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What Members Thought
The writing isn't terrible but it certainly isn't wonderful either. The characters were a bit too catty and young for me to enjoy.
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OK, so I will have to try more of the series (there's only 3).
My over all impression of the first one, though, is that Ms. Bray really wanted to write a coming of age story about a Victorian girl. For some reason she thought the book needed a supernatural twist, also.
I hated the combination. This is probably because I'm so used to paranormal fiction, even historical, having a strong heroine that I immediately identify with, or who has qualities I wish I had. Gemma Doyle did not have either an im ...more
My over all impression of the first one, though, is that Ms. Bray really wanted to write a coming of age story about a Victorian girl. For some reason she thought the book needed a supernatural twist, also.
I hated the combination. This is probably because I'm so used to paranormal fiction, even historical, having a strong heroine that I immediately identify with, or who has qualities I wish I had. Gemma Doyle did not have either an im ...more
I picked this book up on the strength of "Beauty Queens," which I really enjoyed. This one, alas, just never came to life for me. I wasn't able to connect with the characters or the plot. As noted by other reviewers, I also had issues with the cliched portrayal of the Romany characters. I did find her descriptions of landscapes to be lush and inviting and enjoyed those portions of the book quite a bit.
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This book was a lot darker than I initially thought it would be, but the themes are brilliant. I loved the idea of everyone having a bit of light and shadow to them. I got the book because I saw the author at a book signing at Powell's a few weeks ago. She was a very dynamic, funny speaker. I recommend going to see her even if you haven't read the books if she's coming to a town near you. Her website is: www.libbabray.com.
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I liked this book and I am going to read the next books in the series. I got a little frustrated with the interaction with the characters and I thought it was a bit one dimensional and some things were wrapped up a little to cleanly for me but the storyline itself was intriging so on plot alone I would recommend it to young adult fiction readers. I love Kartik and I hope he plays a greater role in the second and third books.
It took a little while, but i eventually realized i'd read this book before! It was 2003 when i was in college, i got it from this little library that had books before they were mass published.
I read this in a little over 24 hours, completely enthralled. I hear that the next two books are highly looked forward to, but somewhat disappointing. I'll read them as voraciously, i'm sure. ...more
I read this in a little over 24 hours, completely enthralled. I hear that the next two books are highly looked forward to, but somewhat disappointing. I'll read them as voraciously, i'm sure. ...more
Half historical fiction half fantasy, I liked this book- I didn't love it, but I was quite engaged in the story (and I read it in two days, so I guess that says something). I went back and forth with liking and disliking many of the characters, including Gemma, the main character.
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This just wasn't my cup of tea. It felt like it went on forever. I didn't think I would ever get to the end. On the other hand, my daughter loves the entire series and was the person who got me to give them a try. Just goes to show we all have different taste.
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just okay
Jun 19, 2008
Jasmine
marked it as to-read
Sep 18, 2009
Gaijinmama
marked it as to-read
Oct 03, 2015
Shifra
marked it as to-read
Mar 23, 2017
Tara
added it
