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Laika #1
Laika in Lisan
"I wish I could say this is a story of how I saved everyone and set the world to right. But it isn't. This is a story of my failure."
Laika Roen has always been strangely attracted to Lisan, a mysterious and isolated country where the citizens worship their despotic leader. When Laika is invited to travel to Lisan as a visiting scholar, she jumps at the chance to experience Lisan’s unusual culture firsthand.
But Laika gets more than she bargained for when her trip is disrupted by violence and she’s forced to set out on her own. As she journeys through forbidden sections of the foreign country, Laika discovers horrible truths about the relationship between Lisan's leader and his people.
Can a simple scholar change the course of an entire country? And even if she can, should she? The distinction between right and wrong blurs as Laika explores not only Lisan, but her own conscience.
Laika Roen has always been strangely attracted to Lisan, a mysterious and isolated country where the citizens worship their despotic leader. When Laika is invited to travel to Lisan as a visiting scholar, she jumps at the chance to experience Lisan’s unusual culture firsthand.
But Laika gets more than she bargained for when her trip is disrupted by violence and she’s forced to set out on her own. As she journeys through forbidden sections of the foreign country, Laika discovers horrible truths about the relationship between Lisan's leader and his people.
Can a simple scholar change the course of an entire country? And even if she can, should she? The distinction between right and wrong blurs as Laika explores not only Lisan, but her own conscience.
Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2014
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390 people want to read
About the author
Maron Anrow
2 books26 followersMaron Anrow grew up in California, came of age in the Midwest, and is now passing time in New Jersey. She lives with her husband, stepdaughter, and three awesome cats.
Maron has a Ph.D. in social psychology and has published (under her real name) over 30 scientific articles since 2008. Laika in Lisan is her first novel.
Maron has a Ph.D. in social psychology and has published (under her real name) over 30 scientific articles since 2008. Laika in Lisan is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 11, 2014
Laika in Lisan is an intriguing fantasy tale with an airtight plot, believable characters, and an exciting element of romance. A true gem, and a pleasure to read!
Laika, a recent college graduate, is invited to assist in the early formation of a university in Lisan, a country that is known for its isolation from the rest of the world. Recognizing the rare opportunity at hand, Laika jumps at the chance. But as she sets out through the mountainous, remote region strange events abound. Soon, she discovers that nothing is as it seems... and that her life is about to change forever.
I admired Laika for her independence, intellect, and sense of adventure. When she encounters obstacles and ethical dilemmas it's easy to empathize with her, and to ponder what you would do in her situation. And then there's Rodya -- handsome, intelligent, and full of intrigue. Having slipped into Laika's life and heart in a rather unusual way, the stage is set for a rare, heartfelt, and refreshingly sweet romance!
The secondary characters are fully developed, and play an integral role in the story. The world building is exceptional. Overall, the author does a fantastic job of reinforcing the setting by weaving in subtle details in a way that appears effortless. The end result is a well-paced, original, and absorbing tale of mystery, suspense, and self discovery. A must read!
Note: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Laika, a recent college graduate, is invited to assist in the early formation of a university in Lisan, a country that is known for its isolation from the rest of the world. Recognizing the rare opportunity at hand, Laika jumps at the chance. But as she sets out through the mountainous, remote region strange events abound. Soon, she discovers that nothing is as it seems... and that her life is about to change forever.
I admired Laika for her independence, intellect, and sense of adventure. When she encounters obstacles and ethical dilemmas it's easy to empathize with her, and to ponder what you would do in her situation. And then there's Rodya -- handsome, intelligent, and full of intrigue. Having slipped into Laika's life and heart in a rather unusual way, the stage is set for a rare, heartfelt, and refreshingly sweet romance!
The secondary characters are fully developed, and play an integral role in the story. The world building is exceptional. Overall, the author does a fantastic job of reinforcing the setting by weaving in subtle details in a way that appears effortless. The end result is a well-paced, original, and absorbing tale of mystery, suspense, and self discovery. A must read!
Note: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2014
I have quite liked this book. I won't make spoilers in the review ;) But I do plan to try to explain.
The book is set in an alternative World, whose setting is around 1800s, though not our 1800s. The main character and narrator is Laika, a scholar from a country named Trea, sent as an envoy in neighbour Lisan (hence the title). Lisan is a dystopic country, with a tyramnical government a bit like North Korea. Laika, who love Lisan's culture but who has a strong sense of right and wrong, is torn between different choices who could shape the very world...
And if there wouldn't be the love of a mysterious man, almost a rebel, it would be easier.
Laika is quite relatable. She is young, she has little experience in life beyond the academic world and teaching. She does sound naive from time to time, but again that is to be expected. Her internal anguish about doing what is right and discovery what is right is perfectly portrayed. Too often you see in books people who make incredible decision taking less time and tought on what the avarage human being gives to his dinner. Not so in this book. I really appreciated it.
My favourite character by far is
Disclaimer: I have a bachelor in political science. :P So I saw some of the plot twists coming. But that just show how much the author thought about the subject (she is not a political scientist herself, as far as I know).
In the end: a very solid debut and the beginning of what could be an interesting saga. I am looking forward to read more :)
The book is set in an alternative World, whose setting is around 1800s, though not our 1800s. The main character and narrator is Laika, a scholar from a country named Trea, sent as an envoy in neighbour Lisan (hence the title). Lisan is a dystopic country, with a tyramnical government a bit like North Korea. Laika, who love Lisan's culture but who has a strong sense of right and wrong, is torn between different choices who could shape the very world...
And if there wouldn't be the love of a mysterious man, almost a rebel, it would be easier.
Laika is quite relatable. She is young, she has little experience in life beyond the academic world and teaching. She does sound naive from time to time, but again that is to be expected. Her internal anguish about doing what is right and discovery what is right is perfectly portrayed. Too often you see in books people who make incredible decision taking less time and tought on what the avarage human being gives to his dinner. Not so in this book. I really appreciated it.
My favourite character by far is
Disclaimer: I have a bachelor in political science. :P So I saw some of the plot twists coming. But that just show how much the author thought about the subject (she is not a political scientist herself, as far as I know).
In the end: a very solid debut and the beginning of what could be an interesting saga. I am looking forward to read more :)
June 12, 2014
When I first heard of Laika in Lisan, it was referred to as a book where an ordinary woman with no super-powers affected history not by superheroic action but by consequences derived from her own reasoned decisions made in the moment. That intrigued me.
Treading the path of having an everyday person be your protagonist can be very tricky. I recently reviewed a book where that backfired and caused the book to be far less interesting than it might have been. However, just because the hero/heroine is ordinary doesn’t mean extraordinary things can’t happen to them. It often depends on the times and circumstances in which they live. Laika lives in extraordinary times indeed, and it is from the demands placed on her by her country that the story arises.
For a fictional land on some planet I don’t know where, the societies Anrow portrays are fairly complex if somewhat distilled in their presentation. They are familiar, too, for they exhibit symptoms we can find in studies of man’s history on earth. In Laika in Lisan we see greed, political intrigue, differing socio-political systems, and the complicated simplicity of people and love. For that reason alone, this is a good book.
The story is fantasy, but like all the best fantasy, it is a mirror to life as we perceive it. Emotions are real, characters well-portrayed, and the inner processes of the heroine as complex and irrational as any modern human’s would be. I like the slight detachment with which Laika views her world and which is apparent in the cadence of her speech, both aloud and internal. Laika has her own desires and needs and has to reason firmly with herself to see other points of view. She has to wrestle the hard decisions out as well. Even she is not entirely happy with her choices, but she is not so rough on herself that she doesn’t see where some of her decisions are the inevitable result of the circumstances she is in.
The writing flows, the inhabitants are real, the circumstances mirror human ones -- I found this book to be insightfully real and delightfully entertaining all at once.
August 2, 2014
*I received this stellar book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review.*
Laika in Lisan is the story of Laika Roen, a tutor from the country of Trea. Laika has studied Lisani ways, learned their language, and longs for the opportunity to see the closed-off country she's read so much about. Even if its leader is said to be a despot. The opportunity comes her way when Lisan's government opens its borders for three Trean scholars.
A twist of unkind fate on her journey to the Holy City gives Laika an unprecedented look into just how the people of Lisan are living. An even less kind twist of fate leaves her with choices that no one should ever have to make.
At first, I had my doubts about this book. I couldn't tell what it was going to be about. Turns out, a little bit of everything. Subterfuge and spying, romance, a glimpse into a totalitarian government, morality. The reality of Lisan is what is most unsettling in its reality. Maron details the differences between the countries exceptionally. She never underestimates the human factor of ingenuity, although her characters are allowed to. A good thing, definitely.
Maron's character's are well-developed and believable. In fact, every character in the book is believable, from supporting characters to the lowly farmer who gives Laika a ride. I have to say, though, that I love Laika. She is an intellectual and every aspect of her life is analyzed. Even her romantic interests and actions are intellectualized. Laika never loses her sense of self. She is astoundingly well-written. And can I go ahead and crush on Rodya? Is that ok?
Back on topic. The plot is five star. The characters are five star. The pacing is five star. The editing is six stars. Six. The ending? I could complain, but I won't because...well, I won't. See for yourself!
I truly and sincerely hope to see more from Maron Anrow.
Laika in Lisan is the story of Laika Roen, a tutor from the country of Trea. Laika has studied Lisani ways, learned their language, and longs for the opportunity to see the closed-off country she's read so much about. Even if its leader is said to be a despot. The opportunity comes her way when Lisan's government opens its borders for three Trean scholars.
A twist of unkind fate on her journey to the Holy City gives Laika an unprecedented look into just how the people of Lisan are living. An even less kind twist of fate leaves her with choices that no one should ever have to make.
At first, I had my doubts about this book. I couldn't tell what it was going to be about. Turns out, a little bit of everything. Subterfuge and spying, romance, a glimpse into a totalitarian government, morality. The reality of Lisan is what is most unsettling in its reality. Maron details the differences between the countries exceptionally. She never underestimates the human factor of ingenuity, although her characters are allowed to. A good thing, definitely.
