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The Shapes of Wrath
Dr. Hope Sze launches into her general surgery rotation with Dr. Vrac, the scourge of operating room #3, also known as the death OR.
Dr. Vrac screams at the resident doctors suffering under him, the nurses who don't move fast enough, the anesthesiologist, his auto mechanic, and even a garbage can.
Patients begin to die under Dr. Vrac’s scalpel.
This morning, Hope discovers a dead man in the back of the OR.
Next, a ghost lingers outside of Montreal's St. Joseph's Hospital.
a) WTF and b) can Hope outwit the enraged killer before someone slices her throat?
Dr. Vrac screams at the resident doctors suffering under him, the nurses who don't move fast enough, the anesthesiologist, his auto mechanic, and even a garbage can.
Patients begin to die under Dr. Vrac’s scalpel.
This morning, Hope discovers a dead man in the back of the OR.
Next, a ghost lingers outside of Montreal's St. Joseph's Hospital.
a) WTF and b) can Hope outwit the enraged killer before someone slices her throat?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2023
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 16, 2023
The Shapes of Wrath Earns 5+/5 Medical Files … Engaging & Thrilling Gem!
Dr. Vrac, dubbed the “meanest surgeon” by colleagues and staff at UC Hospital, lives up to the moniker as well as being egotistical, bombastic, and not afraid to boast about his wealth, prowess, and skill. He runs roughshod over his team in the operating theater, barking insults, kicking equipment, and spewing criticisms, and in this case, it cost a woman her life.
Nine Months Later. Dr. Hope Sze learns being late has its punishments. When she arrives, the charge nurse is dismissive and the operating surgeon, Dr. Vrac, was not impressed, but he suggests she scrub in. Unfortunately, due to the charge nurse, she’s late, again, finding the operation concluded. On Vrac’s way out, however, he squeezes Hope’s ass ... really? Complaining, she knows, would be futile. After getting a tour of the OR wing with Dr. Cheng, Dr. Vrac unexpectedly interrupts, demanding to see Dr. Burns, the anesthesiologist on the case Hope witnessed. Cheng agrees to find him, but instead Hope ducks into a storage room to avoid dealing with handsy Vrac. It is a safe haven, until she finds Dr. Burns clinging to life in the closet.
Hell Hath No Fury Like a Surgeon Scorned! Dr. Melissa Yi has taken her delightful protagonist from the Hope Sze Medical Mystery series and giving her thrilling opportunities to confront the seven deadly sins starting with “Wrath.” The malpractice, cover-up, and murder are well-written, complex, and with the victim connected to Dr. Vrac and his faux pas, mistakes, and criminality, it’s hard to not be totally engaged as “wrath” takes on many forms. But, Hope’s search, with close friends and a few hospital colleagues, takes several turns including a past that also exposes more compelling details. Then a hit and run, a missing bike, a death, another death, a non-corporeal appearance, an attempted murder, a chase through the hospital, and Karma … Whew! One thrilling moment after another to make for a “couldn’t put it down” experience.
Melissa Yi’s writing is well-done and with her own medical knowledge as an ER doctor, the setting, jargon, and medical references add an engaging realism I, personally, enjoyed. Her style is cleverly laid out for readers through multiple perspectives. First, “Gordon” is a flashback written in third person; it provides insights about a first-year anesthesiologist in attendance during one of Dr. Vrac’s operations that led to a patient’s death and subsequent legal aftermath. This narrative does fluctuate in the timeline, but later catches up with the present. In “Hope,” the perspective switches to a first-person narrative, and although Hope, at first, is unaware of the “Gordon” incidents, it does become important to her search for answers. Tori’s “I see ghost” gift is a very subtle element of which Hope is aware and with her own intuition has physical reactions to the presence. It doesn’t, however, come with all the bells and whistles of traditional paranormal fiction, but appears as commonplace events offering its own perspective. Reading the original series is not a prerequisite, although the Hope Sze Medical Mystery series is outstanding and offers insights in Hope’s previous entanglements, relationships, and experiences. This new book is excellent, and I have high hopes for the clever focus of the series … definitely a candidate for “Best” of 2023.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Dr. Mellissa Yuan-Innes, the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Dr. Vrac, dubbed the “meanest surgeon” by colleagues and staff at UC Hospital, lives up to the moniker as well as being egotistical, bombastic, and not afraid to boast about his wealth, prowess, and skill. He runs roughshod over his team in the operating theater, barking insults, kicking equipment, and spewing criticisms, and in this case, it cost a woman her life.
