What do you think?
Rate this book
The QuickSilver Legacy Series #1
The Riddle of Prague
When 18-year-old Hana Silna travels to Prague to reclaim her family's ancestral home, she finds herself on an unexpected adventure in a city brimming with ancient secrets. She discovers a riddle that leads to a long-lost flask that could change the fate of the world. When a ruthless enemy kidnaps her family, Hana has to find the flask to rescue them. On her quest she meets a mysterious man with a penchant for poetry, a Gypsy girl with a haunting past, and Alex, the motorcycle-riding son of a U.S. diplomat. Alex -- who's trying to save his sister from a crippling disease -- joins Hana on her race across Bohemia to find the hidden flask. It's hard to trust anyone when the stakes are this high -- especially when surrounded by experts at deception. There's only one flask and Hana desperately needs to find it. The Riddle of Prague is the first of the Quicksilver Legacy Trilogy. Kirkus Reviews describes Laura DeBruce's debut novel as "[a]n exciting...thriller with supernatural elements and a brave, enterprising heroine." Clarion Reviews gives The Riddle of Prague five-stars and calls it "[a] fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat mystery-adventure."
212 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2013
4 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Laura DeBruce
2 books29 followersLAURA DEBRUCE worked in the television business in Prague where she fell in love with the city and its legends. She is a documentary filmmaker and writer who currently lives in Maryland. The Riddle of Prague is her first novel.
To learn more please visit www.theriddleofprague.com
To learn more please visit www.theriddleofprague.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 19, 2016
The Elixir of Eternal Life? Always a good subject for a novel and DeBruce gives it an interesting twist with her exotic setting in Prague and linking the idea with perhaps the most maligned of all people throughout history; the Gypsies.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was the opportunity to learn and understand more of the City of Prague and Romany legends relating to the gypsies. The basic premise of the story is an American girl, traveling to Prague in the mid-nineties after the "Velvet Revolution" to reclaim the family home, stolen by the Communist regime, on behalf of her sick mother. There are secrets buried beneath that home and many characters who want to get their hands on them. I won't say any more on the plot so as not to spoil it for readers, but suffice it to say, it is action-packed, very fast-moving and difficult to put down.
I did find the characters to be a little caricaturish, tending toward the extremes of personality, but that aside this was a compelling read that had me second-guessing myself constantly, always the sign of a good author. The twists (and there have to be plenty of twists in a book titled The Riddle of Prague) were cleverly constructed and well concealed.
I enjoyed this book and if you are a fan of mysteries with a dab of fantasy involved, I have no doubt you will enjoy it. This is the first book in a series based on the lead characters Hana, Alex, and David. I was certainly enthused enough by Book 1 to want to give Book 2 a look. I'm sure you will be too.
A very solid 4-Stars for The Riddle of Prague by Laura DeBruce, from this reviewer.
You can check out all my many hundred's of reviews directly on my website at http://www.grantleishman.com/ You can even score yourself a free ebook of mine, just by joining my newsletter. Do please go and check it out.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was the opportunity to learn and understand more of the City of Prague and Romany legends relating to the gypsies. The basic premise of the story is an American girl, traveling to Prague in the mid-nineties after the "Velvet Revolution" to reclaim the family home, stolen by the Communist regime, on behalf of her sick mother. There are secrets buried beneath that home and many characters who want to get their hands on them. I won't say any more on the plot so as not to spoil it for readers, but suffice it to say, it is action-packed, very fast-moving and difficult to put down.
I did find the characters to be a little caricaturish, tending toward the extremes of personality, but that aside this was a compelling read that had me second-guessing myself constantly, always the sign of a good author. The twists (and there have to be plenty of twists in a book titled The Riddle of Prague) were cleverly constructed and well concealed.
I enjoyed this book and if you are a fan of mysteries with a dab of fantasy involved, I have no doubt you will enjoy it. This is the first book in a series based on the lead characters Hana, Alex, and David. I was certainly enthused enough by Book 1 to want to give Book 2 a look. I'm sure you will be too.
A very solid 4-Stars for The Riddle of Prague by Laura DeBruce, from this reviewer.
You can check out all my many hundred's of reviews directly on my website at http://www.grantleishman.com/ You can even score yourself a free ebook of mine, just by joining my newsletter. Do please go and check it out.
April 24, 2014
This book was really out of my genre of reading. Being as it seems to deal with a bit of history or at least that is how it seemed to me. But I was glad I gave this book a try, it was really hard to put down once I started it. Now I have to say my favorite parts in the book were reading the chapters that deal with the Nomad. There was a sense of mystery of who this person was and I kept guessing and guessing and only got my answer towards the end. I felt this person had something to do with a majority of it but I wasn't a hundred percent sure.
There are twists and turns at every turn. You get mystery written with the story line that makes you wonder what truly is going on with this flask and the blood line of Hana. There is not a major cliff hanger at the end that will have you going OMG I feel as though I needed more. It leaves it right where you are satisfied enough to where you can wait for the next book within the series.
The story is not truly fast paced, but it is fast enough that you can keep up with characters and understand what is going on.
Now there is a lot of story telling going on from different people so be prepared for a lot of detail within the story.
There are twists and turns at every turn. You get mystery written with the story line that makes you wonder what truly is going on with this flask and the blood line of Hana. There is not a major cliff hanger at the end that will have you going OMG I feel as though I needed more. It leaves it right where you are satisfied enough to where you can wait for the next book within the series.
The story is not truly fast paced, but it is fast enough that you can keep up with characters and understand what is going on.
Now there is a lot of story telling going on from different people so be prepared for a lot of detail within the story.
January 16, 2014
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
*This review can also be found on my blog Love at First Write*
So my first introduction to this series was by giving the author my opinion of book 2’s cover options. That book clearly seems to be set in Paris with the sun as a big deal. In contrast to this book being set in Prague and with the moon. This was completely a ‘judge a book by its cover’ moment and I’m happy I liked the cover because I loved this book!
I don’t know much about Prague, but the book seemed very well researched and believable. I love fantasy books, but my favorite is when the author can take the fantastical and turn it into something completely feasible, and I think that was done incredibly well in The Riddle of Prague. Prague’s history, architecture, museums, and paintings are taken into account throughout the book. It felt like I could really be there experiencing some of these scenes. However, more detail in the future would be nice.
Anyways, these people didn’t just magically become immortal, it was scientifically explained, and quite accurately so. When DNA replicates itself it gets worn down, so it can only replicate itself so many times before it’s destroyed and the person dies. Which, as far as my scientific knowledge goes, is completely true. So if one were to mutate him/herself to protect the replication process from destroying itself they could live indefinitely. They should still be susceptible to sickness; injuries, etc. so could die other ways, but could not die of old age.
