Book Review: The Imposter King by Eli Hinze

    I snagged a copy of this novel (audiobook!)  on Net-Galley!  I was not entirely sure about it, but I think I can recommend it for certain readers! 

 In short, this is a fantasy set in Mesopotamia. Our protagonist Ahsan starts of at death's door- where he hovers through most of the novel. He's snatched from the proverbial gallows to serve as an imposter king during a most inauspicious time. He's given an imposter wife, and between the two of them, they work to thwart the possible plot against the actual king. I'd tell you more, but of course reading the novel would be better!

   As a person with only a mild interest in this time period, I really cannot comment on the accuracy of the historic elements of the novel. I did enjoy the descriptions of the accoutrements of life in that time period, the markets, and the relationships. Nothing felt off or inaccurate, but I'm no expert and possibly a true expert would likely find lots to quibble with here. Luckily, I'm no expert!

  The plot unfolded well, with a solid conclusion and a nice twist there at the end. The romance that occurred was super closed door and in a way this was a total relief from pages of descriptions of eggplants and the like. Kudos! 

  My two issues were with some of the language used by the characters- it was very modern seeming and felt like it was out of place, like the characters themselves were used to living in the 20th century but were now cos-playing in Mesopotamia. For the most part, I was able to put that dislike aside and enjoy the story.  I did feel like the story could be told in multiple time settings just by interchanging the details. (Imposter kind in medieval times?  sure, Imposter Mafia king- also ok, Imposter emperor, yes...Imposter Head of a Dude Ranch also ok).  The details were there, but somehow they did not entirely meld into the novel making it impossible to imagine any other setting/premise. 

That said - this was easy to read, I finished it in record time. Hinze is an Indie author, and I don't read a lot of indies.  This is a very easy read, the plot is understandable, and progresses in a natural way. Although this is book one in a series, the conclusion is a gentle cliff hanger with the major plot points of book one resolved, with a new issue pointing the reader to book two- which I do want to enjoy!  Definitely recommend for readers who want to enjoy a good story in a unique setting.  

First Published : 05/2022

Pages: 322

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: medical situations, poverty, bullying, drugs/alcohol, violence, death, monsters, animal hunting, blood. Regicide. 

                                        Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.   

     

Book Review: Salt The Water by Candace Iloh

 I listened to this YA novel - a Printz honoree novel while driving around town. It obviously fit into my water theme, or so I thought. In reality, there was very little water in this novel. Despite the cover that really seems to promise quite a lot of water. 

     In short this is a coming of age novel with a bit of a twist. It's strongest point is that the author really really relays what it's like to be a kid, especially one who's grown up in relative safety. Cerulean - our protagonist- is impulsive, with a narrow focus and hasn't been outside of their neighborhood and family much. Living in NYC they know that bad things happen, but they've been brought up in a very stable family. Cerulean is rebellious, and feels all the feelings, and is especially unhappy that their younger sibling gets to attend a special black focused school while they are stuck in the local public school. Cerulean is ready to move to California with friends after graduation, but a conflict with a teacher leads Cerulean to leave school- unnoticed by their parents due to family events that take the focus off the children.  Is Cerulean ready to live off the grid, like they dream of?  You'll want to read to find out. 

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It is very well written and engaging. The ending to me was a bit open ended and kind of... not want I'd hoped for exactly but, I can see how it would appeal to the young adult readers it's intended for! I can see this being a valuable novel for young adults, and a valuable one for adults who've forgotten what it's like to be a teen in a strange and changing world! 

  First Published : 09/2024

Pages: 288

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: medical situations, poverty, bullying, drugs/alcohol, 

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.