Maron's character's are well-developed and believable. In fact, every character in the book is believable, from supporting characters to the lowly farmer who gives Laika a ride. I have to say, though, that I love Laika. She is an intellectual and every aspect of her life is analyzed. Even her romantic interests and actions are intellectualized. Laika never loses her sense of self. She is astoundingly well-written. And can I go ahead and crush on Rodya? Is that ok?
Back on topic. The plot is five star. The characters are five star. The pacing is five star. The editing is six stars. Six. The ending? I could complain, but I won't because...well, I won't. See for yourself!
I truly and sincerely hope to see more from Maron Anrow.
January 13, 2015
Friends, I think I have a bittersweet fantasy story here you may wish to read. It is a no magic affair set in a secondary world that feels like a time mashed mirror of our own. It has a young woman confronted with some extraordinary choices; and with some choices that are hardly a choice at all. It has heart, it has hope, and it has sorrow.
Interested?
Of course you are.
This is the story of Laiki, a young woman who is comfortable acting as a private teacher for a rich family’s children but never fulfilled. So it takes very little to convince her to go on a trip of a lifetime. Her studies have taught her the language of Lisan, an isolated country bordering her own Trea. And Lisan has decided to allow a small contingent of Trean scholars to study at their holy city’s new university; a rare chance to learn about their mysterious neighbors is something Trean leaders won’t be passing up.
Lisan is isolationist by choice, using the geography of the area to lock out the Treans after a failed occupation. They are led by Lord Hamin, a former revolutionary who is worshiped as the country’s savior and father. Personal property is gone; the government both collects and provides everything to its people. According to Lisan its people are prosperous and happy, with each year’s harvest and gains being better than the last. To the Treans it appears Lisan is falling farther and farther behind; people living on less and the technology march progressing well behind their own. Rumors of starvation are common.
This is the story of a young woman who wants something different. Somewhat naively she joins this journey, sure that her knowledge from studies will get her through. Never questioning the reason for her journey or the motives of either country. From the outset things go wrong; violence forces her from the prescribed path and she quickly learns about the worst of Lisan life first hand. It is a more calloused individual then that finally finds her way to the holy city. She will from there be shown only what her hosts want her to see, and learning both sides are playing games that she will have to learn in order to get through.
Laiki is the type of character one can’t help but adore because she is the type of character people can see themselves in. She is fairly competent but shaken but what she sees. She proves that despite wanting to do what is right all the time she is not a rock. She gives in to her own impulses; sometimes they prove right and others they cause her problems. She is a bit selfish, but knows enough to be ashamed when she is. Most of all she makes a mistake. This is no secret, she tells you in the first line of the book. And no one I knows wants to read about a perfect person, do they?
The world here is simple enough but something that a reader should pay attention to as the very nature of Trea and Lisan provide plenty of foreshadowing for what is to come. Trea is going through an industrial revolution; railroad is being laid and modern conveniences like indoor plumbing are becoming common. It is a freer society but with hints of inequality below the surface. Lisan is still agrarian in nature, behind in developments and stifled by its communist government. There are cracks in the system but a total education of the youth have kept any real thoughts of rebellion minimal. Laiki is going to learn that going from one to the other will not be an easy transition.
Laiki in Lisan is low action but high intrigue; dealing with small scale politics in a bigger picture and the protagonist’s relationships. There is a lot at stake, but only in some small things does Laiki’s course get to influence it. I think I have an early candidate for next year’s Self Published Gems list – this was an enjoyable surprise.
4 Stars
Copy for review provided by author.
Interested?
Of course you are.
This is the story of Laiki, a young woman who is comfortable acting as a private teacher for a rich family’s children but never fulfilled. So it takes very little to convince her to go on a trip of a lifetime. Her studies have taught her the language of Lisan, an isolated country bordering her own Trea. And Lisan has decided to allow a small contingent of Trean scholars to study at their holy city’s new university; a rare chance to learn about their mysterious neighbors is something Trean leaders won’t be passing up.
Lisan is isolationist by choice, using the geography of the area to lock out the Treans after a failed occupation. They are led by Lord Hamin, a former revolutionary who is worshiped as the country’s savior and father. Personal property is gone; the government both collects and provides everything to its people. According to Lisan its people are prosperous and happy, with each year’s harvest and gains being better than the last. To the Treans it appears Lisan is falling farther and farther behind; people living on less and the technology march progressing well behind their own. Rumors of starvation are common.
This is the story of a young woman who wants something different. Somewhat naively she joins this journey, sure that her knowledge from studies will get her through. Never questioning the reason for her journey or the motives of either country. From the outset things go wrong; violence forces her from the prescribed path and she quickly learns about the worst of Lisan life first hand. It is a more calloused individual then that finally finds her way to the holy city. She will from there be shown only what her hosts want her to see, and learning both sides are playing games that she will have to learn in order to get through.
Laiki is the type of character one can’t help but adore because she is the type of character people can see themselves in. She is fairly competent but shaken but what she sees. She proves that despite wanting to do what is right all the time she is not a rock. She gives in to her own impulses; sometimes they prove right and others they cause her problems. She is a bit selfish, but knows enough to be ashamed when she is. Most of all she makes a mistake. This is no secret, she tells you in the first line of the book. And no one I knows wants to read about a perfect person, do they?
The world here is simple enough but something that a reader should pay attention to as the very nature of Trea and Lisan provide plenty of foreshadowing for what is to come. Trea is going through an industrial revolution; railroad is being laid and modern conveniences like indoor plumbing are becoming common. It is a freer society but with hints of inequality below the surface. Lisan is still agrarian in nature, behind in developments and stifled by its communist government. There are cracks in the system but a total education of the youth have kept any real thoughts of rebellion minimal. Laiki is going to learn that going from one to the other will not be an easy transition.
Laiki in Lisan is low action but high intrigue; dealing with small scale politics in a bigger picture and the protagonist’s relationships. There is a lot at stake, but only in some small things does Laiki’s course get to influence it. I think I have an early candidate for next year’s Self Published Gems list – this was an enjoyable surprise.
4 Stars
Copy for review provided by author.
December 6, 2014
Thank you to the author, Maron Anrow, for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Wowza. Literally that's what I said when I finally put down this book after reading the last sentence. There were literally two teensy weensy itby bity things that I was slightly irritated about. Everything else was fabulousness!
To start off, lets talk world-building. In my opinion, this is one of the most important aspect of any book there is whether it be nonfiction or fiction, fantasy or realistic fiction. You have to describe the world so much and the attitudes encased within it that the reader is totally engrossed and feels like they're there. I felt exactly like that when I was reading this! The descriptions of the two main countries as well as the smaller settings within them were very vivid in my mind as I was reading which definitely added to my enjoyment.
Laika was a perfect MC for this type of book and struggle. Her attitude about learning about Lisan's culture and its true problems set the stage for the entirety of the plot. The romance between her and Rodya did seem a bit like a whirlwind romance even though it really wasn't. Maybe it was just the speed at which I read the book...?
So let's talk big picture for a second. The relations between Lisan and Trea reminded me a lot of the Koreas (hopefully we're all aware of the situation between North and South Korea). So if the reference was intentional or not, this sent a really powerful message about relations between countries, manipulation, and politics. I really did love their relationship though. It added so much mystery during the course of the book as Laika tries to find out the truth about Lisan. I would have liked a bit more to be said about the relationship of Lisan and Trea to the other countries that came in at the end. They came as quite a surprise to me.
And finally the ending! In the first paragraph there's some not-so-subtle foreshadowing going on that really made me curious as to what happened (and no, I won't tell you what the foreshadowing is!). I really liked how it ended though. It was so unique and surprising and perplexing and mind-bending and I just sat there for a couple minutes thinking about what it'll mean for the world (the fictional one of course).
The Final Verdict:
A very compelling read with some real world references and dealings with country relations, power, manipulation, and politics. Laika was the perfect MC for the job and the world-building is fabulous!
5 stars
Quotes:
Honestly, WHY wasn't I taking notes on quotes?! These past few books I wrote notes on had no quotes! I'll get back to this in a day or two don't you worry!
Wowza. Literally that's what I said when I finally put down this book after reading the last sentence. There were literally two teensy weensy itby bity things that I was slightly irritated about. Everything else was fabulousness!
To start off, lets talk world-building. In my opinion, this is one of the most important aspect of any book there is whether it be nonfiction or fiction, fantasy or realistic fiction. You have to describe the world so much and the attitudes encased within it that the reader is totally engrossed and feels like they're there. I felt exactly like that when I was reading this! The descriptions of the two main countries as well as the smaller settings within them were very vivid in my mind as I was reading which definitely added to my enjoyment.
Laika was a perfect MC for this type of book and struggle. Her attitude about learning about Lisan's culture and its true problems set the stage for the entirety of the plot. The romance between her and Rodya did seem a bit like a whirlwind romance even though it really wasn't. Maybe it was just the speed at which I read the book...?
So let's talk big picture for a second. The relations between Lisan and Trea reminded me a lot of the Koreas (hopefully we're all aware of the situation between North and South Korea). So if the reference was intentional or not, this sent a really powerful message about relations between countries, manipulation, and politics. I really did love their relationship though. It added so much mystery during the course of the book as Laika tries to find out the truth about Lisan. I would have liked a bit more to be said about the relationship of Lisan and Trea to the other countries that came in at the end. They came as quite a surprise to me.
And finally the ending! In the first paragraph there's some not-so-subtle foreshadowing going on that really made me curious as to what happened (and no, I won't tell you what the foreshadowing is!). I really liked how it ended though. It was so unique and surprising and perplexing and mind-bending and I just sat there for a couple minutes thinking about what it'll mean for the world (the fictional one of course).
The Final Verdict:
A very compelling read with some real world references and dealings with country relations, power, manipulation, and politics. Laika was the perfect MC for the job and the world-building is fabulous!
5 stars
Quotes:
Honestly, WHY wasn't I taking notes on quotes?! These past few books I wrote notes on had no quotes! I'll get back to this in a day or two don't you worry!
June 21, 2014
This book would be a great book club selection. There are so many things I want to discuss with someone after reading it!