The characters were well done, especially the immortal character’s pasts; my favorite being David and his affinity with poetry. I thought that right from the beginning Nadja wasn't all that she seemed, but could never be 100% sure. There were also plenty of other secrets to keep the book suspenseful and the pages turning. Hana came from America to reclaim her family’s house after the soviet’s iron curtain came down. She meets all these people at once and knows as much about them as the reader does, which was a nice change. The reader could discover and learn alongside Hana instead of Hana telling the reader information she already knows. Hana came to her conclusions, and I came to mine. Of course Hana made some stupid decisions, but they weren’t overboard and made the book seem more realistic. She met all of these people around the same time, so who should she trust?
When she goes to get documents signed to make The Rockery officially her property, she meets Alex and his little sister Thalia, children of a U.S. diplomat. He is a piece of familiarity in a foreign house/city/country/continent. Alex and Hana are so cute together and his little sister is so spunky <3
The plot of this book is that Hana (with mainly help from Alex) acquires a notebook that contains a riddle to find a flask. This flask contains the key to immortality and too many people are looking for it. Don Julius and his goonies have Hana’s grandmother hostage and are willing to kill anyone to posses the flask. Simona and Michal seemed like a really cute couple and they want the flask to create copies and help humanity. David seems to just want to help Hana find it for the sake of Julius NOT having it. There are plenty of lies and deception, making The Riddle of Prague a page-turner. This book was an intense fantasy history mystery, and I loved every page of it. To the point where I was putting off everything I could to find time to read!
*This review can also be found on my blog Love at First Write*
So my first introduction to this series was by giving the author my opinion of book 2’s cover options. That book clearly seems to be set in Paris with the sun as a big deal. In contrast to this book being set in Prague and with the moon. This was completely a ‘judge a book by its cover’ moment and I’m happy I liked the cover because I loved this book!
I don’t know much about Prague, but the book seemed very well researched and believable. I love fantasy books, but my favorite is when the author can take the fantastical and turn it into something completely feasible, and I think that was done incredibly well in The Riddle of Prague. Prague’s history, architecture, museums, and paintings are taken into account throughout the book. It felt like I could really be there experiencing some of these scenes. However, more detail in the future would be nice.
Anyways, these people didn’t just magically become immortal, it was scientifically explained, and quite accurately so. When DNA replicates itself it gets worn down, so it can only replicate itself so many times before it’s destroyed and the person dies. Which, as far as my scientific knowledge goes, is completely true. So if one were to mutate him/herself to protect the replication process from destroying itself they could live indefinitely. They should still be susceptible to sickness; injuries, etc. so could die other ways, but could not die of old age.
The characters were well done, especially the immortal character’s pasts; my favorite being David and his affinity with poetry. I thought that right from the beginning Nadja wasn't all that she seemed, but could never be 100% sure. There were also plenty of other secrets to keep the book suspenseful and the pages turning. Hana came from America to reclaim her family’s house after the soviet’s iron curtain came down. She meets all these people at once and knows as much about them as the reader does, which was a nice change. The reader could discover and learn alongside Hana instead of Hana telling the reader information she already knows. Hana came to her conclusions, and I came to mine. Of course Hana made some stupid decisions, but they weren’t overboard and made the book seem more realistic. She met all of these people around the same time, so who should she trust?
When she goes to get documents signed to make The Rockery officially her property, she meets Alex and his little sister Thalia, children of a U.S. diplomat. He is a piece of familiarity in a foreign house/city/country/continent. Alex and Hana are so cute together and his little sister is so spunky <3
The plot of this book is that Hana (with mainly help from Alex) acquires a notebook that contains a riddle to find a flask. This flask contains the key to immortality and too many people are looking for it. Don Julius and his goonies have Hana’s grandmother hostage and are willing to kill anyone to posses the flask. Simona and Michal seemed like a really cute couple and they want the flask to create copies and help humanity. David seems to just want to help Hana find it for the sake of Julius NOT having it. There are plenty of lies and deception, making The Riddle of Prague a page-turner. This book was an intense fantasy history mystery, and I loved every page of it. To the point where I was putting off everything I could to find time to read!
April 20, 2014
I was recommended this book by a friend and, as I love YA Thriller/Mystery/Adventure books, I thought I would give it a go. I absolutely LOVED it!
First off, I would like to say that the cover is absolutely fantastic, and captures the essence of the story quite well. This would look good on my bookshelf in print!
Hana Silna is a character I really liked. She is quite brave and determined and, although the angst is kept to a minimum, she is a typical teen. She has been sent by her mother to Prague to claim her family's house back from the Czech government.
This is a fantastic story, full of action, danger and mystery. I was completely hooked from the first page! Hana meets some very interesting characters during her visit. Some are friendly, but some are decidedly frightening and deadly. I loved meeting Simona, Michal, Alex and Thalia, as well as a few other characters. There is a really creepy bad guy that sent shivers up my back. His name is Julian - he's one scary dude! The story is told mostly from Hana's point of view, but there is a point of view from another character called The Nomad. This mysterious character is extremely dangerous. I must admit that I had a suspicion as to who the person was, but it wasn't until later in the story that I found out for sure. I loved the hint of romance between Hana and Alex; they make a cute couple. There are some amazing twists in this story that I never saw coming, and I had a jaw dropping moment when an identity of a character was revealed. Prague was described in such a way that I felt like I was there, and made me want to visit the city for real. The end of the book finishes on a slight cliffhanger, and now I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Laura DeBruce has written a fantastic debut YA Thriller that is a fast paced roller coaster ride of danger and adventure. I loved her writing style, which flowed wonderfully, and I will be following this author's work with interest.
I highly recommend this book to both older teenage boys and girls (15+) and adults who love YA, Thriller, Suspense or Mystery genres. - Lynn Worton
First off, I would like to say that the cover is absolutely fantastic, and captures the essence of the story quite well. This would look good on my bookshelf in print!
Hana Silna is a character I really liked. She is quite brave and determined and, although the angst is kept to a minimum, she is a typical teen. She has been sent by her mother to Prague to claim her family's house back from the Czech government.
This is a fantastic story, full of action, danger and mystery. I was completely hooked from the first page! Hana meets some very interesting characters during her visit. Some are friendly, but some are decidedly frightening and deadly. I loved meeting Simona, Michal, Alex and Thalia, as well as a few other characters. There is a really creepy bad guy that sent shivers up my back. His name is Julian - he's one scary dude! The story is told mostly from Hana's point of view, but there is a point of view from another character called The Nomad. This mysterious character is extremely dangerous. I must admit that I had a suspicion as to who the person was, but it wasn't until later in the story that I found out for sure. I loved the hint of romance between Hana and Alex; they make a cute couple. There are some amazing twists in this story that I never saw coming, and I had a jaw dropping moment when an identity of a character was revealed. Prague was described in such a way that I felt like I was there, and made me want to visit the city for real. The end of the book finishes on a slight cliffhanger, and now I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Laura DeBruce has written a fantastic debut YA Thriller that is a fast paced roller coaster ride of danger and adventure. I loved her writing style, which flowed wonderfully, and I will be following this author's work with interest.
