So I kind of liked this but I also don’t think I understood it. It’s sort of empowering but at the same time full of sexism and violence.
And I didn’t So I kind of liked this but I also don’t think I understood it. It’s sort of empowering but at the same time full of sexism and violence.
And I didn’t get the queer thing - this did not come across at all, so I think it’s misgenred. It even says at one point ‘they aren’t lovers� and the disguise seemed just that, rather than anything queer. Perhaps I’m wrong but that could’ve been better developed, especially as we had no internalisation of any of the characters so didn’t know what they were thinking at all.
The time hop thing was confusing and I’m still not entirely sure I understood the overall story. It’s quite gruesome in places and if it was a film� Guy Ritchie might be the director. As for the title� very odd choice. The link to Baba Yaga was tenuous at best.
The first two stories in this really didn’t resonate with me and I almost gave up because I thought they were pretty weird and not very well2.5 stars
The first two stories in this really didn’t resonate with me and I almost gave up because I thought they were pretty weird and not very well written. I then read the final story and quite liked it so read all of the others. Not one of them is tied up nicely, allowing us to consider our options� but I don’t want to do that. I prefer a nice twist / resolved ending. ...more
Beautifully written retelling of The Little Match Girl� with this in mind I’m assuming the ending to be tragic, rather than hopeful. Not as sad as I wBeautifully written retelling of The Little Match Girl� with this in mind I’m assuming the ending to be tragic, rather than hopeful. Not as sad as I was expecting, but not as hopeful either. Tricky to rate because I did like how it started, as well as the key messages, but at the same time it’s ambiguous and lacks resolution. Perhaps the author invites us to choose our own interpretation, but it’s not quite what I was expecting, especially as the cover is so pretty and heartwarming. ...more
Although The Ice Retreat starts off slower than Ruth’s other books, the multiple POVs help with pacing and thereAnother gripping read from Ruth Kelly.
Although The Ice Retreat starts off slower than Ruth’s other books, the multiple POVs help with pacing and there are plenty of twists to keep you turning the pages.
Our protagonist Hollie is typically suspicious and prickly, but Florence’s perspective immediately makes us question what we think we know, drawing us into her story with a sense of foreboding. There is a good variety of characters and (as usual) not one of them is what they seem�
Once the scene is set, the backstory shared and the invitation dangled, we are immersed in the dangerous beauty of a mountain retreat; the feeling of isolation really sinks in, and goosebumps flair up continuously whilst the action hits you from all sides.
The ending was perhaps less believable and shocking than Ruth’s previous book, but there are still plenty of gasp-worthy moments in this story that leaves you reeling and with several ethical questions�...more
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