The world is built with a capitalism vs. communism concept which is threaded throughout but in no way robs from the drama of the story. But don't think it's preachy. While the different countries in the book certainly have their own political dramas going on the main characters' viewpoint is one that is fundamentally scholarly. She sees where portions of the government work - and she acknowledges that improvement is needed. This is rather realistic, systems in general fail to be perfect.
The plot moves forward in a well paced, well laid out manner. The reader has questions, and they are generally answered in time. The book is left open so that a sequel is possible, so the few questions I have left may be answered in time. The proof readers definitely deserve credit for a job well done - I did not find the usual missing words and poor punctuation that seems all too common lately.
My only criticism is that I could have used a bit more descriptions of people, the only feature I really remember is that the lead male had a ponytail. This is minor though as my imagination can easily fill in these details. I also could have used a bit more relationship building in our lead characters. It seemed at one moment there is doubt then the next it is full steam ahead.
I would definitely read other books by this author - and I would certainly recommend this book to my friends.
The world is built with a capitalism vs. communism concept which is threaded throughout but in no way robs from the drama of the story. But don't think it's preachy. While the different countries in the book certainly have their own political dramas going on the main characters' viewpoint is one that is fundamentally scholarly. She sees where portions of the government work - and she acknowledges that improvement is needed. This is rather realistic, systems in general fail to be perfect.
The plot moves forward in a well paced, well laid out manner. The reader has questions, and they are generally answered in time. The book is left open so that a sequel is possible, so the few questions I have left may be answered in time. The proof readers definitely deserve credit for a job well done - I did not find the usual missing words and poor punctuation that seems all too common lately.
My only criticism is that I could have used a bit more descriptions of people, the only feature I really remember is that the lead male had a ponytail. This is minor though as my imagination can easily fill in these details. I also could have used a bit more relationship building in our lead characters. It seemed at one moment there is doubt then the next it is full steam ahead.
I would definitely read other books by this author - and I would certainly recommend this book to my friends.
May 26, 2014
Liaka in Lison, by Maron Anrow, was a very good read. The flow of the story was fast paced, and the main characters were well likeable. Laika started off as a well educated Trean, with high ideals, but limited experience in the world outside of her academics and tutoring job. As the story progresses and she starts living in Lisan and experiencing more than her native country and being the student, she realizes just how naïve she really is. She is a likeable character throughout the book. I would definitely be interested in reading more from Maron Anrow.
****this book was received free from the author****
****this book was received free from the author****
December 5, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads competition so I thought it was only fair to give a review.
As far as fantasies go, Laika in Lisan is an easy read and would be good for someone who doesn't consider themself a fantasy reader. I imagine it would be good for a YA reader as well (as long as you don't mind the odd f-bomb and very chaste sex scene).
As for what could have been better, there was a lot of exposition that could have easily been worked into the action and the whole feel of the book was a bit American. It wasn't that bad and it's still worth a read but it did get in the way a bit.
Over all? It's probably worth giving the ebook a go if you have a reader.
As far as fantasies go, Laika in Lisan is an easy read and would be good for someone who doesn't consider themself a fantasy reader. I imagine it would be good for a YA reader as well (as long as you don't mind the odd f-bomb and very chaste sex scene).
As for what could have been better, there was a lot of exposition that could have easily been worked into the action and the whole feel of the book was a bit American. It wasn't that bad and it's still worth a read but it did get in the way a bit.
Over all? It's probably worth giving the ebook a go if you have a reader.
September 4, 2014
I found Laika in Lisan surprisingly enjoyable and fascinating, though I’m still not sure how to classify it. It doesn’t have the usual fantasy elements like magic, gods or magical creatures and yet it has managed to capture my attention page after page. I knew nothing about it before I begun reading, truth be told, I was not even really expecting much because I’ve never really heard about the author before. But I just found myself lost in book after a couple of pages.
Laika is the main protagonist of the story, she’s lives in Trea, a prosperous and democratic country,they are neighbor to Lisan. Lisan has isolated itself to the world, allowing their people no contact with other countries unless explicitly permitted by their communist type of government. Lisan and Trea’s starkly different culture, social systems and government fascinated Laika so much that she studied Lisan’s culture and language in the university. It was news when Lisan decided to invite scholars into their country, and when Laika got an invitation, she decided to jump at the rare opportunity to go. But soon she discovered that she signed up for more than she bargained for.
The fascinating part that I got to enjoy the most in the book is discovering the culture of Lisan. The detail to which Lisan was described was what kept me reading. I generally love reading books that introduces different cultures, the stranger the culture the more interesting it is for me to read. What I got from reading this one though is a deeper understanding of how a dictatorial form of government can persist and even be loved by the people if you do certain things right. It’s like dictatorship 101, if I ever had any inkling of being an accomplished dictator (don’t worry, I don’t) I’ll follow the steps Lisan took . Just one of the highly effective methods they employed is sending kids to school as early as age three, and then indoctrinating them early on, teaching them to attribute every good thing that happened in Lisan to their leader (even the weather), tell them all their text books are written by him, make them call him “father” and just essentially teach them to worship him. The children are encouraged to write poetry and compose songs to their “father”, occasionally they’d get a letter back (obviously not written by him) so they could feel more special and loyal. Doing so makes it easy to tell children to spy on their own parents, reporting them if they even think of revolting. I thought that was very clever way to control people, disturbing and malicious but clever nonetheless. I mean I already know that certain things like denying people access to education, controlling information, and indoctrination contributes to keeping people in line, I know that intellectually, but when you are immersed in a story, it’s like seeing and experiencing it for yourself. It is essentially equivalent to simulating the experience in a safe environment ( I have no plans in going to such a place in real life). That was what I loved about this book. The incredible detail of their society and culture made sense when I read the bio of the author and found out she has a Ph.D. in social psychology. Great job Ms.Anrow!
I only have a minor complaint, it didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the book very much though. It has something to do with the romantic story line, I feel like it could have been a little stronger. What I mean is that the relationship between the Laika and another character seemed to be too casual or shallow (not deep enough yet) to warrant life-endangering actions. But that’s so minor really, I’m operating under the assumption that you’d have to have this strong and deep love for someone first before taking massive risks for them, they were young so that might explain it, plus we only ever have Laika’s views on the matter so I don’t really know. But as I said it’s very minor, besides I like their witty banter and there’s a plot twist in the end that I really didn’t see coming that more than makes up for it. This book is full of surprises.
It truly is a great read. Highly recommended.
http://www.sporadicreads.com/
Laika is the main protagonist of the story, she’s lives in Trea, a prosperous and democratic country,they are neighbor to Lisan. Lisan has isolated itself to the world, allowing their people no contact with other countries unless explicitly permitted by their communist type of government. Lisan and Trea’s starkly different culture, social systems and government fascinated Laika so much that she studied Lisan’s culture and language in the university. It was news when Lisan decided to invite scholars into their country, and when Laika got an invitation, she decided to jump at the rare opportunity to go. But soon she discovered that she signed up for more than she bargained for.
The fascinating part that I got to enjoy the most in the book is discovering the culture of Lisan. The detail to which Lisan was described was what kept me reading. I generally love reading books that introduces different cultures, the stranger the culture the more interesting it is for me to read. What I got from reading this one though is a deeper understanding of how a dictatorial form of government can persist and even be loved by the people if you do certain things right. It’s like dictatorship 101, if I ever had any inkling of being an accomplished dictator (don’t worry, I don’t) I’ll follow the steps Lisan took . Just one of the highly effective methods they employed is sending kids to school as early as age three, and then indoctrinating them early on, teaching them to attribute every good thing that happened in Lisan to their leader (even the weather), tell them all their text books are written by him, make them call him “father” and just essentially teach them to worship him. The children are encouraged to write poetry and compose songs to their “father”, occasionally they’d get a letter back (obviously not written by him) so they could feel more special and loyal. Doing so makes it easy to tell children to spy on their own parents, reporting them if they even think of revolting. I thought that was very clever way to control people, disturbing and malicious but clever nonetheless. I mean I already know that certain things like denying people access to education, controlling information, and indoctrination contributes to keeping people in line, I know that intellectually, but when you are immersed in a story, it’s like seeing and experiencing it for yourself. It is essentially equivalent to simulating the experience in a safe environment ( I have no plans in going to such a place in real life). That was what I loved about this book. The incredible detail of their society and culture made sense when I read the bio of the author and found out she has a Ph.D. in social psychology. Great job Ms.Anrow!
I only have a minor complaint, it didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the book very much though. It has something to do with the romantic story line, I feel like it could have been a little stronger. What I mean is that the relationship between the Laika and another character seemed to be too casual or shallow (not deep enough yet) to warrant life-endangering actions. But that’s so minor really, I’m operating under the assumption that you’d have to have this strong and deep love for someone first before taking massive risks for them, they were young so that might explain it, plus we only ever have Laika’s views on the matter so I don’t really know. But as I said it’s very minor, besides I like their witty banter and there’s a plot twist in the end that I really didn’t see coming that more than makes up for it. This book is full of surprises.
It truly is a great read. Highly recommended.
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May 4, 2015
Book – Laika in Lisan
Author – Maron Anrow
Star rating - ★★★★★
Plot – excellently paced
Characters – diverse, well developed and relatable
Movie Potential - ★★★★★ (I see this being along the lines of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
Ease of reading – very easy to read and follow
Cover - ✔
Suitable Title - ✔
Would I read it again - ✔
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
I was intrigued by this book right from the start. I instantly took to Laika and I don't mind admitting that she thinks a lot like me. She can be naïve, sometimes overly so, but she's also feisty and she's willing to do whatever it takes to follow her dream of going to Lisan. I think her excitement perfectly sets us up for what's to come in the rest of the book. I also love that the beginning promises this will be different to all the other hero-saves-the-day novels. And this delivered on that promise, right until the last page.
I loved the inserts of information. Sometimes, with a world unfamiliar to the reader, the author tries too hard to explain everything at once. Not so, with this book. All the information came when it was relevant and we were only told what we needed to know at the time.
