12/27/2023

Threads Of Power-Die Feinen Fäden Der Magie by V. E. Schwab

As beautiful and poetic as the novel was to read in places, anyone who doesn't know the Shades of Magic books should read these first. V.E. Schwab's worlds are unique and yet in many ways the same. And still, the author knows how to draw her readers into its fascination. Not with spectacle or a loud tone, but with its brilliant style, the magical use of words, and some very well-created characters who capture the readers´ hearts in their very own way.

Threads Of Power-Die Feinen Fäden Der Magie*

by V. E. Schwab
Threads Of Power #1
Translation Sara Riffel, Petra Huber, Alexandra Jordan
Original Title The Fragile Threads Of Power
Publisher Fischer TOR on October 25, 2023
Genre Fantasy
Pages 731
Format Hardcover
Source Fischer TOR
Goodreads
✶✶✶✶

There were once four worlds, each vibrant with magic, connected by a single city: London. But the magic grew too quickly and forced the residents to isolate themselves from each other. Since then, there are only a few who can travel through all four worlds. Kell Maresh from Red London and Delilah Bard from Gray London are the last Antari, the last planeswalkers. Until a tinkerer named Tes comes across an artifact that would allow all humans to visit any of the four worlds. Attracted by the endless possibilities, rebels, criminals, and magicians set out on their trail. Tes must prevent the artifact from falling into the wrong hands at all costs. Because the consequences would be terrible.

Story

Tes has the incredible talent to not only see the fine threads of magic but also to repair them. She doesn't even need any tools. But when others discover this ability and understand what is possible with it, Tes is in great danger. Because their talent arouses desire.

Style

V. E. Schwab's writing style sounds like a beautiful melody. Almost poetic and fascinated me. By naming each place and stating the year, you immediately know where you are in the plot. This was also necessary for me because I only partially know the history of the Shades of Magic series. So it was very helpful in finding my way around.

Characters

They are basically the characters that also appear in the Shades of Magic books. With Ren, the daughter of Rhy, and Tes, the tinkerer, the author has added two new ones. Ren is smart and a great little girl, Tes is more of a quiet, quiet teenager who lives very secretly. Both give the novel their own charm.

Conclusion

A beautiful novel that is best read only after you have already read the earlier volumes of the Shades of Magic series. Otherwise, the picture will be out of round and not entirely logical. Apart from that, the author's incredibly diverse and profound fantasy comes into its own here. V.E. Schwab masters High Fantasy in her very own way and presents full-bodiedness rounded off in an elegant, sonorous finish.

Happy reading

*Fischer TOR kindly provided me this book 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

Der Schreibstil von V. E. Schwab klingt wie eine wunderschöne Melodie. Beinahe schon poetisch und hat mich fasziniert. Durch die Nennung jeden Ortes und der Angabe von Jahren weiß man sofort, wo man sich in der Handlung befindet. Das war bei mir auch nötig, da ich die Vorgeschichte aus der Shades of Magic Serie nur teilweise kenne. So war es sehr hilfreich beim Zurechtfinden.

Charaktere

Es sind im Prinzip die Figuren, die auch in den Shades of Magic Büchern auftauchen. Mit Ren, der Tochter von Rhy und Tes, der Tüftlerin hat die Autorin noch zwei neue hinzugefügt. Ren ist pfiffig und ein großartiges kleines Mädchen, Tes eher ein ruhiger stiller Teenager, der sehr im Verborgenen lebt. Beide geben dem Roman ihren eigenen Charme.

Resultat

Ein schöner Roman, den man besser erst dann lesen sollte, wenn man die früheren Bände der Shades of Magic Serie bereits gelesen hat. Sonst wird das Bild unrund und nicht ganz logisch. Abgesehen davon kommt hier die unglaublich vielfältige und tiefgründige Fantasy der Autorin voll zum Zug. V.E. Schwab beherrscht die High Fantasy auf ihre ganz eigene Weise und präsentiert Vollmundigkeit abgerundet in einem eleganten, klangvollen Abgang.

*This book was published in the English language by Tor Books on September 26, 2023 

Victoria Schwab

Victoria (V.E.) Schwab is the author of the »World Walker« trilogy and the New York Times bestseller series »Vicious & Vengeful«. Born in 1987 she is the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Schwab has a penchant for tea and BBC shows, and a serious and well-documented case of insatiable wanderlust. When she's not wandering the streets of Paris or climbing any hill in England, she's sitting in the back of a café, spinning on her stories.

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9/22/2023

The Atlas Paradox-Schicksal Ist Eine Entscheidung by Olivie Blake

I had the tiny hope that I would start liking the plot or story and become part of the enormous fan group, but I don´t share the thrill, most of the bloggers feel. In fact, I am a bit angry. It doesn´t happen very often that I read a book and think what a total nonsense. But here we go. The plot is confusing and crazy, and the author seems to believe that her readers can´t keep the information she gives them for over a minute. Lady, we´re not stupid!

