Tabea

Italian fantasy version of Shatter Me

Initially it felt very much like Shatter Me, just removed from dystopian to fantasy and adding Italian flair. This did change throughout the story and it became more of its own thing, while remaining very strongly in the realm of The Chosen One trope.
The solution to the problem was somewhat new-ish but by no means a surprise following the laid out plot. The theological and philosophical pondering elements gave the FMC a nice touch of remaining human and relatable. The MMC gave me weirdly enough the same vibes as Edward from Twilight.

Maybe I read this book to close in time to Trial of the Sun Queen. But I felt like I was ready pretty much the same story with a few tweaks and differences here and there. Most of the plot was standard and the supposedly shocking plot twists were unfortunately quite obvious. Characters and their development fell rather flat IMO and again, this story didn't seem unique at all. Highly debating if I continue reading.

This book professes the authors love to language and tackles very important topics which are still current today although the time setting is early to mid 19th century and thus the peak of the British empire - with all the good and bad that entails.

Somehow I felt this book was divided into two books and my opinion on that is somewhat divided.
First you have the linguistics and translations which are the foundation of this Oxford's magic. As a fellow translator I loved the display of the power of translation and understanding other cultures. Intervowen words in other languages made me glad to have read it in English, the footnotes give the text a sort of commentary feel (I did have trouble finding the little asterisks within the text though) and the overall style of the book made me think of academia throughout. Usually I never annotate books (also because they are from the library) or even feel the urge to do so. However this book had some sentences or paragraphs that I was tempted to highlight.

Now to the second part. Let me tell you, the subtitle “arcane history of violence” is not to be taken lightly. As part of the colonialism and basically the Industrial Revolution aided by translation, the society of Britain is divided, if “the others” are allowed at all or not ignored. Topics like racism and sexism, even classicism, are unfortunately still relevant to this day and this book does not shy away from it. To me these parts seemed very realistic though painful to read. The descriptions were thought-provoking and made me think of life and loss and society and history and so much more.
There is the saying that history is written by the winner. I don't think there was a real winner at the end. And put in historic context, well you have the Empire and her colonies. Greed and exploitation (of person, land, resources) come with the territory of that.

The transition between these two parts of the book was not gradual. Some underlying or open aggression against our foreign students was always there but a very drastic happening changes the tone of the book and obviously also of the story.

Overall this book was utterly thought-provoking and I couldn't stop relating the writing to things I know of history, from colonialism to German national socialism of WW II, and even to current state of economics relying on finite resources and putting profit on a pedestal above humanity.
Definitely recommend to read!

This book starts out as a murder mystery whodunnit kind of book, granted against an Italian inspired fantasy world backdrop. I didn't quite expect that but was fairly entertained by the Italian-ness. It develops more and more into your usual rebellion against an oppressive upper class with a senseless war and I have to admit that I wasn't too surprised by most of the developments. Characters were interesting in the way that the FMC is very opinionated and strong whereas the MMC seems softer. What I actually really liked was the portrayal of trauma, war-related PTSD and the long lasting effects on all.

Revenge porn with little plot

It is supposed to be a retelling of the Greek king Midas whose touch turned everything to gold. I liked the premise but was aware that this book was supposed to contain smut.
I understand that quite a large following in the book community likes spicy books. Personally, I don't care for them but wouldn't want to miss out on a good book simply because of smut. Oh boy, but this was not the one.
The book starts off without much exposition as to characters, places, setting, legends etc. Not necessarily bad. Anything is first mentioned directly as a major element without previous hints to it. Instead, after their first naming, we have sort of a hindsight story. Maybe this was a conscious choice and thus stylistic device, I don't know but I was certainly taken out of the little story that did evolve in those moments.
The thing is, that this happens maybe a total of three times - because nothing happens in this book! (I'm not kidding, actual plot only starts at about 80%)
Most of the plot is just sex scenes, including straight up sexual assault and rape so heed the trigger warning in the beginning (without page numbers, then again most of it is a giant swinger rape party or thinking of them).
At times, the story tries to paint sex work as a feministic thing and fails miserably to actually get this message across. Any character relation (also between female characters) at which is hinted feels unhealthy or stereotypical with no character development.

I'm not quite sure if I even want to continue reading the next books. What little plot did happen, has potential for a modernised Midas retelling. I could get behind the idea that the book wanted to paint. Just not sure if I can stomach through another book of the same style.

