The Memory Thief

The basic concept of the book is actually pretty fresh but I was greatly disappointed over how the plot went on. I won’t call myself as a professional reviewer or anything but as a person who loves books and reading stories, this book reached none of my expectations. As they usually say, the plot never ‘thickens’ and neither are there any amazing out of the box plot twists and it’s overall just very plain and I lost interest pretty soon. There is no depth to the characters, or sense to the past or over how things are connected and there’s no character development whatsoever. I still finished reading it because I was hoping for some spice, giving the author a chance to save this dying book but it never happened. And I found myself looking forward to the end so because I won’t have to read it anyone. I will not recommend reading this.

For a first time published writer, Lauren Mansy hits it out of the park. The characters are flawed, layered and not simplistic. They are like all of us... they make mistakes, have past secrets and fail before succeeding. It took me some time to really enjoy the book because so much ground work must be laid out for the reader. However, by chapter twelve I was all in to this dystopia type novel.On a completely different note (spoiler alert) ...the author paints a bleak picture of the conditions of her main characters (Etta and Ryder) in the beginning of the novel. They appear alone, struggling and quite frankly their world is pretty grey because of the evil that prevails in their town. Very symbolic on how we many times find ourselves in life. The poverty of their souls, depressed mind set and demeanor is palatable. They are struggling to make it day to day and keep Etta's mother alive from the demonic Madam. However, in the background (unbeknownst to Etta and Ryder) good is working on their behalf. They can't see it or feel it... but it is there. I think that is true of all of us when we know in WHOM we belong. When we understand our real identity, we are able to take our rightful position in life. Lauren Mansy will have a long and successful career as a writer. I look forward to hearing more from this young author.

I just finished THE MEMORY THIEF by Lauren Mansy and want to share my review of the book… I loved the story, wow! I’m not sure what genre you called this, but the story was well thought out, well written, well told. The characters came to life for me! There was suspense, and, I believe, the appropriate combination of battle scenes and romantic excitement between the main characters to keep the interest of both boy and girl readers. The Realms (territories) were well described and vivid; the villain was captivating. I look forward to a second book, if that’s the plan. Well done to this debut author!

I loved the creativeness of the different regions and the unique twist of memories being bought, sold, & stolen.I also appreciated the glossary in the front instead of the back it helped lay the foundation of the story without giving away the story.This book has you walking along with Etta on her journey through all the things life has thrown at her and struggles and adventures she has as she searches for answers.Just a good book, with adventure, friendship, struggles, and a bit of romance.Some of the quotes from the first chapter that had me hooked:"They go to wish loved one's goodbye. To beg the Minders to let their children or their parents come home.""It’s gray, gray, and more gray everywhere. But most who live here don’t even notice. Their memories keep them in whichever place in the past they wish to dwell.""Once he’s been secured, she takes her place beside him, her bony hand trailing along his shoulders. “Do you have any last words, Kellen Marks?” He tips his eyes up to meet hers. “Better things await me.” The audience goes deathly silent, and I too am mesmerized by his calm. There’s a rare beauty about him, one that never graces this stage. Death does not frighten him. How is it he’s made his peace with this world and is ready to travel into the next? He looks serene, content even. Then I blink, and his eyes have rolled back into his head. I don’t realize I’ve grabbed Ryder’s hand until she squeezes mine. I’ve watched a lot of auctions, but Kellen’s cries strike me harder than most, like a knife hitting bone. The Memory Auction has begun.

Lauren artfully pens a world of meaning in a fantasy that is bound to keep readers young and old entranced, adding in lessons of virtue and the significance of character as we share Etta's journey and watch her story unfold in an adventure that is not easy to forget.I loved this story, not because it is incredibly well-written but because I can tell that the author had real heart behind her words, and can resonate with many people, including myself. The story picks up and almost doesn't really stop until the end, but for young readers I think that's beautiful especially considering media and just the growing hunger for drama. Everyone knows what it is to forget, but do we have the strength it takes to remember, and to love even when it seems all hope is lost?