***3.5***
I was initially drawn to this novel by the cover. It's honestly so breathtaking and kept catching my attention. The cover made me want to know more about what the book would be about and anxious to read the blurb. The blurb was well-written and my favorite part was that it talked about the Bolivian culture that was inspired and woven into the book. I don't know a lot about Bolivia, but I love learning about new places and cultures, so I jumped at the chance to read the book!
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Bolivian culture and how the author managed to expand and describe the world so vividly by including so many cultural references in the novel. Even the food had me getting hungry and wanting to try all the meals.
But, although I loved the world, I just didn't feel that drawn or attached to the characters all that much. When I read a novel, I want to be drawn to a character, whether the character makes me love to hate them, or love them just in general. I want to feel something toward them. Also, when I put the book down in the middle of a chapter, I didn't want to come rushing back to continue reading, which was a bit disappointing.
Although I didn't completely adore this novel, I think many readers will still enjoy the story and how much work and heart obviously into writing this book. A solid debut and I will read from the author again.
I was initially drawn to this novel by the cover. It's honestly so breathtaking and kept catching my attention. The cover made me want to know more about what the book would be about and anxious to read the blurb. The blurb was well-written and my favorite part was that it talked about the Bolivian culture that was inspired and woven into the book. I don't know a lot about Bolivia, but I love learning about new places and cultures, so I jumped at the chance to read the book!
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Bolivian culture and how the author managed to expand and describe the world so vividly by including so many cultural references in the novel. Even the food had me getting hungry and wanting to try all the meals.
But, although I loved the world, I just didn't feel that drawn or attached to the characters all that much. When I read a novel, I want to be drawn to a character, whether the character makes me love to hate them, or love them just in general. I want to feel something toward them. Also, when I put the book down in the middle of a chapter, I didn't want to come rushing back to continue reading, which was a bit disappointing.
Although I didn't completely adore this novel, I think many readers will still enjoy the story and how much work and heart obviously into writing this book. A solid debut and I will read from the author again.