Nine Months Later. Dr. Hope Sze learns being late has its punishments. When she arrives, the charge nurse is dismissive and the operating surgeon, Dr. Vrac, was not impressed, but he suggests she scrub in. Unfortunately, due to the charge nurse, she’s late, again, finding the operation concluded. On Vrac’s way out, however, he squeezes Hope’s ass ... really? Complaining, she knows, would be futile. After getting a tour of the OR wing with Dr. Cheng, Dr. Vrac unexpectedly interrupts, demanding to see Dr. Burns, the anesthesiologist on the case Hope witnessed. Cheng agrees to find him, but instead Hope ducks into a storage room to avoid dealing with handsy Vrac. It is a safe haven, until she finds Dr. Burns clinging to life in the closet.
Hell Hath No Fury Like a Surgeon Scorned! Dr. Melissa Yi has taken her delightful protagonist from the Hope Sze Medical Mystery series and giving her thrilling opportunities to confront the seven deadly sins starting with “Wrath.” The malpractice, cover-up, and murder are well-written, complex, and with the victim connected to Dr. Vrac and his faux pas, mistakes, and criminality, it’s hard to not be totally engaged as “wrath” takes on many forms. But, Hope’s search, with close friends and a few hospital colleagues, takes several turns including a past that also exposes more compelling details. Then a hit and run, a missing bike, a death, another death, a non-corporeal appearance, an attempted murder, a chase through the hospital, and Karma … Whew! One thrilling moment after another to make for a “couldn’t put it down” experience.
Melissa Yi’s writing is well-done and with her own medical knowledge as an ER doctor, the setting, jargon, and medical references add an engaging realism I, personally, enjoyed. Her style is cleverly laid out for readers through multiple perspectives. First, “Gordon” is a flashback written in third person; it provides insights about a first-year anesthesiologist in attendance during one of Dr. Vrac’s operations that led to a patient’s death and subsequent legal aftermath. This narrative does fluctuate in the timeline, but later catches up with the present. In “Hope,” the perspective switches to a first-person narrative, and although Hope, at first, is unaware of the “Gordon” incidents, it does become important to her search for answers. Tori’s “I see ghost” gift is a very subtle element of which Hope is aware and with her own intuition has physical reactions to the presence. It doesn’t, however, come with all the bells and whistles of traditional paranormal fiction, but appears as commonplace events offering its own perspective. Reading the original series is not a prerequisite, although the Hope Sze Medical Mystery series is outstanding and offers insights in Hope’s previous entanglements, relationships, and experiences. This new book is excellent, and I have high hopes for the clever focus of the series … definitely a candidate for “Best” of 2023.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Dr. Mellissa Yuan-Innes, the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
March 1, 2023
*I received this copy as an ARC and the following review is voluntary.*
⭐️Real Rating: 3.5/5
⚠️TW: death, medical malpractice, swearing, medical abuse, verbal & physical abuse in the workplace, racial slurs, SA
“You got death OR, Hope.”
Thanks to Book Sirens for invited me into their group! This was an ARC from their library. To be honest, I have mixed feelings about it. It’s labeled as a thriller or paranormal thriller, due to having ghost sightings throughout the story. However, I feel as though the story would have been so much better without the ghost aspect. It felt like an afterthought from the whole plot when, in reality, the antagonist made an amazing villain and plot point all on their own! This book is very heavy with medical lingo. That also made it difficult for me to connect with the characters because I was consistently struggling to understand new terms. An index at the end of the book would have been helpful, instead of the random in-text explanations. Even after all my years watching House, I still struggled with the medical terms! This story is a medical thriller, though and kept my attention the entire time! Even though I wasn’t fully invested at first, the drama between our badass FMC & the antagonist kept me going. The final scene with the antagonist was so satisfying. Anyone who’s a fan of House M.D. or Chicago E.R. would probably enjoy this story. It’s the first in the series; so, I would be open to reading the next to see what’s next!
