It's a no from me.

This was just not good in my opinion unfortunately. I hate saying that but it's how I feel. The execution of the plot was quite terrible, even though at it's core it was a good idea! It just wasn't played out well. Things jumped around all over the place and the character felt completely flat. I lost interest pretty quickly because I was also just so bored.

Disclaimer: I was given a temporary eARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of memories as currency is an interesting concept, I had actually seen it before in an episode of Doctor Who.  The concept was intriguing but I found the execution lacking.  I was actually not able to finish this book because it just couldn't keep my attention.  I hate not finishing a book, but I just couldn't do it in this case.

this book was an ok read. the concept of memories being treated like currency was really interesting to me, but unfortunately this book did not really deliver what I was expecting. 

my biggest complaint is that the writing felt very juvenile - like it should have been marketed as a middle grade instead of young adult (expect that the main character is supposedly 17 i believe). i just didn't find myself connecting to any of the characters or believing their motives, and the world building was sort of flat. 

it's not a bad novel and i did enjoy reading it, but i feel like i was not really the target audience here.

Memory is power. In the novel, memories are currency and power. The book follows a young girl, Julietta, who struggles with guilt and value.

I think the premise of the novel is interesting; however, I ultimately did not care about the resolution of the novel's conflict or the characters. 

I enjoyed that writing and memory are forefront throughout the text.

While this was a book that offered an example of great strength in the face of adversity in the name of family, I found the story to be lackluster and long. The descriptions I craved weren't there and the system was a little confusing (thank you for the glossary, as it saved me from going crazy). I'm sure some of my problem with this book was my own lack of concentration while reading this story, but it just wasn't able to capture my attention in that classic way of "I need to get back to that book!"
It did offer a message of hope in that though you're facing something monumental at this moment, it's possible to overcome it and be successful on the other end. That was a great message throughout the book.

3.5/5 Stars for this YA Fantasy!

This is a really unique story, which was great! I didn't have a great connection to any of the characters, leading to the 3.5 star rating. I did enjoy the story quite a bit, and the adventures throughout. The book is action packed! What I loved most was the author's note at the end, where she shares a personal story about where the idea of the book came from. That was really special! If you're looking for a unique YA Fantasy story, I definitely recommend it! And isn't this cover fantastic?!

This was an interesting read. I'm going with a 3.75 star rating for this novel. As much as I enjoyed the concept of this story with memories being currency -- unique idea -- this was extremely fast paced. Definitely had room to become a duology or trilogy instead of a standalone.

Juiletta aka Etta is 17 years old and she's stuck in a hard position. She betrayed her former crew to the leader of the town to save her mother only to be betrayed by the leader of the town in the end. She's a Gifted who doesn't use her powers due to her mother's coma. Etta is a pretty kick butt heroine, but she's also frustrating with some of the thoughts and decisions she makes. She could pretty powerful if she wasn't afraid to really use her powers.

I enjoyed cast of other characters, but they lacked real development. Things were pretty much you see what you get and sometimes even quick changes that would be unexpected without build up. The different realms in the world were definitely intriguing. I would have loved to have more about them.

My favorite aspect of this story was definitely the various powers of the Gifted and how they operate. The idea of memories being used as currency was so intriguing to me. I definitely plan to re-read this down the line because it is a good read.

Let me just say, however, I adore the cover of this book!

YA Dystopian and Fantasy are my jam, and while I enjoyed The Memory Thief, it was not a 5 star read for me. The characters are interesting, and the world building is fairly well done, but there were too many convenient plot devices and neat endings for me, I like my fantasy a little less tied up. 

The talents or "Gifts" were an interesting twist, but I felt that there was not enough backstory or detail for them to be clearly fleshed out. 

Overall, 3 stars, almost 3.5

Well... this ride was unexpected. 

I was SO happy when I was approved for this ARC, but had such a hard time jumping into the story... more than once I thought about DNFing it, but I kept reading until a major plot twist that left me no choice but to go on. I liked the book, but it felt more like an okay-read than a loved-loved-read for me, maybe because I wasn't entirely at ease with the memory-thieving concept (I know, I know, it's in the book title...). But I came to understand a lot in the second part of the book. Finally, the ending is too long and too beautiful, I felt annoyed by it.


Many thanks to Blink Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Memory Thief is an interesting book with a unique story that I have not read before. In the world memories are used as currency. Etta is responsible for her mother being bedridden in an asylum. The story follows Etta and her attempt to save her mother's memories from being sold and then killed by whatever means that are necessary.