The Atlas Paradox-Schicksal Ist Eine Entscheidung*

by Olivie Blake
The Atlas Trilogy #2
Translation Heide Frank, Alexandra Jordan
Original Title The Atlas Paradox
Illustration Little Chmura
Publisher Fischer Tor on April 26, 2023
Genre Fantasy
Pages 552
Format Hardcover
Source Fischer Tor
Goodreads
✶✶

While the five chosen ones go through the initiation of the Alexandrian Society, Libby Rhodes remains missing. Until Nico's friend Gideon sets out on her trail in the dream realm - and receives the first sign of life from her... Reina Mori is trying to unlock the library's secrets, which would go faster if someone helped her. But Parisa is busy investigating Atlas Blakeley's shady motives, and Callum also seems to have other plans. At least when he's sober for once. Tristan knows that he has hidden powers that are activated when his life is in danger. He therefore decides to do something extremely stupid. He asks Nico to kill him. Meanwhile, the Forum waits to bring down the Alexandrian Society once and for all. And at some point it becomes clear to everyone: the pieces are on the board - the big game can begin.

Story

While Libby is fighting her way back to the Alexandrian society, the others go through another test. One Parisa is wondering why they must go through it and what the real meaning is. The answer she finds is nothing she had expected or in mind when searching for it. And why is Atlas asking for help and clearly not in the situation to bring Libby back? Questions over questions and no answers. At least none, the six like to hear.

Style

Aside from the fact that the plot is completely crazy, and I don't mean that in a good way, I like the fast pace of reading. Well, in my opinion, the story often borders on literary nonsense, which absolutely shouldn't have been the case. I now resent the fact that the author is of the opinion that her readers cannot remember two paragraphs on four pages and has therefore repeated many passages repeatedly, over dozens of chapters. She did that in the first volume and it annoyed me there too.

The writing style is kept simple, which should in principle be a positive thing. Unfortunately, it doesn't help the rest of the story save itself into a different rating. Clichés are unpacked and used to either treat femininity in a sexist way or portray it as stupider than stupid. This is particularly noticeable on the pages where Parisa makes her appearances and thinks about what's going on and asks "why", thereby clearly proving that beauty and sex appeal don't have to be associated with stupidity at the same time.

Characters

No matter how I look at it and no matter how wonderfully some of the characters are developed, in the end, there was only one thing that stuck with me: nothing.

Libby Rhodes must fight her way through time and space to get back to where she wants to go, home. On the one hand, Tristan realizes that there is something deep within him that would solve one of Atlas Blakeley's problems, but on the other hand, he is somehow not smart enough to activate it. No matter how you twist it, all the characters seem to be on the fence about their hidden abilities. Didn't we already have that in the first book?

Conclusion

I never thought I'd say that again, but what nonsense was that? And once again I realize I simply cannot share the enthusiasm and hype for this book. The only good thing about this novel is one or two characters and how they think and how they act. But the pitiful remainder? Not worth the paper it's written on. Unfortunately. Far too complicated, confusing, and sometimes even illogical. A pity. A pity. A pity.

Happy reading

*This book was kindly provided to me by Fischer Tor 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

Mal ganz abgesehen davon, dass die Handlung komplett irre ist, und das meine ich nicht im positiven Sinne, gefällt mir das zügige Lesetempo. Gut, meinem Empfinden nach grenzt die Geschichte oft hart an der Grenze zum literarischen Schwachsinn, was absolut nicht hätte sein müssen. Dass die Autorin offenbar der Ansicht ist, dass ihre Leser sich keine zwei Absätze auf vier Seiten merken können, und daher viele Textstellen immer und immer wieder wiederholt hat, und das über zig Kapitel hinweg, das nehme ich ihr mittlerweile übel. Das hat sie schon im ersten Band gemacht und auch da hat mich das genervt.

Der Schreibstil ist einfach gehalten, was im Prinzip positiv sein müsste. Hilft dem Rest der Story aber leider nicht, sich in ein anderes Rating zu retten. Da werden Klischees ausgepackt und eingesetzt, die die Weiblichkeit entweder absolut sexistisch behandeln oder aber dümmer als dumm hinstellen. Das fällt besonders auf den Seiten besonders ins Gewicht, wo Parisa ihre Auftritte hat und sich über die gerade laufenden Dinge ihre Gedanken macht und nach dem „Warum“ fragt und damit eindeutig beweist, dass Schönheit und Sexappeal nicht gleichzeitig mit Dummheit verbunden sein müssen.

Charaktere

Egal wie ich es betrachte und so herrlich manche Figur auch entwickelt ist, am Ende blieb bei mir nur eins hängen: nichts.

Libby Rhodes muss sich durch Zeit und Raum kämpfen, um wieder dahin zu kommen, wo sie hinwill, nämlich nach Hause. Tristan ist einerseits klar, dass tief in ihm etwas schlummert, was ein Problem von Atlas Blakeley lösen würde, aber andererseits ist er irgendwie nicht schlau genug, es zu aktivieren. Wie man es auch dreht und wendet, die ganzen Charaktere scheinen auf dem Schlauch zu stehen, was ihre verborgenen Fähigkeiten angeht. Hatten wir das nicht schon im ersten Buch?

