Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy is the ultimate type of disappointing. The plot is super unique, the pacing moves right along, and the characters are instantly likeable. You can’t help but root for them throughout the story.
Mansy creates both villainous and protagonist characters that are complex, and well thought out. Her world building is amazing. This isn’t just in terms of the landscape but the caste society. The “magic” system in which memories are currency and whereby there are varying levels of ability that places them in a hierarchy of society. It is at once unique and an intriguing set-up with limitless possibility for the story.
Thank You to Blink Publishing and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This is what makes Memory Thief so disappointing. It never fulfills that potential. Once you get into the plot, the characters become frustratingly flakey. They become half-wits. At once wholly untrusting to completely gullible at the drop of a dime. Their reactions to traumatic situations become completely nonsensical. A character dies and another reacts as if they found out a dress is out of stock. It would be laughable such a great premise wasn’t being wasted.
Secondly, the idea behind stealing other’s memories as currency, along with the varying levels of abilities to do so becomes incredibly muddy. Truthfully, I was quite confused by it once I was knee-deep into the plot. I kept hoping it was just me or that there was some grand reveal/twist coming. But it never did. There were times that not just memories but *abilities* seemed to be stolen and then times when memories were given to others (and that is ability driven but it was never flushed out- it just happened and boom- that’s a new plot point that is never actually introduced).
Plus, Etta, the main character is having either flash back memories or fake memories. I say either because the author never makes it clear. And again, I kept hoping that was a part of some great reveal except I don’t think it ever was. And I say I don’t think because I’m still not really sure. Maybe I just missed it. I’m not sure. Seriously. I couldn’t spoil it if I want to because and let me repeat myself, I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT WAS HAPPENING ON THAT FRONT. I’m not even sure if it mattered, at the end of the day or it just kind of was.
And because of all of this? The whole point of the book- Etta saving her mom kind of gets lost and you start not even really caring because you don’t understand anything else going on in the book. The side characters unbelievable reactions/feelings. The confusion of the magic system that completely hooked you to begin with and how the whole thing because a muddy mess just takes away from the main character’s journey- to save her mom. If the author is just going to do whatever, whenever then what does anything even mean, anyway?
Maybe it is one of those books where YMMV (YMWV?). The premise, the world/caste/ magic system is incredibly unique and so maybe others will get a lot more out of this than I did. Maybe it is me and not the book. I don’t think so, to be honest. But maybe it is and I kind of hope that others will enjoy it. If for no other reason than I’d hate to see this idea go to waste on a really confusing follow-through.
Oh it’s such a a shame you weren’t a fan! I’ve signed up for a blog tour on this (not found out if I’m on it yet) but I found the premise really interesting. At least you’ve tempered my expectations ????
It is a unique premise! I was so looking forward to it! That is why I was disappointed. But like I said maybe it was just me and you will love it.
Thanks for the honest review! I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you. Hopefully, your next read will be better!
There such a shame, I had high Hope’s fir this one! I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy it
Thank you… you still might love it!
I don’t think you are alone. Another of my friend’s is reading it right now and has issues with it too. Too bad it fell short
Really? OMG Thank you for telling me. I mean not that I ever want a book or author not to do well but lord I felt so bad. I really appreciate you coming over and taking the time to tell me.
No worries. I just remembered her saying she was having a hard time with it and she usually loves everything.
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that this was such a disappointment. This isn’t the first review I’ve read that mentioned these same thoughts you had, so it’s definitely not only you. The wasted potential is always so sad, especially when it starts off really well, and the premise sounds super intriguing. Is this a standalone?
Ugh! I really appreciate you guys coming over to let me know it wasn’t just me. I don’t read reviews before I write mine and yesterday I didn’t have time to blog hop for the first time in months. Usually once I write my reviews I do go look around while I blog hop but I had a meeting, an appointment ad errands and by the time I got home it was like six and I have two reviews at the end of the week and a tone of Oct 1st books. And it was just non-stop so I didn’t get a chance. So I really appreciate you guys coming over and letting me know.
As far as I know/can tell it is a stand alone. It is also the first novel from Blink I haven’t liked.
It does sound interesting, a shame it wasn’t quite for you thou. Good review.
yes. I hope that others like it though. Maybe it was just me. Always possible of course. I hope it is just me. The premise is great. Very unique.
Ohh, I am sorry to hear that this was such a huge disappointment to you.
Hope your next read will be better!
Definitely! I have some great ones coming up in Oct! Plus (of course the fab 5)!
I think I saw this on BookOutlet and yes, I thought it was very interesting!
I can see how it van get confusing with all the different characters and memories! real and fake!
This would not be a good match for me. I get easily confused LOL. Great review 🙂
Thank you! I felt so bad about it. I mean I’ve written negative reviews before but I feel like a lot of people were disappointed by this one. – but so many wonderful people cheered me up about it. I really appreciated it. Thank you lady!
I still want to read this, but, I think it’ll go in the library pile now instead of the buy pile lol
Great post! I love this book cover a lot, pity the story was not to the standard.
Thanks! It is- the idea was so different from others out there.
I always regret discovering a good idea gone very, very wrong. Thanks for the review, Susan, I think I’m going to pass on this one.
While I feel like I ran over everyone’s kitten. I’m glad to have helped you avoid marrying a supermodel bitch
I love supermodel bitches, though! Gasp! Wot a plot twist.