The Storyteller’s Death by Ann Davila Cardinal
Here comes The Storyteller’s Death by Ann Davila Cardinal, one of my most anticipated October reads!
Isla Larsen Sanchez’s life starts to fall apart when her dad passes away. Dumped in Puerto Rico every summer by her alcoholic mother, Isla starts to develop a bond with her great-aunt.
When Isla turns 18, her grandmother dies, leaving behind a gift (or a curse) where Isla has visions. However, not all of the visions are pleasant. In fact, one of the visions involves an old murder mystery.
Is Isla in danger as she comes closer to discovering the truth?
My feelings for The Storyteller’s Death are a bit complicated. First and foremost, this book is a unique read. It has a really interesting plot and storyline, and I am glad that I read it. One of my favorite tropes is imperfect parents.
The book is very easy to read with short paragraphs, and it is a pretty quick read. Amazon currently has it priced at $7.99 so it is also very economical.
For the big reveal at the end, I did not see that one coming, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Now, for some hard truths……
I know that this book is classified as Young Adult, but it should have been a bit more sophisticated.
Victories didn’t feel earned. For example, Isla is essentially looking for a missing clue. What do you know? She finds the missing piece in less than one page. Sigh.
Also, every time Isla wanted to talk to someone, they were always the correct person, always very easy to contact. Consequently, everyone always had meaningful information, no false starts. Evidence was very easily located.
Characters should have been more developed. Most seemed to be all good or all bad. What about good people doing bad things? What about good people struggling?
The ending should have been stronger. The ending is cliché and wrapped up too nicely. I would highly recommend that the author read Daemon Voices by Philip Pullman.
Overall, The Storyteller’s Death is an enjoyable, unique read; however, this clay needs just a touch more molding.
*Thanks, NetGalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.