⭐️Real Rating: 3.5/5
⚠️TW: death, medical malpractice, swearing, medical abuse, verbal & physical abuse in the workplace, racial slurs, SA
“You got death OR, Hope.”
Thanks to Book Sirens for invited me into their group! This was an ARC from their library. To be honest, I have mixed feelings about it. It’s labeled as a thriller or paranormal thriller, due to having ghost sightings throughout the story. However, I feel as though the story would have been so much better without the ghost aspect. It felt like an afterthought from the whole plot when, in reality, the antagonist made an amazing villain and plot point all on their own! This book is very heavy with medical lingo. That also made it difficult for me to connect with the characters because I was consistently struggling to understand new terms. An index at the end of the book would have been helpful, instead of the random in-text explanations. Even after all my years watching House, I still struggled with the medical terms! This story is a medical thriller, though and kept my attention the entire time! Even though I wasn’t fully invested at first, the drama between our badass FMC & the antagonist kept me going. The final scene with the antagonist was so satisfying. Anyone who’s a fan of House M.D. or Chicago E.R. would probably enjoy this story. It’s the first in the series; so, I would be open to reading the next to see what’s next!
June 9, 2023
This medical thriller was engaging for me on two levels: the first, to gain better insight into the lives of medical professionals who are overtaxed and underappreciated. The second, to resolve the mystery of the increasingly dire events happening in this hospital…
At first I thought the antagonist was too over-the-top to be believed, but then as Melissa Yi deftly portrayed the complacency and systemic forms of acceptance, I appreciated more of the sad reality behind this character.
The protagonist's personal struggles with the burdens of a broken system were poignant, and the hospital politics revealed a new perspective (for me) of the realities of working as a resident physician. The fact that the novel takes place over the course of a single shift gave me an appreciation for how grueling a single shift can be. While some of the medical jargon went over my head, there was still much that was accessible and even educational.
The pace of the action was brisk, and I ended up staying up far too late as I anxiously wanted to see how the events would resolve. The paranormal aspects of the book didn't seem to integrate well with the rest of the narrative; however, that could be because I haven't read other books in the Hope Sze timeline. Aside from that aspect, the ending and story arcs were satisfying, well-executed and kept me engaged up to the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At first I thought the antagonist was too over-the-top to be believed, but then as Melissa Yi deftly portrayed the complacency and systemic forms of acceptance, I appreciated more of the sad reality behind this character.
The protagonist's personal struggles with the burdens of a broken system were poignant, and the hospital politics revealed a new perspective (for me) of the realities of working as a resident physician. The fact that the novel takes place over the course of a single shift gave me an appreciation for how grueling a single shift can be. While some of the medical jargon went over my head, there was still much that was accessible and even educational.
The pace of the action was brisk, and I ended up staying up far too late as I anxiously wanted to see how the events would resolve. The paranormal aspects of the book didn't seem to integrate well with the rest of the narrative; however, that could be because I haven't read other books in the Hope Sze timeline. Aside from that aspect, the ending and story arcs were satisfying, well-executed and kept me engaged up to the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 26, 2023
Family medicine resident Dr. Hope Sze is starting her surgical rotation at Montreal's St. Joe's Hospital with Dr. Vlad Vrac, the doctor from hell. The pompous, abrasive Vrac spews verbal and physical abuse on all the resident doctors, nurses on his team & Hope becomes his next target. When Hope is spurned in the OR, she is sent to track down anesthesiologist Dr. Burns & finds him unconscious in a nearby closet. A puncture wound in his arm indicates Burns was attacked but by whom? Why did Vrac recently transfer from University College Hospital to St. Joe's? A pending lawsuit for a botched surgery nine months earlier by Vrac & his team may be the key to someone seeking revenge. Then a hit-and-run involving another St. Joe's resident, a suicide & a frantic chase within the hospital occurs before Hope with the help of her friends Tucker and Tori can find proof of Vrac's wrong-doings. I enjoyed reading the previous Hope Sze medical thrillers. This first book in a new series
of Seven Deadly Sins is off to a thrilling, promising start.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
of Seven Deadly Sins is off to a thrilling, promising start.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2023
The Shapes of Wrath Hope’s Seven Deadly Sins: Book 1 is the first book I’ve read of Melissa Yi. Having worked in surgery as a Surgical Technologist for over 50 years, I encountered the multiple personalities that Ms. Yi described. I learned how frustrating it is to know that a surgeon status and the economic wealth they provide to the hospital allows multiple issues to be ignored as well as the fear of reprisal to keep silent.
