Title: Into the Ether
Author: Vanessa Barger
Review: ***
Summary (from Goodreads): As a Touch-Know, Genevieve has never been required to steal more than a few paltry coins. But when a powerful stranger requires their help, her family of street-wise thieves sends her to get the most important thing they’ve ever decided to liberate. It was supposed to be a simple overnight job. Instead, Genevieve is required to appear attached to her mark, the curator of the British Museum. For Genevieve it becomes more than an act, and her problems are far more significant than the possibility of her lies being discovered.
When her family betrays her, she must make an important choice – turn to the man who has destroyed everything she holds dear, or strike out on her own.
Review: I must admit: I do not own a Kindle. I had one, read one book on it, then gave it to my dad in favor of real books. This book was sent to me as a PDF--a first for me!--and the experience was interesting. It took a while to get used to reading on my computer (it did not convert me to an online reader, I'm afraid), but once I was able to get past the awkwardness, I was able to get into the story.
I liked the idea of this novel--it seemed very unique to me. A touch-know? In a museum? I can only imagine how fascinating (and a bit overwhelming) that would be. I really liked Gennie as a protagonist; she didn't need to be rescued, like so many female heroines it feels like. The villain was a bit of a stock character, and he could have been improved with a bit more detail.
This was a very short book (almost a novella), and I felt like that detracted from a lot of it. There were some things I felt could have been elaborated on. The plot flowed smoothly, but I would have like a little more information and depth.
The other thing that bothered me is a spoiler at the end, so I won't mention it. But it is frustrating! (Either lack of creativity--which I doubt--or purposely open-ended.)
All in all a quick read with an interesting set-up. Barger is a very good writer, and I will keep an eye out for future (hopefully longer) books by her.
P.S. I was intrigued enough to look up the definition of "ether"--according to Miriam-Webster's website, it is a "rarefied element formerly believed the fill the upper regions of space." Have to admit, not entirely sure how that relates. Perhaps you, dear readers, can form the connection after reading it.
