Comments on: Tallow by Karen Brooks

By: Kat

Kat — Tue, 31 May 2011 12:15:44 +0000

Hi, Sheryl. Thanks for your mini-review—different perspectives are always welcome as I know what’s a miss for me may be just the thing that other readers are looking for.
POV changes don’t bother me in principle, but sometimes the transitions don’t work for me. As for Tallow’s anguish, it wasn’t so much her empathy that I had a problem with, but the stuff that happens out of her control. These were plot twists that the author chooses to use, and I guess I didn’t feel that they were always necessary. However, I admit that this is my bias as a reader, and I know there are many other readers who can’t get enough tragedy in fiction!
As I said in my post, I liked the premise behind the series, and I enjoyed certain aspects of Tallow, so I’m glad you’re enjoying the second book.

By: Sheryl Gwyther

Sheryl Gwyther — Tue, 31 May 2011 00:55:08 +0000

I know everyone’s responses to a book are as different as our tastes in books, but I have to say I don’t agree with negative comments in your review. I was captivated by ‘Tallow’, from the very first page.

I was surprised by the first change of POV too, but it didn’t bother me because I easily slipped into the main character, Tallow’s head and enjoyed these chapters very much.

This book is an excellent read – complicated, intelligent, humourous, exciting, insightful characterisation, brilliant setting especially if you’ve ever been to Venice and you enjoy history and politics. Tallow has much to complicate her life, and her anguish is also a part result of her extreme sensitivity to the feelings of others – the skill as an Estrattore.

I’m now reading the second in the trilogy, ‘Votive’. And believe me, the plot is exciting and well-rounded and I’m loving it. Give number 2 in the ‘Curse of the Bond Riders’ trilogy a go, readers, when it’s released.

PS I’m an adult reader.

By: Welcome to Aussie Author Month – April 2011 – Book Thingo

Welcome to Aussie Author Month – April 2011 – Book Thingo — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:02:41 +0000

[...] reviews Maggie Alderson — How to Break Your Own Heart Karen Brooks — Tallow Emma Darcy — Ruthless Billionaire, Forbidden Baby Dominic Knight — Comrades Deborah [...]

By: Kat

Kat — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 06:24:30 +0000

Thanks, guys, and thanks for stopping by! Brooks's writing definitely shows promise---it's just that I'm not sure I can trust where the plot of overarching story is going.

mummazappa -- I'd be interested to hear your thoughts when you've read it.

By: mummazappa

mummazappa — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 11:33:25 +0000

thanks for the comprehensive review, I’m a recent convert to YA fiction, and will put this one on my TBR list. I found your blog through the aussie challenge on bookover book review’s blog. Looking forward to seeing the other books you review!

By: Bernadette

Bernadette — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:23:34 +0000

It’s not my favourite genre but I can always appreciate an excellent review. I agree it’s very difficult when part of a book is good and part not very good at all. Hope the other aussie authored books you choose are more consistent :)

By: Booklover Book Reviews

Booklover Book Reviews — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:22:42 +0000

This sounds intriguing, but it’s a shame it didn’t quite live up to your expectations/hopes for the adult reader (props on the very thorough and informative review). Such a shame the author is unwell…