March 19, 2013

Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury

Wrapped (Wrapped, #1)
Title: Wrapped
Author: Jennifer Bradbury
Series: Wrapped, #1
Source: Traded for
Publisher: Antheum Books
Publication Date: May 24, 2011
Goodreads||The Book Depository
Agnes Wilkins is standing in front of an Egyptian mummy, about to make the first cut into the wrappings, about to unlock ancient (and not-so-ancient) history. Maybe you think this girl is wearing a pith helmet with antique dust swirling around her.

Maybe you think she is a young Egyptologist who has arrived in Cairo on camelback.

Maybe she would like to think that too. Agnes Wilkins dreams of adventures that reach beyond the garden walls, but reality for a seventeen-year-old debutante in 1815 London does not allow for camels—or dust, even. No, Agnes can only see a mummy when she is wearing a new silk gown and standing on the verdant lawns of Lord Showalter’s estate, with chaperones fussing about and strolling sitar players straining to create an exotic “atmosphere” for the first party of the season. An unwrapping.

This is the start of it all, Agnes’s debut season, the pretty girl parade that offers only ever-shrinking options: home, husband, and high society. It’s also the start of something else, because the mummy Agnes unwraps isn’t just a mummy. It’s a host for a secret that could unravel a new destiny—unleashing mystery, an international intrigue, and possibly a curse in the bargain.

Get wrapped up in the adventure . . . but keep your wits about you, dear Agnes.
For whatever reason, Wrapped didn't really work for me. It was entertaining and all, but I didn't really love it. The mystery was overly predictable (I had it all figured out within a few chapters), and the action parts were just too convenient for my taste. They never really have to work hard to figure it out, you know?

It was just...too easy. (That's the second time I've had this complaint in a month. O.O) I mean, overall it was enjoyable. It really was! But I just can't get over the ease for whatever reason. On another note, I did like the scattered bits of mythology, and the era that this was set in. I have so much love for historical novels!!

Agnes was really down to earth, even when she's seeing conspiracies in everything, and jumping at every little noise. She managed to be a take-charge, kick-butt kind of gal in a time where everyone was just kind of placid, and I can't applaud her enough for that! Yay for risktakers!! Also, Agnes commentary on everyone was a lot of fun to read. (: (Did I mention that she reads?? Books!! Yay!!)

Overall (wow, this is a short review. o.O), Wrapped was a fun novel, even if things fell into place a little too easy.

8 comments:

  1. I've never heard of this before, but I doubt I'd give it a try even though I love mythology. Overly predictable and already figured things out in the beginning is a bit of a let down. But I'm glad you found some good within the story Megan :)

    Janina @ Synchronized Reading

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    1. I heard of it through YA Book Exchange, so I just took a chance on it. That's disappointing, but I understand, LOL! It was kind of a let down, I think. Thanks! (:

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  2. I completely understand what you mean about it being too easy. Although I haven't read this book yet, I can relate to that particular reaction pretty well! Predictability and overly-convenient twists nearly always leave a sour taste in my mouth. Still, I'm glad you liked parts of this well enough to give it three stars. It's great that it was a fun book overall, despite the flaws.

    Brilliant review, Megan!

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    1. I'm glad that someone does! LOL, for some reason things like that just bother me...I'm not sure why. Well, I'm not sure that this is a book for you, then. ;) It was cute, overall. Thank you! (:

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  3. I really enjoyed this book (and I love the cover) but I see what you mean about it all being too easy. At the moment in time when I read it, it was just perfect for me!

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    1. I'm glad that you enjoyed it! The cover is too cute, LOL! Sometimes, something just works for someone. I'm keeping it (instead of trading), because I feel like I could read it again. (:

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  4. I love the synopsis and am sorry it didn't work for you.it almost looks MG.

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    1. It was kind of MG-y. I think I'll give it another shot in a year or so. I hope that you get to read it, if you want to! (:

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