12/01/2023

A Venom Dark And Sweet-Was Uns Zusammenhält by Judy I. Lin

The cover is a dream. Well, pink is still not my color, but it works great here. And after reading part one, I naturally wanted to know how the story ends. I liked the mystical aspect, even if I often had the impression that I was looking at anime characters.

A Venom Dark And Sweet-Was Uns Zusammenhält*

by Judy I. Lin
The Book Of Tea #2
Translation Michaela Kolodziejcok
Original Title A Venom Dark And Sweet
Publisher Fischer Sauerländer on August 30, 2023
Genre Fantasy
Pages 432
Format Hardcover
Source Fischer Sauerländer
Goodreads
✶✶✶✶

The young tea magician Ning is on the run. Something evil has descended on the Kingdom of Dax, and the Exiled Prince has usurped the Dragon Throne. Together with the rightful princess of the empire, Ning is now looking for the brave and desperate to join them in order to reclaim the throne. But something else, much older than people's petty conflicts, has awakened and haunts Ning in her dreams... (personal translation by ©Vi at Inkvotary)

Story

Ning is on the run and wants to help the rightful heir to the throne. To do this, she has to find some items and bring them back to the palace. Not easy when an entire army is chasing you and an ancient force that doesn't mean anything good is spreading through you.

Style

The author has also written this second and final part of The Book of Tea Dilogy in a powerful and opulent manner. Judy I. Lin guides the reader through a wonderful landscape and scenes that are simply beautiful at a quick reading pace. What I particularly enjoyed was the fact that the plot followed seamlessly from the end of the first book and I was quickly back in the action.

Characters

A wide variety of characters are played off against each other here. The author shows fascinating characteristics of the individual characters. Not all successful, but certainly profound.

Ning has to prove her innocence. But she can only do this if she can get certain items and then use them in the palace. The way she does it is nice to watch, even though she always remained a bit strange to me and I did not really get access to her.

Conclusion

An opulent, visually stunning novel that I found almost better than its predecessor. The author takes the reader into a foreign realm and shows a fascinating culture that is delightful to look at and yet somehow remains strange and distant. Just read it for yourself and form your own opinion.

Happy reading

*Fischer Sauerländer kindly provided me this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you. 

Deutsche Rezension

Stil

Sprachgewaltig und sehr opulent hat die Autorin auch diesen zweiten und letzten Teil der The Book of Tea Dilogie verfasst. Dabei führt Judy I. Lin den Leser im zügigen Lesetempo durch eine herrliche Landschaft und Szenen, die einfach nur wunderschön sind. Was mich besonders erfreute, war die Tatsache, dass die Handlung nahtlos an das Ende vom ersten Buch anknüpfte und ich so wieder schnell im Geschehen war.

Charaktere

Die unterschiedlichsten Figuren werden hier gegeneinander ausgespielt. Dabei zeigt die Autorin faszinierende Eigenschaften der einzelnen Charaktere. Nicht alle gelungen, aber durchaus tiefgründig.

Ning muss ihre Unschuld beweisen. Das kann sie aber nur, wenn sie bestimmte Gegenstände an sich bringen und diese dann im Palast einsetzen kann. Die Art, wie sie das macht, ist schön zu beobachten, auch wenn sie mir immer etwas fremd blieb und ich keinen richtigen Zugang zu ihr bekam.

Resultat

Ein opulenter, bildgewaltiger Roman, den ich fast besser fand als den Vorgänger. Die Autorin entführt den Leser in ein fremdes Reich und zeigt eine faszinierende Kultur, die reizvoll anzuschauen ist und doch irgendwie fremd und distanziert bleibt. Einfach selbst lesen und eigenes Urteil bilden.

Judy I. Lin

Judy I. Lin, New York Times bestselling author of the Book Of Tea duology, was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Canada with her family as a young girl, where she still lives with her husband and daughters. As a child, whenever she could, she stuck her nose in a book and escaped into their imaginary worlds. Today she works as an occupational therapist by day and creates her own fantasy worlds at night.

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11/30/2023

Gameshow-Das Versprechen Von Glück by Franzi Kopka

The final volume was a bit better than expected. The cover is in the style of part one. But this novel didn't really blow me away either. I'm torn, to say it frankly. But one thing is certain. I was happy about the happy ending. Despite all the suffering, the many deaths, and the pathological hunger for more, this brought light to the story.

Gameshow-Das Versprechen Von Glück*

by Franzi Kopka
Gameshow #2
Publisher Fischer Sauerländer on October 11, 2023
Genre Fantasy
Pages 428
Format Hardcover
Source Fischer Sauerländer
Goodreads
✶✶✶✶½

Nobody can win this game.