I highly recommend this book to both older teenage boys and girls (15+) and adults who love YA, Thriller, Suspense or Mystery genres. - Lynn Worton
September 6, 2016
"The Riddle of Prague (The QuickSilver Legacy Series)" by Laura DeBruce is an intriguing mystery novel set in post communism Czechoslovakia.
18-year-old Hana Silna travels to Prague to reclaim her family's ancestral home. Before she even gets there she meets a mysterious man on the plane who then disappears and later reappears. Eight from the start the author is cleverly planting elements of instant suspense and intrigue into her story.
As Hana meets her relatives and goes through the task of reclaiming her house through the bureaucratic channels we learn more about the history of the country and witness a few great discussion about the ethics behind reclaiming property.
The main plot however involves a secret room in the house to be reclaimed and a lost flask with immense supernatural powers.
The story is very well written, spans 400 years, involves great characters and finally leaves us with a hunger for the second book in the series.
The book is full of action and adventure but has its more serious moments, it combines contemporary themes with legends and history and manages to engage you deeply with the characters.
A very enjoyable read for all ages.
18-year-old Hana Silna travels to Prague to reclaim her family's ancestral home. Before she even gets there she meets a mysterious man on the plane who then disappears and later reappears. Eight from the start the author is cleverly planting elements of instant suspense and intrigue into her story.
As Hana meets her relatives and goes through the task of reclaiming her house through the bureaucratic channels we learn more about the history of the country and witness a few great discussion about the ethics behind reclaiming property.
The main plot however involves a secret room in the house to be reclaimed and a lost flask with immense supernatural powers.
The story is very well written, spans 400 years, involves great characters and finally leaves us with a hunger for the second book in the series.
The book is full of action and adventure but has its more serious moments, it combines contemporary themes with legends and history and manages to engage you deeply with the characters.
A very enjoyable read for all ages.
April 22, 2014
A mystery carefully fitted together like a Chinese puzzle box sums up The Riddle of Prague by Laura DeBruce. A newly adult young woman travels to Prague to reclaim her family's property once confiscated by the former USSR. While at first nothing seems out of the ordinary, it soon becomes apparent that not everything is as it seems. This story is told in first person narrative, allowing the action to move at a rapid clip, but this book is not a rush job. In the young adult category, the genre is definitely mystery with a paranormal slant; this title is edited and dialog is kept spare, every word advancing the plot in the backdrop of Prague's scenery--detailed enough to provide atmosphere but never does the narrative voice cross into self consciousness. No detail is left to dangle into unimagined insignificance. Nothing is overdone and understatement is used to its maximum effectiveness.
The Riddle of Prague ticks all the genre boxes and does so with panache, leading the reader on a chase populated with fresh twists of the paranormal and characters with causes a reader can believe in for just a little while. Look for more from this author. She's got the right stuff.
The Riddle of Prague ticks all the genre boxes and does so with panache, leading the reader on a chase populated with fresh twists of the paranormal and characters with causes a reader can believe in for just a little while. Look for more from this author. She's got the right stuff.
February 15, 2016
This story actually overcame a personal pet peeve (first person present tense. . .it annoys me 90% of the time. I know it is trendy, but my head just kind of can't wrap around it.), but the story was so good that after a bit I didn't notice the tense (which to clarify, I know the tense isn't "wrong," it's just not my favorite narrative style).
I think what drew me in the most was the setting. Post Cold War Prague has a great mix of familiarity (this is history I have enough knowledge of without to read without feeling lost) and newness (I've never read a fantasy with this setting before and it was fun to explore.).
The story introduces a lot of mythology without becoming confusing and even though there are a lot of characters (with multiple identities and all with secrets) it manages to be mysterious rather than confusing where it needs to be.
I has some well thought out twists and magic. Over all a fun read.
I think what drew me in the most was the setting. Post Cold War Prague has a great mix of familiarity (this is history I have enough knowledge of without to read without feeling lost) and newness (I've never read a fantasy with this setting before and it was fun to explore.).
The story introduces a lot of mythology without becoming confusing and even though there are a lot of characters (with multiple identities and all with secrets) it manages to be mysterious rather than confusing where it needs to be.
I has some well thought out twists and magic. Over all a fun read.
April 14, 2014
For starters, I really loved the cover and I believe it to be a great eye catcher.
I gave this story a 4 star review because I felt the story was dragging on and on. I felt the story was well written and it was a quick read, but I felt that some of it was just too long and dragging on for too long for me. I felt that there were too many characters were retelling the same story over and over and my attention would be lost to read something else.
This story had a good and solid plot to it and I loved the characters. I would recommend this to others to read, but it just didn't click with me.
WaAr
I gave this story a 4 star review because I felt the story was dragging on and on. I felt the story was well written and it was a quick read, but I felt that some of it was just too long and dragging on for too long for me. I felt that there were too many characters were retelling the same story over and over and my attention would be lost to read something else.
This story had a good and solid plot to it and I loved the characters. I would recommend this to others to read, but it just didn't click with me.
WaAr
April 21, 2014
This book I can thoroughly recommend. It is superbly written and edited. The story itself is intricately wound and threads in different directions, yet is never so tangent that you cannot keep up. The idea behind the story is intriguing and it has to be said, you never really know who is the good guy or the bad guy, and to be able to keep that until the end shows how good the writing is. It keeps you guessing and even when clues are given, you never actually guess the ending.
Cannot wait till the sequel and will certainly be reading it.
Cannot wait till the sequel and will certainly be reading it.
April 11, 2014
This is a very unique and interesting story. Hana goes to Prague to take ownership of a house. While there her family's past starts unwinding. We follow her on her journey of hidden secrets, new friendships and hope for the future. I only wished Hana wasn't so trusting, after two days of knowing someone you shouldn't trust them with your life. This is a great action packed read that has you turning the pages and guessing what is going to happen next. Can't wait for book 2. WaAR
April 16, 2014
I received a copy of this book for review from the author. I was captivated by the cover and enthralled by the story line in an exotic place with Roma people, artifacts and immortals. All in all I could not stop reading once I started. The cliff hanger at the end, something I usually do not care for has me climbing the walls to read more. I absolutely love this book and recommend it to all YA fans.