The Shapes of Wrath has a manipulative bullying surgeon that reeks havoc on his operating room team. Dr. Hope Sze, a first year family practice resident starting her surgical rotation, is on the outside. She is met with indifference, racial slur and sexual harassment by the attending surgeon nor is the OR team friendly.
The death of a surgical patient creates an atmosphere of intrigue, plot twists and reveal deeper problems and threats that exists. Hope is faced with multiple questions that put her in jeopardy.
I enjoyed reading Melissa Yi’s book and look forward to reading The Seven Deadly Sins series.
The Shapes of Wrath has a manipulative bullying surgeon that reeks havoc on his operating room team. Dr. Hope Sze, a first year family practice resident starting her surgical rotation, is on the outside. She is met with indifference, racial slur and sexual harassment by the attending surgeon nor is the OR team friendly.
The death of a surgical patient creates an atmosphere of intrigue, plot twists and reveal deeper problems and threats that exists. Hope is faced with multiple questions that put her in jeopardy.
I enjoyed reading Melissa Yi’s book and look forward to reading The Seven Deadly Sins series.
March 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, and I appreciate how the author wove the appropriate medical jargon into the story while also explaining what it meant in a way that didn't detract from the narrative. While it was a bit slow in places in the first half, and it seemed like there might be some scenes that weren't really relevant or necessary, for easily the last third of the book, I couldn't put it down and blazed through it to see what all happened and how Hope would handle everything. I can honestly say I didn't figure out the ending and was truly surprised, which is always awesome for a book of this type.
I will most certainly add this series to my list of ones to keep up with, and I'm planning to check out other books by this author as well.
4 stars
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.*
I will most certainly add this series to my list of ones to keep up with, and I'm planning to check out other books by this author as well.
4 stars
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.*
March 28, 2023
The write up was interesting, is what caught my eye and why I selected this book to read. In retrospect, I don't think it is entirely accurate; for example at no time did I get the impression that Hayden was wary due to failed relationship, nor does he seem to have considered Amy as a suspect. I selected this book to read due to murder-mystery aspect.
There is a need for editing but that did not stop me reading the entire book. The idea is great, I did skip over most of the intimate sections, I wanted to know who the murderer was and why.
Amy amuses me big time, Hayden takes some time to warm to, Sophie is a lot of fun, and Amy's BFFs are special.
I enjoyed the criminal component of the book - who is being knocked off and why the similarities to scenes in Amy's books - and would have liked more 'meat' to that story which is why I gave the book three stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is a need for editing but that did not stop me reading the entire book. The idea is great, I did skip over most of the intimate sections, I wanted to know who the murderer was and why.
Amy amuses me big time, Hayden takes some time to warm to, Sophie is a lot of fun, and Amy's BFFs are special.