Cass learned the truth about the game show and decides to fight on the side of the Resistance. But the plan to overthrow the perfidious system of game masters is more than risky. In addition to the constant danger of being discovered, Cass realizes that fatal games are also being played outside the arenas. And soon she has to ask herself whether she trusts the right people. (personal translation by ©Vi at Inkvotary)

Story

Cass is horrified. At the end of the big party, the winners face not freedom, but death. Nothing is as it seems and yet she has to believe in the good. That the White Zone exists. And that Jax and the others will make it.

Style

The story goes through the story at a quick reading pace. The author describes her scenes in a clear, simple way and the dialogue is quick-witted. The plot is sometimes really brutal. And since Cass is now officially dead, she mostly stays with Flannery in the bunker. The author shows her everyday life there in a lively and varied way. And the end, when the plan is put into action, was quite interesting.

Characters

Everyone's fight against the Gamemasters is in full swing and the author shows how Cass, Jax, and Val, and their friends fight back against the most powerful of them all. Long-held secrets are revealed, and Cass wonders once again why Flannery keeps asking about her health. For a long time, it was not clear to her that she played a central role in his plan and that he had to protect a dangerous past.

Conclusion

Much more gripping and varied than the first part. Anyone who likes the novels by Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth or Kendare Blake will also find themselves well entertained here. With her final tape of the Gameshow, Franzi Kopka delivered a fantastic conclusion with a happy ending factor. Wonderful head cinema included.

Happy reading

*Fischer Sauerländer kindly provided me this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you. This book was, at the time this review was published, only available in the German language.

Deutsche Rezension

Stil

Im zügigen Lesetempo geht es durch die Handlung. Die Autorin beschreibt auf klare, einfache Weise ihre Szenen und die Dialoge sind schlagfertig. Der Plot ist teilweise richtig brutal. Und da Cass nun offiziell als tot gilt, hält sie sich hauptsächlich bei Flannery im Bunker auf. Die Autorin zeigt ihren Alltag dort auf lebendige und abwechslungsreiche Weise. Und das Ende, als der Plan in die Tat umgesetzt wird, war schon interessant.

Charaktere

Der Kampf aller gegen die Gamemaster ist in vollem Gange und die Autorin zeigt, wie Cass, Jax und Val mit ihren Freunden gegen den mächtigsten von allen zur Wehr setzen. Dabei werden lange gewahrte Geheimnisse aufgedeckt und Cass fragt sich einmal mehr, warum Flannery sich ständig nach ihrem Befinden erkundigt. Dass sie eine zentrale Rolle in seinem Plan spielt und er eine gefährliche Vergangenheit schützen muss, ist ihr lange Zeit nicht klar.

Resultat

Viel packender und abwechslungsreicher als der erste Teil. Wer die Romane von Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth oder Kendare Blake mag, der wird sich hier ebenfalls gut unterhalten fühlen. Franzi Kopka hat mit ihrem finalen Band der Gameshow einen grandiosen Abschluss mit Happy End Faktor geliefert. Herrliches Kopfkino inklusive.

Franzi Kopka

Franzi Kopka was born in 1990 as the daughter of a bookseller. Thanks to the numerous novels in the house, she grew up wondering »what if« and started making up stories for her three younger siblings at an early age. She finds most of her inspiration when she travels, especially in London, which is her true love, and which is the setting of her debut »Gameshow – The Price of Greed«.

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10/26/2023

Die Geschichtenwandler-Steinerne Drachen by Kristen Perrin

It was the plot, that made me want this book. Dragons are always a good idea for a story. So why not here, too? Well, it reminded me a lot of the famous gargoyles and there wasn't much left to bring them to life, but in the end, Enna's best friend Delia manages to do something new with it. The story about the dragons at the end of the book sounded rather tense and action-filled than the rest of the novel. Good, it's a bit too brutal, for my taste, but apparently, today’s kids want that.

Die Geschichtenwandler-Steinerne Drachen*

by Kristen Perrin
Die Geschichtenwandler Trilogy #2
Translation Fabienne Pfeiffer
Illustration Helge Vogt
Publisher Fischer Sauerländer on September 27, 2023
Genre Children 11+
Pages 370
Format Hardcover
Source Fischer Sauerländer
Goodreads
✶✶✶✶

Whoever awakens a dragon awakens the power of stories.