I usually have my troubles with second instalments of a series. Not in this case. It was just as great as the first.
When the first book ends, it feels pretty done and over, with only one story arc keeping the door open. In this second book we get to see all the hard work of what happens after a rebellion was successful and the tyrant is dethroned. I really liked the political aspects and the show of how determined the people strive for change. This part is usually just left off but in this case the central element of the story: how to go on and change for the better? We have plenty of different PoVs and attempts on such change, all valid in their own right. At times, it turned quite philosophical.
Lin and Jovis have interesting and believable developments, their doubts and dreams feel true. Their POVs were interestingly enough also the only 2 where we experience the story through a 1. person narrator, all the others feel a little more detached in their 3. person narration. Deliberately so, I'd say. In general, the style reads very smoothly.
One last thing I just have to get off my chest: why on earth is Lin an emperor and not an empress?! It has to be deliberate as well but I cannot yet see why.

What a whimsical story. Very different and somewhat light (although there is plenty of love, friendship and sorrow). It felt atmospherical and completes nicely as a stand-alone.
Plotwise I had a theory in the beginning but the story seemed to not develop along those lines - only to then come back around and boom, my theory was right after all. IMO this “plot twist” was well executed.
I'm really starting to love Asian folklore retelling or settings. I'd say it makes for a cosy and fast read (never mind my reading took forever but that was thanks to life not because of the book or a reading slump).
To me the snake-like dragons will forever look like Fuchur of the Never-Ending Story. Just in different colours.

Somehow nothing entirely new and yet absolutely captivating

When I read in the synopsis that it's about jinns I imagined more of an Arabian or Persian setting with deserts and heat and a bit more distinct elements. While this wasn't really the case (I think, jinn are the new fae in this book) it is immensely entertaining.
The MCs display lots of depth, their interactions and also interactions with minor characters seemed relatable and the overall story progressed well-paced. The side kicks were just as interesting (hope to find out more about them!) and the magic system was introduced nicely.
Having read some of the books in the Shatter Me series by the same author, I was somewhat torn on what to expect by the writing style. It's not as distinct as in Shatter Me. I didn't need time to get used to the writing, instead I found the writing incredibly smooth and weirdly soothing? And now the highlight of this book which gives it a half star plus: my copy from the the library came with plenty of annotations! While I personally don't annotate, you do you - with your own copy. However, the comments were so entertaining and spot on, I am hoping that the same person borrowed the second instalment and graces me with the same awesome annotations! Whoever you are: thanks for the additional fun

I love a retelling of Arthurian legends and updating to modern days or making the middle aged times more interesting. This book did not miss on making things interesting. A whole new kind of magic system (or at least knew to me as someone who unfortunately does not know much about African or afroamerican folklore) and the always current discussion about race, sex and class connected to your place in the world.
Without spoiling the end, but I absolutely did not see the ending coming, I thought it quite a brilliant plot twist - and cliffhanger for the sequel.

Finding your strength, betrayal, family (blood and found), desaster, forgiveness; it's got it all. One drama followed after the other, with lots of heartbreak and personal trauma. Most importantly, overcoming said trauma.
The twist that landed us where the final instalment picks up might have been a surprise but most of the following plot lines were tried successes. Was it at times somewhat... predictable? Yeah, probably. Was I still immensely entertained and soaked it right up? You bet.
Overall, there are plenty of typical tropes and turns and while I could see them miles away (without my glasses), I really really enjoyed reading the story coming to an end. If you've already started, it's worth completing the series.

Surprisingly good. We follow an independent yet insecure young woman and a newly chosen king with a less than clean record. There was sufficient world building to get the overall picture and I assume it will delve into more depths in the next instalment. Obviously there is a romance sub-plot developing but there was actually no real romance scene (refreshing!). Instead we also have friendship and a growing support between powerful women. There was a POV storyline that I simply cannot place but it is set up to be of importance. Will continue to read.

Unique magic system and fantastic characters
I've meant to read this book for a while now and am so glad I finally picked it up, I immediately wanted to read the second part.
The world building is done nicely, as the MC learn more, so do we but not in a scholarly or boring way. And as the story continues, we see the characters grow and learn - and find out more about the mysteries. My favourite part was the magic system: everyone gives up a piece of bone shard and the connected life delivers energy for whatever monstrosity the emperor designed, so we have magic, suffering and obviously a rebellion. There is also some sort of “familiar”/ spirit animal that has to be further developed in the next book, pretty please?
The plot had me guessing all the time (in a good way) and new elements kept changing my theories. I was definitely surprised by the ending as it felt a little too closed but then another POV opened the door to the next book wide open.
In this case, I read the German translation and it was a smooth read without linguistic hitches (thumbs up to the translator), I'd guess the English original is also a smooth and easily understood style.

Entertaining as audiobook for a long car ride. But not revolutionary.