I love Laika's excitement, even when she knows it's probably the wrong emotion or the wrong time to feel it. She just can't help herself and I can't help but like her. I really hoped, as I was reading the first 20-30% that Laika would fall in love with a Lisanese person, or even Aland, just so that she would get her adventure and love story wrapped up in one. As soon as Rodya came into the story and I read their funny, sarcastic exchanges, I knew I wanted him as her romantic counterpart. I won't tell you whether I got it or not, but I will say that I was very satisfied with the progression of her romance and the ending.
The romantic in me had a field day, during the first 50% wondering who Laika would fall for. First it was any Lisanese person, then Aland, then Rodya, then I wanted her to fall for one of the spies so that she would get a touch of danger mixed into her adventure. I have to admit that I never really saw any of the plot coming, ahead of time. The only thing I got right was my assumption over Rodya's past. I did hope and wonder if that was true.
I find the whole story original, intriguing right from the start, well written and enjoyable. There wasn't really anything I didn't like about it. I fell in love with Rodya and could happily have been good friends with Laika. I also had a bit of a soft spot for Neek and Lord Hamin, when we finally met him. He was so eccentric that I really enjoyed reading about him. Aland was everything I expected and anticipated, from the little hints we were given in the build up to meeting him.
I read a few reviews, when I was 80% of the way through, just to gather what other people were saying. I never read them before a review, because I want to make up my own mind. I noticed a lot of comments about no Happily Ever After and the sudden ending. I have to disagree with both. We were set up on the first page for no HEA and I don't think the ending is sudden at all. I love the realistic ending and how it perfectly fits the story and the characters. Everything is told through Laika's POV so we only know what she knows.
I'll admit that there's so much more I'd love to talk about that I can't. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone, so you'll just have to go read it to find out.
This is an excellently paced mixture of mystery, suspense and action. I never knew who to trust or what would happen next. I love how honest Laika and Rodya are, especially when things get complicated. I love the academic slant we have, from reading in Laika's POV and how I never felt out of my depth because even the things I wasn't familiar with were explained just enough for me to keep up.
I'd love to see another book from these characters, maybe with Rodya stepping up and being a bigger character, but that's all up to the author. If not, it doesn't change how much I enjoyed this book.
Author – Maron Anrow
Star rating - ★★★★★
Plot – excellently paced
Characters – diverse, well developed and relatable
Movie Potential - ★★★★★ (I see this being along the lines of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
Ease of reading – very easy to read and follow
Cover - ✔
Suitable Title - ✔
Would I read it again - ✔
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
I was intrigued by this book right from the start. I instantly took to Laika and I don't mind admitting that she thinks a lot like me. She can be naïve, sometimes overly so, but she's also feisty and she's willing to do whatever it takes to follow her dream of going to Lisan. I think her excitement perfectly sets us up for what's to come in the rest of the book. I also love that the beginning promises this will be different to all the other hero-saves-the-day novels. And this delivered on that promise, right until the last page.
I loved the inserts of information. Sometimes, with a world unfamiliar to the reader, the author tries too hard to explain everything at once. Not so, with this book. All the information came when it was relevant and we were only told what we needed to know at the time.
I love Laika's excitement, even when she knows it's probably the wrong emotion or the wrong time to feel it. She just can't help herself and I can't help but like her. I really hoped, as I was reading the first 20-30% that Laika would fall in love with a Lisanese person, or even Aland, just so that she would get her adventure and love story wrapped up in one. As soon as Rodya came into the story and I read their funny, sarcastic exchanges, I knew I wanted him as her romantic counterpart. I won't tell you whether I got it or not, but I will say that I was very satisfied with the progression of her romance and the ending.
The romantic in me had a field day, during the first 50% wondering who Laika would fall for. First it was any Lisanese person, then Aland, then Rodya, then I wanted her to fall for one of the spies so that she would get a touch of danger mixed into her adventure. I have to admit that I never really saw any of the plot coming, ahead of time. The only thing I got right was my assumption over Rodya's past. I did hope and wonder if that was true.
I find the whole story original, intriguing right from the start, well written and enjoyable. There wasn't really anything I didn't like about it. I fell in love with Rodya and could happily have been good friends with Laika. I also had a bit of a soft spot for Neek and Lord Hamin, when we finally met him. He was so eccentric that I really enjoyed reading about him. Aland was everything I expected and anticipated, from the little hints we were given in the build up to meeting him.
I read a few reviews, when I was 80% of the way through, just to gather what other people were saying. I never read them before a review, because I want to make up my own mind. I noticed a lot of comments about no Happily Ever After and the sudden ending. I have to disagree with both. We were set up on the first page for no HEA and I don't think the ending is sudden at all. I love the realistic ending and how it perfectly fits the story and the characters. Everything is told through Laika's POV so we only know what she knows.
I'll admit that there's so much more I'd love to talk about that I can't. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone, so you'll just have to go read it to find out.
This is an excellently paced mixture of mystery, suspense and action. I never knew who to trust or what would happen next. I love how honest Laika and Rodya are, especially when things get complicated. I love the academic slant we have, from reading in Laika's POV and how I never felt out of my depth because even the things I wasn't familiar with were explained just enough for me to keep up.
I'd love to see another book from these characters, maybe with Rodya stepping up and being a bigger character, but that's all up to the author. If not, it doesn't change how much I enjoyed this book.
September 24, 2014
Living an academic yet humdrum life, graduate Laika jumps at the chance to visit the neighbouring country of Lisan as a scholar. This is not only her chance to gain first-hand experience of a place she has thus far only read and heard about, but to throw off the shackles of everyday life and go on an adventure.
The story takes us on Laika's journey into a place teeming with danger; a country run under a strict regime akin to a dictatorship.The world of this novel is extremely well realised, so much so that Lisan felt like a real country complete with a political system, economy, culture and topography. The author truly must be commended for her world-building; Lisan could have come straight out of a history textbook.
As we know setting is of huge importance in any novel but particularly so in fantasy and fans expect to encounter places that take them away inside their heads. The authors knowledge of political manoeuvres, economics and the relationship of technology to both of these things was impressive. Whether she has done some thorough research or has a background in these subjects, her application of them has lifted the setting to another level.
The only drawback for me was that we learn way too much about Lisan before we get there and this is achieved mainly by Laika's detailed conversations with other people on the way. I would rather have learned about the country gradually and have it revealed bit by bit. But someone was always giving Laika an explanation beforehand. As a result there is no real surprise when we finally see the Holy City other than the twists in the characters of Aland and Lord Hamin. And by the way I hate Aland! Which means he is a great, well-written villain.
Our heroine Laika is intellectually curious, independent and bold. She even gives us a fist pump moment when she makes the first move on Rodya. Go girl!
Her mission by the Trean council came as a shock but this is the part where the reader wonders what she would have done in similar circumstances. The line between heroism and villainy blurs here. Depending on who you are in Lisan and which strata of society you belong to, there are many versions of right and wrong. The fact that Laika ultimately accepts that she should never have let herself be pressurised into acting makes her a very real and flawed character.
Overall a nice read, good mix of male and female characters as well as a dash of romance. I personally prefer more action and felt the detailed explanations slowed down the pace of the novel. But do read this if you are interested in history and international relations, it will make you think.
The story takes us on Laika's journey into a place teeming with danger; a country run under a strict regime akin to a dictatorship.The world of this novel is extremely well realised, so much so that Lisan felt like a real country complete with a political system, economy, culture and topography. The author truly must be commended for her world-building; Lisan could have come straight out of a history textbook.
As we know setting is of huge importance in any novel but particularly so in fantasy and fans expect to encounter places that take them away inside their heads. The authors knowledge of political manoeuvres, economics and the relationship of technology to both of these things was impressive. Whether she has done some thorough research or has a background in these subjects, her application of them has lifted the setting to another level.
The only drawback for me was that we learn way too much about Lisan before we get there and this is achieved mainly by Laika's detailed conversations with other people on the way. I would rather have learned about the country gradually and have it revealed bit by bit. But someone was always giving Laika an explanation beforehand. As a result there is no real surprise when we finally see the Holy City other than the twists in the characters of Aland and Lord Hamin. And by the way I hate Aland! Which means he is a great, well-written villain.
Our heroine Laika is intellectually curious, independent and bold. She even gives us a fist pump moment when she makes the first move on Rodya. Go girl!
Her mission by the Trean council came as a shock but this is the part where the reader wonders what she would have done in similar circumstances. The line between heroism and villainy blurs here. Depending on who you are in Lisan and which strata of society you belong to, there are many versions of right and wrong. The fact that Laika ultimately accepts that she should never have let herself be pressurised into acting makes her a very real and flawed character.
Overall a nice read, good mix of male and female characters as well as a dash of romance. I personally prefer more action and felt the detailed explanations slowed down the pace of the novel. But do read this if you are interested in history and international relations, it will make you think.
April 1, 2016
Laika was a historian and tutor from Trea. she had always been fascinated by Lisan, their neighboring country that isolated itself from the world. in Lisan, the citizens worshiped their leader, Lord Hamin, calling him their Father. for years, Laika learned about Lisan's culture, the language, knowing everything found available about this mysterious country. one day, Laika was invited to become a scholar in Lisan. she grabbed the chance excitedly, leaving behind her underachieved life in Trea. but few days after she set foot in Lisan, she was terrified to find her team slaughtered in their sleep, leaving her struggling to survive the unfamiliar land, until she met Rodya, a man who lived in the mountains.
i received a free e-book from the author in exchanged for a review. even though it was a detailed read especially political wise, i was pleased to find it remained simple and straightforward. the time spared for romance was a welcome relief every now and then. i surprised myself by finishing the book without even skipping lines. it was unfortunate that the book spent more time on Laika's explorations than the exciting confrontation and climax, which very much made the story felt that it ended abruptly. at that point, i was still expecting Laika to have more interactions with Lord Hamin, or even his son Aland. as much as the story tried to create a pitiful backdrop by having us pictured the poor conditions the people in Lisan was living in, i was more interested in getting to know Laika, Rodya, and Aland, digging for character development to help us feel what they were feeling.
my review: here
i received a free e-book from the author in exchanged for a review. even though it was a detailed read especially political wise, i was pleased to find it remained simple and straightforward. the time spared for romance was a welcome relief every now and then. i surprised myself by finishing the book without even skipping lines. it was unfortunate that the book spent more time on Laika's explorations than the exciting confrontation and climax, which very much made the story felt that it ended abruptly. at that point, i was still expecting Laika to have more interactions with Lord Hamin, or even his son Aland. as much as the story tried to create a pitiful backdrop by having us pictured the poor conditions the people in Lisan was living in, i was more interested in getting to know Laika, Rodya, and Aland, digging for character development to help us feel what they were feeling.
my review: here
May 20, 2015
I wish I could say this is a story of how I saved everyone and set the world to right. But it isn't. This is a story of my failure.
