It took me a while to get invested in this book. the beginning was good then I struggled a bit with this reading but after a few chapters I got really invested. I enjoyed it

The beginning is so beautifully written that got me into the story right away. The writer creates such an enigmatic atmosphere that all you want is to know more about the characters and the world they live in.

This story was difficult for me to follow, which is the point of the first half but I stopped reading several times because of it. I couldn’t keep my head in th3 story and I finished and enjoyed the story once I realized that a split soul was seeking repair. But it was too little too late for me to care enough about the story. Good descriptions and evocative imagery

Unfortunately this got into my spam mail and never got to read it, I know I should have checked it but still I'd like to point it out. By the time I wanted to read it it was no longer available.

The writing is solid, creating a vivid atmosphere, but the plot is a mix of captivating moments and predictability. Characters are well-developed, though some lack depth. Pacing fluctuates, making it a decent but not outstanding read.

This was requested when I first found out about NetGalley and I had requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before they were archived. I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it! I am giving this book three stars, as I don't want to give it a good or bad rating, since I did not get to it and we have to leave a star rating.

Love this book so much. It has beautiful cover and the story gave me overabundance of gods and myths. Can't wait for the next book

I received this e arc in an exchange for an honest review. I saw this book and really liked the cover for starters. This book follows a girl that has fallen from the sky. She doesn't know how she got there but she knows she doesn't wanna be here.

This book was a page turner for me for sure and I honestly can't wait for the next book to come out. Great job on this book.

A young adult fantasy adventure book that is based in an enchanted world filled magic, wizards, dragons, and demons. The main character is a young girl who must navigate her dreams and conquer magic to survive. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to the book for an honest review.

"Where the Lightning Goes" by Jackary Salem is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through the unknown, blending mystery, fantasy, and a touch of magic. This book is an exploration of the enigmatic, inviting readers to delve into a world of secrets and wonder.

Salem's writing style is atmospheric and evocative, setting the stage for a narrative that is both intriguing and unpredictable. The characters in the novel are complex and multidimensional, each harboring their own mysteries that contribute to the overall sense of intrigue.

At the core of the narrative is a quest for answers and a search for identity. The protagonist's journey is as much an internal one as it is a physical adventure, and Salem skillfully navigates the emotional complexities of their experiences.

"Where the Lightning Goes" successfully blends elements of fantasy with an exploration of human emotions and relationships. The novel's atmosphere of mystery and the gradual unveiling of secrets add to the sense of anticipation that keeps the reader engaged.

In conclusion, "Where the Lightning Goes" is a thought-provoking and mysterious journey that invites readers to explore the depths of the unknown. If you're intrigued by tales that blend fantasy with emotion and unravel enigmatic secrets, this novel offers a captivating and immersive reading experience.

Can you say TOP READ OF THE YEAR?!

OK, not THE top of the list, but definitely in it! And you’re telling me this one was a debut novel? I’m scared to see what else the author can come up with, and excited, too!

Elle is a girl with no memories, save for one: her falling from the sky. Locked in the House, she longs for freedom. But is she willing to pay the price in order to find it and her lost memories?

I’m DYING to write everything that made me jump and squeal and finish this story in record time because I just couldn’t put it down to SLEEP! But in this case, I feel like you all should read it and find out for yourselves just how amazing true talent and hard work looks like. Take a very careful look, cause this is it! Anyone who dares even think that debut authors can’t cut it instantly, needs only to read this materpiece of a book to understand what touching even the slightest bit of brilliance feels like.

I kid you not, Elle and her journey keep you interested till the very end, and no matter how many times you THINK you know what’s going on, or what is coming, you always come up short. You want the main characters to have a happy ending, because you’re rooting for them all the way, those flawed, wonderful people. And you can’t really escape the story’s fast pace – which, let me tell you, keeps deceiving you into believing you’re moving slow, but it’s quite the opposite. Every single detail has a purpose, moving the tale forward. Even the most insignificant thing described or shown serves something, the dull moments a facade for danger lurking deliciously right around the corner, sometimes right behind the characters, others way ahead of them, toying with them for the sake of boredom and amusement, the most dangerous motives of all.

My only advice to everyone picking up this gem of a story is to pay real close attention to the first few chapters – because the details you’ll find there will make the ending even more shiver-inducing.

Love it, and can’t recommend it enough!

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***

This book was really interesting. I loved the writing as well. Love the premises and how the plot progresses.

Thank you for the eARC

I'm normally not a fan of folk-horror and almost stopped reading because of how scared I was, but I'm glad I kept on because this is probably one of the most original reads of 2023. If I had to describe it to someone without any spoilers, it's very much like Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle meets The Last Unicorn. Salem is brilliant at building this world and I'm excited to see the series continue and I hope it becomes a favorite.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. The above is my honest opinion on Where the Lightning Goes.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher’s for giving me the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an okay book, I think a younger audience would be more appreciative of it.

Loved it! Really fun magic concept which I haven’t seen/read before.
Kept wondering where the book was going time after time! Love that I couldn’t predict the plot. A really fun read!

It is a light story and easy to read. The world building isn't the most complex within the genre and I was confused by some inconsistencies within the narrative. I found the characters interesting, but nothing memorable and neither stood out particularly to me. After the plot twist near the end I was excited thinking the ending was going to be something great, but it left me feeling very disappointing.
Overall, I don't think it's a bad story, just that I would have liked better character work and a more impactful ending.

This book is definitely going to be a great option for younger teens.

The voice isn't one that I usually like, however it is a pretty solid story and I can see that many patrons will enjoy it.

It was an ok book, it didnt rally capture my attention so I don't remember anything particularly good or bad about it.

I found it a little difficult to get into this book and struggled with the worldbuilding initially, but when the plot began to pick up the pace, I found it difficult to put it down. I was loath to say goodbye to this book and its characters, and found myself drawn especially to the villain.

This book was something else.

Here are my thoughts:
⁕ The pacing was different from what I've read before. It had a unique style that felt slow-paced at the same time as fast-paced (I know, I don't quite get it either).
++ I loved the descriptions of magic use and the magic system in general. The depiction of the elements and their characterisation was something else, and I was here for it! I never read something quite like this before, and I want more of it!
↯ I would have put the last chapter in the epilogue and the chapter before that as the end. Personally, I felt that this change would have led to a more satisfying and effective ending, coming full circle.
++ I loved that my suspicion about the big plot twist was confirmed, but that I had not enough to go on to see it coming for sure. That definitely kept the suspense alive, and allowed me to uncover the truth along with the characters. I finished the book within two days, for crying out loud!
+ I also liked one of the themes of the book—grief, and the depiction of grief. The lengths people are willing to go to overcome it added a depth to the story I didn't expect.
++ Also, I loved the banter between the characters, and how vastly different they were. It brought fun and relief in between moments where, for example, Elle was very stubborn and determined, and her conviction of how to best learn something alienated me a little. Additionally, I appreciated that the author took the effort to write out the accent of one of the characters, it just felt more authentic that way.
⁕ I liked the overall message at the end of the story. It felt a bit on the nose, but because we read from Elle's perspective and see how she thinks and feels… it was fine given that it's her big 'aha' moment.

Overall, would definitely recommend!