April 17, 2014
I loved this book, it was a fast read in a setting that is not only romantic but also captivating.
The two main characters were likeable (Yes I found that a lot of these books have love interests where I fail to see the import). Not so with this book.
Loved the story, would recommend it to all and am signing up for the second book in the series! The cliffhanger was good enough to keep me hooked!
WaArrrg
The two main characters were likeable (Yes I found that a lot of these books have love interests where I fail to see the import). Not so with this book.
Loved the story, would recommend it to all and am signing up for the second book in the series! The cliffhanger was good enough to keep me hooked!
WaArrrg
May 22, 2015
Well-written with a fast-paced, unique storyline. I was a little disengaged from the story which I believe is due to the fact that I didn't feel a strong connection with the main character.
June 2, 2024
Fast-paced young adult story
I don’t know if young adult is the right age group…youth? Anyway, I enjoyed this story very much. I didn’t realize it is written to go right into the next book (to be continued) so I was a little disappointed it didn’t wrap up completely in the end, but that’s not a comment on the writing, just on my expectation. I enjoyed the story and was thankful it was clean.
I don’t know if young adult is the right age group…youth? Anyway, I enjoyed this story very much. I didn’t realize it is written to go right into the next book (to be continued) so I was a little disappointed it didn’t wrap up completely in the end, but that’s not a comment on the writing, just on my expectation. I enjoyed the story and was thankful it was clean.
April 26, 2021
A complicated mystery with some fun characters. My biggest problem with this book is actually the writing. It was so plain that it was almost juvenile. There was hardly any imagery, and the descriptive details were completely missing. And being set in Prague was a huge draw, but there was almost no description to show that it took place in Prague! Disappointed.
June 10, 2020
Descriptive and Engaging
This is a very engaging story that drew me in from the start. I also really appreciated the author's descriptive writing. As someone who lives in Prague, I knew many of the locations described and immediately picture them in my head.
This is a very engaging story that drew me in from the start. I also really appreciated the author's descriptive writing. As someone who lives in Prague, I knew many of the locations described and immediately picture them in my head.
June 7, 2014
Review of The Riddle of Prague by Laura DeBruce
From amazon.com:
Book Description
Publication Date: December 7, 2013
When 18-year-old Hana Silna travels to Prague to reclaim her family's ancestral home, she finds herself on an unexpected adventure in a city brimming with ancient secrets. She discovers a riddle by the infamous alchemist Edward Kelley that claims to lead to a long-last flask. The contents of that flask could change the fate of the world.
When a ruthless enemy kidnaps her family, Hana has to find the flask to rescue them. On her quest she meets a mysterious man with a penchant for poetry, a Gypsy girl with a haunting past, and Alex, the motorcycle-riding son of a U.S. diplomat. Alex -- who's trying to save his sister from a crippling disease -- joins Hana on her race across Bohemia to find the hidden flask. It's hard to trust anyone when the stakes are this high -- especially when surrounded by experts at deception.
There's only one flask and Hana desperately needs to find it.
The Riddle of Prague is the first of the Quicksilver Legacy Trilogy.
Leona's Review:
This was a really good read about mystery and searching for the 400 year old flask that holds the elixir for immortality.
Hana Silna is flying to Prague from the United States to sign the papers for the home of her mother that has been returned to them by the government. This book takes place in 1991 before the luxury of cell phones and lap top computers. Hana's mother is having surgery and is unable to travel.
Hana meets Davis Borton on the plane; he becomes a major part of the book.
She is greeted by her mother's cousins and meets her mother's mother, Babi. She does not know who Hana is as she is somewhat senile. I wish Babi had been more of the book because I felt she knew a lot more and could do more that the story allowed.
Babi does warn Hana that Simona is not who she says she is.
Hana meets Alex Williams, the son of a U. S. Diplomat and his sister, Thalia, who suffers from Werner Syndrome. Alex owns a motorcycle and descriptions of the driving in the city of Prague are pretty real.
There are so many names in this book I will list some of them that become so much of the story. Hana Silna, Alex Williams, David Bolton, Simona, Michal, Elizabeth Weston, Valentina, Stefan, Denisa, Nadja, Don Julius, Julian, Luminitsa, Edward Kelley, Marketa, Ben Williams, Niku, L'ubo, Franta and many more. Some are not characters in the book but the names are part of the past and the story.
Places are described in the book: The Charles Bridge http://www.pragueexperience.com/place...,
The Faust House http://www.prague.net/faust-house and St. Vitus Cathedral http://www.pragueexperience.com/place....
See http://www.pragueexperience.com/index... for more sites. I like the historical features in The Riddle of Prague.
There is intrigue, murder, escapes and fear in this gripping book. At one point Hana feels "So many radically unexpected things have happened that I'm feeling like Alice after she fell down the rabbit hole" (page 96). It is rated for Young Adults but as an older adult I enjoyed it. I give it a 5 star even though I was disappointed in the end. I finally decided to think of as Sherlock Holmes always running into Professor Moriarty and continuing the story.
I won a copy of The Riddle of Prague from LibraryThing.com. The opinions are my own. I will re-read this book even though I know the ending.
You may find Laura DeBruce at http://theriddleofprague.com/.
Leona Olson
www.mnleona.blogspot.com
February 27, 2017
A very fascinating read with a setting in one of the most historical cities in the world, Prague. As the characters search for a flask which contains the secret to eternal life the story takes many twists and turns and is action packed through out. It's an artfully crafted mixture of fantasy and reality which starts with an early century alchemist discovering the fountain of youth which ends up to be more of a curse then fortune as the search for the formula leads to greed, hate, and murder. Well written, although I would have liked to have seen a definitive ending rather than a continuation into the next book.
August 2, 2016
I read a lot of these kinds of novels, usually penned by powerhouses like Clive Cussler, James Rawlins, Dan Brown, Matthew Reilly, and so on. This was the first I’ve read by a female author starring a female lead, a YA female lead at that. The sexist in me was immediately cynical going in, thinking, “Yeah, right, lady, let’s see how long it takes you to turn this into a romance whose two lovers’ swooning over one another quickly dominates every other aspect of the storytelling.” Needless to say, by the five star rating I gave, I was forced to get over myself as I turned the pages. I thought DeBruce did a great job holding to the formulas and demands for this genre. I was even more surprised when I greedily went looking for more titles only to find that this is her first novel. Usually the cracks in the porcelain show at some point in a first-time novelist. But, even putting on my most crotchety, holier-than-thou hat, it would be ridiculous to score this story less than 4.5 stars. Possibly I’m just biased to these kinds of stories, you could argue, but I would say, if anything, that makes me a bit more finicky with my expectations.
There are a lot of genre expectations to meet in a book like this, which is also worth mentioning. It’s partly travel lit, as it whisks the reader off to Prague. So the author has to do a great job with giving the city a sense of presence and making this part of the world so sensually felt that it becomes a character in the story in its own right. Here again she earns another checkmark in the positives column. The history of the region, not just the culture, the geography, and the people, come live to the degree that I truly felt transported there. And as much as I would love to travel, on my budget, doing so vicariously becomes a bit of a necessity. So God forbid, the author let me down on this score.
As to the Indiana Jones-type mystery that threads through hundreds of years of history, and involves retrieving artifacts safely from nefarious parties, all of which are happy to kill you for it, all while racing the clock to save the world from those dark interests, well, of course, this is the fun of reading a book of this kind. So you know you better get at least that much right. Again the author earns another resounding checkmark in this column. The book radiated sheer fun as the storyteller deftly wove together suspense along with an action-packed thrill ride with our heroine trying to catch up with the bad guys who seem forever a few steps ahead of our heroine when it comes to rescuing the world, and those she loves from danger.
So is it historical fiction? Action-thriller? Adventure? Travel lit? There’s probably a half-dozen other genres it could also be. But best of all, the fusion works, and it’s not something that’s easy to do, which is why these kinds of books are usually only tackled by the best writers.
There are a lot of genre expectations to meet in a book like this, which is also worth mentioning. It’s partly travel lit, as it whisks the reader off to Prague. So the author has to do a great job with giving the city a sense of presence and making this part of the world so sensually felt that it becomes a character in the story in its own right. Here again she earns another checkmark in the positives column. The history of the region, not just the culture, the geography, and the people, come live to the degree that I truly felt transported there. And as much as I would love to travel, on my budget, doing so vicariously becomes a bit of a necessity. So God forbid, the author let me down on this score.
As to the Indiana Jones-type mystery that threads through hundreds of years of history, and involves retrieving artifacts safely from nefarious parties, all of which are happy to kill you for it, all while racing the clock to save the world from those dark interests, well, of course, this is the fun of reading a book of this kind. So you know you better get at least that much right. Again the author earns another resounding checkmark in this column. The book radiated sheer fun as the storyteller deftly wove together suspense along with an action-packed thrill ride with our heroine trying to catch up with the bad guys who seem forever a few steps ahead of our heroine when it comes to rescuing the world, and those she loves from danger.
So is it historical fiction? Action-thriller? Adventure? Travel lit? There’s probably a half-dozen other genres it could also be. But best of all, the fusion works, and it’s not something that’s easy to do, which is why these kinds of books are usually only tackled by the best writers.
July 6, 2024
This book was trying to emulate Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series, but it just needed to give more details. I was struggling to follow along with the story just because the author seemed to be so excited about telling their story that they missed a lot of important information for the reader to come along with them.
May 16, 2014
4 1/2 Stars
Genes are everything.
DeBruce's The Riddle of Prague is quite creative, original, and well-written. I very much liked the concept of the book and it certainly is a page turner - filled with mystery and suspense. In it you'll find murder, intrigue, secret formulas, secret relationships (actually a whole bunch of secrets), and real people from our past mixed in with fictional characters. The fictional characters were good, and I would have loved to know more of Babi, and what she really knew.
Hana comes to Prague to reclaim her family home. She leaves at home in the U.S. a dying mother who was born in Prague to come and meet her grandmother, whom she's never met, and her cousin Simona. But as the grandmother tells Hana, there is something about Simona. A certainly there is -she has a secret that few share in and even fewer know about. Hana and new found friends Alex and Thalia, brother and sister, soon play a role in Hana finding out Simona's secret. And it's Simona's secret that makes this book so fascinating.
However, for me there were many logic gaps. When did the culprit have time to take the riddle from Hana's bag? I reread the scene and never found a time when that person was alone with the backpack. What is Luminista's purpose for revenge and why did she wait so long? And why wasn't she recognized by the woman, but was by the Gypsy servant? How was Don Julian's son affected? If before or at birth, how did he age? Why did he reach a certain age and then stopped aging? What was the Pole's purpose in his deception as the Accomplice? How did they know about genes in the 16th century? Too many questions unanswered actually took the book down a star for me, but the compelling read and the originality is why I gave it a 4 1/2 star. Oh yeah, and that awesome cover. That's a 5-star all on it's own. I too, don't like books that are not complete, or leave cliffhangers because then you worry that every time you read the next book, you'll be left in the middle of something. The book is a satisfying read, but for me should be a stand-alone. To see "To be continued . . ." at the end left me a disgruntled reader.
I do recommend this book, though, as it was a good read and DeBruce is a talented writer.
Genes are everything.
DeBruce's The Riddle of Prague is quite creative, original, and well-written. I very much liked the concept of the book and it certainly is a page turner - filled with mystery and suspense. In it you'll find murder, intrigue, secret formulas, secret relationships (actually a whole bunch of secrets), and real people from our past mixed in with fictional characters. The fictional characters were good, and I would have loved to know more of Babi, and what she really knew.
Hana comes to Prague to reclaim her family home. She leaves at home in the U.S. a dying mother who was born in Prague to come and meet her grandmother, whom she's never met, and her cousin Simona. But as the grandmother tells Hana, there is something about Simona. A certainly there is -she has a secret that few share in and even fewer know about. Hana and new found friends Alex and Thalia, brother and sister, soon play a role in Hana finding out Simona's secret. And it's Simona's secret that makes this book so fascinating.
However, for me there were many logic gaps. When did the culprit have time to take the riddle from Hana's bag? I reread the scene and never found a time when that person was alone with the backpack. What is Luminista's purpose for revenge and why did she wait so long? And why wasn't she recognized by the woman, but was by the Gypsy servant? How was Don Julian's son affected? If before or at birth, how did he age? Why did he reach a certain age and then stopped aging? What was the Pole's purpose in his deception as the Accomplice? How did they know about genes in the 16th century? Too many questions unanswered actually took the book down a star for me, but the compelling read and the originality is why I gave it a 4 1/2 star. Oh yeah, and that awesome cover. That's a 5-star all on it's own. I too, don't like books that are not complete, or leave cliffhangers because then you worry that every time you read the next book, you'll be left in the middle of something. The book is a satisfying read, but for me should be a stand-alone. To see "To be continued . . ." at the end left me a disgruntled reader.
I do recommend this book, though, as it was a good read and DeBruce is a talented writer.
March 7, 2016
It was time to shake things up, what better than with a YA mystery? Laura DeBruce's The Riddle of Prague was quite the adventure, one I'm glad I took. Set in Prague the story was filled with old world charm, real life danger, and tons of secrets. Hana is sent there to reclaim her family's home and stumbles upon a mysterious secrets many centuries old.