Resultat

Ich hätte nie gedacht, dass ich das noch mal sagen werde, aber was für ein Schwachsinn war das denn bitte? Und erneut stelle ich fest: Die Begeisterung und den Hype für dieses Buch kann ich einfach nicht teilen. Das einzige Gute an diesem Roman sind die ein oder andere Figur und wie diese denken und wie sie agieren. Aber der klägliche Rest? Nicht das Papier wert, auf dem er steht. Leider. Viel zu umständlich, konfus und stellenweise dann auch noch unlogisch. Schade. Schade. Schade.

Olivie Blake

Olivie Blake loves and writes stories - most of them fantastic. She is particularly fascinated by the endless complexity of life and love. She works in Los Angeles, where she is graciously tolerated by her favorite pit bull. Her self-published book, The Atlas Six, became a TikTok sensation before being republished by Tor Books and translated into over twenty languages.

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6/22/2023

Gallant-Im Garten Der Schatten by V. E. Schwab

The cover and the summary made me want to read this novel. But all that didn´t prepare me for the reading impact, this story gives you. Dark, with a lot of pain and hope. The combination of all those is perfectly brought to life in this thrilling novel. The beauty of nature is as visible as the darkness of life, the good and the bad – the author sensitively shows all that with a hint of cruelty. Well, expect everything. 

Gallant-Im Garten Der Schatten*

by V. E. Schwab
Translation Sara Riffel, Petra Huber
Original Title Gallant
Publisher Fischer Tor on March 29, 2023
Genre Fantasy
Pages 347
Format Hardcover
Source Publisher
Goodreads
✶✶✶✶

Olivia Prior cannot speak. Her life at the Merilance School for Orphans and fallen girls is anything but easy. The only thing that gives her comfort is her missing mother's green diary, which is full of riddles and strange drawings and gives her at least a glimpse of hope that one day she will find her again. When a letter arrives from Olivia's uncle inviting her to "Gallant," the old ancestral home of her family, she immediately sets out on a journey to the remote manor house. Little does she know that Gallant is a place where something unbelievably dark awaits her. And that, like her mother, she is well on the way to being lost to the world.

Story

Olivia wants nothing more but to find her mother, a home, but most of all a family which cares about her. Because life at Merilance isn´t the life she´s dreaming about. The letter from her uncle seems to be the gate to that. But Gallant is anything but a happy life. It is dark and cruel, and someone there doesn´t want her to be there at all.

Style

The author has used delightful puns here, with excellent word choice and intriguing terminology, making this novel a unique reading experience. Gallant is a dark tale of beauty and tragedy, yet with a touch of light.

I especially liked the main character, Olivia. The way she looks at the world, her views, and the way she makes herself feel around her are simply wonderful.

Characters

In this story, the author plays with the character and physical contrasts of her characters excellently. Nothing is left to chance; nothing is presented to the reader without thought. Everything is spot on, but it's still not perfect. And that's exactly why it's perfectly worked out.

Olivia is mute and yet speaks volumes. Her mind is razor-sharp and she knows how to defend herself without attracting too much attention. She hates injustice, but she is only too aware that life is never fair.

Conclusion

A beautiful, poignant novel that inspires with a strong main character and a very dark plot. A must for fans of V.E. Schwab. For all those who don't know the author yet, this is an excellent introduction to reading to change that.

Happy reading

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

Deutsche Rezension

Stil

Die Autorin hat hier herrliche Wortspiele mit großartiger Wortwahl und faszinierenden Begrifflichkeiten verwendet, die diesen Roman zu einem einzigartigen Leseerlebnis machen. Gallant ist eine dunkle Geschichte voller Schönheit und Tragik, die dennoch einen Hauch Licht in sich trägt.

Mir hat vor allem die Hauptfigur Olivia sehr gefallen. Die Art, wie sie die Welt betrachtet, ihre Ansichten und wie sie sich ihrem Umfeld bemerkbar macht, sind einfach wunderbar.

Charaktere

In dieser Geschichte spielt die Autorin mit den charakterlichen und äußerlichen Gegensätzen ihrer Figuren auf hervorragende Weise. Da wird nichts dem Zufall überlassen, nichts unüberlegt dem Leser vorgetragen. Alles sitzt auf den Punkt und trotzdem ist es nicht perfekt. Und gerade darum perfekt ausgearbeitet.

Olivia ist stumm und spricht doch Bände. Ihr Verstand ist messerscharf und sie weiß sich zu wehren, ohne groß aufzufallen. Ungerechtigkeiten sind ihr ein Gräuel, aber dass es im Leben nie gerecht zugeht, ist ihr nur zu bewusst.

Resultat

Ein wunderschöner, ergreifender Roman, der mit einer starken Hauptfigur und einem sehr dunklen Plot begeistert. Für Fans von V. E. Schwab ein Muss. Für all diejenigen, die die Autorin noch nicht kennen, ein hervorragender Leseeinstieg, um dies zu ändern.

Victoria Schwab

Victoria (V.E.) Schwab is the author of the »World Walker« trilogy and the New York Times bestseller series »Vicious & Vengeful«. Born in 1987 she is the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Schwab has a penchant for tea and BBC shows, and a serious and well-documented case of insatiable wanderlust. When she's not wandering the streets of Paris or climbing any hill in England, she's sitting in the back of a café, spinning on her stories.

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1/04/2023

Waiting On Wednesday #203 – Gallant by V.E. Schwab

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.

At first, I wasn´t very intrigued by the cover, to be honest. But it is a V.E. Schwab book, and usually, she writes wonderful stories. Not all can thrill me, but most of them do. Hopefully, this one will be a “could-thrill-me” novel. If not, well… don´t think about it *lol*

Gallant-Im Garten Der Schatten

Author V.E. Schwab
Publishing Date March 29, 2023
Publisher Fischer Tor
Format Hardcover
Goodreads

Olivia Prior grew up in an orphanage. She never met her father and has long forgotten her mother's voice. All she has left is her mother's diary. It's full of riddles and strange drawings that she hopes to unravel one day. Her life in the home is anything but easy because she cannot speak and communicates with the help of an old slate. She also sees the spirits of the dead, silently observing the goings-on of the living. She's not afraid of them, if only because Olivia feels like she's buried alive. But everything changes when a letter from her uncle arrives at the school, inviting her to come to her family's ancestral home. For Olivia, it's a unique chance to learn more about her parents' fate. But she suspects that the price she has to pay will be high...

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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12/12/2022

The Atlas Six-Wissen Ist Tödlich by Olivie Blake

I will be blunt from the beginning of my review. I don´t share the thrilling feeling other bloggers have expressed for this novel. For me, it is only average. Filled with some tension, yes, and some action, yes again. But most of the time I was asking if it was only me who was confused about an apparently not existing plot or what the heck was going on here. I am happy that the publisher used the original cover design for the German edition. And I like the black and white illustrations that show each character. They are beautiful, although I had first to figure out who´s who…

The Atlas Six-Wissen Ist Tödlich*

by Olivie Blake
The Atlas Six Trilogy #1
Translation Heide Frank, Alexandra Jordan
Original Title The Atlas Six
Illustration Little Chmura
Publisher Fischer Tor on September 28, 2022
Genre Fantasy
Pages 537
Format Hardcover
Source Fischer Tor
Goodreads
✶✶✶

The Library of Alexandria has never perished, hiding humanity's darkest secrets for thousands of years. Every ten years, the most talented magicians of their generation get the opportunity to study ancient knowledge. Tremendous wealth, power, and wisdom await those who survive initiation. But of the six chosen, only five will survive. Joining us this time are Libby Rhodes and Nico de Varona, two gifted physiomagicians from the New York University of Magical Arts who can't stand each other. The telepath Parisa Kamali and the empath Callum Nova, both masters of manipulation. Tristan Caine, the cynical son of a London gangster who can see through every illusion, and Reina Mori, a mysterious nature magician from Japan.

Story

Libby is excited and very scared at the same time. She has the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the Atlas Six and to go beyond the initiation. But what if she can´t prove that she is worth it? And without Nico and his sarcasm, she doesn´t really believe that she can achieve what she desires the most. That everybody likes her. What she doesn´t know is, that the others hide something from her. This information brings another tone to the deadly game. Or isn´t it a deadly game at all and she´s the only one who will be able to sort things out?

Style

Although some pages are very scientific and philosophical, the author's writing style is kept simple and easy to read. Olivie Blake presents a story that is delightfully magical on the one hand, but also boring and riddled with stereotypical clichés on the other. It was humorous at first but quickly became annoying. At least for me. Why does an author have to keep pointing out a certain part of a character's hairstyle when it is already clear after the first mention that said part of the hairstyle is impossible and clearly underlines the nervousness of the character for the reader? I cannot understand.

Characters

There is no question that Olivie Blake shows a diversity that has it all. There is everything from the bored, rich pretty boy down to the feline seductress. But then why exaggerate everything and turn the characters into stylized stereotypes that eventually only become annoying instead of inspiring and delighting the reader?

Libby is such a character. She's full of complexes, wants to be liked by everyone (and by that I really mean EVERYONE), and asks a thousand questions that only show one thing, namely that she's a bundle of nerves 24/7 and her constant fiddling with her hair does the trick too not better. What I found amusing at the beginning of the story quickly became an annoying annoyance. This character only seems to really work with Nico (he has the same magic ability as her, just a few classes calmers). Initially likable, she quickly became the number one pain in the ass. Too bad.

Conclusion

It's a shame, but I definitely expected more from this novel. Much more. In the end, it was just an average story for me, which was partly exciting and provided a lot of action and at the same time was incredibly confusing. I found the much-cited and highly praised diversity to be boring at times. In addition, the author has also worked with far too many stereotypes that annoyed me after just a few pages. It's a pity, just a pity, but unfortunately, I can't recommend it for this reading average.