Enna has inherited the magic of green ink - and as the youngest member of the secret society of story shifters, she has already saved London from destruction once. Then she suddenly encounters a whole new kind of magic. At the market she watches a dragon rise from the steam of a pan - and is lured by a strange boy. And this isn't the only dragon to come to life. What is this mysterious dragon magic all about? Can Enna win the battle with the dragons? And can the story shifters help with their magic? (personal translation by ©Vi at Inkvotary)

Story

Enna sees dragons in London. But how is that possible? And when Enna discovers that Delia is now having magic of her own, she discovers that jealousy isn´t a nice feeling. And why is her grandmother always on a trip when she needs her? Enna is looking for answers. But will she find them, and if yes, will it be in time to save Londen.

Style

This time the writing style is simple and clear, and I like it. The book tells the story of dragons. Basically, how we imagine dragons to be. Only here, in London, do petrified dragons suddenly come to life. Enna has lost her magic, and the story-changer society has also become a very tired society. And yet there is a lot of humor, irony, and repartee between the lines. The story itself reads well this time and is well done. Well, in places I would have liked a little more oomph and less filler between the pages, but people can't have everything. And again, the book is printed in green. Both the map and the novel itself. Sometimes a bit tiring to read.

Characters

Enna has changed. Since she lost her magic and accidentally discovered a dragon in a market, she has to learn that this time it's not her who has the magic, but her friend Delia. And she shows her often enough that it is not Enna who is in control and therefore has the reins in her hand, but she. If Enna doesn't really fit, Delia holds a clear mirror in front of her face. And it's not pretty.

Conclusion

This story is much more rounded and exciting compared to Volume 1. Still very dark and at times very brutal. Nice, the action-packed pages make the story very entertaining, but the tone is rather monotonous and dull. And the events towards the end of the novel are quite brutal. But as always, just read it for yourself and form your own opinion.

Happy reading

*This book was kindly provided to me by Fischer Sauerländer in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you.

Deutsche Rezension

Stil

Der Schreibstil ist diesmal einfach und klar und gefällt mir. Das Buch erzählt die Geschichte von Drachen. Im Grunde so, wie wir uns Drachen vorstellen. Nur hier, in London, erwachen versteinerte Drachen urplötzlich zum Leben. Enna hat ihre Magie verloren und auch sonst ist die Geschichtenwandler Gesellschaft eine reichlich müde Society geworden. Und dennoch gibt es jede Menge Humor, Ironie und Schlagfertigkeit zwischen den Zeilen. Auch die Story selbst liest sich diesmal rund und gelungen. Gut, stellenweise hätte ich mir etwas mehr Schwung und weniger Füllmaterial zwischen den Seiten gewünscht, aber der Mensch kann nicht alles haben. Und erneut ist das Buch in Grün gedruckt. Sowohl die Karte als auch der Roman selbst. Manchmal etwas anstrengend beim Lesen.

Charaktere

Enna hat sich verändert. Seit sie ihre Magie verloren hat und per Zufall einen Drachen auf einem Markt entdeckt, muss sie lernen, dass diesmal nicht sie das Mädchen mit der Magie ist, sondern ihre Freundin Delia. Und die zeigt ihr oft genug, dass es jetzt nicht Enna ist, die die Kontrolle und somit die Zügel in der Hand hat, sondern sie. Passt Enna nicht wirklich, hält ihr Delia doch einen deutlichen Spiegel vor das Gesicht. Und der ist nicht schön.

Resultat

Diese Geschichte ist wesentlich runder und spannender im Vergleich zu Band 1. Trotzdem sehr dunkel und stellenweise auch sehr brutal. Schön, die actionreichen Seiten machen die Geschichte sehr unterhaltsam, aber der Tonfall ist eher monoton und trübe. Und die Ereignisse gegen Ende des Romans sind doch reichlich brutal. Aber wie immer gilt, einfach selbst lesen und eigenes Urteil bilden.

Kristen Perrin

Kristen Perrin is originally from Seattle, USA, where she spent several years working as a bookseller before immigrating to the UK to do a Masters and PhD. She is passionate about children's literature while also working on projects for different age groups, from picture books to young adult books - anything that could be funny, magical, or mysterious. She lives with her family in Surrey, southern England, where she enjoys browsing antique shops, stamping in the mud with her two children, and collecting too many plants.

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7/19/2023

Waiting On Wednesday #207 – The Isles Of The Gods by Amie Kaufman

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy. There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t. I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

I love reading Amie Kaufman's books. She has a wonderful fantasy style and always knows how to create a new world that captures her readers' eyes and own fantasy. And when I read that a figure has saltwater running through her veins, I was like oh? How comes? Guess, the only way to find out about the why is by reading this novel.