I enjoyed the criminal component of the book - who is being knocked off and why the similarities to scenes in Amy's books - and would have liked more 'meat' to that story which is why I gave the book three stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2023
The Shapes of Wrath by Melissa Yi is a fascinating medical thriller. One crime after another is committed inside this read. This novel is one deep yet dark rollercoaster ride of the crimes committed. One new surgeon during her residency is found deep in investigating the happenings aka crimes that happen within the community. Then, there is the lead surgeon who is the absolute worst jerk ever. Sexual harassment, murder, and much more can be found in this exciting read. Deadly and full of action-packed scenes The Shapes of Wrath is a must-read book. It goes beyond just a medical crime thriller. The novel reminds me of those dolls where there is another doll hidden underneath...well, this book is similar to that. Every scene either adds or exposes another layer of horror. Overall, this book is perfect for fans of House, Sandra Brown, and James Patterson.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
February 28, 2023
The Shapes of Wrath is a new series showing us the inside workings of a hospital OR. Not my normal genre, but the title and description had me hooked. We follow Hope, and she tries to work under a tyrannical boss. When people start dying in surgeries with Dr. Vrac in charge, and others around the hospital, hope is determined to find the answers. The author brings you right into the story that is told in such a way that you don’t want to put it down. A second part of the story follows Gordan, a previous staff member under Dr Vrac who was present during another death in the OR and named in a wrongful death lawsuit. Gordon wants the truth to come out and researches Vrac’s past. Both stories come together for an unexpected ending. Highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next in the series. Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.
March 21, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Shapes of Wrath, Book 1 of Yi's "Hope's Seven Deadly Sins" series, was a discombobulated read. It followed Drs. Gordon Cole and Hope Tse who have witnessed Dr. Vrac abusing his power as an attending surgeon and attempt to bring him to justice. While the premise is promising, the novel tries to be Grey's Anatomy, CSI, and Ghost Whisperer all at once.
I hope (no pun intended) that the remainder of the series focuses more on one niche than trying to fit several tropes within the story. We didn't need Hope's love triangle bit because it added nothing to the story nor did we get any closure about a main plot point towards the end.
The Shapes of Wrath was a one and done read for me, however, I appreciated the opportunity to read and review this novel.
The Shapes of Wrath, Book 1 of Yi's "Hope's Seven Deadly Sins" series, was a discombobulated read. It followed Drs. Gordon Cole and Hope Tse who have witnessed Dr. Vrac abusing his power as an attending surgeon and attempt to bring him to justice. While the premise is promising, the novel tries to be Grey's Anatomy, CSI, and Ghost Whisperer all at once.
I hope (no pun intended) that the remainder of the series focuses more on one niche than trying to fit several tropes within the story. We didn't need Hope's love triangle bit because it added nothing to the story nor did we get any closure about a main plot point towards the end.
The Shapes of Wrath was a one and done read for me, however, I appreciated the opportunity to read and review this novel.
May 20, 2024
Medical murder mystery set in a Montreal hospital and written by an emerg doc. I had a lot of issues with it. As a medical professional myself, I know there’s no way that any doctors or nurses would tolerate the verbal and physical abuse that Dr. Vrac was dishing out. Money or not, the hospital would take all complaints seriously. I wish there was more character development and it felt like you were plunged into an already existing storyline. Like, what was the issue that broke up Hope and Tucker’s engagement? Why was Hope all of a sudden seeing ghosts? Although we learned Vrac’s background, why did he become so angry? Also, my pet peeve, the ambiguous ending. Did Vrac die at the end? Confusing. I did like the medical stuff though.
March 2, 2023
I absolutely devoured this book. This is the first book I have read from this author, but it won't be the last. Doctor Hope Sze is all you could want in a leading character. I look forward to reading more of her adventures.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of The Shapes of Wrath: Hope's Seven Deadly Sins Book 1 through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of The Shapes of Wrath: Hope's Seven Deadly Sins Book 1 through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
April 22, 2023
Great book , had you hooked from the beginning. Couldn’t put it down , I wanted to know what would happen next. Truly enjoyed this book , I am anxious for the next one 😊
A must read in my opinion!!
A must read in my opinion!!
May 30, 2023
Fun quick read
I've read all the Hope Sze books, glad to see the series continuing. Confused on the Tucker situation as its not explained.
I've read all the Hope Sze books, glad to see the series continuing. Confused on the Tucker situation as its not explained.
March 15, 2024
Read 15% . Full of dialogues. Little action. Jumping between 2 dates for no apparent reason. Next.
January 3, 2026
Great read! I wish it had a bit more but finished this book in just over a day.
Amazing story.
Amazing story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews