-my-purpose trope and I’m thrilled this book was infused with it. I understand that the main theme of the book was not magic, and maybe that’s why I wished there was more of it, but I really think seeing more of it would anchor the plot more. In the end, I still enjoyed how badass Mayhem is!
3.) It did not shy away from including flawed family dynamics
It’s not always rainbows and butterflies. I like it when a book shows an imperfect family because that makes it more realistic. The mother-daughter relationship as well the sibling bond it this book is flawed, but they still loved each other and willing to protect the people that they love. Flawed, but still flawless.
Overall, Mayhem was a good read! Though I didn’t connect with some parts, I truly understand the purpose why this book came into life and believe me when I say that I received the message. I truly hope that this book will give comfort to people who relate the most to the Brayburn women. This book is power, and this is for you. You are invincible. You are magic.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for giving me an early copy of the book. Huge shout out to Sarah Bonamino and the rest of the St. Martin’s Publishing Group team for including me in this blog tour!
Mayhem by Estelle Laure will hit the shelves on July 14th, worldwide!
Review is also published on Bryan Hoards Books
CW: Suicide, Domestic and Emotional Abuse, Sexual Assault, Drug Use, Kidnapping
When I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew that I had to hit that request button right away. Mayhem was definitely a tough read, but an important one. So when I read the Author’s note at the first few pages of the book, I know that the story will keep me awake. I included the Author’s note at the end of this blog post, so feel free to check it out.
Powerful, dark and magical. That’s how I would describe this book. Let me give you three reasons why Mayhem should be in your TBR list. How the story of the Brayburn women lit the way and how magic allowed them to find strength in their weakness.
1.) It talks about real-life issues
I always find it brave if an author decides to write a book about sensitive, real-life issues that aims to raise awareness and find comfort in the hands of the readers. Laure doesn’t only give us a glimpse of how violence and assault looks like, she also gives us a slice of reality by showing the trauma it leaves to the victims. Sometimes it feels like there’s no way out, but this book tells us otherwise. I know it writing this book was hard, but I truly applaud Laure for bringing the Brayburn women to life.
2.) Magic and destiny
Magic runs in the blood of Brayburn women, and Mayhem’s arc revolves around discovering what she’s made of, what she could do and who she could be. I love me a good discovering-my-purpose trope and I’m thrilled this book was infused with it. I understand that the main theme of the book was not magic, and maybe that’s why I wished there was more of it, but I really think seeing more of it would anchor the plot more. In the end, I still enjoyed how badass Mayhem is!
3.) It did not shy away from including flawed family dynamics
It’s not always rainbows and butterflies. I like it when a book shows an imperfect family because that makes it more realistic. The mother-daughter relationship as well the sibling bond it this book is flawed, but they still loved each other and willing to protect the people that they love. Flawed, but still flawless.
Overall, Mayhem was a good read! Though I didn’t connect with some parts, I truly understand the purpose why this book came into life and believe me when I say that I received the message. I truly hope that this book will give comfort to people who relate the most to the Brayburn women. This book is power, and this is for you. You are invincible. You are magic.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for giving me an early copy of the book. Huge shout out to Sarah Bonamino and the rest of the St. Martin’s Publishing Group team for including me in this blog tour!
Mayhem by Estelle Laure will hit the shelves on July 14th, worldwide!
Review is also published on Bryan Hoards Books