Edelweiss+ – A Take from Two Cities

THE EDELWEISS+ EXPERIENCE… AND IT’S NOT A LULLABY

So Hollis and I feel kind of in control with NetGalley, with the odd ‘it controls me’ moments. Edelweiss+, however, is a totally different kettle of fish. Now, we know that this is a platform less used by readers and more used by book professionals but there are some blogger/reviewers only (like us) on there.

So what’s different about Edelweiss+, I hear you say? For starters, it’s a pretty clunky platform and definitely not as user friendly as NetGalley. It does work on the same principles though; you see a book, you request it, and ideally the publisher will grant access. Instead of ‘read it now’, it also has a ‘download’ option rather than request for some select titles.

What has been Micky’s experience, is that getting declined is the default (see the left of the photo above *laughs/cries*). For example, say for every ten that are requested, access might be given to one or two. Why continue? Well, there are publishers that use Edelweiss+ and not NetGalley, or favour Edelweiss+ more.

Unlike NetGalley, your profile is very basic and there is no running tally or reads, reviews or percentages. I miss that element, I like competing to get myself in a better position! Now over to Hollis who has had a better experience than me (somewhat), which is probably to do with regional issues.

Micky isn’t wrong, I have had some better experience. For a while it was all books, all day, download download download! Now? Less of that. I do think there is some logic behind the “provide a reason for your request” box but realistically I don’t imagine your enthusiasm sways anyone. I think it’s just hit or miss.

I have no screenshot to show you because I clear my dashboard, refusing to linger over the rejections, but I, too, would prefer there was some kind of feedback ratio to indicate that, strong profile or not, I’m reading and reviewing what I’m given. Maybe there’s something on the other side of the screen? Hard to tell. But I’ll keep clicking, keep enthusing over new titles, keep hoping those books that only show up on Edelweiss+, as opposed to NetGalley, might make their way onto my kindle.

What has been your experience? Do you use Edelweiss+ or have you thrown in the towel?

ACROSS THE VOID by S.K. Vaughn

A visceral space thriller—perfect for fans of Arrival and The Martian—following the sole survivor of a catastrophic accident in space that leaves her drifting in the void with only the voice of her estranged husband, a NASA scientist, to guide her back to Earth.

Commander Maryam “May” Knox awakes from a medically induced coma alone, adrift in space on a rapidly failing ship, with little to no memory of who she is or why she’s there.

Slowly, she pieces together that she’s the captain of the ship, Hawking II; that she was bound for Europa—one of Jupiter’s moons—on a research mission; and that she’s the only survivor of either an accident—or worse, a deliberate massacre—that has decimated her entire crew. With resources running low, and her physical strength severely compromised, May must rely on someone back home to help her. The problem is: everyone thinks she’s dead.

Back on Earth, it’s been weeks since Hawking II has communicated with NASA, and Dr. Stephen Knox is on bereavement leave to deal with the apparent death of his estranged wife, whose decision to participate in the Europa mission strained their marriage past the point of no return. But when he gets word that NASA has received a transmission from May, Stephen comes rushing to her aid.

What he doesn’t know is that not everyone wants May to make it back alive. Even more terrifying: she might not be alone on that ship. Featuring a twisting and suspenseful plot and compelling characters, Across the Void is a moving and evocative thriller that you won’t be able to put down.

Title : Across The Void
Author : SK Vaughn
Format : eARC
Page Count : 384
Genre : Sci-fi
Publisher : Skybound Books
Release Date : July 2, 2019

Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★

Micky’s 4 star review

I straight up loved lots about this book which fit into a niche favourite genre I like to call ‘catastrophised sci-fi’. The book opened straight into an messed up situation that continued pretty much to the end. It was an angsty, thrilling ride with so much to it.

The protagonist was May, alone on her vessel after some kind of event that she didn’t recall due to illness and amnesia. Just her and AI, creepy, am I right? This is the kind of story where you don’t know who the bad guys are and it takes a whole lot of twists, turns and suspicions to see the final issues laid out.

Alongside this lone adventure was the background story of a married couple, May and Stephen. Stephen was on earth, a gifted scientist and part of the reason May was on her vessel in the first place. There were other characters, good and awful that interplayed with this story. I actually found myself really wrapped up in this aspect.

This book was so incredibly moment-to-moment angsty, that I had to put it down a few times, just to give the adrenaline in my body time to settle. Vaughn used short chapters and a bit of past/present to ease the angst and I appreciated that writing style.

This was a great read, totally up my sci-fi street and I would love to read more by this author.

THE DUKE’S STOLEN BRIDE by Sophie Jordan

An urgent dilemma…

To save her impoverished family, Marian Langley will become a mistress. But she will not be just any mistress. Marian intends to become so skilled, so coveted, that she can set her own terms, retaining control over her body and her fate. Only one problem remains: finding a tutor…

A scandalous solution…

Other men deprive themselves of pleasure for propriety’s sake. Nathaniel, Duke of Warrington, would much rather be depraved. He slakes his desires with professionals who ask nothing of him but his coin. Marian’s proposal—that he train her without taking her virtue—is an intriguing diversion, until their lessons in seduction spin out of control.

And a most unlikely duchess…

When Marian is blackmailed into engagement by a man she despises, Nate impulsively steals her away. Though he never intended to take a wife, he can’t tolerate the idea of Marian forfeiting her freedom to another. But can he bear to give her what she demands—a real marriage?

Title : The Duke’s Stolen Bride
Author : Sophie Jordan
Series : The Rogue Files #5
Format : eARC
Page Count : 368
Genre : Historical Romance
Publisher : Avon
Release Date : October 22, 2019

Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★.5

Micky’s 3.5 star review

I’ve been lazily enjoying this series by Sophie Jordan for the last few years. They’re the kind of light, historical romance that is easy to read and fits my kind of mood when I need low-level concentration and a generally satisfying read. THE DUKE’S STOLEN BRIDE is all those things but on this occasion, I did want more depth to the story.

This is a tale of dire circumstances and entitlement, two polar opposite characters and the way their differences complement one another. Marian and her sisters had been left in reduced circumstances and the narrative around this aspect really made you feel the toughness of her situation. It felt like five u-turns however, to jump to the solving of the problem that Marian decided on. That aspect was a little struggle for me but I could not deny that I really liked the ensuing storyline that developed there. Marian was a rich character and I liked her tenacity and assertiveness.

Nate (the Duke) was a likeable character but I wanted a bit more depth painted in the narrative. He had some potential that I don’t think was realised BUT these two together were just fun and lovely. There was plenty of convenience to their storyline together including what is described in the synopsis but I was here for this.

Once the story got to 80%, it felt a bit rushed, I wanted more depth, more pages and more character development. The story direction itself was spot on so that smoothed over my enjoyment.

If there are any more Rogue Files planned, I will continue to be there for them, enjoying their ease of enjoyment and satisfaction.

Thank you to Avon and Edelweiss for this early review copy.