Wintersong By S. Jae-Jones - Restarting April 15th 2018

[Abi]

Beware the goblin men and the wares they sell.

All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.

But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.

Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world.

[enqi ☾⋆˚*̣̩✩]

joining this!

[Karen]

So sorry Book user, don't think I'm going to get to this in March. Shall we reset?

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date Changed. Restarting June 1st 2017. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆
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[cors]

Part One

(view spoiler)[ I love the author's writing style, it was one of a fairytale. I don't like the Goblin King at all, he was like the fey my parents told me when I was younger. He was deceitful, a little cruel, clever and creepy.
I honestly don't know what to feel about their love story (if you can call it one). Let's see where the games lead us. (hide spoiler)]

[cors]

Intermizzo

(view spoiler)[I like this book, though it was eery and unusual, it was also nothing like I've ever read before. The sacrifice thing was so cruel. It was like asking me to surrender all the adventures I had while reading books. (hide spoiler)]

[cors]

Part 2

(view spoiler)[ohhhemmmmgeeee! I kinda like their loveteam. There's a wedding and a honeymoon coming. I can't waitttt!(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[cors]

Part 3

(view spoiler)[ okay, I totally take back what I said. It was good at the first half of the book BUT now it was scattered and meaningless and confusing. I don't like the Goblin King nor Liesl. There was something missing and I can't point it out. (hide spoiler)]

Part 4

(view spoiler)[Good Riddance. That was a boring one. (hide spoiler)]

[Abi]

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Reading from the 2nd of July 2017

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[Sibil]

Can I join you with this one?

[Ritisha]

Hey guys, I'd like to join in as well :)

[Amanda]

Me too!

[Veee]

I think I'm at the end of Ch. 2, but the book doesn't go by chapter numbers, so I'll update by percentages.

10% (view spoiler)[I'm not sure if I'm feeling this book. It's definitely an interesting concept, and I love The Labyrinth, but I'm really hoping this gets better. Also, in every book that I read, there's always one character I can't stand from the get-go, usually a girl, and this book definitely kept on track. This time it's Liesl's sister, Käthe, what is up with her personality so far. What gets to me is that she can't stand up for herself, and look at what she got herself into now. Hopefully as the book progresses, I'll be more enthused. (hide spoiler)]

[Sibil]

Vanessa Marie wrote: "I think I'm at the end of Ch. 2, but the book doesn't go by chapter numbers, so I'll update by percentages.

10% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I agree with you about the concept, it's really intersting, but I do not like the characters. Maybe the little brother is ok, in the end we are not seeing so much of him, but Kathe and Liesl aren't so intersting and I just can't make me like them. (hide spoiler)]

Part one (view spoiler)[I love the writing, and I love how the author write about music. It makes you want to play or listen to something good. And the atmosphere is eerie and I like it. But I don't like the characters. (hide spoiler)]

[Sibil]

Intermezzo (view spoiler)[I think the book it's not all bad. The story seems quite interesting and I'm really loving the writing, but I really do not care for the characters. I do not know if I like the Goblin King or not, but I do not like the two sisters, I do not like their parents and I do not like Costanze, either. (hide spoiler)]

[Sibil]

Part two (view spoiler)[The mythology seems really interesting and I think that the author researched it a lot. I like all of it. But the characters aren't better, I do not like them, and I know I'm being monotonous but it's true. The Goblin King is the most interesting character, but I can't decide if I like him or not. And I think that this is an answer nonetheless, but I'm hoping for the things to go better! (hide spoiler)]

[Ritisha]

10% (view spoiler)[ I'm actually pretty excited about where the story is going to go. I didn't read the summary before I started just to keep things fresh hahah but I think it's helping because I'm pretty intrigued. Also I haven't really read that many books about goblins so I'm curious. You guys are right though, so far the female characters are a bit disappointing but I'd like to think liesl will show some personality. I LOVE the writing though, it has me hooked <3 let's see how it goes :) (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