Happy reading

*This book was kindly provided to me by Fischer Tor 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

Obwohl es auf einigen Seiten sehr wissenschaftlich und philosophisch zugeht, ist der Schreibstil der Autorin dennoch schlicht gehalten und gut lesbar. Olivie Blake präsentiert hier eine Geschichte, die einerseits herrlich magisch ist, auf der anderen Seite aber auch langweilig und durchzogen von stereotypen Klischees ist. Das war anfangs noch mit Humor versehen, wurde dann aber schnell nervig. Zumindest für mich. Warum muss ein Autor ständig auf einen bestimmten Frisurenteil einer Figur hinweisen, wenn schon nach der ersten Erwähnung klar ist, dass besagter Frisurenteil unmöglich ist und die Nervosität der Figur gut erkennbar für den Leser unterstreicht? Kann ich nicht nachvollziehen.

Charaktere

Keine Frage, Olivie Blake zeigt hier eine Diversität, die es in sich hat. Da ist vom gelangweilten, reichen Schönling bis runter zur katzenhaften Verführerin alles dabei. Aber warum dann noch alles Übertreiben und die Figuren zu stilisierten Stereotypen machen, die irgendwann nur noch nervig sind, anstatt den Leser zu begeistern und zu erfreuen?

Libby ist so eine Figur. Sie steckt voller Komplexe, will von jedem (und damit meine ich wirklich von JEDEM) unbedingt gemocht werden, stellt tausend Fragen, die nur eines zeigen, nämlich dass sie ein 24/7 Nervenbündel ist und ihr ständiges Herumgefummele an ihren Haaren macht die Sache auch nicht besser. Was ich zu Beginn der Geschichte noch amüsant fand, wurde schnell zum nervigen Ärgernis. Diese Figur scheint nur mit Nico (er hat die gleiche magische Fähigkeit wie sie, ist nur um Klassen ruhiger) zusammen wirklich zu funktionieren. Anfangs noch sympathisch, wurde sie schnell zur Nervensäge Nummer eins. Schade.

Resultat

Es ist absolut schade, doch von diesem Roman habe ich mir eindeutig mehr erwartet. Viel mehr. Letztendlich war er für mich nur eine durchschnittliche Geschichte, die teilweise spannend und mit viel Action versehen war und sich zugleich unglaublich verwirrend gestaltet hat. Die viel zitierte und hochgelobte Diversität empfand ich stellenweise als langweilig. Hinzu kommt, dass die Autorin auch mit viel zu vielen Stereotypen gearbeitet hat, die mich bereits nach wenigen Seiten genervt haben. Schade, einfach nur schade, aber für diesen Lesedurchschnitt gibt es von mir leider keine Empfehlung.

Olivie Blake

Olivie Blake loves and writes stories - most of them fantastic. She is particularly fascinated by the endless complexity of life and love. She works in Los Angeles, where she is graciously tolerated by her favorite pit bull. Her self-published book, The Atlas Six, became a TikTok sensation before being republished by Tor Books and translated into over twenty languages.

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9/09/2022

Das Reich Der Vampire-A Tale Of Blood And Darkness by Jay Kristoff

This novel turned out to be a heavyweight. In terms of the story as well as the incredible amount of over 1000 pages, the German edition is having. Despite that, the story itself is incredibly dark, bloody, and cruel. I love reading books by Jay Kristoff but with this one, I was struggling. This story is completely different from everything I ever read by the author, and I am not sure if I will continue with the other books in this trilogy or series or whatever it will become.

Das Reich Der Vampire-A Tale Of Blood And Darkness

by Jay Kristoff
Das Reich Der Vampire Series #1
Translation Kirsten Borchardt
Original Title Empire Of The Vampire*
Publisher Fischer Tor on June 29, 2022
Genre Vampire
Pages 1024
Format Hardcover
Source Publisher
Goodreads
✶✶✶✶

Gabriel de León is the last of the Silver Wardens, the holy brotherhood sworn to defend the realm from the creatures of the night. But even the Order could not buck the tide. The armies of darkness raged too hard, too cunning, and patient Fabién Voss, the Eternal King, led his immortal children to victory. Beaten and imprisoned by the monsters he was sent to destroy; Gabriel is forced to tell his story. A tale of legendary battles and forbidden love, of lost friendships, betrayals, and unconditional sacrifice. And the search for mankind's last hope: the Holy Grail.

Story

Gabriel de León is in bad shape. He is in a very special prison and his capturer wants his story. But he isn´t willing to play the game the way they want. He only plays by his own rules. Rules that decide if others will live or die.

Style

The novel is beautifully obscene in language, has a dark to somber tone and features a main character who is not only full of surprises, but also has an incredibly dark side. Well, I didn't agree with everything in the plot, and some passages were more of a struggle than a read for me, but still. The emotions that are created here have not left me untouched either.

Characters

The term “nun” is completely redefined here. Brilliantly redefined. The characters literally wear their hearts on their sleeves, giving the story its very own poignancy. The main character is direct and completely disillusioned, with so many rough edges it's almost spooky. Even if I prefer Mia from “The Nevernight Chronicles”, the character of Gabriel de León has a power that shouldn't be underestimated.

Conclusion

A dark, gritty, gory novel with unexpected twists. A heavyweight in terms of content that captivates the reader with a varied plot and great characters. Nevertheless, I have to say that some passages were a bit too long for me. But apart from that it was definitely a pleasure to read with often visually stunning passages. And by that, I don't mean the gorgeous black and white drawings that the German edition has.