I started my reading year 2024 with a little gem that I did not expect. The story features a neat magical and political system (intervowen) and you have your usual beloved suppressed people rebelling against their suppressors - who happen to literally be their next younger sibling; a chosen special heroine and relationship complications of both romantic and other nature.
What I really liked about this book was the character development of Navien from a loyal obedient and unquestioning puppet to find herself.
There is also a very important emphasis in several scenes about consent (not being talked into something and freely deciding by yourself whom to show what or to do what with).
Nice little plot twists I thought I saw coming but still had a twist to the twist polish it off.

Captivating fantasy of good an evil and all the grey in between

While the first instalment was a pretty good story with some new and unknown elements, the second instalment is fantastic. It deals with heavy topics in a captivating world, to the backdrop of sacrifice, love and responsibility.
Characters had huge developments, not always a positive growth but learning and reflecting and getting to know themselves and the world. I especially loved how the MMC is no chisel-jaw, muscular and tall, brooding, confident jackass. Instead, he carries a heavy burden of trauma expressed in panic attacks, self-harm, doubt and even suicidal tendencies (beware of the trigger warnings). It makes him so much more human IMO, to follow him in good and bad decisions, understanding his motifs and cheering any bit of healing.
The writing style was easy to read and painted colourful mental images. Coming back to the MMC, I think that the writing and style devices did justice to his internal turmoil and to make the readers understand more of him.
Setting backdrop was African mythology inspired and thus fascinated me. We finally get to see more of deserts and rainforests after the first part in the city. Admittedly, the story has no inherently new concept: powers of the magic system and deities, a fight between cultures with one oppressing and looking down on the other, star-crossed lovers, betrayal. However it was well executed and tied up nicely. I personally think that the ending makes sense in the open way it is written but I can see how others might be a little disappointed.

Depressing depiction of war for the sake of war

This is not a book to read when you want cozy happiness. It's brutal, it's depressing, it hits you with everything thinkable.
Our heroes are actually sad excuses for heroism, they are traumatised, have unhealthy coping mechanisms (violence, self-harm, addiction) and cannot seem to get a lucky break. While in a lot of other stories, the heroes (or at least most of them) manage to turn the tide with some clever master plan when faced with unwinnable situations, they... do not. While all this might seem like I think it's a bad book, that's not quite true: it is very raw, frankly disturbing and yet so powerful and important for all the ugly aspects of war.

Ziemlich gutes “was wäre wenn”. Ob eine solche Entwicklung der Technik nun stattgefunden hätte oder nicht, das Buch regt zum Nachdenken an: Was hätte anders sein können? Wie hätte ich selbst reagiert? (Schlieslich wirkt die NSA-Welt unserer viel ähnlicher als die Erzählungen unserer Großeltern) Wie sieht es heute aus?
Beim Lesen wurden die Schrecken der NS-Herrschaft nach und nach deutlich, auch wenn dies uns rückblickend natürlich schon bekannt ist. Doch die Handlung bleibt packend, das Ende im ersten Moment überraschend, rückblickend allerdings ein logischer Folgeschritt.

So close to giving 5 stars - but where were the dragons?! The cover promises dragons and the book doesn't really deliver dragons.
That being said, I immensely enjoyed the story.
Most of the main protagonists are badass women with strong minds and still an openness to change and different thoughts (even if it takes a while to get there). It also doesn't happen that often in fantasy that there are middle-aged protagonists.
If read here and there that pacing was an issue for some; it wasn't for me but I only got around to read a few chapters at a time so I was always looking forward to get back into the story.
Having read the books in plot chronological order, it was nice referencing back to the history that I had read before, like Easter eggs. I can understand why this was first and then some mentioned historical figures got their own and fully fleshed-out story.
But again, where were the dragons? (#0 has way more dragon center-stage so I like that one better!)

Solide Fantasy Story. Die Welt, die die Autorin geschaffen hat, finde ich ganz interessant. Es handelt sich dabei zwar um die bekannten Elemente Elfen- bzw. Faeland, in dem Magie und Exzesse herrschen, während bei den Menschen Magie gefragt und verurteilt wird. Getrennt sind diese beiden Völker von einer Mauer und niemand darf diese übertreten. Der interessanteste Aspekt hieran war für mich die art der Magie - die Elemente - und dass es sich um 2 verschiedene Fae Völker mit unterschiedlichen Kulturen handelt.
Das Setting ist also nicht komplett neuartig und auch die Handlung selbst war vorhersehbar. Dafür waren die Figuren akzeptabel. Dabei haben mir insbesondere die 2 weiblichen Charaktere gefallen, die sich nichts von den Männern sagen lassen und ihren eigenen Kopf durchsetzen. Gerade der Charakter Ceylan will für das kämpfen, was sie für richtig hält und was ihr wichtig ist.