12% (view spoiler)[ I've heard bits and pieces of this story, so I'm excited to see where this goes. Constanze is really kind of creepy. I'm not too fond of Hans, or Kathe. Maybe their characters will develop more as the story moves forward. (hide spoiler)]

[Sibil]

Ritisha wrote: "10% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[The writing is really good and I was interested in the goblin part. There aren't a lot of book about them! (hide spoiler)]

[Sibil]

part 3 and 4 (view spoiler)[The writing is amazing and the mythology is really interesting and well developed, I loved it and I love all the talk about music. The author is really great with these parts. But Liesl is whiny, whiny, whiiiiiiiiiiiiiiny. And she became almost a nymphomaniac. This development is quite abrupt. And she is not so bright. And she spent all her time to whine and lament and sob. Boooring! I think this book has great potentiality but just that! I am really disappointed! (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

17%
I'm intrigued and thoroughly captivated so far. Liesl is an interesting character. Such untapped and unappreciated talent, such passion with no outlet to express it... she just has to explode (sooner rather than later).

Vanessa Marie wrote: "I think I'm at the end of Ch. 2, but the book doesn't go by chapter numbers, so I'll update by percentages. 10% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[
Vanessa Marie wrote: "Also, in every book that I read, there's always one character I can't stand from the get-go, usually a girl, and this book definitely kept on track. This time it's Liesl's sister, Käthe, what is up with her personality so far. What gets to me is that she can't stand up for herself, and look at what she got herself into now. Hopefully as the book progresses, I'll be more enthused."

I totally agree with you about Käthe. She annoys me to no end as well. But I think that's the point. She's self-involved and weak, but her character is just a pawn in a larger game.
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Vanessa Marie wrote: "10% [spoilers removed]"

Sibil wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

Ritisha wrote: "10% [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
Vanessa Marie wrote: "It's definitely an interesting concept, and I love The Labyrinth, but I'm really hoping this gets better."

Sibil wrote: "I agree with you about the concept, it's really intersting, but I do not like the characters.

I really like the concept as well. I knew I'd heard of der Erlkönig before, so I looked it up and turns out that I've read the poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (in German class in college).

Ritisha wrote: "I'm actually pretty excited about where the story is going to go. I didn't read the summary before I started just to keep things fresh hahah but I think it's helping because I'm pretty intrigued. Also I haven't really read that many books about goblins so I'm curious."

Like you, Ritisha, I didn't read the summary (I hardly ever do if I can help it), so I have been completely and pleasantly surprised with the direction this is heading.

I don't remember the Goethe poem at all -- probably my German wasn't very good at the time, so I won't read anything else about it until after I finish the book (I still haven't read the blurb).
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Amanda wrote: "12% [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
Amanda wrote: "I've heard bits and pieces of this story, so I'm excited to see where this goes. Constanze is really kind of creepy. I'm not too fond of Hans, or Kathe. Maybe their characters will develop more as the story moves forward."

Ha! I like Constanze -- I think she's a cool, plucky old woman. :D
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Sibil wrote: "Intermezzo [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
Sibil wrote: "The Goblin King is the most interesting character, but I can't decide if I like him or not. And I think that this is an answer nonetheless, but I'm hoping for the things to go better!

I haven't decided what to think about the Goblin King either, although I do find his personality intriguing.
(hide spoiler)]

[Kerri]

I'm a little over 30% of the way through at the moment.

(view spoiler)[ Liesl and Kathe are now underground with the Goblin King. He has shown some vulnerability now, and it makes it seem as if maybe he puts on a mask for others. The personality he affects though seems creepy and selfish. I don't understand why he just isn't honest with Liesl.

I agree that the characters haven't been as compelling as they could be. I was disappointed in Liesl's choices back at home. To not support her grandmother, to basically ignore her sister's confession of how she felt abandoned by Liesl and trapped in her engagement, and then to ignore the fact that Kathe was potentially in danger all seemed foolish and not very smart. Or loving.