The Isles Of The Gods

Author Amie Kaufman
Publishing Date October 25, 2023
Publisher Fischer Sauerländer
Format Hardcover
Goodreads

When Selly's father leaves her high and dry in the port of Kirkpool, she has no intention of riding out the winter on land while he sails to adventure in the north seas. But any plans to follow him are dashed when a handsome stranger with tell-tale magician's marks on his arm boards her ship, presenting her and the crew with a dangerous mission: to cross the Crescent Sea without detection so he can complete a ritual on the sacred Isles of the Gods. What starts as a leisure cruise will lead to acts of treason and sheer terror on the high seas, bringing two countries to the brink of war, two strangers closer than they ever thought possible and stirring two dangerous gods from centuries of slumber....

The English edition was published on May 2, 2023, by Knopf Books For Young Readers.

And what are you waiting for? Let me know your thoughts about this one or leave me the link to your WoW and I check it out.

Happy reading & waiting on

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7/14/2023

Gameshow-Der Preis Der Gier by Franzi Kopka

I am not sure if it was the cover or the summary, that triggered some other book memories or both. Anyway. Gameshow is new and yet familiar. The leading figure, Cass, is a fantastic figure who doesn´t take anything for granted. Her way to fight back is entertaining, she shows class and dignity where others stumble. I might not be as thrilled as I would like about Gameshow, but I want to read how Destiny plays with Cass in the second book.

Gameshow-Der Preis Der Gier

by Franzi Kopka
Gameshow #1
Publisher Fischer Sauerländer on March 29, 2023
Genre Fantasy
Pages 424
Format Hardcover
Source Fischer Sauerländer
Goodreads
✶✶✶✶

Who are you really playing against?

2126, New London: When seventeen-year-old Cass is cast out into the lowest class of society, she knows there's only one way to escape this hell: she has to make it onto the next game show. Anyone who takes part in the game show can win a ticket to the top - or pay for the chance with their lives. Cass gets unexpected help from Jax, the best gamer in the arena. The two become allies in the big game for their own lives and social advancement. But their deal and their feelings for each other are based on a lie that could bring everything they have fought for together to collapse.

Story

Cass lives a life she can´t really enjoy. Yes, she´s got some money, but she isn´t rich. And her father´s alcohol problems, since her mother left them, aren´t making things easier for her. Instead, she has to learn the bitter way, that he betrayed her. And now, as a declassified person, she wants the very thing she's always loathed. Become a player in the game show.

Style

The writing style is light, easy, and straightforward to read. The quick-witted dialogues and often delicious scenes offer good entertainment value, even if the plot disappoints again and again. There are too many similarities with other novels. Unfortunately, the fast-paced beginning doesn't last long either. The story flattens out very quickly and it takes a good halfway before it gets exciting and fast-paced again. From then on, the author ignites a firework of action, dialogues, and brutal scenes that ends in a cliffhanger.

Characters

Society is greedy. And if you become too greedy, you run the risk of either paying with your life or being outclassed. And it was also clear from the start that there must be a huge catch in the wealth and enormous decadence of the upper class.

Cass falls victim to her own father's greed and deceit. For her, the signal was not only to rethink things but also to do many things differently than her father could ever have done. The fact that she uncovers a deadly truth not only makes her very interesting as a main character, but she also comes across as absolutely profound and convincing.

And Yuna is awesome because of her behavior! Robust, and pragmatic, only reveals as much as she has to. I really like this character.

Conclusion

Those who like novels by Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth, or Kendare Blake will also feel well entertained here. For me personally, the book had not been the expected rush of enthusiasm. Although some chapters really entertained me. Unfortunately, I was missing that certain something to make this novel an absolute reading frenzy. But reading pleasure is not a bad status either.

Happy reading

*This book was kindly provided to me by Fischer Sauerländer in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you.  The novel was, at the time this review was published, only available in the German language.

Deutsche Rezension

Stil

Der Schreibstil ist leicht, einfach und unkompliziert zu lesen. Die schlagfertigen Dialoge und oftmals köstlichen Szenen bieten einen guten Unterhaltungswert, auch wenn der Plot immer wieder enttäuscht. Da gibt es zu viele Ähnlichkeiten mit anderen Romanen. Der temporeiche Anfang hält dann leider auch nicht lange an. Die Geschichte flacht sehr schnell ab und es dauert bis gut zur Hälfte, ehe es wieder spannend und temporeich wird. Ab da zündet die Autorin dann aber ein Feuerwerk an Handlung, Dialogen und brutalen Szenen ab, das in einem Cliffhanger endet.

Charaktere

Die Gesellschaft ist gierig. Und wer zu gierig wird, der läuft große Gefahr, diese entweder mit dem Leben zu bezahlen oder deklassiert zu werden. Und dass es einen gewaltigen Haken am Reichtum und der enormen Dekadenz der Oberschicht geben muss, war von Anfang an auch klar.

