Tangled Webs
By: Lee Bross
Release Date: June 23rd 2015
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Format: Print ARC
Source: Publisher
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating:
Summary:
London, 1725. Everybody has a secret. Lady A will keep yours—for a price. This sumptuous, scandalous YA novel is wickedly addictive.
Lady A is the most notorious blackmailer in the city. With just a mask and a gown to disguise her, she sweeps into lavish balls and exclusive events collecting the most valuable currency in 1725 London—secrets.
But leading a double life isn’t easy. By day Lady A is just a sixteen-year-old girl named Arista who lives in fear of her abusive master, Bones, and passes herself off as a boy to move safely through the squalor of London’s slums. When Bones attempts to dispose of his pawn forever, Arista is rescued by the last person she expects: Jonathan Wild, the infamous Thief Taker General who moves seamlessly between the city’s criminal underworld and its most elite upper circles. Arista partners with Wild on her own terms in the hopes of saving enough money to buy passage out of London.
Everything changes when she meets Graeden Sinclair, the son of a wealthy merchant. Grae has traveled the world, has seen the exotic lands Arista has longed to escape to her whole life, and he loves Arista for who she is—not for what she can do for him. Being with Grae gives something Arista something precious that she swore off long ago: hope. He has promised to help Arista escape the life of crime that has claimed her since she was a child. But can you ever truly escape the past?
My Thoughts:
I tend to love historical YA so when I read the summary to Tangled Webs I was captivated and knew I’d want to read it. I had hopes that this book would be romantic, atmospheric and addictive. Sadly, I didn’t end up enjoying it nearly as well as I hoped.
Though this book took place in 1725 London the setting never felt all that historical to me. I didn’t feel swept back in time nor did I get a clear visual of this world that Lady A/Arista lived in. There were some pretty descriptions and I did enjoy a scene taking place at a masquerade ball. Really though, masquerade balls are always a hit with me.
I enjoy a story where the main character is leading a double life so I did like seeing the way Arista handled that aspect of the story. I felt like it gave the reader a good picture of the character and added much needed dimension. Though I felt a slight connection to Arista I didn’t much care for her character. I didn’t necessarily need to like her to enjoy the story but for this book I found myself annoyed with her more often than not. For being the most notorious black-mailer she seemed a bit lost when it came to anything sneaky- yes she is only 16 but if she’s touted as the best I want to see evidence.
Sadly, I never was able to really connect to any of the other characters. I thought I was going to like Nic, Arista’s childhood friend and crush, but he really only came around when it was convenient to move the story along. Grae was easy to like but not easy to really care about. I wasn’t overly concerned about what happened to him or any of the characters throughout the story.
Because of my constant disconnect I wasn’t able to really get behind the romance which really impaired my enjoyment since it was a pretty prominent factor in the book. I never felt chemistry between the romantic leads and honestly everything between them felt rushed. It all seemed pretty insta-love. I really wouldn’t have minded the instant attraction if I’d have been able to feel it while reading.
Final Thoughts:
The summary for Tangled Webs sold me on romance, a historical setting, a girl dressing as a boy–all things I love in YA fiction. Sadly, none of these really felt executed all that well. I do think readers who can connect to the characters and the romance will enjoy this far more than I did. And I must say, this arc was absolutely beautiful as I’m sure the hardcover will be as well.
Too bad this one didn’t click for you. The historical aspect was what really drew me to want to read this; it’s a shame it didn’t deliver! I feel like that’s a bit of a problem in YA with historical fiction at times; it doesn’t really feel authentic. And Arista not being sneaky when the blurb hypes her up to be so good at what she does would be SO annoying. Great review!
I’ve seen some others really loving this one so maybe it was me not the book? If you decide to read this one I hope you enjoy it.
I had such high expectations about this one! However nobody is truly loving it and this is putting me off a lot 🙁 Don’t know if I should read it now 🙁
I had really high hopes too. I’m so sad I didn’t absolutely love this book because I really wanted to.
Noooo, I’m so sorry you didn’t enjoy this one! I think you knew this but I really liked it. That’s unfortunate that you didn’t connect with the characters At least the cover is pretty, right? 😀 Excellent review, Kristen!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
The book itself is oh so pretty! You and Britt both loved it. I wish I had 🙁
I’ve been wanting to read more historical ya books so when I saw this one I immediately thought of getting it. Unfortunately, I’ve been seeing a lot of not-so-positive reviews for it. So I guess I’ll skip this one. Great review, nonetheless!
My hunt for historical ya books continues! hahah
Aw, so sorry you were disappointed by this book Kristen 🙁 I must admit that I have yet to read the summary for this one, lol 😀 And I won’t, hah. But I do like the cover. Somewhat. Just don’t think this book would be for me 🙂 But yay for not totally hating it. And for liking that ball. <3 But yeah, like you, I also love all the balls, just about all the time 🙂 But aw, yesss. When you don't like the romance, the rest of the book isn't going to matter much :p I'm sorry it wasn't done better :\ But either way, your review is gorgeous, as always. <3 Thank you for sharing about this book 🙂
I haven’t read many YA historical books but I love historical works and I love YA, so together it seems like they would or at least should make a good combination. Turns out this one didn’t work out so well, which is such a shame 🙁 I think I am going to skip out on this one too.
Check out my recent movie review: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2015/06/monsters-university-movie-review.html
I’m sorry to hear you didn’t really get to click with the story. I’m reading it right now and I’m enjoying it but I don’t feel too involved on how it will end… Unless the ending changes things drastically for me, it’ll be 3 stars…