From page one Hana's story is fast paced, imaginative, and set in a beautiful landscape rich with history. I thought the author did a wonderful job of describing Hana's surroundings. Even the people who enter her life are as complex as they are secretive. The questions of who was who and who could you trust stayed with me page after page. While this story ends with a bit of cliffhanger, you do get many answers to your questions. It doesn't just end. There is closure to this part of the story so fear not.
Normally I can figure out the bad guys in stories, they're often that transparent. But not in The Riddle of Prague. I honestly had no clue who to trust. I was just as confused as Hana. I absolutely love when a story can do that for me. It not only makes for a more exciting read but it keeps the story fresh and it makes it that much harder to put down. Add to a tiny, almost, sort of love triangle, and you have so much going on. It all just flew by.
I do think I would have liked more connection with Hana and her feelings. Things happen so fast that she really doesn't have much time for inner dialogue and what she does have comes out as abrupt. I would love to see her developed even further so the reader can feel what she's feeling. I sort of felt like her thoughts were fragmented, and more of statements than anything else. There were times when I wanted to cry but I didn't feel invested enough. Again, I needed more connection to what Hana was going through.
I would easily jump on another motorcycle to see where Laura DeBruce takes me! Very much looking forward to reading the next installment, The Temple of Paris.
*A copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
From page one Hana's story is fast paced, imaginative, and set in a beautiful landscape rich with history. I thought the author did a wonderful job of describing Hana's surroundings. Even the people who enter her life are as complex as they are secretive. The questions of who was who and who could you trust stayed with me page after page. While this story ends with a bit of cliffhanger, you do get many answers to your questions. It doesn't just end. There is closure to this part of the story so fear not.
Normally I can figure out the bad guys in stories, they're often that transparent. But not in The Riddle of Prague. I honestly had no clue who to trust. I was just as confused as Hana. I absolutely love when a story can do that for me. It not only makes for a more exciting read but it keeps the story fresh and it makes it that much harder to put down. Add to a tiny, almost, sort of love triangle, and you have so much going on. It all just flew by.
I do think I would have liked more connection with Hana and her feelings. Things happen so fast that she really doesn't have much time for inner dialogue and what she does have comes out as abrupt. I would love to see her developed even further so the reader can feel what she's feeling. I sort of felt like her thoughts were fragmented, and more of statements than anything else. There were times when I wanted to cry but I didn't feel invested enough. Again, I needed more connection to what Hana was going through.
I would easily jump on another motorcycle to see where Laura DeBruce takes me! Very much looking forward to reading the next installment, The Temple of Paris.
*A copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
February 23, 2015
I have been on a fantasy reading roll lately, so I decided to step outside the genre for a change. I picked Riddle of Prague, a YA mystery-thriller by Laura DeBruce. Read on for my thoughts.
Synopsis (from the author): When 18-year-old Hana Silna travels to Prague to reclaim her family's ancestral home, she finds herself on an adventure in a city brimming with secrets. She discovers a riddle by alchemist Edward Kelley that leads to a hidden flask containing an extraordinary elixir. When a ruthless enemy kidnaps her family, Hana has to find the flask to rescue them. On her quest, she meets a mysterious man with a penchant for poetry, a Gypsy girl with a haunting past, and Alex, the motorcycle-riding son of a U.S. diplomat. Alex -- who's trying to save his sister from a crippling disease -- joins Hana on her race across Bohemia to find the flask. It's hard to trust anyone when the stakes are this high -- especially when surrounded by experts at deception. There's only one flask and Hana desperately needs to find it.
What I liked: Laura DeBruce has written an excellent book. The story took off immediately and kept moving until the end. Hana Silna is a great character who exhibits toughness, compassion, and courage. The mystery of Nadja and the hidden flask kept me guessing throughout the book. I liked the interaction between Hana and Alex - the diplomat’s son, and the action sequences were well done without being over the top. I loved the descriptions of Prague, too. I haven’t been there, but Laura DeBruce made the scenery believable to me.
What I didn’t like: There wasn’t much for me to dislike about the book. I will be on the lookout for the second book of the series!
Overall impression: Well-written with good characters, good pace, and an exciting story, Laura DeBruce has done a great job with her novel. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good YA mystery-thriller! Bravo Laura DeBruce!
My rating: 5 Stars!
Synopsis (from the author): When 18-year-old Hana Silna travels to Prague to reclaim her family's ancestral home, she finds herself on an adventure in a city brimming with secrets. She discovers a riddle by alchemist Edward Kelley that leads to a hidden flask containing an extraordinary elixir. When a ruthless enemy kidnaps her family, Hana has to find the flask to rescue them. On her quest, she meets a mysterious man with a penchant for poetry, a Gypsy girl with a haunting past, and Alex, the motorcycle-riding son of a U.S. diplomat. Alex -- who's trying to save his sister from a crippling disease -- joins Hana on her race across Bohemia to find the flask. It's hard to trust anyone when the stakes are this high -- especially when surrounded by experts at deception. There's only one flask and Hana desperately needs to find it.
What I liked: Laura DeBruce has written an excellent book. The story took off immediately and kept moving until the end. Hana Silna is a great character who exhibits toughness, compassion, and courage. The mystery of Nadja and the hidden flask kept me guessing throughout the book. I liked the interaction between Hana and Alex - the diplomat’s son, and the action sequences were well done without being over the top. I loved the descriptions of Prague, too. I haven’t been there, but Laura DeBruce made the scenery believable to me.
What I didn’t like: There wasn’t much for me to dislike about the book. I will be on the lookout for the second book of the series!
Overall impression: Well-written with good characters, good pace, and an exciting story, Laura DeBruce has done a great job with her novel. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good YA mystery-thriller! Bravo Laura DeBruce!
My rating: 5 Stars!
August 6, 2016
Alchemical Secrets
The story began in 1600. The Black Death swept through Europe, leaving devastation in its wake. In Prague, Luminitsa was a young Gypsy. When the Emperor allows the peasants to consult with the Royal Healer on a single day, Luminitsa caught the attention of the Healer. Even though she cared for her family suffering from the plague, Luminitsa did not catch it. The Gypsy was surprised when the Healer offered her the chance to engage in experiments after the plague. Luminitsa eagerly agreed to help.
Now, it's 1991. Sheltered 18-year-old Hana Silna travels to Prague. Her mother is reclaiming the family home, The Rockery, seized by Communists in 1968. Because of her mother's illness, Hana is her designated proxy.
Hana meets David Bolton on the plane. He is handsome and confident. He also quotes a Slovak poet, who was a hero during the Uprising. Hana is wary when David mentions details about her family…details she doesn't remember telling him.