Cass fällt der Gier und dem Betrug ihres eigenen Vaters zum Opfer. Für sie das Signal, die Dinge nicht nur zu überdenken, sondern auch vieles anders zu machen, als ihr Vater es je hätte können. Dass sie dabei einer tödlichen Wahrheit auf die Spur kommt, macht sie als Hauptfigur nicht nur sehr interessant, sie wirkt auch absolut tiefgründig und überzeugend.

Und Yuna ist durch ihr Verhalten der Hammer! Kernig, pragmatisch, gibt immer nur so viel preis, wie sie muss. Diese Figur gefällt mir außerordentlich.

Resultat

Wer die Romane von Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth oder Kendare Blake mag, der wird sich hier ebenfalls gut unterhalten fühlen. Für mich persönlich war das Buch nicht der erwartete große Begeisterungsrausch gewesen. Obwohl mich einige Kapitel sehr gut unterhalten haben. Mir hat dann leider das gewisse Etwas gefehlt, um diesen Roman zu einem absoluten Leserausch zu machen. Aber Lesevergnügen ist auch kein schlechter Status.

Franzi Kopka

Franzi Kopka was born in 1990 as the daughter of a bookseller. Thanks to the numerous novels in the house, she grew up wondering »what if« and started making up stories for her three younger siblings at an early age. She finds most of her inspiration when she travels, especially in London, which is her true love, and which is the setting of her debut »Gameshow – The Price of Greed«.

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4/14/2023

A Magic Steeped In Poison-Was Uns Verwundbar Macht by Judy I. Lin

To be honest with you, this novel couldn´t thrill me. Not as much as it did thrill other readers. The lack of a profound storyline was the reason why I couldn´t feel the real excitement. The cover is totally another story. I am usually no pink fan. But it was the fantastic design of the cover, that caught my eye first. The combination of pink, a hint of green, orange, blue, black, and gold – to name only a few of the colors – simply looks gorgeous. I received this book as part of a blogger box. It arrived with a card and a pink box of Kusmi tea.

A Magic Steeped In Poison-Was Uns Verwundbar Macht*

by Judy I. Lin
The Book Of Tea #1
Translation Rusalka Reh
Original Title A Magic Steeped In Poison
Publisher Fischer Sauerländer on February 22, 2023
Genre Fantasy
Pages 478
Format Hardcover
Source Fischer Sauerländer
Goodreads
✶✶✶½

Ning blames herself for her mother's death. Because she prepared the tea that poisoned her mother. And though Ning is only an apprentice in the ancient art of tea magic, she should have seen the dark omens. To make matters worse, her little sister also drank from the tea and is now fighting for her life. To make amends for her mistake, Ning faces the mighty Tea Mages of the realm in a deadly contest: if she wins this battle, the princess will grant her one wish - and it's Ning's only chance to save her sister.

Story

Ning is in desperate need of finding a cure for her younger sister. Because Ning created the tea which killed her mother and is now making her sister fighting for her life. The only chance for her, is to win a contest between her and all the other tea magicians at the palace. But soon, Ning starts to realize that not every word spoken about the imperial family is true. And that the princess isn´t the powerful woman, everyone seems to believe. Or is that also a lie?

Style

On the one hand, author Judy I. Lin has a great way of writing things. The setting of this novel is as colorful and opulent as can be imagined. On the flip side, though, is the fact that the actual plot, most of the time, is about life and the intrigues at the Imperial Palace (which isn't a new idea) and not the main character and the competition she's trying to win. That was a bit sobering for me.

No doubt, Judy I. Lin knows how to fascinate her readers with her colorful writing style and the way how she uses every word. And I really enjoyed some chapters of this opulent novel. But the rest is pale and barely to see. Yes, it is wonderful to read how the imperial gardens look like and to imagine how all the clothes would look if you could see them for real. But on the other hand, I don´t need to read half a page in where the author explains to me in which unbelievable colors a koi shimmers when it is hit by a ray of sunshine in the pond. Or to go through every detail of the ceremony it takes to get dressed for the female figures. For me, it was a bit sad that there have been only a handful of scenes in which tea was a part of the story. But maybe I am too critical now, after I´ve read quite a handful of books with a Asian setting.

Characters

Ning is determined to save her sisters life, the actual tea magician in the family. At least that´s what Ning believes. Her figure is, compared to the rest of the book, a bit pale and very naïve. I liked the way how she discovers through the contest her real power. And that her power comes with a price.

But there's also something about Ning that grabs you right from the start. She has her principles of always believing in the good in people, despite all naivety. Sure, she quickly adapts to the realities of the capital and later the palace, but she also steadfastly refuses to play by the rules of those who use intrigue and hatred to try and manipulate the competition for their own benefit.

Conclusion

A novel that touched me on the one hand, but on the other hand bored me a bit in many areas. Unfortunately, I wasn't really excited about the story. It's a shame to say that, but I can't share the general hype surrounding the book. Even the ending didn't surprise me. Despite all my critical comments, I'm still curious to see how the second part will continue.

Happy reading

*This book was kindly provided to me by Fischer Sauerländer in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you.

Deutsche Rezension

Stil

Auf der einen Seite hat die Autorin Judy I. Lin eine großartige Art die Dinge zu beschreiben. Die Kulisse dieses Romans ist so farbenfroh und opulent, wie man es sich nur vorstellen kann. Auf der anderen Seite aber steht die Tatsache, dass die eigentliche Handlung, die meiste Zeit über das Leben und die Intrigen am Kaiserpalast handelt (was keine neue Idee ist) und nicht die Hauptfigur und den Wettbewerb, den sie zu gewinnen versucht. Das war für mich ein bisschen ernüchternd.

Aber der Rest ist blass und kaum zu sehen. Ja, es ist wunderbar zu lesen, wie die kaiserlichen Gärten aussehen und sich vorzustellen, wie die ganze Kleidung aussehen würde, wenn man sie wirklich sehen könnte. Aber andererseits brauche ich keine halbe Seite zu lesen, auf der mir der Autor erklärt, in welch unglaublichen Farben ein Koi schimmert, wenn er im Teich von einem Sonnenstrahl getroffen wird. Oder, um jedes Detail der Zeremonie durchzugehen, die erforderlich für die weiblichen Figuren ist, um sich anzuziehen. Für mich war es ein bisschen traurig, dass es nur eine Handvoll Szenen gab, in denen Tee Teil der Geschichte war. Aber vielleicht bin ich jetzt auch zu kritisch, nachdem ich schon einige Bücher mit asiatischem Setting gelesen habe.

Charaktere

Ning ist entschlossen, das Leben ihrer Schwester, der eigentlichen Teemagierin in der Familie zu retten. Das glaubt zumindest Ning. Ihre Figur ist im Vergleich zum Rest des Buches etwas blass und sehr naiv. Mir gefiel die Art und Weise, wie sie durch den Wettbewerb ihre wahre Kraft entdeckt. Und dass ihre Macht ihren Preis hat.

Da ist aber auch etwas in Ning, das von Anfang an begeistert. Sie hat ihre Prinzipien, trotz aller Naivität stets an das Gute im Menschen zu glauben. Sicher, sie passt sich schnell den Gegebenheiten in der Hauptstadt und später im Palast an, doch sie weigert sich auch beharrlich, nach den Regeln derer zu spielen, die mittels Intrigen und Hass versuchen den Wettkampf für sich zu manipulieren.

Resultat

Ein Roman, der mich einerseits berührt hat, mich andererseits aber auch in vielen Bereichen etwas gelangweilt hat. Echte Begeisterung für die Geschichte ist bei mir leider nicht aufgekommen. Es ist schade, dass zu sagen, aber den allgemeinen Hype um das Buch kann ich nicht teilen. Selbst das Ende konnte mich nicht überraschen. Trotz all meiner kritischen Anmerkungen, ich bin dennoch gespannt, wie es im zweiten Teil weitergeht.

Judy I. Lin

Judy I. Lin, New York Times bestselling author of the Book Of Tea Duology, was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Canada with her family as a young girl, where she still lives with her husband and daughters. As a child, whenever she could, she stuck her nose in a book and escaped into their imaginary worlds. Today she works as an occupational therapist by day and creates her own fantasy worlds at night.

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3/16/2023

Die Geschichtenwandler-Magische Tinte by Kristen Perrin

I admit it, the cover caught my eye first. And together with the summary, I thought this could be a wonderful read. Well, not quite. I either didn´t pay the needed attention to the story, while reading or something else disturbed me. The plot wasn´t what I had expected and the novel itself is weird, confusing, and many other things I can´t put into words. I didn´t mind the fact, that the inside of this book is all green. Yes, you read that right. Every word of the print inside is green. Even the illustrations are green. Refreshingly different, yes, but also something you need to get used to while reading.

Die Geschichtenwandler-Magische Tinte*

by Kristen Perrin
Die Geschichtenwandler Trilogy #1
Translation Fabienne Pfeiffer
Illustration Helge Vogt
Publisher Fischer Sauerländer on March 15, 2023
Genre Children 11+
Pages 308
Format Hardcover
Source Fischer Sauerländer
Goodreads
✶✶✶

If you change a book, you change the whole world.