Once I picked up this book I could not put it down.  I love a good fantasy- especially one that has great characters and a believable storyline.  I mean, that's what makes a fantasy great. If you read it and can believe that somewhere, in some other place, the story happened, the story becomes that much better.  The idea of using memories as a currency is so original.  I love how the story developed and the characters grew along their journey.  There were a few surprises along the way as well.  Thank you so much for my copy of this book.  My review is entirely my own and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

A good premise, a kingdom where memories are sold for profit, skills purchased by the wealthy and desperate, leaving dying shells of their former owners and their embittered and rebellious family and friends. One girl fights for her mother and her right to claim her Gift while hiding her dark secret and then...it all falls apart. The book, the plotline, the reader's interest in anything but turning the pages to reach the end as they wade through a muddled grabag of some of the most tired YA tropes, most of all the white girl savior who everyone is obsessed by. Too many characters on too many sides and with way too many tattoes that need endless explaining argue their way through an increasingly confusing plot. The pacing is continually interrupted by flashbacks, dreams and very long conversations explaining just what exactly has happened, is happening and will happen. Eventually I was wishing my memory would be wiped and was looking for the highest bidder to take the book out of my hands. Next time give this author an editor who can help them build on their decent ideas with more explication, character development and world building. YA Lit is littered (ha!) with too many fantasy titles that promise much, only to fail to deliver.

Riveting. 

That is probably the best way to describe this book. I was honestly riveted the entire time. I've been in a audiobook kick lately, and started this via that format--which I am so happy I did because, wow 10/10 would recommend--but as I was nearing the end, my phone died and I NEEDED to know what happens next, so I stayed late at work so I could use my work computer and finish reading the ARC copy I was so graciously given. 

If that doesn't speak on how much I enjoyed this book, I don't know what else will. I fell in love with our main character Etta, her journey throughout her youth is one that hooked me and one that I instantly connected with. The author also does an impeccable job with her almost lyrical writing style and brilliantly done descriptions, where I almost felt like I was right in the thick of things along side our wayward group of rebels. What I didn't like, and this the only reason I couldn't give it 5 stars, is how easily things kind of came together in the end. Like it was too easy that I knew a plot twist was going to happen, and then after the plot twist it became easy again. For whatever reason, that  unnerved me and left me desiring more. 

But if you don't mind a little easy struggle towards the end, I HIGHLY recommend you grabbing a copy of this debut novel. Enchanting and spellbinding, The Memory Thief will have you on your seat wanting more.

I found the concept of this book incredibly intriguing and I could not wait to dive in. I believe that I was not in the right mindset of this book for when I chose to read it. I struggled to connect with the characters and therefore was not as invested in the ending of the book as I had originally hoped to be. Still intriguing and I believe a lot of people will still love this one!

The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy is a debut novel. This novel takes the reader into a world where memories are important. They can be purchased or stolen. Many people's memories go up for sale at an auction. When Etta receives a notice that her mom's memories are going up for auction, she will do anything to save her mom. Etta lives among the ungifted hoping that she doesn't get caught. The gift can read people's minds and change their memories. Etta is trying to hide who she is after she made a deal with the enemy. She made a deal to try to save her mother but she had to betray her allies in order to do it.

This story grips the reader right away. Immediately I wanted to know what would happen next and where Etta's story was going to take her. Etta has lost so much in her life but she is trying so hard to overcome everything that she has been dealt with. I really liked how strong her character is. She was always moving forward even thought it seemed that she got dealt a really crappy hand in life.

The Memory Thief is a very interesting concept. I wish the story had a bit more umph to it. I found myself wanting more action from the characters. This book was a really fast read for me. I am kind of disappointed that there won't be more books in this world. I feel like there could be so much more in this world. I am looking forward to seeing what Mansy writes next.

I think this was a fast paced, quick read! I enjoyed it because it was an enemies to lovers type of relationship which I absolutely love. I think the story could have had a bit more substance but overall it was an enjoyable read. 

Thanks so much to the publisher for providing an e-ARC!

I couldn't finish it. While the premise was good, the outcome was lacking. I had trouble staying interested and therefore was unable to finish the book.

A very rich story with some dynamic characters. Get story structure, wonderful world building. I really enjoyed this book!!!

The Memory Thief has an interesting magic system, but the beginning felt a little to abrupt. That is, even though the concept is interesting, the reader doesn't have enough time or information to really understand how the world and its magic works before being thrown into the middle of the action.

The Memory Thief had a lot of amazing concepts and ideas that piqued my interest throughout but it was hard to hold on to that interest because the story started off really dry, the middle sort of dragged for me and by the end, I found myself skimming more than not. There was a lot of information thrown out you from the get-go without that emotional pull that I needed from the MCs.

Would read more from the author but probably not this book again.

* ARC provided for an honest review *