In Prague, Hana is excited. She connects with her family. She also finds herself caught in the web of mysterious secrets, riddles, and the legend of immortality. And she catches glimpses of the elusive David.
The Nomad watches and plots, the unknown in the alchemical formula.
"But here is the dilemma: I still cannot decide whether to believe my Accomplice —my helpmate, my rescuer, my sometimes lover. My tormentor! For the life of me, for the fear of God, for nothing, I cannot determine if my Accomplice meant to betray me the other night at The Rockery. One thing, however, is evident. I must orchestrate one more death, and the sooner that happens the better."
Laura DeBruce's The Riddle of Prague is the first book in the QuickSilver Legacy Series. Ms. DeBruce's novel is exciting. Her descriptive writing style brings wonderful characters into life in an exotic setting.
The story began in 1600. The Black Death swept through Europe, leaving devastation in its wake. In Prague, Luminitsa was a young Gypsy. When the Emperor allows the peasants to consult with the Royal Healer on a single day, Luminitsa caught the attention of the Healer. Even though she cared for her family suffering from the plague, Luminitsa did not catch it. The Gypsy was surprised when the Healer offered her the chance to engage in experiments after the plague. Luminitsa eagerly agreed to help.
Now, it's 1991. Sheltered 18-year-old Hana Silna travels to Prague. Her mother is reclaiming the family home, The Rockery, seized by Communists in 1968. Because of her mother's illness, Hana is her designated proxy.
Hana meets David Bolton on the plane. He is handsome and confident. He also quotes a Slovak poet, who was a hero during the Uprising. Hana is wary when David mentions details about her family…details she doesn't remember telling him.
In Prague, Hana is excited. She connects with her family. She also finds herself caught in the web of mysterious secrets, riddles, and the legend of immortality. And she catches glimpses of the elusive David.
The Nomad watches and plots, the unknown in the alchemical formula.
"But here is the dilemma: I still cannot decide whether to believe my Accomplice —my helpmate, my rescuer, my sometimes lover. My tormentor! For the life of me, for the fear of God, for nothing, I cannot determine if my Accomplice meant to betray me the other night at The Rockery. One thing, however, is evident. I must orchestrate one more death, and the sooner that happens the better."
Laura DeBruce's The Riddle of Prague is the first book in the QuickSilver Legacy Series. Ms. DeBruce's novel is exciting. Her descriptive writing style brings wonderful characters into life in an exotic setting.
March 9, 2016
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
3.5/5
The Riddle of Prague is the first book in the young adult series called, The QuickSilver Legacy, by Laura DeBruce. The Riddle of Prague is a fast paced adventure story that will leave you bitten with the travel bug. At least, I know that's what it did for me. I immediately want to jump on a plane and go to Prague. However, I am unsure if I would have quite as magical a time as Hana, but it would be pretty amazing none the less.
Hana travels to Prague to gather some family items, and what she finds is a mystery way bigger than anything she could have imagined. I loved trying to puzzle together the pieces and clues that Lara DeBruce was dropping. It was all very well done. I don't want to spoil anything, but if you would like to know a little more about the story you can check out the survival guide to immortality that Laura DeBruce has put together, below my review. I think it will pique your interest about the QuickSilver Legacy even more.
The Riddle of Prague will take you on a whirlwind journey where you will have no idea who to trust. Sometimes those are the most fun books for me to read. I am pretty good at picking out twists and turns and certainly bad guys, but this book had me guessing and second guessing myself. It was a lot of fun, and I cann't wait to continue this story in the next book.
Bottom line: if you like young adult mystery adventures with more and a touch of magic, The Riddle of Prague and the QuickSilver Legacy series is a great one for you to check out.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
3.5/5
The Riddle of Prague is the first book in the young adult series called, The QuickSilver Legacy, by Laura DeBruce. The Riddle of Prague is a fast paced adventure story that will leave you bitten with the travel bug. At least, I know that's what it did for me. I immediately want to jump on a plane and go to Prague. However, I am unsure if I would have quite as magical a time as Hana, but it would be pretty amazing none the less.
Hana travels to Prague to gather some family items, and what she finds is a mystery way bigger than anything she could have imagined. I loved trying to puzzle together the pieces and clues that Lara DeBruce was dropping. It was all very well done. I don't want to spoil anything, but if you would like to know a little more about the story you can check out the survival guide to immortality that Laura DeBruce has put together, below my review. I think it will pique your interest about the QuickSilver Legacy even more.
The Riddle of Prague will take you on a whirlwind journey where you will have no idea who to trust. Sometimes those are the most fun books for me to read. I am pretty good at picking out twists and turns and certainly bad guys, but this book had me guessing and second guessing myself. It was a lot of fun, and I cann't wait to continue this story in the next book.
Bottom line: if you like young adult mystery adventures with more and a touch of magic, The Riddle of Prague and the QuickSilver Legacy series is a great one for you to check out.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
March 6, 2014
Overall, I thought the book was exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, which never slowed. It posed interesting questions and had you begging for answers while you flipped pages. The *main* characters, Hana, Alex, and his little sister, Thaila, along with David and a few others were easy to like.
Hana was my favorite character, because she is good to imitate; her stout heart and courage always point her in the right direction. Putting her both in the situation of finding the flask to save her family and watching out for the friends at her side simply shows how excellent and well-developed she is. Her emotions mirror that of what I would have felt, and though her actions can sometimes be impulsive, she's doing the right thing.
I found myself getting annoyed with the villain...I wanted him to be gone, but every time he disappeared, there he was again. Taking advantage of people, tricking, killing, and getting what he wanted was irking me beyond belief. I was about ready to reach into the pages and strangle him for Hana and Alex, but unfortunately, my hand wouldn't go through the pages.
An amazing read for anyone who enjoys learning about Prague. Laura DeBruce captured the historical values and the beauty of the land in her book, which is something to marvel at. It's an excellent fantasy piece, and contains suspense and a little bit of a thriller idea.
Hana was my favorite character, because she is good to imitate; her stout heart and courage always point her in the right direction. Putting her both in the situation of finding the flask to save her family and watching out for the friends at her side simply shows how excellent and well-developed she is. Her emotions mirror that of what I would have felt, and though her actions can sometimes be impulsive, she's doing the right thing.
I found myself getting annoyed with the villain...I wanted him to be gone, but every time he disappeared, there he was again. Taking advantage of people, tricking, killing, and getting what he wanted was irking me beyond belief. I was about ready to reach into the pages and strangle him for Hana and Alex, but unfortunately, my hand wouldn't go through the pages.