Laika, a recent college graduate, with a large attracted to the isolated neighbor country; Lisan, is given a rare opportunity to visit Lisan as a scholar, she jumps at the chance to experience their lifestyle and culture firsthand. Her journey begins to shows the horrible, hidden truths about Lisan, as well challenge her thought of right and wrongs.
Story was unique and unexpected (in a good way) with an excellent flow. The writing was smooth, realistic, capturing and expresses the novel beautifully. The characters were Brilliant! Love their relationship, characteristics and they made believable, sometime foolish decisions.
Really like the history about the two countries (Lisan and Trea) and the history the two countries shared, it really added more understanding to why Lisan is isolated and the disconnection between the two countries.
The romance was a sudden surprise, however it didn’t take away from the story, it more interwove it-self into the book, which was great.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, so interesting, rather new and refreshing.
I’m not sure if the book is a standalone or not, for me it would be fine if it was left as a standalone.
I would recommend to anyone- mostly to people who are interested in adventure, romance and fantasy novels.
Received copy from Author for a review.
Laika, a recent college graduate, with a large attracted to the isolated neighbor country; Lisan, is given a rare opportunity to visit Lisan as a scholar, she jumps at the chance to experience their lifestyle and culture firsthand. Her journey begins to shows the horrible, hidden truths about Lisan, as well challenge her thought of right and wrongs.
Story was unique and unexpected (in a good way) with an excellent flow. The writing was smooth, realistic, capturing and expresses the novel beautifully. The characters were Brilliant! Love their relationship, characteristics and they made believable, sometime foolish decisions.
Really like the history about the two countries (Lisan and Trea) and the history the two countries shared, it really added more understanding to why Lisan is isolated and the disconnection between the two countries.
The romance was a sudden surprise, however it didn’t take away from the story, it more interwove it-self into the book, which was great.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, so interesting, rather new and refreshing.
I’m not sure if the book is a standalone or not, for me it would be fine if it was left as a standalone.
I would recommend to anyone- mostly to people who are interested in adventure, romance and fantasy novels.
Received copy from Author for a review.
May 21, 2014
This book is very well written. If it were possible, I would give it a 3.5 star rating, so I settled on 4 instead, because the writing is well done. Laika is an academic and leaves her tutoring position, at the request of the Trea Councillors to go to Lisan. A country that fascinates and interests her and so she sets off on an adventure, discovering unpalatable truths along the way. Truths long suspected by her and her fellow Treans.
I would have liked more physical descriptions of some of the secondary characters, as well as Laika herself and their clothing. I would also have liked to know more about the surrounding countries, their cultures, dress, customs etc. One small thing jarred me when Laika is having dinner with Aland, and mention is made of 'curried rice'. It seemed out of context because there was no mention of an Asian culture/country. It's a small thing, but it caught my attention and brought me out of the book.
I also felt that since Laika had studied politics, she should have known or had an inkling of what was coming. No country or politician is that altruistic, they almost always want something in return.
I also found it hard to accept the acts (no spoilers here) that the Trean Councillors asked of Laika, especially the second one. I just found it odd because Laika wasn't trained, in any way, in those aspects. But overall this is a good story.
I would have liked more physical descriptions of some of the secondary characters, as well as Laika herself and their clothing. I would also have liked to know more about the surrounding countries, their cultures, dress, customs etc. One small thing jarred me when Laika is having dinner with Aland, and mention is made of 'curried rice'. It seemed out of context because there was no mention of an Asian culture/country. It's a small thing, but it caught my attention and brought me out of the book.
I also felt that since Laika had studied politics, she should have known or had an inkling of what was coming. No country or politician is that altruistic, they almost always want something in return.
I also found it hard to accept the acts (no spoilers here) that the Trean Councillors asked of Laika, especially the second one. I just found it odd because Laika wasn't trained, in any way, in those aspects. But overall this is a good story.
August 24, 2014
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book, but I was definitely intrigued by the blurb of it and was quite happy when I won it in one of the Goodreads giveaways.
I found it really easy to relate to and empathise with Laika pretty much from the start of the book. It was interesting to see the contrast between the country of Trea and Lisan. I found myself experiencing very similar emotions to the ones Laika was experiencing as the book progressed.
I found a lot of the other characters to be fairly interesting as well, though I would have liked to see more of the reasoning behind the actions of other characters. Although first person POV works to allow the reader to connect to a character, I also feel that it's very limiting, since other characters are in danger of coming across as less well-rounded.
I really liked Laika's relationship with Rodya. I felt that came across as sweet and believable. It was nice that the author took the time to develop the relationship.
There was quite a lot about this book that was intriguing and well-written. I think I would definitely be interested in reading a sequel to this book... and in checking out more books by this author in the future.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book, but I was definitely intrigued by the blurb of it and was quite happy when I won it in one of the Goodreads giveaways.
I found it really easy to relate to and empathise with Laika pretty much from the start of the book. It was interesting to see the contrast between the country of Trea and Lisan. I found myself experiencing very similar emotions to the ones Laika was experiencing as the book progressed.
I found a lot of the other characters to be fairly interesting as well, though I would have liked to see more of the reasoning behind the actions of other characters. Although first person POV works to allow the reader to connect to a character, I also feel that it's very limiting, since other characters are in danger of coming across as less well-rounded.
I really liked Laika's relationship with Rodya. I felt that came across as sweet and believable. It was nice that the author took the time to develop the relationship.
There was quite a lot about this book that was intriguing and well-written. I think I would definitely be interested in reading a sequel to this book... and in checking out more books by this author in the future.
August 6, 2014
Laika in Lisan is a well written and engaging book with a truly fabulous first couple of sentences. It grabbed me from the start! It is part fantasy, part political thriller. Laika is an educator picked to go to the neighboring country of Lisan on a mission to improve Lisan's university system. She is soon introduced to a country in turmoil where nothing is as it seems. Overall I really enjoyed the book.
The main character Laika is very likable and I could really related to her. At times she struck me a little inconsistent, but that might just be because of how much I related to her at other moments. I like that she wasn't perfect and in fact messes up in a big way. I like my characters a little flawed. We humans are all a little flawed, right?
I think Maron Anrow has written a fantastic first novel and I look forward to hearing more from her in the future.
The main character Laika is very likable and I could really related to her. At times she struck me a little inconsistent, but that might just be because of how much I related to her at other moments. I like that she wasn't perfect and in fact messes up in a big way. I like my characters a little flawed. We humans are all a little flawed, right?
I think Maron Anrow has written a fantastic first novel and I look forward to hearing more from her in the future.
July 9, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I don't often read a book and feel that it should have been longer. Most of the time the opposite is true. At only about 250 pages, Laika could use some extra pages to help round out the world. We really know almost nothing about Trea where Laika comes from. There's a university, electricity and plumbing. They have pretty liberal views on sex and relationships and education. But modes of dress, appearance of the people, architecture, transportation (carriages are mentioned, but no indication of whether horseless carriages exist). We learn more about Lisan simply because this is where the adventure takes place, but aside from the rarity of leather shoes, we're given little to go on in terms of the appearance of the people. What about jewelry? Tattoos? Royka has black hair, and a beard when we first meet him. At the time I thought it was beard he'd grown on purpose, but later he shaves and it becomes apparent that it had only grown out because he'd been roughing it. I gathered that the two peoples were racially similar since Laika doesn't stand out as different, but that is all I had to go on.
The premise of the story is good, and intrigued me. I liked the idea of a country that had closed itself off from the rest of the world and after many years has decided to open its borders to a handful of scholars so that it can get its own university up and running. Naive Laika, professional scholar - book smart, but real world ignorant, provided an interesting focal point. Royka, the mysterious young man that aids Laika, is even more appealing, though I think a bit too forgiving/accepting at the end of the book.
I think my biggest frustration with this book is that it has a ton of potential and just doesn't go far enough to achieve it. Too much telling and not enough showing goes on. The first part of the story where Laika goes through the motions of quitting her job, breaking up with her boyfriend, saying goodbye to her parents - all of that could have been skipped, and the story could have opened up with Laika's traveling party being attacked by bandits. Who she is, why she's there, and how she got there could have been doled out in small bits while Laika awakes to a scream and then bolts into the night. Much more could have been done with that bandit scene to bring it to life. Terrified horses, a chase through the forest, maybe a struggle and escape from certain death. And all the while Laika could be relating important information. It would have added to the punch of the start of the story, rather than having us meet a bunch of people we'll never see again in the story, and who provide no real obstacle to Laika getting to go on her trip.
I use that first part of the story as an example of what I felt happened throughout the story. There's good stuff here, but it needs to be opened up and fully realized. Right now it's more of a very wordy outline. There's scary stuff that happens in the story, but we the reader need to feel it not have it told to us. Don't tell us "I felt sick", describe the bile rising up to burn the back of Laika's throat, or the narrowing of her vision as she goes faint. Add noises, and smells and texture. Make us feel Laika's desperation when they can't find the other scholars. Maybe she breaks away and tries to find them herself only to have Royka drag her off before she gets hurt or killed.
Some of the dialogue, especially between Laika and Royka was a lot of fun, and made up some of the better scenes in the story. More of that. Laika's got a bit of a smart mouth on her. She should use it elsewhere, not just with the love interest. Speaking of the love interest, I thought it was odd that a man from a very sexually repressed society would so easily fall into Laika's bed.
I know this is coming across as a suggestion for editing, and perhaps that is not a bad idea. One of the nice things about being a publisher-author is the fact that you can go back and rework your story after you learn more. Two books I bought some time ago just got re-released with fixes and changes - cool. Like I said, there's good stuff here, it's just too rushed and too "telly".
