Review of Ricochet by A.M. Carni: A Journey Between Worlds That Left Me Torn
Oh, dear readers, I am here to confess that Ricochet—the latest offering from A.M. Carni—had me captivated from the very start. After reading the mesmerizing summary, I was hooked: a magical necklace, multiple worlds, and a whimsical twist on Anastasia and Alexei Romanov? This was the kind of book that had me racing to the bookstore and grabbing both the hardcover and audiobook. I could already envision myself lost in a tapestry of adventure and intrigue. Yet, as I sailed through the pages, I found myself grappling with a mix of frustration and admiration.
At its core, Ricochet delves into themes of forgiveness, trauma, and familial bonds. The way Carni approaches the moral complexities within this fantastical narrative is commendable; Anastasia’s journey of rescue for her brother Alexei—even after he betrays her—was a brilliant nod to the strength of family ties. In a world crowded with morally ambiguous characters, I found this refreshing and thought-provoking. But alas, much like a rollercoaster, the ride was full of dizzying ascents and jarring drops.
If only the pacing had matched the dazzling ideas at play! The first half of the book sped by, tossing concepts like confetti but not giving me time to fully grasp much of anything. I often felt whiplashed, with Lev’s perspective dulling the narrative and Alexei’s alternative universe sidelined until the very end, robbing us of its potential depth. However, as the second half approached, it started to pick up, only to end too quickly! It was akin to being served cotton candy for dinner when I was secretly craving chicken cordon bleu.
Through it all, my heart gravitated toward alternative Alexei. He was such a delightful character—sweet, naive, and brimming with optimism. I wanted to reach into the pages and adopt him! Yet, I was frustrated by the narrative’s treatment of him. Why call him “stupid” simply because he was kind? It seemed a missed opportunity to show that goodness can coexist with intelligence.
Now let’s talk about some of the brilliant concepts sprinkled throughout the book—like the idea of a world where Japan won the war of 1905. Why were these tantalizing morsels introduced yet never fully explored? It felt like the author walked me to a tempting buffet of ideas but then guided me back to less interesting fare.
And while I can’t ignore that the magic introduced toward the end was exciting, it left me scratching my head. The lack of foreshadowing meant that it felt more like a convenient plot twist than a well-earned climax. It was chaos, balancing between thrilling potential and frustrating execution.
Ultimately, I didn’t outright hate Ricochet. There were glimmers of brilliance and some truly thought-provoking themes about forgiveness and growth. However, it’s tough to ignore the weight of my disappointment, especially with such high expectations. This book might appeal to younger readers or those looking for a fast-paced adventure, but for me, it felt like a beautiful painting marred by a few errant brushstrokes.
If I had to summarize my experience, I would say it was akin to watching a captivating movie that left me wanting more substance. In the end, I wanted to adore Ricochet, yet I was left feeling as though the deeper narrative I longed for was just out of reach. So, while I might not buy a ticket for a second read, I’ll keep my hopes high for Carni’s next venture. After all, who knows what magic she might unleash next?
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