The Vault Between Spaces by Chawna Schroeder [Review + Giveaway]
Read on for a review on a unique YA fantasy from Enclave Publishing's new YA imprint and a chance to win a gift basket and an autographed copy!
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| 2020 Enclave Publishing |
Author: Chawna Schroeder
Published: 2020 by Enclave Escape
About the Book:
Every legend must start somewhere…
No prisoner who enters the gates of HopeWell ever leaves. But from the moment Oriel sets foot inside Anatroshka’s most formidable prison camp, she unsettles both commandant and prisoner alike with eyes that see beyond the surface and music that trails her everywhere.
Petite and delicate though she appears, Oriel bows before neither threat nor punishment. Moreover, she makes no attempt to hide her intention: Oriel plans to escape the inescapable HopeWell.
But when facades are stripped away and myth becomes clothed in flesh, what begins as a prison break becomes a mission to stop the invasion of evil itself.
The Artist Librarian Review:
Coming from Enclave Publishing's new YA imprint, Enclave Escape, Chawna Schroeder's unique fantasy isn't for everyone, but those looking for a more classic fantasy with a hint of dystopia and the supernatural may enjoy this stand alone novel.
Where most fantasy novels are multi-volume or serials, the world Anatroshka is contained within a stand alone novel. While this is something I appreciate as a reader to have a contained story without having to wait months or years for the continuation or conclusion, I think it was one reason why I wasn't able to completely invest and connect with the world and characters: I'm more accustomed to longer, meandering series. Of course, as a reader you don't want "info dumps" to introduce you to a new fantasy world and characters, and Schroeder doesn't resort to it, but I did find myself wishing that I could have bit more info as a reader. The details I did receive as a reader left me wanting more, but it feels like just enough information is given to immerse you into the story, which I suspect is because it is a stand alone.
While being marketed as a YA and published through Enclave's new YA imprint, it didn't necessarily feel like a YA novel with a teen protagonist. This isn't necessarily a negative. Though Oriel seems to be the main character based on the synopsis, to me it felt more like an ensemble cast, with no characters outshining or taking center stage over the others. But it was also hard for me to connect with the characters for some reason: From young Brandon in the military, grizzled prisoner Gareth, to the otherworldly Jaki, the characters were intriguing, but left me wanting more. Again, I feel this may be because of the stand alone nature of the book and with a length of 289 pages, it had to be succinct and tight. There is an author's note at the end of the book which helped clarify the different species/races and some of the mythos of the world that I wish could have gotten worked in a bit more into the story itself.
But overall, The Vault Between the Spaces contains an intriguing premise of angelic beings, faerie-like creatures, elemental powers, and spiritual threads that will come together perfectly for certain readers. Though this novel didn't quite hit the mark for me personally, Chawna Schroeder has a lot of potential as author and I am interested in seeing what she dreams up next.
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this novel for review purposes through Celebrate Lit Blog Tours.]
Do you have a favorite fantasy stand alone novel? Let me know in the comments!
About the Author:
Chawna Schroeder is Minnesotan writer who enjoys snow, chai tea, and playing “what if?”—even if that game occasionally gets her into trouble. She also loves stretching both her imagination and her faith to their limits and helping others to do the same. As a result, her writing explores the vastness of God, His multifaceted nature, and the potential of a life lived with Him. This means both learning the boundaries He created for our protection as well as demolishing the human boxes that restrict both God and people.
When she isn’t reading or writing, a variety of other activities fill her “free” time: practicing piano for church, preparing Sunday school lessons, studying the biblical languages, or working on one of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie.
Chawna’s other books include Beast, a coming-of-age fairytale for teens and adults, and the Bearing the Sword curriculum, which teaches the basics of discernment to teens through in-depth Bible study and media analysis. You can connect with Chawna through her website (www.chawnaschroeder.com), blog (www.chawnaschroeder.blogspot.com) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/ChawnaSchroederAuthor/).
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Chawna is giving
away a themed basket including autographed copy of the book, $10 iTunes
gift card (since music plays a dominate role in the book), embroidered
bookmark, and embroidered denim book bag!!
Be sure to comment here and on the blog stops below for nine extra entries into the giveaway!
Click the link below to enter:
Click the link below to enter:
Blog Tour:
Through the Fire Blogs, February 28
Texas Book-aholic, February 29
For the Love of Literature, March 1
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 2
Rebecca Tews, March 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 4
Inklings and Notions, March 5
For Him and My Family, March 6
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 7
Deb’s Book Review, March 7
Emily Yager, March 8
Blogging With Carol, March 9
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 10
The Artist Librarian, March 10 [YOU ARE HERE!]
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 11
Pause for Tales, March 12
Mia Reads, March 12
Through the Fire Blogs, February 28
Texas Book-aholic, February 29
For the Love of Literature, March 1
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 2
Rebecca Tews, March 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 4
Inklings and Notions, March 5
For Him and My Family, March 6
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 7
Deb’s Book Review, March 7
Emily Yager, March 8
Blogging With Carol, March 9
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 10
The Artist Librarian, March 10 [YOU ARE HERE!]
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 11
Pause for Tales, March 12
Mia Reads, March 12
Blog Tour
Book Review
Books - Adult
Books - Christian/Inspirational
Books - Fantasy
Books - Teen/YA
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4 comments
Sounds fascinating! Thank you for being part of the tour.
ReplyDeleteI've read a lot of fantasy and I can't say I've ever read anything like it before!
DeleteI'm sorry that it didn't quite hit the mark for you, but I thank you for taking the risk on this oddball story! Who knows? Maybe some future story will connect better...
ReplyDeleteNo need to apologize! Oh yes, I definitely would give another shot. I loved the writing and I think others may truly enjoy it, especially fans of Jeffrey Overstreet's Aurelia's Colors series. I just felt like I personally needed more as a reader to connect. Thank you for understanding and for stopping by!
DeleteThank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Comments are always welcomed and appreciated.