Review - Scrap (Emory Sharplin)

 

Synopsis

On the brutal streets of Hellip, a village in the vast empire of the cruel King Ibis, you either become good at running from the king’s Blackcoats or you die. This is the lesson that twelve-year-old Tucker Scrap, abandoned as an infant among the orphans of Hellip, learned early. Along with her friends Ash and Kally, Tucker spends her time keeping one step ahead of the unjust laws, stealing what she needs to survive, and pondering her own unknown origins—and those of the enchanted bracelet with which she was found.

Now, both Ash and Kally have vanished from the orphanage, perhaps headed for the faraway city where Ibis still rules. When a mysterious girl named Vivian arrives in Hellip with a strange invitation to Tucker, the leader of the orphans decides that this may be her opportunity to find her missing friends. But more than this: it may become an opportunity to recover her hidden inheritance, and to change the fate of an entire kingdom.
The introduction to a fantasy world rich with ancient magic, enigmatic gypsies, palace labyrinths, and deep woods haunted by strange and forbidding creatures, Emory Sharplin’s debut novel tells the story of Tucker Scrap: a bold, memorable heroine at the center of a centuries-old mystery, stepping into her destiny at last. 

-Goodreads.com

  My Review

 I received this book free via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

I devoured this book, like a fat kid devours cake; this book is a purely delicious read! From the first page of the prologue, this book had me in its grasp. The book starts with the Kings most recent wife, being condemned to death at the gallows, because of her inability to bear the King a son.  No sooner is she executed, than rebels start to cry out that the Queen was innocent, causing a riot...and so our tale begins. From then on I was fully taken by this book. 

To start off the writing is impeccable for a girl so young to have written it. I have read books from older writers that lack in comparison to kindergarten scrawl, due to poor editing and grammar. However Miss Sharplin, has polished her writing to a high standard and it is evident in her work. 

When I first picked up this story I had reservations about the age of the main character Tucker, as she is only 13. I’m mean, I’m 22, what do I honestly have in common with a 13 year old? I was worried that the writing would be aimed at a much younger audience, and I would have trouble empathizing with the characters. However, age never became a factor. Tucker is a mature and relatable character, and with the addition of Colt the conservative manor boy and Napier the wild gypsy boy you don’t even consider the age of the characters, as everything fits together nicely.

Things I loved about the book:

•  The female lead was strong and assertive, even at the age of 13.

• Tucker was able to be friends with Colt and Napier without a love triangle ensuing. (However I feel romantic entanglements might feature in the 2nd book, judging from the last chapter.)

Things that I didn’t so much like about the book.

• There was an editing mistake near the end, where things were starting to get climactic and it distracted me from the story.

•  That you didn’t find out what happened to Ash after he left the orphanage, but I assume this will be answered in the next book.

Emory Sharplin has taken revenge, intrigue, rebellion, adventure, magic and a touch of romanticism and woven it into an undeniably lovable tale. I sincerely believe that readers of all ages will enjoy this book!  

Overall

Would I buy this book: Hell Yes! It would be the type of series I would love to collect and then read to my daughter at bedtime when she got a bit older.

Would I recommend this book: Yes. If you’re a fan of YA fantasy/adventure, that doesn’t have a whole lot of sex and swearing in it.

Will I read the next one: Of course. It didn’t leave on a cliff-hanger, but there are definitely some questions I need answered!

My rating: 4/5