An amazing read for anyone who enjoys learning about Prague. Laura DeBruce captured the historical values and the beauty of the land in her book, which is something to marvel at. It's an excellent fantasy piece, and contains suspense and a little bit of a thriller idea.
July 30, 2014
All the feel of a Dan Brown thriller...but without the slow pace.
I'd heard good things about this book, so I was thrilled to receive a free copy in a giveaway. I started reading and...well, didn't really want to stop.
The setting and the Czech interspersed with English gives it a wonderful Eastern European vibe that sets the scene perfectly - the old world right beside the new. Of course, that makes the story so easy to fall into. The book flows smoothly from action scene to action scene, without getting bogged down in unnecessary description. Fast-paced throughout, it definitely delivers.
Yes, it has a cliffhanger ending and there will be a sequel, I understand, but the book ends at an appropriate point, too.
If it has a flaw, it's Hana's character, I think. She's so easily swayed to like, believe and trust people that she's hard to relate to. However, given the story is more about action than the characters, that's pretty much all you know about her personality - that and her loyalty to those she considers her family and friends.
Five stars for a wonderful read and I look forward to the sequel.
I'd heard good things about this book, so I was thrilled to receive a free copy in a giveaway. I started reading and...well, didn't really want to stop.
The setting and the Czech interspersed with English gives it a wonderful Eastern European vibe that sets the scene perfectly - the old world right beside the new. Of course, that makes the story so easy to fall into. The book flows smoothly from action scene to action scene, without getting bogged down in unnecessary description. Fast-paced throughout, it definitely delivers.
Yes, it has a cliffhanger ending and there will be a sequel, I understand, but the book ends at an appropriate point, too.
If it has a flaw, it's Hana's character, I think. She's so easily swayed to like, believe and trust people that she's hard to relate to. However, given the story is more about action than the characters, that's pretty much all you know about her personality - that and her loyalty to those she considers her family and friends.
Five stars for a wonderful read and I look forward to the sequel.
November 17, 2013
I'm not generally a fan of young adult fiction, and am not myself a young adult. I bought this book almost as a lark, because I lived in Prague for several years and thought it might be a fun read. It took me a few days to get to reading it, but once I did I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
Yes, it's a suspenseful read, and the pacing and narrative keep the pages turning. Yes, it's aimed at young adults, with the heroine and several main characters being in their teens. But there is also a great deal of factual historical research underlying much of the plot -- from the Emperor Rudolph II and his court of sorcerers to Edward Kelley to Sophia Brahe to Elizabeth Weston. And the author describes nooks and crannies of Prague that only Praguers would know.
What a pleasant surprise. I'm going to recommend Riddle of Prague to the young adults in my life, but I will also recommend it to anyone contemplating a visit to Prague or to anyone who has ever fallen in love with the Golden City.
Yes, it's a suspenseful read, and the pacing and narrative keep the pages turning. Yes, it's aimed at young adults, with the heroine and several main characters being in their teens. But there is also a great deal of factual historical research underlying much of the plot -- from the Emperor Rudolph II and his court of sorcerers to Edward Kelley to Sophia Brahe to Elizabeth Weston. And the author describes nooks and crannies of Prague that only Praguers would know.
What a pleasant surprise. I'm going to recommend Riddle of Prague to the young adults in my life, but I will also recommend it to anyone contemplating a visit to Prague or to anyone who has ever fallen in love with the Golden City.
April 23, 2014
The Riddle of Prague
by Laura DeBruce
Note: I am reviewing my own Kindle copy that I bought.
The Riddle of Prague is about a teen girl swept into an ancient intrigue while trying to claim her ancestral family home in Prague. She and an assortment of new friends search for an elixir that can save her mother.
Positive: This book was very entertaining to read. It felt like a brilliant cross between a Dan Brown novel and a Nancy Drew novel. The intrigue was deep, the characters an interesting mix of friend and maybe foe. The mystery/thriller element was perfectly toned for a ya book. Pacing was excellent. Over all, very smart, exciting read.
Negative: Some of the characters did not feel fully fleshed out or utilized. The main male friend, Alex, felt like more of a chauffeur than a true help to Hana. He could have been put to more use and have more of a direct input, since he too had something riding on the outcome. The pov switching every so often between the “mystery” bad guy felt forced and interrupted the flow.
Rating: 4.0 stars of 5
by Laura DeBruce
Note: I am reviewing my own Kindle copy that I bought.
The Riddle of Prague is about a teen girl swept into an ancient intrigue while trying to claim her ancestral family home in Prague. She and an assortment of new friends search for an elixir that can save her mother.
Positive: This book was very entertaining to read. It felt like a brilliant cross between a Dan Brown novel and a Nancy Drew novel. The intrigue was deep, the characters an interesting mix of friend and maybe foe. The mystery/thriller element was perfectly toned for a ya book. Pacing was excellent. Over all, very smart, exciting read.
Negative: Some of the characters did not feel fully fleshed out or utilized. The main male friend, Alex, felt like more of a chauffeur than a true help to Hana. He could have been put to more use and have more of a direct input, since he too had something riding on the outcome. The pov switching every so often between the “mystery” bad guy felt forced and interrupted the flow.
Rating: 4.0 stars of 5
September 3, 2015
A thrill and a half!
This book has intrigued me for a while because I've always wanted to read about Prague plus it's YA and it's action/adventure/mystery. And it did not disappoint!
I truly enjoyed the setting, the foreign phrases that were translated right after, and the mystery!
As you read, you have no idea who to trust, who is telling the truth, and what happened in the past that is causing all the commotion today. The author does a great job of putting the reader in her main character's shoes, and the way she moves the action forward makes it really tough to put this book down!
My only concern (and maybe this could just be due to me being tired and having too many things on my plate) was the number of characters to keep track of. It felt like there were so many! But this did not distract me from the story. I figured it out quickly.
I also really liked the mystery of the "nomad" and how the reader is kept in the dark till the end. I won't spoil it for you. Just want you to know that this book is full of surprises. I can't wait for the next one!
This book has intrigued me for a while because I've always wanted to read about Prague plus it's YA and it's action/adventure/mystery. And it did not disappoint!
I truly enjoyed the setting, the foreign phrases that were translated right after, and the mystery!
As you read, you have no idea who to trust, who is telling the truth, and what happened in the past that is causing all the commotion today. The author does a great job of putting the reader in her main character's shoes, and the way she moves the action forward makes it really tough to put this book down!
My only concern (and maybe this could just be due to me being tired and having too many things on my plate) was the number of characters to keep track of. It felt like there were so many! But this did not distract me from the story. I figured it out quickly.
I also really liked the mystery of the "nomad" and how the reader is kept in the dark till the end. I won't spoil it for you. Just want you to know that this book is full of surprises. I can't wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews