Andra
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!
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 could never do this book justice with my limited vocabulary. The pure and beautiful romance and the heart tugging longing this book portrays are so complex and wonderfully executed that my excuse of a review will never encapsulate it all.
This novel is literally a lovely story about war as ghoulish and paradoxical as that may sound. A lovely story about love, friendship and MUSIC!! I just love all the musical references and how passionate our characters were about this form of art <3
Speaking of characters, THEY ARE ALL SO ENDEARING AND THEY MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS!! I love how the two couples came to know each other, i could clearly see the red string of fate pulling them closer! The romance was so adorable and swoon worthy, i mean the sneaky rendezvous in the piano room at midnight, the classical concert dates, PARIS CAFÉ DATES!!!! I was screaming and kicking my feet in the air whenever i reached one of these scenes
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✨
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 book is your classic “who done it” and features all elements characteristic to the genre. I saw people comparing it to Agatha Christie's novels and while i can see their point, i don't think it's fair to compare the OG classics with this modern remake. Overall I found myself enjoying the book and i was always hungry for more, to put it this way. All the anticipation and suspense surrounding the murder was what determined me to keep on turning the pages, yet I wouldn't say that the plot was mind blowing. Right after i finished it, i initially gave this book 4 stars, but after some time passed, i changed my rating to a 3 star because the more i though about it, the more i found issues that annoyed me lmao
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