Andra
Honestly i can't praise this book enough, that's how mesmerising and utterly perfect it was. What i can say though is that I KNEW GARRIN WAS NOT TO BE TRUSTED EVEN WHILE READING THORN BUT THE REVEAL OF HIS CRIME STILL FRUSTRATED ME TO DEATH. I just can't wait for part 2!! Mrs. Intisar Khanani, you are just amazing!!
4 stars cause we could've been spared all the grief and heartbreak if only xingyin wasn't so damn dramatic, blind and stubborn ugh
If you want to read something that makes you forget you are actually reading, well this is the book for you my dears. Reading this novel felt like walking straight into a historical k-drama. At some point, i was sat about doing nothing and the urge to continue “my new k-drama” suddenly hit me, only to realise that the so called “k-drama” was actually The Red Palace
I don't think I've read a book as wonderful as this one. It brought me immense joy but also tears. I feel like i could never do it justice with my simple, uneducated words no matter how long i wreck my brain to come up with a review. This pure relationship between Satoru and Nana will stay with me for a long time. In a way I feel like i was their friend too, so it's really hard to just “get over this book”. Definitely one of my favourite books ever.
Truly amazing and engaging, I basically devoured this book! Reading it felt like i was witnessing a fast-paced k-drama, absolutely love that feeling. I could visualise every scene and character and that's what i loved the most about Dokkaebi
Frustratingly disappointing. + too many “i let out the breath i was holding” for my liking
Well, i think this is the first time when i don't really have any thoughts about a certain book. I mean, it was an ok and easy read but it didn't live up to the high expectations i had for this book after reading the synopsis.
The strongest point of this book is definitely Schwab's writing style. Its artistry is one of a kind and it manages to create the eerie and ominous atmosphere characteristic of a gothic novel. The descriptions of the mansion and the ghouls were so intricate and vivid that i could perfectly picture them in my mind while reading. Ultimately, i really enjoyed the artwork within the novel, they complemented the story perfectly and were a pleasure to look at! I loved observing all the little details and trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind them haha!
However, the plot felt simplistic and underdeveloped to me. I actually was rather shocked when i got the novel in the mail and saw how short it was
This was a wonderfully executed piece of fantasy! Frankly, I've never read anything like it before and i was fully captivated throughout the whole time i was reading this book. The idea of a mythical and dangerous fox hunt combined with alchemy and a slow-burn type of romance is honestly the best mix one could come up with haha!
I loved the author's writing style, it was enchanting, but straightforward at the same time. I also really enjoyed the sociopolitical and religious commentary expressed through the fictional time setting she chose.
However, what I enjoyed the most was clearly the relationship between Margaret and Wes. I just love the grumpy-sunshine dynamic ESPECIALLY when the boy is the one playing the sunshine role. Moreover, them being so different in nature only made the plot more entertaining. Wes was charming, goofy and clumsy, whilst Margaret was demure composed and, of course, grumpy. Loved how Wes was Margaret's emotional support person and helped her realise that withering away in her old and lonely manor was not her destiny. She had the power to choose her own path in life, she just needed someone to help her learn to dream and Wes, being the supportive little ray of sunshine that he is, manages to do just that✨
This read was indeed emotional and sad, yet not to the extent that it crushed my heart or even made me cry to that matter. However, i did love the whole idea that the characters got a chance to say a proper goodbye, since i believe Julie wouldn't have let go of the guilt she was bearing otherwise. Speaking of which, I also liked the commentary on grief and acceptance approached in this novel. I believe that Dustin Thao did an awesome job at portraying how messed up sorrow can get and delivered a raw and genuine depiction on that score.
About the main characters: Even though I understand Julie was grieving and blinded by sorrow, she still got on my nerves due to her rude behaviour and the way she treated her friends. I don't think she's that good of a person nonetheless, since she was acting selfishly and immaturely even when Sam was still alive. Anyways, i think that's just my own opinion on the matter. Sam on the other hand was a pure and selfless sweetheart
I was very excited going into this book since the plot is inspired by the myth of Shim Cheong which is my favourite one from Korean mythology. However, it wasn't exactly how I imagined it to be
This was such an enchanting story which got me immersed from start to finish! The stunning and almost cinematic writing created the perfect dark and enigmatic atmosphere of a fine gothic novel. I ADORE Downton Abbey and this novel somehow gave me similar vibes in terms of the setting and the relationship between servants and masters. I love anything centred around Edwardian England or Yorkshire <3
I really admire Ruby's character, her care and devotion to the children she takes care of. She's strong willed and courageous despite her position as a nanny in an eminent household, and will always choose to do what's best for the little ones even at the risk of backlash. I also really liked Mrs. England and her character development across the novel, but sadly I can't really go into much detail without spoiling the plot. However, I can mention the fact that her camaraderie with nanny Ruby was pleasant and interesting to follow.
In terms of mystery, even though the ending wasn't as shocking, it was very satisfying and the process leading up to the climax was compelling. The actual surprise factor for me was the fact that Ruby's character was inspired by a real life person who suffered a traumatic incident during the Edwardian era. I really enjoyed doing some research related to that story after finishing the book hehe!
I don't know if it was due to the romanian translation of this book, but the the writing felt remarkably bad and full of cliches to me. However besides that, the plot was fairly interesting, especially in the later half of the book when it gathered momentum.
I will never be able to move on from this book. One of the most beautiful stories i've ever come to read
Getting to read a book that's based on your own country's history is such a unique and wonderful feeling. Especially when that book is written by a foreign author who did such an incredible job of portraying Romanian cultural aspects in such an accurate and respectful manner.
The fact that this book claims to be similar to Mulan seems really far fetched and clickbaity to me at least, it could never come close to the masterpiece that is Mulan and that is flat. But anyways that's just the hardcore Mulan stan in me speaking. Overall, the main idea was interesting, but the wordbuilding really put it off for me. The author was moving way too fast between passages, the descriptions were lacking (for example: one minute they were fighting, the next, morning came and everything seemed to go back to normal???? Don't even get me started on the tasks the protagonist had to accomplish, they all seemed so rushed i couldn't even visualise the scenes in my head) and it was kind of annoying to read. I wish the plot had developed in a totally different manner..
Not great, not terrible. Another one of those books where everything comes so easily for the main character. The plot was fairly interesting, but annoying at the same time. Also the word building has its fair share of cringy phrasing, but it wasn't that unbearable. ((Also I prefer Rhys over Tamlin due to my unhealthy obsession with morally gray, dark haired book characters oops))