Monica Enderle Pierce

From the Edwardian era setting to the antihero Bartholomew's decision not to condemn a child, I was reeled in quickly with this novel. I found the style in which the author wrote to be fluid and almost soothing to read. Descriptions were rich and decadent.

While I do enjoy a good fantasy story line, my favorite aspect to this novel was the character development/relationship building between Bartholomew and Matilde. The novel was spread out over Matilde's eighth year to her sixteenth, and I show more feel the author did a remarkable job growing Matilde's and Bartholomew's relationship until there was eventually mutual trust between the two. It was years of two steps forward, one step back, and I could sympathize for each character's struggle in finding their place within the relationship.

I'm looking forward to the next installment in The Apocalyptics series. I'm curious to see Matilde's blossom into adulthood and how the dynamic between her and Bartholomew progresses. And, of course, I'm looking forward to how they next thwart Famine's master plan for world destruction. 4.5 stars!! show less

It's a shame I read this sequel first instead of the full-fledged series because of both being spoiled a few tidbits here and there, along with the realization it's a series with good worldbuilding.

Being a novella side-story, you will obviously end up with only mere nibbles, and the plot of Princess Arevik and her enslaved bodyguard Mahod offers expected tension from their forbidden love. I liked the overall concept of the story where Arevik has to choose between being betrothed with two show more noblemen from different nations, both options she finds to be disagreeable.

She's young and naïve, he's too obvious that he loves her but knows full-hand that he could never have her. Sometimes I found the book overused description to describe mundane village market scenes, but I mostly liked the prose of the story.

I think that if anything, the book would have been a lot better if the final 20% had been through a few more rounds of polished editing to make the scenes clearer to understand and the great revelation of Mahod's past a great climax instead of clunky and somewhat anticlimatic.

Still, it was a fun story, and I'll probably read the full series sometime. show less

You should definitely read this book!

Why do I say that you ask? First, I have to say when I saw Famine show up on my Kindle...I did a dance. A happy dance. I have no shame. I've been excited to read this book for a while now. I've read Ms. Pierce's other book "Girl Under Glass" and it's companion short story "A Sad Jar of Atoms" (which are both equally fantastic btw and definite reads) so I couldn't wait to see what she came up with next.

Famine (which is nothing like "Girl Under Glass") show more captured me from the very first chapter. Bartholomew was well written and completely and utterly fascinating…even though he’s a bit scary at times his need to protect Matilde and his love for the people he cares about, brings such a richness to the story. Matilde is what a great heroin should be. She’s not whiny, angsty or annoying, which seems to have become an unfortunate theme with young girls and women in books these days. Instead, she’s intelligent, stubborn, strong, vulnerable, witty and coquettish – without being over the top. And Mr. Vernon and Mrs. Henderson…what can I say? They are both such strong supporting characters and add such fun and depth to the story. Every detail is thought out and written beautifully. The detail Ms. Pierce put’s into her writing is fantastic. From the descriptions of the landscape to the clothing and architecture, it’s like being literally sucked into the book. Yes, it is actually that good.

Even though the book is not a comedy, there are little delightful bits of humor sprinkled all throughout the story, which helps add balance to the rather dark plot line. I was so sucked into the story that when I read the last line I kept scrolling hoping there was more hidden somewhere else. Alas, there was not, but regardless, I can NOT wait for the next three books.

Bottom line…should you read this book? Definitely and by any means necessary. :) show less

I devoured (sorry, couldn't resist the pun) this book in one sitting. Cadavers are creepy, Famine is a nasty piece of work. Young Matilde growing up just to find out why she is to fight the evils they represent, and the curious Bartholomew leading the way made for an interesting dynamic. Mr Vernon and Mrs Henderson trying to maintain the households and lives of them all made for an interesting family. Fighting not only Famine's evil, but also racism, misogyny, and men who are just plain show more mean, this was a fast and incredibly fun read for me. Finding big hearts and kindness in a world of evils, battles both big and small, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Truly looking forward to more of the story! show less