Kathe came across as very superficial and not too bright, however she has been showing that her dreams and choices include a desire to provide for and protect her family which is making me like her more.

I don't know, I guess I'm just not finding the characters that compelling so far, and it's making it hard for me to get into the book. Which is a shame because it's a cool concept and I am enjoying the setting, the researched time period, and the German influences. (hide spoiler)]

[Ritisha]

Part 1 (view spoiler)[ woah so he erased her from everyone's minds? Kinda genius. Is it bad that I'm kinda siding with the goblin king xD I wouldn't mind seeing more of him. I'm also kinda glad kathë is gone wow she was a pain. I don't know where this is going though, but I'm intrigued enough to want to continue :) does the whole goblin world remind anyone of the fairies in the mortal intstriments? (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Intermezzo - (view spoiler)[ I can't believe he has erased Kathe from their minds! Leisl will go crazy! (hide spoiler)]

[Kerri]

Finished last night and I'm not really sure what I think. I will have to pick up the next one to see what happens, but this book is probably only a 3 star one for me.

[Amanda]

Page 187: I can't figure out where this plot is going. As soon as I think I know, it takes a twist. (view spoiler)[ I feel the Goblin King is showing his true self to her as a ploy also. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Page 350: (view spoiler)[ It's saddening to see how little Elisabeth knew of herself. And Josef being truly the other half of her soul because he actually died! This is quite an odd story! (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

End : (view spoiler)[ I thought this is how it would end, but I've got to say, I'm disappointed. I always want a happy ending, and to a certain extent, I guess that's what the author gave. Elisabeth received her life back, along with her family. Difficult to do, but the author gave heart to the Goblin King. (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Part III (48%)
(view spoiler)[
Okay, I don't get it. After all Liesl has done to save her sister and break free, after all she knows about the lies and the mischief of the Erlkönig, she is just going to give up and become his bride? Okay, I get that she lusts after him, and that she wants to be "desired" by someone..., and of course she wants to save the world, but how can she trust him?

How does she know it's not a scam -- the whole story about how he needs a bride to prevent the world from falling into an eternal winter? And even if that were the case, why does she need to decide that now, when she's about to win her freedom and win the King of Mischief's little game?

It would make more sense for her to get out of the Underworld, win the game, win her freedom, and then consider his offer to marry her -- with a clear head, a night's sleep, and no games involved? It seems he's laid his cards on the table. Why not take a day/week/month to see if what he said is really true? And to consider her own feelings in the matter? And make sure her sister is really in safety?

It just seems to me that a character, who has been rather clear-headed, smart, and brave up until now is just acting like a foolish wimp.

...just my humble opinion.
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Kerri wrote: "I'm a little over 30% of the way through at the moment. [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
Kerri wrote: "I agree that the characters haven't been as compelling as they could be. I was disappointed in Liesl's choices back at home. To not support her grandmother, to basically ignore her sister's confession of how she felt abandoned by Liesl and trapped in her engagement, and then to ignore the fact that Kathe was potentially in danger all seemed foolish and not very smart. Or loving."

Totally agree. And Leisl's choices only get worse, imho. (See my comment above when you get that far).
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Amanda wrote: "Page 187 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
Amanda wrote: "I feel the Goblin King is showing his true self to her as a ploy also."
(view spoiler)[
I was worried about that too. Why does she suddenly believe him? After all the games he's played and scams he's pulled her into? (Did you make this comment when she decides to become his bride? I don't have page numbers on my ARC).
(hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Ritisha wrote: "Part 1 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
Ritisha wrote: "Part 1 [ woah so he erased her from everyone's minds? Kinda genius. Is it bad that I'm kinda siding with the goblin king xD I wouldn't mind seeing more of him. I'm also kinda glad kathë is gone wow she was a pain. I don't know where this is going though, but I'm intrigued enough to want to continue :) does the whole goblin world remind anyone of the fairies in the mortal intstriments? "

I agree. Clever of him -- now Liesl can doubt her sanity, as the only one who remembers her sister.