Happy reading

*This book was kindly provided to me by Fischer Tor 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

Der Roman ist sprachlich herrlich obszön, hat einen dunklen bis düsteren Tonfall und zeigt eine Hauptfigur, die nicht nur voller Überraschungen steckt, sondern auch eine unglaublich dunkle Seite hat. Gut, ich bin nicht mit allem in der Handlung einverstanden gewesen, und einige Passagen waren für mich lesetechnisch eher Kampf als Lesevergnügen, aber trotzdem. Die Emotionen, die hier geschaffen werden, haben auch mich nicht unberührt gelassen.

Charaktere

Der Begriff „Klosterschwester“ wird hier vollkommen neu definiert. Auf geniale Weise neu definiert. Die Figuren tragen ihr Herz sprichwörtlich auf der Zunge und geben so der Geschichte eine ganz eigene Schärfe. Die Hauptfigur ist direkt und komplett desillusioniert und mit so vielen Ecken und Kanten versehen, das es fast schon unheimlich ist. Auch wenn mir Mia aus den „The Nevernight Chronicles“, um einiges lieber war und ist, hat die Figur des Gabriel de León eine Kraft, die man nicht unterschätzen sollte.

Resultat

Ein dunkler, düsterer, blutiger Roman mit unerwarteten Wendungen. Inhaltlich ein Schwergewicht, das mit einer abwechslungsreichen Handlung und großartigen Figuren den Leser für sich einnimmt. Trotzdem muss ich aber auch sagen, dass mir einige Passagen etwas zu lang waren. Aber abgesehen davon war es durchaus Lesevergnügen mit oft bildgewaltigen Passagen. Und damit meine ich nicht die herrlichen Schwarz-Weiß-Zeichnungen, die die Deutsche Edition aufweist.

*The English edition was published by Harper Voyager UK on September 7, 2021 

Jay Kristoff

Jay Kristoff is an internationally bestselling author of The Lotus War, The Illuminae Files, and The Nevernight Chronicles. He is the winner of four Aurealis Awards, an ABIA, nominee for the Locus award. David Gemmell Morningstar and Legend awards, named multiple times in the Kirkus and Amazon Best Teen Books list and published in over thirty countries, most of which he has never visited. He is as surprised about all of this as you are. He is 6´7 and has approximately 12,665 days to live. He abides in Melbourne with his secret agent kung-fu assassin wife and the world´s laziest Jack Russel. He does not believe in happy endings.

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3/16/2022

Waiting On Wednesday #181 – Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

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 am not really sure why I want to read this. Not after I had my troubles with the first volume of the Practical Magic series. But somehow the summary sounds interesting, and I guess, I like to give the author a second try.

Practical Magic-Zauberhafte Schwestern

Author Alice Hoffman
The Rules Of Magic Series #2
Original Title Practical Magic
Publishing Date July 27, 2022
Publisher Fischer Tor
Format Paperback
Goodreads

For more than two hundred years, the women of the Owens family have been blamed for every ill that happens in the small East Coast Massachusetts community. No wonder they are thought to be witches. And Gillian and Sally are not spared this fate either. Outsiders and viewed skeptically as children, coveted, and feared as young women in equal measure, every day offers a new challenge. But they alone are responsible for the biggest one: when the two sisters become estranged from each other, it takes more than a little magic to bring them back together.

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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11/03/2021

Waiting On Wednesday #169 – Das Reich Der Vampire by Jay Kristoff

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.

Today my Waiting On Wednesday post is about the German edition of Empire of the Vampire. I loved the author´s Nevernight Chronicles and after listening to the audiobook sample I recently bought the original audiobook of Empire of the Vampire. Doesn´t keep me from wanting this German edition too. I have no clue what to expect, except for the fact that reading a Jay Kristoff book is never boring. And the vampire theme is one I love since the start of the Vampire Diaries and the books with Cat and Bones.

Das Reich Der Vampire

Author Jay Kristoff
Das Reich Der Vampire #1
Original Title Empire Of The Vampire
Publishing Date June 29, 2022
Publisher Fischer Tor
Format Hardcover
Goodreads

The sun set 27 years ago – and the armies of vampires have been on the rise ever since. Little by little they have expanded their eternal realm and challenged the people for the land until a carefree life is only possible in a few places. Small islands of light in a sea of eternal darkness. When the young Gabriel de León has to leave his home village, his path leads him to San Michon, to the Order of the Silver Guardians, a holy brotherhood that defends the kingdom and the Church against the onslaught of the beasts. Little does he know that he will become the order´s greatest legend – and the last hope of a dying world.

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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7/24/2021

Das Unsichtbare Leben Der Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

I am not really in love with this novel, although I rate it as a reading pleasure. But it took me too many chapters to get into the story and to adjust to the sad and very melancholic tone and style.

