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Phantom Detective (2016)
Movie
HONG Gildong is an infallible private detective with an exceptional memory and quirky personality....
LucyB (47 KP) rated Red Sister in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Novel idea, plus a fabulous main character
Killer nuns, hidden powers and secrets aplenty - a fascinating read.
If ever there was a book which I'm not quite sure what to make of, it's this one. I saw all the rave reviews on Goodreads for it, and whilst I think they are well-deserved (the guy can write!), I'm not sure I actually loved this book as much as everyone else. Enjoyed? Yes. Respected? Hugely. But something didn't quite resonate with me on a personal level.
However, as far as storylines go, this book's got it going on. Nona, a tiny, angry-looking girl, finds herself rescued from a hanging and taken to a nunnery, where she learns the fine arts of how to be a bad-ass. So far, so perfect. Indeed, Nona is very much the strength of this story. Fierce, reserved, downright ruthless at times - she's a compelling protagonist, and one you cannot help wanting to know more about. The supporting cast are likewise strong - the untrustworthy Clera, the faithful Hessa, rich-girl Ara - they were all beautifully realised.
There were moments in the book were I was hooked. I needed to know what was going to happen (love that feeling!) and raced through the pages, hungry to find out more. But then, there were sections where I felt my interest wane, though wasn't quite sure why. It ebbed and flowed for me, and that was why I personally found it a little difficult to totally commit to. It's also why it took me a little longer to read.
But, make no mistake - I'm glad I persevered. I like the prevalence of strong female characters (hurrah - note to other authors - more of this, please!), and the world-building was superb. I'll be looking forward to the next one.
If ever there was a book which I'm not quite sure what to make of, it's this one. I saw all the rave reviews on Goodreads for it, and whilst I think they are well-deserved (the guy can write!), I'm not sure I actually loved this book as much as everyone else. Enjoyed? Yes. Respected? Hugely. But something didn't quite resonate with me on a personal level.
However, as far as storylines go, this book's got it going on. Nona, a tiny, angry-looking girl, finds herself rescued from a hanging and taken to a nunnery, where she learns the fine arts of how to be a bad-ass. So far, so perfect. Indeed, Nona is very much the strength of this story. Fierce, reserved, downright ruthless at times - she's a compelling protagonist, and one you cannot help wanting to know more about. The supporting cast are likewise strong - the untrustworthy Clera, the faithful Hessa, rich-girl Ara - they were all beautifully realised.
There were moments in the book were I was hooked. I needed to know what was going to happen (love that feeling!) and raced through the pages, hungry to find out more. But then, there were sections where I felt my interest wane, though wasn't quite sure why. It ebbed and flowed for me, and that was why I personally found it a little difficult to totally commit to. It's also why it took me a little longer to read.
But, make no mistake - I'm glad I persevered. I like the prevalence of strong female characters (hurrah - note to other authors - more of this, please!), and the world-building was superb. I'll be looking forward to the next one.