We’ve all experienced a DNF — Did Not Finish — at some point. But more often than not, we’ll set the book aside or mark it DNF on Goodreads, and never speak of it again. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad book; it’s just not the book for you. You can rant and rave about the writing or plot or characters or overall content — and maybe it truly is bad — but book bashing doesn’t get you anywhere.
When I DNF, I mark it on Goodreads, state why it wasn’t for me as short and concise as I can, and let it fade into the background.
Except with this book.
Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas is not a bad book. Not at all. That’s not even why I DNF’d. In fact, just about everything I could ever like or want to see was in here in the beginning pages — fairytale spin, intrigue, writing, voice, unique plot, compelling protagonist, and realistic love interest. But if that’s all there, why did I stop?
That God-awful subjective gut feeling that creeps up even when I’m agenting: It wasn’t for me.
Even though I DNF’d, that doesn’t mean I won’t promote this. OHMYGOSH am I gonna promote this! You want a behind-the-scenes look at a fairytale? Read this book. How do fairy godmothers know exactly what you want and when you need it? Read this book. Dying for another fairytale spin that’s both unique and familiar? Read this book. And, totally random, but if you’re looking for something that has echoes of Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale…I’d say read this book. (I could be completely off on that, but it had those vibes in the beginning pages and I was fascinated.)
So here I am, promoting a book I did not finish. I was about a third into the book when I stopped. The merits are obvious, and I can see this being a successful book with a loyal following. If there’s any way I can aid in that, I will do so!
Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this book from HarperTeen for review!
This book fulfills 1 of 7 #ARCAugust reads.