Das Unsichtbare Leben Der Addie LaRue*

by V. E. Schwab
Translation Petra Huber, Sara Riffel
Original Title The Invisible Life Of Addie LaRue
Publisher Fischer Tor on May 26, 2021
Genre Fantasy
Pages 588
Format Paperback
Source Fischer Tor
Goodreads
✶✶✶✶

France in 1714. The young Addie LaRue only wants one thing: to escape the restrictions of the province and lead a self-determined life. In a moment of desperation, she makes a pact with the devil that promises her freedom and eternal youth. But the price is high: no one she meets will remember her. And so begins her journey through the centuries, which Addie takes to the most fascinating places in European history, but also to the limits of loneliness and despair. Until she met a young man in New York in 2014 that she could never forget … (personal translation by ©Vi at Inkvotary).

Story

Addie wants more time. To explore things and to find out what she really wants in life. For her parents a problem because they want Addie to marry a man, Addie doesn´t love nor want. And her best friend can give her only one piece of advice. Don´t pray to the gods at night. Can Addie turn things around and please everyone?

Style

It took me a few chapters to get used to the very melancholic tone and the somewhat weird style. Addie is struggling with her life. The people around her expect her to abide by the rules of society, get married and have a family. But Addie wants more. More life, more freedom, more time more of everything. But what she really wants is being granted to her in a very twisted way. And it quickly becomes clear that a new kind of homelessness is being shown here. Addie must get creative to survive and does it the only way she´s left.

The way in which the author wrote this novel and how she designed the main character is very unusual. Lying is made socially acceptable, stealing is developed to perfection and the art of representation is skillfully made the idea of others.

Characters

Addie is a wonderful woman. Over the years she has learned that words have power. And that every word has its own meaning and power. And that she just must use them carefully and precisely to get what she wants. I was so happy when she met Henry and the world gave her a new perspective. Oh yes, Addie has an incomparable way of immortalizing herself in the world.

Conclusion

The story ends the way it started. Melancholic and with a twist. But the best thing is that love wins. Although I didn´t expect that kind of end. But any other ending, even a wonderful happy end would have been cheesy and not appropriate for Addie or her life. I might not be as thrilled over this novel, as other readers have been, but in the end, I count it as a reading pleasure. Love won, and that is all that matters.

Happy reading

*This book was kindly provided to me by Fischer Tor 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

Ich habe einige Kapitel gebraucht, um mich an den sehr melancholischen Ton und den etwas schrägen Stil zu gewöhnen. Addie kämpft mit ihrem Leben. Die Menschen um sie herum erwarten von ihr, dass sie sich an die Regeln der Gesellschaft hält, heiratet und eine Familie hat. Aber Addie will mehr. Mehr Leben, mehr Freiheit, mehr Zeit, mehr von allem. Aber was sie wirklich will, wird ihr eigentlich auf sehr verdrehte Weise gewährt. Und schnell wird klar, dass hier eine neue Art von Obdachlosigkeit gezeigt wird. Addie muss kreativ werden, um zu überleben und tut dies auf die einzige Art, die ihr bleibt.

Die Art und Weise, wie die Autorin diesen Roman geschrieben hat und wie sie die Hauptfigur gestaltet hat, ist sehr ungewöhnlich. Das Lügen wird salonfähig gemacht, Stehlen wird perfektioniert und die Kunst der Darstellung geschickt zur Idee anderer gemacht.

Charaktere

Addie ist eine wundervolle Frau. Im Laufe der Jahre hat sie gelernt, dass Worte Macht haben. Und dass jedes Wort seine eigene Bedeutung und Kraft hat. Und dass sie sie nur sorgfältig und präzise verwenden muss, um zu bekommen, was sie will. Ich war so glücklich, als sie Henry traf und die Welt ihr eine neue Perspektive bot. Oh ja, Addie hat eine unvergleichliche Art, sich auf der Welt zu verewigen.

Resultat

Die Geschichte endet so, wie sie begonnen hat. Melancholisch und mit einem Twist. Aber das Beste ist, dass die Liebe gewinnt. Obwohl ich mit so einem Ende nicht gerechnet habe. Aber jedes andere Ende, sogar ein wundervolles Happy End, wäre kitschig und für Addie oder ihr Leben nicht angemessen gewesen. Ich bin vielleicht nicht so begeistert von diesem Roman wie andere Leser, aber am Ende zähle ich ihn als Lesevergnügen. Die Liebe hat gewonnen, und das ist alles, was zählt.

*This book was published in the English language by Titan Books on October 6, 2020 

Victoria Schwab

Victoria (V.E.) Schwab is the author of the »World Walker« trilogy and the New York Times bestseller series »Vicious & Vengeful«. Born in 1987 she is the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Schwab has a penchant for tea and BBC shows and a serious and well-documented case of insatiable wanderlust. When she's not wandering the streets of Paris or climbing any hill in England, she's sitting in the back of a café, spinning on her stories.

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8/12/2020

Cursed-Die Auserwählte by Thomas Wheeler

I can´t share the excitement others express about this book. In fact, I am a bit disappointed. And I cannot recommend it to kids. This story is way too cruel, bloody, and gloomy for them. And the modern touch, this novel was supposed to have- I didn´t find it. Sad, but this is not what I thought it would be – an old tale formed into a modern story with magic and great characters. Well ...