I don't often read a book and feel that it should have been longer. Most of the time the opposite is true. At only about 250 pages, Laika could use some extra pages to help round out the world. We really know almost nothing about Trea where Laika comes from. There's a university, electricity and plumbing. They have pretty liberal views on sex and relationships and education. But modes of dress, appearance of the people, architecture, transportation (carriages are mentioned, but no indication of whether horseless carriages exist). We learn more about Lisan simply because this is where the adventure takes place, but aside from the rarity of leather shoes, we're given little to go on in terms of the appearance of the people. What about jewelry? Tattoos? Royka has black hair, and a beard when we first meet him. At the time I thought it was beard he'd grown on purpose, but later he shaves and it becomes apparent that it had only grown out because he'd been roughing it. I gathered that the two peoples were racially similar since Laika doesn't stand out as different, but that is all I had to go on.
The premise of the story is good, and intrigued me. I liked the idea of a country that had closed itself off from the rest of the world and after many years has decided to open its borders to a handful of scholars so that it can get its own university up and running. Naive Laika, professional scholar - book smart, but real world ignorant, provided an interesting focal point. Royka, the mysterious young man that aids Laika, is even more appealing, though I think a bit too forgiving/accepting at the end of the book.
I think my biggest frustration with this book is that it has a ton of potential and just doesn't go far enough to achieve it. Too much telling and not enough showing goes on. The first part of the story where Laika goes through the motions of quitting her job, breaking up with her boyfriend, saying goodbye to her parents - all of that could have been skipped, and the story could have opened up with Laika's traveling party being attacked by bandits. Who she is, why she's there, and how she got there could have been doled out in small bits while Laika awakes to a scream and then bolts into the night. Much more could have been done with that bandit scene to bring it to life. Terrified horses, a chase through the forest, maybe a struggle and escape from certain death. And all the while Laika could be relating important information. It would have added to the punch of the start of the story, rather than having us meet a bunch of people we'll never see again in the story, and who provide no real obstacle to Laika getting to go on her trip.
I use that first part of the story as an example of what I felt happened throughout the story. There's good stuff here, but it needs to be opened up and fully realized. Right now it's more of a very wordy outline. There's scary stuff that happens in the story, but we the reader need to feel it not have it told to us. Don't tell us "I felt sick", describe the bile rising up to burn the back of Laika's throat, or the narrowing of her vision as she goes faint. Add noises, and smells and texture. Make us feel Laika's desperation when they can't find the other scholars. Maybe she breaks away and tries to find them herself only to have Royka drag her off before she gets hurt or killed.
Some of the dialogue, especially between Laika and Royka was a lot of fun, and made up some of the better scenes in the story. More of that. Laika's got a bit of a smart mouth on her. She should use it elsewhere, not just with the love interest. Speaking of the love interest, I thought it was odd that a man from a very sexually repressed society would so easily fall into Laika's bed.
I know this is coming across as a suggestion for editing, and perhaps that is not a bad idea. One of the nice things about being a publisher-author is the fact that you can go back and rework your story after you learn more. Two books I bought some time ago just got re-released with fixes and changes - cool. Like I said, there's good stuff here, it's just too rushed and too "telly".
October 27, 2014
Full disclosure: I was offered a copy of this book for free by the author after she read my Goodreads review of Graceling by Kristin Cashore. In exchange for the free copy, I agreed to write a book review on Goodreads.
As I mentioned, the author offered that I read her book based upon my review of Graceling by Kristin Cashore. My review of that book focused on how I thought it was a better book for young adults, especially women, than the Hunger Games trilogy because I thought the main character was a stronger and more consistent female character - a quality we don't see in a lot of media. I felt Graceling would be a good book for young adult women, and men, to read and for parents to have discussions with their children about the qualities that make the characters strong and admirable as well as the choices they make, especially around sex and marriage.
In that regard, Laika in Lisan is similar. Laika is educated, independent and ready for adventure. My primary problem with her character is that, faced with trouble, she is still dependent upon others to help solve her situation. For example, near the beginning of the story, on her trip to a new land, she ends up on her own with the presence of mind to run, but that's about it. She only survives because she meets a man who, in essence, saves her and gets her to her destination. Granted, in her situation, she may have not had much other choice but, even later in the story, when faced with a dire action she must take, the planning is left to others and she does not have the gumption to stand up and say "no." As much as she was independent in her life in her homeland, making decisions about her employment and relationships, she does not seem nearly as resourceful once she leaves home. The plot does leave room for a sequel so maybe we'll see how Laika grows to be the agent of her own affairs and survival instead of beholden to others? I hope so!
Overall, the book is good. I really liked the plot line and the obvious influence that North Korea played in the development of the country of Lisan. I found the reading easy and, at times, page turning (don't judge this book by the length of time it took me to read it. I seem to have a habit of getting about halfway through a book and then taking a break to do other things). I just wish there was more "there." By that, I mean the descriptions of the world we are visiting, the people, the cities. There's enough there to be engaged but not enough to visualize. I would like to see the world fleshed out so I can see it in my mind's eye. And, it's not just a matter of being more descriptive - it's the language to be used. A good example comes from Fire, by Kristin Cashore (which I started reading after Laika in Lisan): "At least fractured on the ground, Fire thought, the monsters added color to the landscape. there was little color in the north of the Dells in early spring - the trees were gray and the grass that tufted between cracks in the rocks was still brown from winter. Truly, even at the height of summer the north of the Dells was not what one would call colorful, but at least in summer, gray with patches of brown turned to gray with patches of green" (p.40) Here, you get a feeling of a place where the sun doesn't shine all that often and it reflects the somewhat prison-like situation Fire finds herself. I do think that adding lush descriptions of the lands and cities explored in Laika in Lisan will take the book from a 3-star to a 4-star book, easily.
I do think this is a good book with a good story and I do look forward to a sequel that resolves Laika's journey. With some embellishing by the author to really bring Laika's world to life, the second edition of this book will be very enjoyable indeed.
As I mentioned, the author offered that I read her book based upon my review of Graceling by Kristin Cashore. My review of that book focused on how I thought it was a better book for young adults, especially women, than the Hunger Games trilogy because I thought the main character was a stronger and more consistent female character - a quality we don't see in a lot of media. I felt Graceling would be a good book for young adult women, and men, to read and for parents to have discussions with their children about the qualities that make the characters strong and admirable as well as the choices they make, especially around sex and marriage.
In that regard, Laika in Lisan is similar. Laika is educated, independent and ready for adventure. My primary problem with her character is that, faced with trouble, she is still dependent upon others to help solve her situation. For example, near the beginning of the story, on her trip to a new land, she ends up on her own with the presence of mind to run, but that's about it. She only survives because she meets a man who, in essence, saves her and gets her to her destination. Granted, in her situation, she may have not had much other choice but, even later in the story, when faced with a dire action she must take, the planning is left to others and she does not have the gumption to stand up and say "no." As much as she was independent in her life in her homeland, making decisions about her employment and relationships, she does not seem nearly as resourceful once she leaves home. The plot does leave room for a sequel so maybe we'll see how Laika grows to be the agent of her own affairs and survival instead of beholden to others? I hope so!
Overall, the book is good. I really liked the plot line and the obvious influence that North Korea played in the development of the country of Lisan. I found the reading easy and, at times, page turning (don't judge this book by the length of time it took me to read it. I seem to have a habit of getting about halfway through a book and then taking a break to do other things). I just wish there was more "there." By that, I mean the descriptions of the world we are visiting, the people, the cities. There's enough there to be engaged but not enough to visualize. I would like to see the world fleshed out so I can see it in my mind's eye. And, it's not just a matter of being more descriptive - it's the language to be used. A good example comes from Fire, by Kristin Cashore (which I started reading after Laika in Lisan): "At least fractured on the ground, Fire thought, the monsters added color to the landscape. there was little color in the north of the Dells in early spring - the trees were gray and the grass that tufted between cracks in the rocks was still brown from winter. Truly, even at the height of summer the north of the Dells was not what one would call colorful, but at least in summer, gray with patches of brown turned to gray with patches of green" (p.40) Here, you get a feeling of a place where the sun doesn't shine all that often and it reflects the somewhat prison-like situation Fire finds herself. I do think that adding lush descriptions of the lands and cities explored in Laika in Lisan will take the book from a 3-star to a 4-star book, easily.
I do think this is a good book with a good story and I do look forward to a sequel that resolves Laika's journey. With some embellishing by the author to really bring Laika's world to life, the second edition of this book will be very enjoyable indeed.
January 22, 2015
Maron Anrow contacted me to ask if I would review her book. I was more than happy to do so at the time, but now I feel entirely honoured to have been asked. This book is wonderful, and I absolutely loved it.
The world Anrow shows us is very believable, very terrifying, yet completely fascinating. Set some years in the past, Lisan is a dystopian country run by a complete tyrant, with his son and heir, rumoured to be even worse than his father, waiting to take the reigns. It's out and out totalitarianism, with dashes of communism, very much akin to the way some countries are run in our world to this day. The way the people in Lisan are treated is shocking; forced from a young age to love and respect their leader, who drinks imported wine whilst the populace starves. Although it's difficult to believe this could happen in our world, the plot is similar to that of something you could see on the news today.
Laika is a gorgeous protagonist. She's intelligent, brave, and driven, but shows us her softer side at the best of times. We often see female, young adult narrators as incredibly strong-willed, but who will fall apart when a male comes on the scene to seduce them. Laika is smooth and subtle around her love interest, but shows us her emotion when it comes to grittier parts of the novel. This makes her entirely endearing, and completely believable. Most of us girls can work our way around a charming man without batting an eyelid, but overthrowing a government might be a little challenging.
The decisions Laika has to make over the course of the novel give a good message about the notion of right and wrong, particularly in relation to war. Is there anything you wouldn't do for the greater good? Should you be willing to do awful things for the greater good? Or is your own life and morals more important? What happens when the plan backfires? Anrow explores all of these issues, and summons up some great points of debate.