Important topics in a gripping story with real and relatable characters

I so much loved the character development our FMC had in the first book and it continues in this one as well. Friendship, loyalty and fearlessness are the basis for the main theme of realising what's just, what are lies and we want to stand for. I think the message is incredibly important looking at the current state of our world. The packaging of said message reads easy and is super entertaining, most times I had to force myself to put the book down. Admittedly, some parts of the story were hard to read but not language-wise but plot-wise. Looking very much forward to read the next book and where the plot leads us!

Wow - aber nicht im positiven Sinne.
Tl;dr eigentlich interessante Geschichte mit X-Men Feeling kann sich durch schauerliche Charaktere nicht entwickeln.
Den ersten Teil fand ich noch einigermaßen spannend, mich reizte daran insbesondere der Aspekt, dass eine Gentherapie bei einigen Menschen dazu führt, ein Element kontrollieren zu können. Interessant war auch, dass die Protagonistin nicht nur unwillig, sondern auch extrem schüchtern war. An sich finde ich es eine nette Idee, dass die Hauptperson nicht schlagfertig ist und sogar Panikattacken hat.
Damit hat die Autorin es im 2. Teil allerdings übertrieben. Deutlich sogar.
Malia scheint nichts alleine auf die Reihe zu bekommen und muss immer gerettet werden. Von Chris, der ein weiterer Faktor ist, warum ich die Story nicht mag. Eine gute Liebesgeschichte könnte über das Gerettet-werden-müssen vielleicht noch hinwegtäuschen, aber die Beziehung zwischen den beiden ist nicht gut, sondern schädlich. Chris ist kein Bad Boy mehr, sondern ein ausgewachsenes A*. Er belügt und verletzt Malia dauerhaft, von seinen fast schon größenwahnsinnigen Plänen (über Leichen natürlich) mal ganz abgesehen. Die eigentlich interessanten Aspekte zu Gentherapie, Elementkontrolle und den damit verbundenen ethisch-moralischen sowie politischen Fragen rücken absolut in den Hintergrund der toxischen “Liebes”geschichte.
Andere Rezensionen finden den Schreibstils der Autorin gut, hier bin ich unentschlossen. Vivien Summer schreibt jugendlich, locker-flockig und durchaus ansprechend, wenn man dies mag. Aber einige formulieren ließen mich stolpern, weil sie wie etwas schiefe Übersetzungen aus dem US-Englisch klingen - was bei einer niedersächsischen Autorin unwahrscheinlich ist...

Every now and then, it happens. A movie is as good - or even better - than the book. Of course, we must thank Tolkien that he gave us the story about an unlikely fellowship that Jackson could turn into the awesome movies. Having said that, when you like to find out more about the history and the background of the extensive Middle Earth Universe, then reading the book is great. With its detailed description, it gave a lot of input to Jackson but also makes reading quite tiresome. So when you like exposition paragraphs, this is for you.

What a long way we've come. The characters have quite a development, in one case I wished it was different as that would make the development even better. We learn more about the history of the magicians, the villainous group and their motifs and some past of the protagonists. It reads smoothly.

Living rent free in my mind and can't wait to read the next book

We start off normal and traditional enough, with our FMC living a secluded and quiet life but probably harnessing immense powers that she doesn't know about and a legacy she has to live up to.
When she is finally pushed into the “real” hard world, in her case university for apothecary, she is faced with people's expectations and assumptions about her and her legacy. The university is a place for all sorts of people, races and cultures that obviously doesn't go without clashing. The FMC's culture feels very superior towards other races deemed not even human and acts accordingly, with a history of feeling oppressed and now on the way to their rightful place in the world. While world politics then turn the lives of other races upside down, the FMC feels the brunt of her legacy in something I cannot call any different than bullying. But through it all, she learns. About other cultures and customs, about history and perspectives, about individual vs group identities.
I loved reading about her growth and opening her mind to other perspectives. The background story feels very much like something we as society have experienced in the past and are currently repeating. It's a story about otherness and learning new foreign things, it's a story about friendship and growth, of leaving stereotypes and fear of otherness. It is a story about small acts of kindness and great acts of revolution - or the other way around.

Very current topic with frightening implications

When I started with this book, I had my doubts. Kling has for me been associated with light-hearted comedy, absurdity and tongue-in-cheek criticism of society. Now, a thriller by the same author? Could be a hard fail. But it wasn't
The topic is one of the most current and heated debates currently in Germany, concerning immigration, immigrant criminality and the right growing ever stronger. Again.
The crime in question, a gang rape of a (white) teen by multiple (black) immigrants, is heinous and the reaction of society is frightening real and likely. A later discovery of the investigation team makes it even more frightening.
Throughout the book there are heartfelt moments between the investigators, specifically between the main investigator and her daughter. Every now and then, there is even a moment for a grin.
Overall, I feel like this book will live rent free in my mind for a while. And gives me plenty to fear for where society is headed.