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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Burial Society in Books

Jan 10, 2018  
The Burial Society
The Burial Society
Nina Sadowsky | 2018 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
8
5.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Surprising (2 more)
Fast read
Original plot
Enjoyable, twisty novel
In Paris with her father and brother, eighteen-year-old Natalie Burrows returns back to their hotel room and finds her father dead. His death triggers an open wound in Natalie, reminding her of when her mother, Mallory, went missing three years earlier and was never found. A man who was her mother's supposed lover claimed responsibility for her disappearance and death. Natalie and her older brother Jake are both still reeling from that incident, as is Brian's brother, Frank, who must come to Paris to help his niece and nephew after his brother's death--much like he did following Mallory's disappearance. Meanwhile, also in Paris is a woman named Catherine who goes by many aliases; she has a vested interest in the Burrows family and is watching them from afar. When Brian is killed, the fate all these characters intertwines in ways no one could quite possibly imagine.

This was a really interesting novel that took me by surprise. It's told in very short bursts of chapters, each one from a different point of view--Catherine, Natalie, Jake, Frank, and so on. Most of the narrative is in the present, but we occasionally go back in time. The format takes a little getting used to but it's also incredibly effective in building up suspense and keeping you guessing, wondering, and frustrated (in a good way) as to what is happening.

The novel gets off to an interesting start and just keeps on rolling. I was completely bewildered from the beginning and fascinated, wondering how all the characters related to each other. The book was perplexing and if I hadn't read it while I was moving, I probably would have whipped through it in a day or two--it has all the makings of a very fast read.

I do want to note that there is a self-harm trigger in the book, so please take note if that's something that affects you.

The characters in the novel are all varied. I was probably drawn more to Catherine and Jake, but each is fascinating in their own right. You are always a little wary of each, contemplating how much we truly know them and can trust them. The book gives us a couple of good "oh wow" moments, which I certainly appreciated. I eventually mostly worked things out near the end, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the novel. Through it all, we're always puzzling things out, wondering what happened to Mallory and how things will play out.

Overall, this is a different sort of book, and I enjoyed the original plot. It's a bit odd at times and sometimes confusing, but it certainly kept me reading. An enjoyable, twisty read. 4 stars.
  
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Merissa (13600 KP) rated Farewell to Paris (Legend of the White Snake #2) in Books

Aug 13, 2017  
Farewell to Paris (Legend of the White Snake #2)
Farewell to Paris (Legend of the White Snake #2)
Martin Chu Shui | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Farewell to Paris (Legend of the White Snake #2) by Martin Chu Shui
This is the story of Caitlin and Charlie's son, as he grows up and becomes a man. You stay with him as he trains with Alice, as he meets and trains with the Grandmaster and how his whole life has revolved around him saving his mum from the ICSC. As this is Sean/Shilin's story, there is not a lot going on with Alice or Charlie and definitely not with Caitlin but even so, this book follows seamlessly. It is full of action with many a twist and turn to keep you attentive. There is romance with a question but it doesn't overpower the story.

I was looking forward to reading this book and haven't been disappointed.

* Verified Purchase ~ February 2013
Reviewed on Goodreads ~ February 2013 *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!