I loved reading about the cultural differences between Trea and Lisan. I liked entering Lisan with Laika and seeing how they did things in contrast with Trea. I would've loved a bit more cultural exploration, and would've liked to have heard more about the Lisan towns, and their quirks and industries. I particularly loved the idea of the 'labour gardens' - prisons with a fluffy name.
It was clear Anrow either did a lot of research into politics, economics, and foreign relations, or she's just as intelligent as her protagonist. I'm an amateur when it comes to these things, so seeing a despotic leader, his constituents, and learning how it all came to be, thrilled me.
Laika in Lisan is a compelling read which examines some important themes. Laika's story is addictive, the characters vibrant, and the shape of things to come so dismal, that you can't help but become engrossed. I'm so grateful to the author for sending me this, and only hope she will keep me in mind should she (fingers crossed) come to publish a sequel.
This book made me realise I should read more indie authors, and put more energy into getting their books recognised. This was truly wonderful, and it makes me angry that there are some truly dreadful but famous books out there, when this one is brilliant, and desperate to be read.
The world Anrow shows us is very believable, very terrifying, yet completely fascinating. Set some years in the past, Lisan is a dystopian country run by a complete tyrant, with his son and heir, rumoured to be even worse than his father, waiting to take the reigns. It's out and out totalitarianism, with dashes of communism, very much akin to the way some countries are run in our world to this day. The way the people in Lisan are treated is shocking; forced from a young age to love and respect their leader, who drinks imported wine whilst the populace starves. Although it's difficult to believe this could happen in our world, the plot is similar to that of something you could see on the news today.
Laika is a gorgeous protagonist. She's intelligent, brave, and driven, but shows us her softer side at the best of times. We often see female, young adult narrators as incredibly strong-willed, but who will fall apart when a male comes on the scene to seduce them. Laika is smooth and subtle around her love interest, but shows us her emotion when it comes to grittier parts of the novel. This makes her entirely endearing, and completely believable. Most of us girls can work our way around a charming man without batting an eyelid, but overthrowing a government might be a little challenging.
The decisions Laika has to make over the course of the novel give a good message about the notion of right and wrong, particularly in relation to war. Is there anything you wouldn't do for the greater good? Should you be willing to do awful things for the greater good? Or is your own life and morals more important? What happens when the plan backfires? Anrow explores all of these issues, and summons up some great points of debate.
I loved reading about the cultural differences between Trea and Lisan. I liked entering Lisan with Laika and seeing how they did things in contrast with Trea. I would've loved a bit more cultural exploration, and would've liked to have heard more about the Lisan towns, and their quirks and industries. I particularly loved the idea of the 'labour gardens' - prisons with a fluffy name.
It was clear Anrow either did a lot of research into politics, economics, and foreign relations, or she's just as intelligent as her protagonist. I'm an amateur when it comes to these things, so seeing a despotic leader, his constituents, and learning how it all came to be, thrilled me.
Laika in Lisan is a compelling read which examines some important themes. Laika's story is addictive, the characters vibrant, and the shape of things to come so dismal, that you can't help but become engrossed. I'm so grateful to the author for sending me this, and only hope she will keep me in mind should she (fingers crossed) come to publish a sequel.
This book made me realise I should read more indie authors, and put more energy into getting their books recognised. This was truly wonderful, and it makes me angry that there are some truly dreadful but famous books out there, when this one is brilliant, and desperate to be read.
June 7, 2014
In Laika in Lisan by Maron Anrow, the author has built a fictional world apparently inspired by North Korea. Lisan is a country with closed borders, a leader who has manipulated his people to make them worship him, and a son of the leader who is biding his time to gain the power his father enjoys.
While the accuracy of what we know about such a closed off country will always be in doubt, Anrow has created her own world where conjecture and imagination are not only allowed, but probably bring us closer to truth than any list of facts ever could. Also, the villains (both individuals and governments) of Anrow's novel aren't entirely evil and the heroes aren't without their own flaws. This alone brings a truth that can't be found in most news articles.
Lakia is a young woman who lives in the democratic country of Trea, but has always been fascinated by the neighboring country of Lisan. She is also fluent in their language, which apparently is not common among the people of Trea. When Lord Hamin, the autocratic leader of Lisan, decides to open a new university, Laika jumps at the opportunity to become a visiting scholar. Her decision forces her to leave her position as a tutor for the children of a wealthy family and to disappoint her family, especially her father who had fought in a war between the two countries and is still bitter about the experience.
At times I felt Anrow's writing lacked detail, causing the plot to move too quickly and some important scenes to lack credibility. I also thought Anrow told too much of what her characters were feeling rather than allowing her readers to discover their feelings through their actions. One area where this criticism was not true was in Lakia's relation with Rodya, a young man she encounters after she and her guides are attacked on their way to the Holy City. The relationship between Lakia and Rodya grows slowly with twists and turns that are fascinating to read.
Laika in Lisan is a story about making important decisions in a world that isn't black and white. Laika is put in positions she isn't prepared to handle and as a result is consumed by doubt. This is what makes Anrow's characters real and what makes her novel an interesting read.
Steve Lindahl – author of White Horse Regressions and Motherless Soul
While the accuracy of what we know about such a closed off country will always be in doubt, Anrow has created her own world where conjecture and imagination are not only allowed, but probably bring us closer to truth than any list of facts ever could. Also, the villains (both individuals and governments) of Anrow's novel aren't entirely evil and the heroes aren't without their own flaws. This alone brings a truth that can't be found in most news articles.
Lakia is a young woman who lives in the democratic country of Trea, but has always been fascinated by the neighboring country of Lisan. She is also fluent in their language, which apparently is not common among the people of Trea. When Lord Hamin, the autocratic leader of Lisan, decides to open a new university, Laika jumps at the opportunity to become a visiting scholar. Her decision forces her to leave her position as a tutor for the children of a wealthy family and to disappoint her family, especially her father who had fought in a war between the two countries and is still bitter about the experience.
At times I felt Anrow's writing lacked detail, causing the plot to move too quickly and some important scenes to lack credibility. I also thought Anrow told too much of what her characters were feeling rather than allowing her readers to discover their feelings through their actions. One area where this criticism was not true was in Lakia's relation with Rodya, a young man she encounters after she and her guides are attacked on their way to the Holy City. The relationship between Lakia and Rodya grows slowly with twists and turns that are fascinating to read.
Laika in Lisan is a story about making important decisions in a world that isn't black and white. Laika is put in positions she isn't prepared to handle and as a result is consumed by doubt. This is what makes Anrow's characters real and what makes her novel an interesting read.
Steve Lindahl – author of White Horse Regressions and Motherless Soul
June 19, 2014
Maron Anrow is quick to draw the reader in by giving them a glimpse at the end. But not enough to do more than make readers curious, almost forcing them to read on and find out more about Laika, Lisan and the dangerous adventures that Laika has.
Descriptions of character's emotions are able to get those feelings across to the reader without going overboard or using more words than necessary. And yet, it's undeniable that you immediately feel what Maron Anrow is trying to portray through her words.
Politics is always a difficult thing to understand(at least to me) so Laika in Lisan having political agendas in the book should have made me lose interest. But Maron Anrow explains it out, not all at once, but in enough small parcels for the reader to understand clearly and add to the drama that is taking place.
I can't forget the characters. Laika's thought processes are interesting, to say the least. And Rodya is a mystery that you just have to solve. It keeps the reader interested, drawing them into the book. And while romance plays a part, it's not a large part.
There's also several difficult questions that are brought up and they don't have easy answers, if any at all. Many of them are moral and it's difficult to watch Laika go through, trying to keep herself from being destroyed. And yet I was frustrated with Laika. She seemed to be pushing responsibility off on others for the most part and this annoyed me to no end.
Then there's the ending. It's open enough to allow readers to draw their own conclusions but it also ends the book effectively.
Laika in Lisan was a good book, and if you find yourself looking for books that aren't necessarily about romance but do include some than you should certainly check out this book.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
Descriptions of character's emotions are able to get those feelings across to the reader without going overboard or using more words than necessary. And yet, it's undeniable that you immediately feel what Maron Anrow is trying to portray through her words.
Politics is always a difficult thing to understand(at least to me) so Laika in Lisan having political agendas in the book should have made me lose interest. But Maron Anrow explains it out, not all at once, but in enough small parcels for the reader to understand clearly and add to the drama that is taking place.
I can't forget the characters. Laika's thought processes are interesting, to say the least. And Rodya is a mystery that you just have to solve. It keeps the reader interested, drawing them into the book. And while romance plays a part, it's not a large part.
There's also several difficult questions that are brought up and they don't have easy answers, if any at all. Many of them are moral and it's difficult to watch Laika go through, trying to keep herself from being destroyed. And yet I was frustrated with Laika. She seemed to be pushing responsibility off on others for the most part and this annoyed me to no end.
Then there's the ending. It's open enough to allow readers to draw their own conclusions but it also ends the book effectively.
Laika in Lisan was a good book, and if you find yourself looking for books that aren't necessarily about romance but do include some than you should certainly check out this book.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
June 18, 2014
The historian in me really enjoyed this book! And so did the reader! While I normally read paranormal and fantasy and the like, the one was a great not-quite-fantasy-but-not-quite-historical-fiction read. It definitely reads more like a historical fiction than fantasy, but it's technically categorized as fantasy, since it takes place in a fictional world with the country of Trea and Lisan.
The story follows Laika, who travels from Trea to Lisan doing a scholar exchange of sorts {only no Lisani are traveling to Trea in exchange}. Not even halfway into her trip to the capital, her carriage is attacked and she's left alone in the middle of Lisan, without food, clothes {other than those on her back} or any hope of getting to the Holy City or back to Trea. Enter Rodya, who saved her life while she's getting ready to starve.
Rodya and Laika form a bond, close to friendship, but without full disclosure and trust. Rodya helps her get to the Holy City, but not before Laika gets to see what life is like in the rural farming areas of Lisan - something Laika was not supposed to see {and she manages to keep a that a secret so she can continue to teach in the Holy City}. When she gets to the Holy City, she begins to assimilate into the culture, and eventually gains an audience with the son of the Lord of Lisan. Things begin getting a little dicey for Laika after that point...
