Maresi (The Red Abbey Chronicles #1)
Only women and girls are allowed in the Red Abbey, a haven from abuse and oppression. Maresi, a thirteen-year-old novice there, arrived in the hunger winter and now lives a happy life in the Abbey, protected by the Mother and reveling in the vast library in the House of Knowledge, her favorite place. Into this idyllic existence comes Jai, a girl with a dark past. She has escaped her home after witnessing the killing of her beloved sister. Soon the dangers of the outside world follow Jai into the sacred space of the Abbey, and Maresi can no longer hide in books and words but must become one who acts. Bound for international success, Maresi will be published in 15 territories around the world!
What I Thought:
There were things I really liked here and things I really didn't. The setting was rich and well-explored. I loved the world here. There's a lot of world-building and I liked the society that's set-up in this story. I enjoyed the MC, Maresi. There's a full, well-rounded cast of characters to love and I adored their sense of community and independence. My biggest complaint was the pacing. I wasn't in love with the way the narrative was presented. I know this is a translation, so maybe that had an impact, but I found the tense shifts very distracting and the pacing too slow, especially the first half of the story.
Overall, I liked it and will pick up the next book in the series. (I assume there is a next book. I hope there's a next book.)
My Rating: *** (3 1/2 stars)
*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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RATING SCALE:
5* = OMFG loved it. Will read it again. Touch my book and I will cut you.
4* = Really good. Highly recommend. Miiiight reread. Maybe. Don't touch my book.
3* = Good. I liked it. Go ahead and touch it.
2* = Not for me, finished but struggled. Didn't connect.
1* = DNF. Couldn't do it.
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