The Bear and the Nightingale
9.4
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"Frost-demons have no interest in mortal girls wed to mortal men. In the stories, they only come for...
fairy tales russia myths
The Book of Speculation
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Simon Watson lives alone on the Long Island Sound. His parents are long dead, his mother having...
Bryant & May - London's Glory: (Short Stories)
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In every detective's life there are cases that can't be discussed, and throughout the Bryant & May...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated King of Hearts (Hearts, #3) in Books
Jan 8, 2021
My first completed read of 2016! And it was pretty amazing!
This pulled at my heart-strings in a big way. I loved the beginning bit where she was lying to him about her relationship preferences and then the modelling bit and then the falling deeper bit. The dad thing threw me a little just before it fast-forwarded 6 years to the time we see in "Hearts of Fire" at the circus. And then it tugged at my heart-strings even more and I just wanted to cry like a baby.
It was lovely to read Oliver King's story. How he started out so different to how we read him in Hearts of Fire, how he was a powerful man in London, how he fell in love with this Alexis we hear so much about... Thinking back, I think I'd like to cry for him.
This a brilliant addition to an already pretty amazing series. I can't wait to read more of them!
Bumba in Afrika
Games and Education
App
Bumba in Africa succeeds the successful first Bumba-app! Bumba and his friend Zinzi invite...
Elefant
7.0
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The international bestseller about friendship, second chances, and a tiny glow-in-the-dark pink...
German translation
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) created a post
Oct 1, 2022
The setting is so vividly described from the colours, to the buildings, and the people populating the game that you are instantly transported into the game yourself. Legend's Island comes alive in your mind from the moment Scarlett passes through its gates until the final words of the epilogue. Caraval draws you in and doesn't let go.
We are introduced to two sisters, Scarlett and Donatella who have always dreamt of seeing Caraval but they never thought it would truly happen. Stuck on their island with an overbearing father and no desire to cross him, they could only wish. Imagine their surprise when, finally, they receive a response and are invited to partake in the greatest game of mystery, illusions and intrigue - Caraval.
We are faced with the same questions that Scarlett is, who is Legend, where is Tella and will she be able to complete the game? The stakes of this year's game are greater than the past, this year players must find Tella. As many race to discover the clues and don't always behave in the most respectable manner - Scarlett must win without succumbing to the debauchery of the game or else she may never see her sister again.
The author keeps you guessing about each character's motivation and desires, as Caraval sweeps you away. This book has frequently been compared to the Night Circus and while it has similarities, they are very different stories. Caraval is its own unique take on a story that's magical, mysterious and expansive. It is also more fast-paced than the Night Circus. While I believe that readers who enjoy the Night Circus will also enjoy this novel, don't expect it to be the same.
My favourite aspect of this book was the world building, as I mentioned previously. I am so impressed by the detail and love poured into this story, which is made even more impressive because this is a debut novel. The author's writing sounds more like a seasoned writer than a debut novel and it's fantastic.
The characters were well developed and diverse, adding to the atmosphere of the story. Scarlett is determined and likable, even if she occasionally makes poor decisions. You feel for her character and root for her success. Julian is enticing, but you never really know where he stands and what his motivations are so it makes it difficult to trust him. Even so, I still loved his character. Tella is less likable, in my opinion than Scarlett so I had trouble connecting to her throughout the story.
Make sure you give yourself time to read because once you pick it up, you're not going to put it down. Highly recommended to young adult/teen readers who enjoy magic, fantasy, mysteries, and truly well written and expansive world building.