Cursed-Die Auserwählte*

by Thomas Wheeler

Translation Michelle Gyo; Petra Koob-Pawis

Original Title Cursed

Illustration Frank Miller

Publisher Fischer TOR on May 27, 2020

Genre Fantasy

Pages 443

Format Hardcover

Source Publisher

Goodreads

✶✶✶ 

A woman. A sword. A country in turmoil.
England is on fire: The Red Paladins murder anyone who does not bow to the cross. When Nimue´s village is attacked, she loses everything-only one thing remains: a mysterious sword that she is supposed to bring to a certain Merlin. But as an advisor to the corrupt King Uther, Merlin has his own plans for the sword of power. Accompanied by the young mercenary Arthur, Nimue takes on the most dangerous men in the country to lead her oppressed people to freedom … (personal translation by ©Vi at Inkvotary)

Story

Nimue watches with horror how her village gets destroyed by the Red Paladins. A moment she will never forget and that will lead her every future step. Because her mother gives her a hidden sword telling her to bring it to Merlin. A man Nimue thought would only exist in the tales her mother and all the others used to tell her through the years. Now, she must find him to save her people. 

Style

The cover is quite something. Good, the German edition looks a bit different from the original, but I don´t mind that. The red and black combination is dramatic and the only thing I call successful. 

The rest? Not what I had hoped for. There is a lot of harsh languages, scenes where death is shown very graphic and detailed and that is nothing, I want a kid to read. And the illustrations. Most of the black and white drawings looked good on the one hand but hardly showed whether I was looking at a female or male figure. The story itself is kind of diverse. But without the magic, the novel tells the reader about it. Magic I had hoped would get through more and at least give me a little reading pleasure. Sorry, didn´t happen. And the open end this book has is something I was not happy about either. Sad. 

Characters

The well-known characters such as Merlin, Lancelot, or Arthur seemed to me rather weak in their behavior and character than that they were the strong men I know from other books. Sure, Lancelot is a very cruel man and I don´t remember him being that in the other stories but I had to look twice to recognize him. 

Nimue is a strong young Fey who believes that she is destined to lead her people to freedom. But she clearly underestimates the power of the sword and with that, she has to learn it the hard way, that she cannot handle everything the way she wants.

Conclusion

Sad to say, but this novel didn´t convince me. I just see the book as an average read. I clearly hoped for more. Especially after all the good things I´ve heard about it. But judge for yourself. For me, unfortunately not a book that I can recommend. 

Happy reading

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

Deutsche Rezension

Stil

Das Cover hat schon etwas. Gut, die deutsche Ausgabe sieht ein bisschen anders aus als das Original, aber das macht mir nichts aus. Die Kombination aus Rot und Schwarz ist dramatisch und das Einzige, was ich als wirklich gelungen bezeichne. 

Der Rest? Nicht das, was ich mir erhofft hatte. Es gibt viel zu viel raue Sprüche, Szenen, in denen der Tod einen Tick zu anschaulich und detailliert dargestellt wird, und das ist nichts, was ich ein Kind lesen lassen möchte. Und die Illustrationen. Die meisten von den schwarz-weißen Zeichnungen sahen einerseits gut aus, zeigten aber so gut wie, nicht, ob ich da eine weibliche Figur oder eine männliche ansah. Die Geschichte selbst ist vielfältig. Aber ohne die Magie, von der der Leser im Roman selbst liest. Eine Magie, von der ich gehofft hatte, dass sie mehr durchkommen und mir zumindest ein bisschen Lesevergnügen bereiten würde. Ist leider nicht passiert. Und das offene Ende dieses Buches hat mich auch nicht gefreut. Traurig.

Charaktere

Die bekannten Figuren wie Merlin, Lancelot oder Arthur schienen mir eher schwach in ihrem Verhalten und Charakter, als dass sie die starken Männer gewesen wären, wie ich sie aus anderen Büchern her kenne. Sicher, Lancelot ist ein sehr grausamer Mann und ich erinnere mich nicht daran, dass er das in den anderen Geschichten war, aber ich musste zweimal hinsehen, um ihn zu erkennen.  

Nimue ist eine starke junge Fey, die glaubt, dass sie dazu bestimmt ist, ihr Volk in die Freiheit zu führen. Abe sie unterschätzt die Kraft des Schwertes deutlich und muss es auf die harte Tour lernen, dass sie nicht alles so handhaben kann, wie sie will.

Resultat

Traurig das zu sagen, aber dieser Roman konnte mich nicht überzeugen. Ich sehe das Buch nur als durchschnittliche Lektüre. Da hab ich mir eindeutig mehr erhofft. Vorallem nach all den guten Dingen, die ich davon gehört habe. Aber urteilt selbst. Für mich leider kein Buch, das ich empfehlen kann.

Thomas Wheeler

Thomas Wheeler is a screenwriter, producer, showrunner, and the author of The Arcanum. He was the executive producer and creator of Empire for ABC and The Cape for NBC. In feature animation, he wrote the Academy Award-nominated Puss in Boots, as well as The Lego Ninjago Movie. Together with Frank Miller, he is co-creator and executive producer of Cursed, based upon the novel of the same name.

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