While this isn't normally my type of read, I really did enjoy it. The plot kept a good pace and it was really well written. If you're a fan of historical fiction, this might be right up your alley.
The story follows Laika, who travels from Trea to Lisan doing a scholar exchange of sorts {only no Lisani are traveling to Trea in exchange}. Not even halfway into her trip to the capital, her carriage is attacked and she's left alone in the middle of Lisan, without food, clothes {other than those on her back} or any hope of getting to the Holy City or back to Trea. Enter Rodya, who saved her life while she's getting ready to starve.
Rodya and Laika form a bond, close to friendship, but without full disclosure and trust. Rodya helps her get to the Holy City, but not before Laika gets to see what life is like in the rural farming areas of Lisan - something Laika was not supposed to see {and she manages to keep a that a secret so she can continue to teach in the Holy City}. When she gets to the Holy City, she begins to assimilate into the culture, and eventually gains an audience with the son of the Lord of Lisan. Things begin getting a little dicey for Laika after that point...
While this isn't normally my type of read, I really did enjoy it. The plot kept a good pace and it was really well written. If you're a fan of historical fiction, this might be right up your alley.
August 14, 2014
Laika is a live-in tutor to the Needanier children. She likes her job but this wasn’t the future she imagined. She has always had a love of history, especially that of neighbouring Lisan. Lisani citizens needed approval to leave their country and foreign visitors were severely limited. So when Laika is offered the opportunity to work at the new Lisani University she is excited to start on her dream of studying the Lisani way of life. Laika’s time in Lisan goes from bad to worse when she discovers the Trean officials have other more deadly plans for her.
I really enjoyed reading Laika’s story. There was a great mix of politics, romance and suspense to keep the reader captivated.
Laika was headstrong and opinionated but, rightly so, still came across as naïve in the ways of the world. She was torn between what her heart told her and what her brian told her was the right thing to do. She was an idealist and a thinker, it wasn’t all black and white for her.
There was a strong capitalism v communism feel which gave the reader a lot to think about. Should those that have the means sit back, while others are suffering?
These dilemmas and situations are current today which gives the background of the story a lot of credence
There is some language and sex if you’re sensitive to this.
Would make a good book club discussion book.
I really enjoyed reading Laika’s story. There was a great mix of politics, romance and suspense to keep the reader captivated.
Laika was headstrong and opinionated but, rightly so, still came across as naïve in the ways of the world. She was torn between what her heart told her and what her brian told her was the right thing to do. She was an idealist and a thinker, it wasn’t all black and white for her.
There was a strong capitalism v communism feel which gave the reader a lot to think about. Should those that have the means sit back, while others are suffering?
These dilemmas and situations are current today which gives the background of the story a lot of credence
There is some language and sex if you’re sensitive to this.
Would make a good book club discussion book.
June 21, 2014
A great fantasy
I was given this book by the author herself, and I cannot say how lucky I feel to be able to read this book. It is a fantasy but not a typical fantasy in the traditional sense of dragons and such.
Personally, I also enjoy reading historical fiction and Laika in Lisan reminded me of some better books of that genre. HOWEVER Laika in Lisan is not truly a historical fiction. It's a mix of many beloved genres of mine which really made it a unique and overall a great book to read.
The characters are well-developed, especially Laika. Her thoughts aren't too cheesy like in many other book narrated by a female and were very relatable for me-even though I've never really been in a situation similar to Laika's. Since Laika, being in a fantasy novel, has no supernatural powers, I wondered at first how Ms. Anrow would pull the book off. My doubt was quickly replaced with amazement both directed towards Laika and the author Maron Anrow herself for not only "pulling off" the feat but also for making a masterpiece.
I was given this book by the author herself, and I cannot say how lucky I feel to be able to read this book. It is a fantasy but not a typical fantasy in the traditional sense of dragons and such.
Personally, I also enjoy reading historical fiction and Laika in Lisan reminded me of some better books of that genre. HOWEVER Laika in Lisan is not truly a historical fiction. It's a mix of many beloved genres of mine which really made it a unique and overall a great book to read.
The characters are well-developed, especially Laika. Her thoughts aren't too cheesy like in many other book narrated by a female and were very relatable for me-even though I've never really been in a situation similar to Laika's. Since Laika, being in a fantasy novel, has no supernatural powers, I wondered at first how Ms. Anrow would pull the book off. My doubt was quickly replaced with amazement both directed towards Laika and the author Maron Anrow herself for not only "pulling off" the feat but also for making a masterpiece.
September 29, 2014
Laika in Lisan is a story about a woman who volunteers to go to a secluded country, Lisan, for a cultural exchange program. This turns out to be part of a deadly political conspiracy, and Laika is swept up in it despite her best efforts.
The book, especially the beginning, is a slow-burning intellectual read. The first few chapters introduce the reader to Lisan and its politico-economic conditions. Readers who like realistic fantasy will enjoy the world creation going on here. Anrow's Lisan (reminiscent of Tibet or North Korea) has a fully fleshed out history, which lends depth and credibility to the narrative.
I also enjoyed the portrayal of Laika: she's a refreshing take on the strong female protagonist. She has no special abilities or aptitude and relies on her wit and curiosity to navigate the deadly political undercurrents. As she confesses right from the get-go though, her choices eventually lead to disaster.
I enjoyed reading the book and hope there will be a sequel to wrap up some of the unresolved threads.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book, especially the beginning, is a slow-burning intellectual read. The first few chapters introduce the reader to Lisan and its politico-economic conditions. Readers who like realistic fantasy will enjoy the world creation going on here. Anrow's Lisan (reminiscent of Tibet or North Korea) has a fully fleshed out history, which lends depth and credibility to the narrative.
I also enjoyed the portrayal of Laika: she's a refreshing take on the strong female protagonist. She has no special abilities or aptitude and relies on her wit and curiosity to navigate the deadly political undercurrents. As she confesses right from the get-go though, her choices eventually lead to disaster.
I enjoyed reading the book and hope there will be a sequel to wrap up some of the unresolved threads.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2014
A great fantasy
I was given this book by the author herself, and I cannot say how lucky I feel to be able to read this book. It is a fantasy but not a typical fantasy in the traditional sense of dragons and such.
Personally, I also enjoy reading historical fiction and Laika in Lisan reminded me of some better books of that genre. HOWEVER Laika in Lisan is not truly a historical fiction. It's a mix of many beloved genres of mine which really made it a unique and overall a great book to read.
The characters are well-developed, especially Laika. Her thoughts aren't too cheesy like in many other book narrated by a female and were very relatable for me-even though I've never really been in a situation similar to Laika's. Since Laika, being in a fantasy novel, has no supernatural powers, I wondered at first how Ms. Anrow would pull the book off. My doubt was quickly replaced with amazement both directed towards Laika and the author Maron Anrow herself for not only "pulling off" the feat but also for making a masterpiece.
I was given this book by the author herself, and I cannot say how lucky I feel to be able to read this book. It is a fantasy but not a typical fantasy in the traditional sense of dragons and such.
Personally, I also enjoy reading historical fiction and Laika in Lisan reminded me of some better books of that genre. HOWEVER Laika in Lisan is not truly a historical fiction. It's a mix of many beloved genres of mine which really made it a unique and overall a great book to read.
The characters are well-developed, especially Laika. Her thoughts aren't too cheesy like in many other book narrated by a female and were very relatable for me-even though I've never really been in a situation similar to Laika's. Since Laika, being in a fantasy novel, has no supernatural powers, I wondered at first how Ms. Anrow would pull the book off. My doubt was quickly replaced with amazement both directed towards Laika and the author Maron Anrow herself for not only "pulling off" the feat but also for making a masterpiece.
June 29, 2014
I received this book via the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. I found this book to be a delightful and intriguing story. Laika is a scholar and private tutor for a well-to-do family. Her main interest is in the culture and history of the neighboring country of Lisan. When she is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to go over to Lisan as a visiting scholar, she immediately and without hesitation accepts the offer. Unfortunately, misfortune befalls her and her party after entering the country. As she wanders the countryside with outcast native, Rodya, she finds that things are not as pleasant as propaganda has shown.
Laika was an interesting character. I did think that she was a little too naive. She had both good qualities and not so good ones. I felt she was a well-rounded character. Rodya, despite his sardonic wit, was a very flat character. I would have enjoyed him better if there had been more to him.
Thanks for a great read!
Laika was an interesting character. I did think that she was a little too naive. She had both good qualities and not so good ones. I felt she was a well-rounded character. Rodya, despite his sardonic wit, was a very flat character. I would have enjoyed him better if there had been more to him.
Thanks for a great read!
June 19, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.
This was a really fun and interesting story about a young woman who is thrown into a tense political situation and has to make some very difficult choices. I wish I could rate in-between 4 and 5, because it's really very good, and is a page-turner from start to finish. I cared about the characters and wanted to know what was going to happen next. Dr. Anrow is clearly a very gifted storyteller - the story is built very well and is full of action.
This is an excellent first effort, and I will definitely be on the lookout for more titles by this author.
This was a really fun and interesting story about a young woman who is thrown into a tense political situation and has to make some very difficult choices. I wish I could rate in-between 4 and 5, because it's really very good, and is a page-turner from start to finish. I cared about the characters and wanted to know what was going to happen next. Dr. Anrow is clearly a very gifted storyteller - the story is built very well and is full of action.
This is an excellent first effort, and I will definitely be on the lookout for more titles by this author.
July 23, 2016
Eh. Not really my thing.
For one thing, it had virtually no fantasy element to it. For another, the main character felt a little... I almost want to say whiny.
It was tolerably well-written and all, just... not really interesting to me.
If you're looking for something that's more a cross between a romance and a political thriller, set at about early-industrial tech levels, you might like it. I wasn't.
It might help if I'd written the review sooner after reading the book, however.
I'm pretty sure I got a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
For one thing, it had virtually no fantasy element to it. For another, the main character felt a little... I almost want to say whiny.
It was tolerably well-written and all, just... not really interesting to me.
If you're looking for something that's more a cross between a romance and a political thriller, set at about early-industrial tech levels, you might like it. I wasn't.
It might help if I'd written the review sooner after reading the book, however.
I'm pretty sure I got a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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