Bookanistas Review: The Archived

The first time I read a Victoria Schwab book Goodreads practically had to twist my arm because, well, that cover. And then I read the book and ate my words and swore Victoria Schwab was a genius. So when The Archived released (with, I might add, a really cool cover), I was hungry to feast on Schwab’s gorgeous prose.

And while I still like The Near Witch better, I thoroughly enjoyed The Archived. It’s faster paced than her debut, but still slow building in that haunting way. Schwab is a master of atmosphere and skillfully creates the feeling of eerie wrongness that I loved so much about The Near Witch.

The writing is still beautiful enough to crush your self-confidence. And the story? The paranormal premise is one of the most original I’ve read in a very long time. It helps that Mac is a truly compelling character and her attempt to overcome her grief was believably heartbreaking.

The bottom line: Get your hands on a copy of The Archived. And pick up The Near Witch while you’re at it.

Here’s what the other Bookanistas are reviewing today:

Shari Arnold marvels at The Moon and More by Saran Dessen

Tracy Banghart is thrilled by 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil

Christine Fonseca shivers over Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Carrie Harris and Elana Johnson reveal the cover of Sally Slick & the Steel Syndicate by Carrie Harris

Corrine Jackson is nuts for Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber

Jessica Love joins the By Blood by Tracy Banghart book blitz – with giveaway

Shannon Messenger  raves about Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Kimberly Sabatini is touched by Out of Reach by Carrie Arcos

Katy Upperman gushes over The Girl Guide by Christine Fonseca

What have you been reading this week?