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| cover from Goodreads |
Title: The Thirteenth Tower
Author: Sara C. Snider
Publication details: March 17th 2014 by Double Beast Publishing
Copy: eARC from NetGalley
In adversity lies strength beyond imagining.
Abandoned as a baby, young Emelyn’s life as a housemaid in the quiet village of Fallow is unremarkable—and empty. That is, until a host of magical creatures arrives and inflicts terrible misdeeds on the townsfolk. Inexplicably immune to their enchantments, Emelyn joins a pair of Magi intent on stopping the cause of the trouble—and who claim to know of her parents, promising Emelyn answers to a lifetime of questions.
But the answers Emelyn seeks prove to be more elusive than she hoped, and the world outside Fallow more perilous than she imagined. Magical creatures roam the land over, attacking yet another town before coming after Emelyn. The key to her survival—and finding her family—lies deep within her, if only she can conquer her doubts and believe she is more powerful than she ever dreamed.
In a journey that explores facing one’s fears amidst the uncertainties of an unknown world, The Thirteenth Tower is a magical tale of discovery, growth, and of love’s enduring strength.
Just a short review folks! I read this about a month ago, but I wasn't able to make a review immediately for some reasons. :)
I did enjoy reading this book. I liked how it piqued my curiosity at the beginning. And there's an air of mystery around the world they live in and also around the characters. It can be a bit slow, especially towards the middle, but I liked how the author took time in preparing Emelyn, in presenting her with snippets of who she might be. However, I felt like the momentum was cut short when Emelyn finally knows what happened to her parents, making the latter part a bit less thrilling.
-o-
I did enjoy reading this book. I liked how it piqued my curiosity at the beginning. And there's an air of mystery around the world they live in and also around the characters. It can be a bit slow, especially towards the middle, but I liked how the author took time in preparing Emelyn, in presenting her with snippets of who she might be. However, I felt like the momentum was cut short when Emelyn finally knows what happened to her parents, making the latter part a bit less thrilling.
At the beginning, a lot of characters were mentioned but as the story progresses it becomes too focused on the main character, making the others seem less significant even though I feel that they're not. I would like to know, therefore, more of the other characters, like Mrs. Beryl, Mr. Hibberly, Tilly and Derron. They are minor characters but I would like to know what happened to them and how they influenced or will influence Emelyn's life.
With regards to the ending, I was only so-so with it. As I've said, the events following the reveal of Emelyn's parents became less thrilling for me. I found myself reading just for the sake of finally ending it. It has an open-ending though, so a lot more can happen. And a lot more to look forward to.
Another thing I liked is that Emelyn doesn't have a love interest here, or rather, she has but it wasn't explored (yet?), emphasizing more the lessons on friendship, family and identity.
I don't think the premise of the book is unique, as it has a lot of similarities with other medieval, fantasy books. It can also be predictable. I was able to predict Emelyn's parents halfway through the book. What kept me going, I think, was Emelyn's friendship with one of the characters (I forgot the name! Ugh! I'm sorry!), and the mystery that still somehow hang around Emelyn's identity.
I think there will be a sequel? I'm not 100% sure. But I would still like to read the second book and know the rest of Emelyn's adventures. There are still a lot of possibilities for Emelyn, and a lot more relationships to be explored. I am looking forward to those (if there's a sequel... Haha!)
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| Source: Goodreads |
Sara C. Snider was born and raised in northern California, but now lives in Sweden with her partner and two beastly cats. She has a bachelor’s degree in Archives and Information Science that is currently sitting on a shelf, collecting dust, as she pursues her literary dreams.
When not reading or writing, Sara enjoys wandering in the woods, playing computer games, and eating dumplings as often as possible. She loves all things faerie, and has grown to accept she will always be covered in cat hair (Source: Goodreads).