you cannot understand how much I needed a reading of this kind: fanciful, educational and moving, if then we add the Slavic folklore you have already you cannot understand how much I needed a reading of this kind: fanciful, educational and moving, if then we add the Slavic folklore you have already won me over. Tell me that it was written to repay me for the bad readings of this week. Really, I have no objection to it. I have read that many people complained about the behavior of the protagonist who -I remember- being a child who, due to the constant moving of the house, does not have the opportunity to make any friends. I found the child's behavior sensible and it was wonderful to see her mature over the course of the novel. let's not be hypocrites, if at 12 (or a little more) I had only had the company of my grandmother and a crow I probably would have done worse than complaining. however my favorite character is without a doubt the house. (I'm not kidding)
If I had a daughter or a small child I would read it to them over and over again. I can't wait to read more of the author....more
Let's be honest, magical realism is never my first choice... or a choice at all, but luckily I decided to give it a try. Yes, welcome to another episoLet's be honest, magical realism is never my first choice... or a choice at all, but luckily I decided to give it a try. Yes, welcome to another episode of "I decided to read this book because the cover was stunning"
The concept of the book is so captive, A world where books are not items meant to be read, but used to lock away a person's memories. If a person has a traumatic experience that they rather wish to forget, they can go to a bookbinder and have it removed by bounding that memory into a book. Unless that book is burned, you would never remember what you decided to remove from your mind.
The first and second parts of the book are narrated by Emmett, I loved him so much. Emmett grew up in a village where books are taboo. We meet Emmett during his recovery from a mystery illness. We also know that even once he is cured from this disease, he will still be of no use to his family. He's soon apprenticed to be a binder.The entire first part is loaded with tension and mystery, the narration is a bit too slow. There was a switch in the narrating perspective in the third part of the book. Now we follow Lucian, this part takes on a very dark and gothic feel.
Emmett & Lucian were written so intimately. Their stories were woven into each other with so much love, suspense and tension. They exuded this need for one another, they really broke my heart into a million pieces.. I found myself easily pulled into the pages and the way of life. I particularly appreciate the descriptions of the time and place which allow us to create a vivid picture of what surrounds the characters. I loved the themes that were written into the book: power, greed, hierarchy, forbidden love. All showing what people would do to get what they want. This book is so gothic, captivating and spell binding. I definitely will not want to forget it even if I’m still crying for the ending.
Finally a good book that matches a good looking cover....more
As many have already said this book is a love letter to Russia and its folklore. The writing style was fairytale like, and that's one of my favorite asAs many have already said this book is a love letter to Russia and its folklore. The writing style was fairytale like, and that's one of my favorite aspect of this book; that is a dark adult retelling. This three combination were the death of me. ...more
I loved every character, which is very unusual for me. I empathized with Henry's character very much. Adeline is a charactI have finally read this book.
I loved every character, which is very unusual for me. I empathized with Henry's character very much. Adeline is a character I admired, determined to leave a mark, perpetually in conflict with Luc. I loved their "game", both determined to have the last word, determined to win over the other one. In the end they both won; Addie left a mark and Luc managed to get her and as much as Adeline may be mad at Luc for "tricking her" I don't understand what she expected from a demon. She expected something more because she felt something for Luc, this is obvious and she was hurt by Luc's latest deception. But honestly, as much as Adeline may believe what she said she wanted to do on the last page, I don't believe it. Knowing their dynamics they will probably consume each other. they are both not gonna win at the end, that'a what I think.
P.S. There isn't much of a plot in this book, it's more about the main characters and their emotions....more
This story struck me. I loved the epistolary storytelling, and Fama's writing enchanted me. How much I would like a sequel, i need to know what the nephThis story struck me. I loved the epistolary storytelling, and Fama's writing enchanted me. How much I would like a sequel, i need to know what the nephew of the protagonist will do....more
i love this book. Alina, the protagonist, goes from being a walking cliché to a girl who discovers her powers. she does not break down in front of the i love this book. Alina, the protagonist, goes from being a walking cliché to a girl who discovers her powers. she does not break down in front of the first obstacle and decides to commit herself to improve. she's happy to be who she is and that's why I love her. The Darkling is one of my all time favorite characters and after reading 'the demon in the wood' I appreciate him even more. He is such an interesting character. Mal is the weak point of the story in my opinion. When he is with Alina he has the power to make her stupid and when he opens his mouth, he has the power to make me roll my eyes. Let's be clear: I don't hate Mal because I love the Darkling, I 'hate' Mal because he mortifies Alina, he pushes her to be something different from what she trully is, this doesn't seem like a good friendship... Plus I don't like the childhood friend to lover trope, so ... One scene that really bothered me was when Mal met Alina in the palace -after Alina and the Darkling show- and he says 'i only see you now'. What am I suppose to say? Too little too late. But then the situation degenerates with a 'when you were not there I was looking for you for the camp out of habit' is it really considered romantic or cute? like... what am I to you? a dog? what the heck...more
Simply fantastic. The character of Locke fascinated me from the beginning of the book, the plot is overwhelming, peronally I loved the alternation betwSimply fantastic. The character of Locke fascinated me from the beginning of the book, the plot is overwhelming, peronally I loved the alternation between present and past that Scott Lynch decided to use to explain the past of the gentleman bastard. Can't wait to read the second volume!...more
Fantastic. I don't know what else to say. I loved every single character (but Anna). Vasya was incredible like her siblings and Kostantin reminded me oFantastic. I don't know what else to say. I loved every single character (but Anna). Vasya was incredible like her siblings and Kostantin reminded me of Claude Frollo from "Notre Dame de Paris", so he was an interesting character. If you are interested in the Russian folklore and if you don't mind an author who takes her time to tell a story then yes, you must read this book...more
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