I haven't read Mortal Instruments yet. Do you recommend the series? I have it here on my shelf.
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

66%
(view spoiler)[
I am sooooooooooo bored. I noticed 104 people marked this book as "did not finish" -- that's not good. At this point, I can understand why. I, however, am determined to finish.
(hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Overture: (view spoiler)[ This seems like an interesting read. I wonder how it will turn out. It does intrigue me though. (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

77%
(view spoiler)[
Well, it's a little more interesting now -- now that Liesl has the thought of escape...

Joseph is a changeling? Strange...

I definitely like the writing style. The music metaphors are beautiful. I just wish things would move along a little more quickly.

(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Finished
(view spoiler)[
Well, it definitely picked up at the end, but the middle section was much too slow for my tastes. The writing is beautiful -- descriptive and metaphoric -- I especially appreciated all the music metaphors.

It ended as I predicted about a third of the way in, but there were still some surprises.
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Amanda wrote: "Page 350: [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
Amanda wrote: "It's saddening to see how little Elisabeth knew of herself. And Josef being truly the other half of her soul because he actually died! This is quite an odd story!"

I agree. The story is odd indeed! I like odd, but it was a little too long and drawn odd odd for my tastes.

(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Amanda wrote: "End : [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
Amanda wrote: "I thought this is how it would end, but I've got to say, I'm disappointed. I always want a happy ending, and to a certain extent, I guess that's what the author gave. Elisabeth received her life back, along with her family. Difficult to do, but the author gave heart to the Goblin King."

It's how I thought it would end, as well. Not happy -- as she cannot be with the love of her life -- and not sad -- as she got her life and family back. Kind of a luke-warm ending...
(hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Part 1: (view spoiler)[ I am liking it so far. The writing is beautiful. I really like the author's writing style. The Goblin King is quite interesting. He is a clever while being deceitful and creepy. I wonder why Liesl has a better bond with Josef than Kathe. is it because of music or something else? I am curious to see where the game will take them. I hope Liesl finds Kathe because right now based on the ending of Part 1, it is as if Kathe never existed. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Intermezzo: (view spoiler)[ I am still liking this book. It has a eery quality to it, which makes it more mysterious. I can't imagine what it would be like to sacrifice music. She really loves it. The writing is beautiful. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Part 2: (view spoiler)[ So far, I find the Goblin King to be the most interesting character. The way the author created his character makes me think there is more to him than what we are seeing. I thought that the fact that Liesl saved Kathe was good because it proves she cares about her sister as well. Her decision to stay with the Goblin King was interesting. I wonder what their lives will be like. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Part 3: (view spoiler)[ For me, the story slowed down a bit. I thought the writing was the only amazing thing about the third part. Also, I thought the incorporation of mythology was good. However, I do not know what to feel about Liesl and the Goblin King as a married couple. (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Part 4: (view spoiler)[ They seem to love each other a lot. I wonder why he would not tell her his name. I think he should have told her his name so she could still remember him instead of forgetting him. Also, I find it sad that they might not meet ever again. He sacrificed his love for her, so he can live. That is love. I liked the letter to Josef. The writing was the saving grace of this book. I give this a 3/5. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date Changed. Restarting February 16th 2018. Happy Reading ☺

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[Adrienne]

I just ordered this book with my Christmas money. I think it will be here by the 16th and would be excited to read along with someone.

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

Arnden wrote: "I just ordered this book with my Christmas money. I think it will be here by the 16th and would be excited to read along with someone."

YAY! It's always nice to have more people reading the same book!!! ^-^

[Aishah]

Can’t wait! Joining the buddy read :D