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What Did You Think About…The Memory Thief?

Today we are going to talk about October’s book of the month, The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy  But first, let’s check out this book and see what it is all about.

SYNOPSIS

In the city of Craewick, memories reign.

The power-obsessed ruler of the city, Madame, has cultivated a society in which memories are currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take memories from others through touch as they please.

Seventeen-year-old Etta Lark is desperate to live outside of the corrupt culture, but she grapples with the guilt of an accident that has left her mother bedridden in the city’s asylum. When Madame threatens to put her mother up for auction, a Craewick practice in which a “criminal’s” memories are sold to the highest bidder before being killed, Etta will do whatever it takes to save her. Even if it means rejoining the Shadows, the rebel group she swore off in the wake of the accident years earlier.

To rescue her mother, Etta must prove her allegiance to the Shadows by stealing a memorized map of the Maze, a formidable prison created by the bloodthirsty ruler of a neighboring Realm. Etta faces startling attacks, unexpected romance, and, above all, her own past as she uncovers a conspiracy that challenges everything she knew about herself and the world around her.

In a place where nothing is what it seems, can Etta ever become more than a memory thief?

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT AND/OR ANSWER:

  1. What is the strongest memory you have? Explore which elements make it the strongest (sensory details, the
    emotion connected to the event, the person who was with you)?
  2. Should experiences be bought? How does that lessen or increase their value?
  3. What traditions do your family follow? Which traditions are important enough that you will continue?
  4. Which memories would you be most afraid to lose? Explain why.

(Questions from authors website)

Press Reviews

Mansy’s debut will delight fantasy readers who revel in fully developed settings and unusual powers. (Booklist)

The Memory Thief is fast paced and didn’t stop for one second…This book is perfect for people who are looking for a quick unique fantasy novel that is also a stand alone! (The Book Bratz)

As evidenced by ‘The Memory Thief’, author Lauren Mansy has a genuine talent for narrative storytelling and an authentic flair for originality. A riveting great read with more plot twists and turns than a Disney Land roller coaster, ‘The Memory Thief’ will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to school and community library YA Fiction and amp; Fantasy Fiction collections. (Midwest Book Review)

A thought-provoking and unique YA fantasy, THE MEMORY THIEF is a engrossing and lovely story. Twists and turns keep the reader guessing as they follow Etta on her physical and mental journey. (YA and Kids Books Central)

MOCHA GIRLS READ AND REVIEW

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QOTD: If you could learn any skill in the blink of an eye, what would it be? AOTD; Maybe a martial art, or something to do with studying. Or socialising. lol. ? In the city of Craewick, memories are currency, and those who can steal and share them are elevated above those who cannot. Etta Lark is determined to stay away from the system and it's corrupt leader, Madame, ever since her mother was put in a coma four years ago. But now Etta's mother is at risk again and she must put everything on the line to save her, meanwhile discovering things about herself she never knew and forging bonds she never thought she could have. The concept of memories in this novel was one of my favourite things about it. In The Memory Thief, those with a Gift can read minds as well as steal memories and give them to others. I thought this idea was so unique and I've never seen it done before, so it definitely made the story more intriguing. Etta is a fierce and brave heroine, haunted by her past and the actions she took. Etta is by no means innocent, and her journey to forgive herself was well explored, as she must come to terms with the things she has done and realise that she has changed for the better. Reid was a soft, caring boy who was also badass, which I loved. It's obvious that he and Etta will end up together, but I didn't dislike their romance. I also loved the relationship between Etta and her mother, one I feel isn't represented in YA enough. The Memory Thief wasn't without flaws and I did find it to be quite full of clichés. The final battle felt rather anticlimactic and rushed, despite an exciting beginning and middle. So whilst I did enjoy the book, I found it hard to get completely immersed in the storyline which was a bit of a setback for me. Overall, The Memory Thief was an entertaining read perfect for fans of YA fantasy with memorable characters and world building. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on what Lauren Mansy does next! My full review is on my blog, link in my bio! ? #thememorythief #laurenmansy #debutbook #yafantasy #newrelease #bookstagram #bookishdreamers #bookstababes #readmorebooks#toberead #books #bookphotos #bibliophile #bookstack

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"But freedom isnt always lack of strings right? People can look like they have all the freedom in the world, but they never feel any kind of peace." . . . The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy is a captivating and fast paced novel filled with action and excitement. This book gave me everything I did not know I needed and kept me on edge the whole time. The world and the magic system is very fascinating. I especially loved the authors detailed descriptions of the cities and the maze. Even the characters are so well written and developed that I could not help but fall in love with them. While I loved every bit of this book, the ending felt a little anticlimactic to me but I am not complaining much about that. Lastly, I loved Lauren Mansy's writing style. This was an outstanding debut novel and I can't wait to read more of her future works. . . . Thank you @netgalley for sending me a digital arc of this book . . . The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy (5/5?) . . . #QoTD: would you rather trade an important memory or a week of your life? . . . Im sorry for not being able to post regularly. I have been so busy with studies. I barely get time to do anything. . . . The amazing @cristinasbooks tagged me to do the #spellhappyinbooks tag H – Hunted A – And I Darken P – Percy Jackson and The Lighting Thief P – Persuasion Y – Young Elites . . . #thememorythief #laurenmansy #bookstagram #booklover #netgalley #netgalleybooks #fantasy #bookworm #bookstagrammer #igbooks #booksofinsta #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #reader #booknerd #bookgeek #bookish #bookpost #bookphotography #booksbooksbooks

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Let us know below in the comment section what your thoughts on this book were. We love hearing from you.

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Mocha Girl Alysia

Founder / President at Mocha Girls Read
Founder of Mocha Girls Read book club. But basically, just another girl who loves to read and then read some more and wants to meet others like me. If you add a cup of green tea with lemon and honey I will be overjoyed.
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