In her mum's bookshop, Enna can't believe her eyes: a man is scribbling with an old quill pen on the most expensive book in the shop! The weird guy with the crazy green top hat rewrote the ending of the book! And then Enna falls into a card with shimmering green letters: an invitation to the entrance exam for the secret society "Emerald Ink". Enna soon finds himself in the middle of an adventure involving emerald ink and the magic that comes from stories. Can she prevent the dangerous effects of this magic on the real world?

Story

Enna wants nothing more but to learn more about the Emerald Ink Society. A Society she believes is bad and wants to destroy the world. Not only her personal world but the entire world. But with every riddle she has to solve, Enna gets more frustrated. Her family and friends are no help at all and so she turns to Mel, another participant. But can Mel help her get everything right again or is she the one who´s responsible for all the evil?

Style

On the one hand, the writing style is simple and clear, on the other hand, after just a few pages, it gets pretty confusing and weird. Gaps suddenly appeared, both in the course of the action and in Enna's behavior, which I couldn't really explain. At first, I was really excited about Kerstin Perrin's style of speaking. There was a lot of humor, irony, and wit between the pages. Just the way Enna dealt with her grandmother, so relaxed, funny, and touching, inspired me. Unfortunately, that got lost completely after a few chapters. And that was definitely not the plot. I kept asking myself if I might have overlooked something. Went back again only to find again that I was missing something on the logic side. To this day I can't say if that's because of the translation (which shouldn't be and would be very unfortunate) or if it was already planned and written that way by the author. It just read awkwardly. Which is a shame for the book considering the fast ending. Because that read absolutely well and successfully.

Another detail that sets this book apart from the others is the color. The cards at the beginning and end of the novel, as well as the text itself. Everything is green. That stands out, no question. But it also takes some getting used to when reading.

Characters

Enna is a girl I really like. For a 12-year-old, she's incredibly keen not only to help her grandmother but also to straighten out the imbalance that the world has found itself in. It's not an easy task if you don't know where to start but have to rewrite the wrong thing in many places to make it right again. And the fact that Enna then trusts the wrong girls and doesn't know where her own worth lies don't make things any better. Her inner turmoil of staying true to herself while saving the world was delightful to watch. She's unconventional, yet deliciously normal and lovable.

Conclusion

As I said before, this story is weird, confusing, and in many places more than strange in my opinion. Whether I like the change in the plot, I can't say yet. The novel left me with a big question mark and I'm not sure I can in good conscience recommend the book to a 12-year-old. But Enna, the main figure is one heck of a great girl.

Happy reading

*This book was kindly provided to me by Fischer Sauerländer in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you. Therefore, the cover of the German edition is shown first in this review.

Deutsche Rezension

Stil

Einerseits ist der Schreibstil einfach und klar, auf der anderen wird es schon nach wenigen Seiten reichlich konfus und schräg. Da tauchten plötzlich Lücken auf, sowohl im Handlungsverlauf als auch im Verhalten von Enna, das ich mir nicht so richtig erklären konnte. Anfangs war ich regelrecht begeistert über den Sprachstil von Kerstin Perrin. Da war eine Menge Humor, Ironie und Schlagfertigkeit zwischen den einzelnen Seiten. Allein die Art, wie Enna mit ihrer Großmutter umging, so locker, witzig und rührend, hat mich begeistert. Leider ist das nach einigen Kapiteln komplett verloren gegangen. Und das lag definitiv nicht an der Handlung. Immer wieder habe ich mich gefragt, ob ich vielleicht etwas überlesen hatte. Ging wieder zurück, nur um erneut festzustellen, dass mir da von der Logikseite her etwas fehlte. Bis heute kann ich nicht sagen, ob das an der Übersetzung liegt (was nicht sein sollte und sehr unglücklich wäre) oder von der Autorin schon so geplant und geschrieben wurde. Es las sich einfach unrund. Was gemessen am rasanten Ende für das Buch sehr schade ist. Denn das hat sich absolut rund und gelungen gelesen.

Ein weiteres Detail, dass dieses Buch von den anderen unterscheidet, ist die Farbe. Die Karten am Anfang und Ende des Romans sowie der Text selbst. Alles ist Grün. Sticht heraus, keine Frage. Ist aber beim Lesen auch gewöhnungsbedürftig.

Charaktere

Enna ist ein Mädchen ganz nach meinem Geschmack. Für eine Zwölfjährige ist sie unglaublich darauf bedacht, nicht nur ihrer Großmutter zu helfen, sondern auch die Schieflage, in der sich die Welt neuerdings befindet, wieder gerade zu rücken. Keine leichte Aufgabe, wenn man nicht weiß, wo anfangen, aber an vielen Stellen das Falsche wieder zum Richtigen umschreiben muss. Und die Tatsache, dass Enna dann noch den falschen Mädchen vertraut und nicht weiß, wo ihr eigener Wert liegt, macht die Sache nicht besser. Ihr innerer Tumult, sich selbst treu zu bleiben und gleichzeitig die Welt zu retten, war herrlich zu beobachten. Sie ist unkonventionell, und doch köstlich normal und liebenswert.

Resultat

Diese Geschichte ist, wie vorhin schon gesagt, in meinen Augen schräg, konfus und an vielen Stellen mehr als merkwürdig. Ob ich den Wandel in der Handlung mag, kann ich noch nicht sagen. Mich hat der Roman mit einem großen Fragezeichen zurückgelassen und ich bin nicht sicher, ob ich das Buch guten Gewissens einer Zwölfjährigen empfehlen kann.

Kristen Perrin

Kristen Perrin is originally from Seattle, USA, where she spent several years working as a bookseller before immigrating to the UK to do a Masters and PhD. She is passionate about children's literature while also working on projects for different age groups, from picture books to young adult books - anything that could be funny, magical, or mysterious. She lives with her family in Surrey, southern England, where she enjoys browsing antique shops, stamping in the mud with her two children, and collecting too many plants.

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12/07/2022

Waiting On Wednesday #202 – Die Geschichtenwandler by Kristen Perrin

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy. There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t. I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

This will also be a new-to-me author in 2023. The cover of the German editions caught my eye immediately. The blue, the kids, the energy it seems to spread, and the summary – all that gave me the thought that this book could be pure fun.

Die Geschichtenwandler-Magische Tinte

Author Kristen Perrin
Publishing Date March 15, 2023
Publisher Fischer Sauerländer
Format Hardcover
Goodreads

If you change a book, you change the whole world!

In her mum's bookshop, Enna can't believe her eyes: a man is scribbling with an old quill pen in the most expensive book in the shop! The weird guy with the crazy green top hat rewrote the ending of the book! And then Enna comes across a card with shimmering green letters: an invitation to take the entrance exam for the secret society »Emerald Ink«. Enna soon finds himself in the middle of an adventure involving emerald ink and the magic that comes from stories. Can she prevent the dangerous effects of this magic on the real world?

Fantastic, magical, fast-paced, and full of surprises - this story transforms everything!

And what are you waiting for? Let me know your thoughts about this one or leave me the link to your WoW and I check it out.



Happy reading & waiting on

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11/30/2022

Waiting On Wednesday #201 – Gameshow by Franzi Kopka

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy. There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t. I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

A few weeks ago, while searching through the new book program of a German publisher, my eyes were stuck with this cover. The bright-dark contrast, the modern look, and the almost clean design got me curious. The summary though sounds somewhat familiar. The Hunger Games probably? Well, this debut novel rings a bell, that´s for sure. And so, yes, I am eager to find out if it is something new or something I´ve already read by another author. One thing for sure IS sure: This author is new to me.

Gameshow-Der Preis Der Gier

Author Franzi Kopka
Publishing Date March 29, 2023
Publisher Fischer Sauerländer
Format Hardcover
Goodreads

2126, New London: When seventeen-year-old Cass is cast out into the lowest class of society, she knows there's only one way out of this hell: she must make it onto the next game show. Anyone who takes part in the game show can win a ticket to the top – or pay for the chance with their life. Cass gets unexpected help from Jax, the best gamer in the arena. The two become allies in the big game for their own lives and social advancement. But their deal and their feelings for each other are based on a lie that could bring everything they have fought for together to collapse.

And what are you waiting for? Let me know your thoughts about this one or leave me the link to your WoW and I check it out.

Happy reading & waiting on

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11/16/2022

Waiting On Wednesday #200 – A Magic Steeped In Poison by Judy I. Lin

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy. There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t. I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

This week I am presenting you the German edition of a novel about tea written by a new-to-me author. The cover with all its colors and the fact, that it was quite a challenge to read the title, caught my attention *lol* And when I discovered that it is a story about tea and the ceremonial part of how to make it, I was fascinated. So, yes, I hope that it will meet my expectations and be a good if not great read next year.

A Magic Steeped In Poison-Was Uns Verwundbar Macht

Author Judy I. Lin
Publishing Date February 22, 2023
Publisher Fischer Sauerländer
Format Hardcover
Goodreads

For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it's her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her - the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu. When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi - masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making - she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning's only chance to save her sister's life. But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.

And what are you waiting for? Let me know your thoughts about this one or leave me the link to your WoW and I check it out.

Happy reading & waiting on

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