Review: The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy

The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kicking the new year off with a new set of books to read, I started with The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy. This book was chosen because I wanted a one shot, simple read that was interesting. (Rachel at Reading Rock Books recommended it.)

The writing style of this book is simple. I appreciated it. I was most definitely not in the mood to read a dissertation. The genre is YA or Young Adult, I would agree with that because of the content. The actual writing I would place in between YA and Juvenile. Again, it was welcomed.

The character development was interesting but not heavy. There could have been more, but I believe that would have made the book an introduction to a series rather than a one-shot. There could be more world building, more explanation of how we got to where we were in that time, but again... it is a one-shot.

As a one shot, it is handled well.

The relationship building is slow and methodical. There is no foul language. There is no sex. The focus of the books seems to be the value of life and most importantly the value of memories. The theme that runs solid is forgiveness.

Story-wise. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Etta. Her story is captivating. Etta finds herself in a position he does not like but is obliged to because of her actions in the not so distant past. Because of this, Madame, the ruler of Craewick that is power obsessed, tries to control Etta. It isn't until later on into the story that we understand the real reason why.

In this world, the currency is memories, ability determines class, and the Gifted are the haves while the rest are the have nots.

Because of Etta's actions, Madame decides to put her mother on the auction block. This is reserved for criminals and the torturous removal of memories is done for the highest bidder. Etta refuses to accept this fate for her mother and finds herself facing her past. Does she rejoin the Shadows? Can she save her mother?

This book is not perfect. It is exactly what I was looking for in a one shot though. 4/5

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