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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"La Cour des ténèbres" by Victor Dixen presents a labyrinthine narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its relentless cascade of plot twists and unexpected turns. While it may not provide moments of respite for those seeking tranquillity within its pages, the book's relentless pacing and intricate storytelling make for a compelling read that leaves one breathless and eager for more.
Dixen's ability to construct a well-developed world without resorting to info-dumping is commendable. Through subtle exposition and immersive storytelling, readers are transported to the captivating realm of Vampyria, where vampires, or Vampyres, are given a fresh and intriguing portrayal. Despite the familiarity of the vampire concept, Dixen infuses it with renewed vitality, breathing life into this age-old archetype.
However, amidst the allure of the fantastical setting lies a cast of characters who are as enigmatic as they are eccentric. From the outset, it becomes apparent that there are no conventional figures to be found within these pages. Each character possesses their idiosyncrasies, making it difficult for readers to form enduring connections before they are abruptly torn away. This constant upheaval adds to the narrative's sense of disorientation, leaving readers grappling to find solid ground amidst the chaos.
At the heart of the story is Jeanne, the protagonist whose complexity defies easy categorization. She oscillates between moments of apparent naivety and surprising cunning, her actions guided by a moral compass that seems to waver in the shifting sands of Vampyria's intrigue. While her internal contradictions may frustrate some readers, they ultimately serve to deepen her characterization, rendering her a flawed and compelling protagonist whose journey is as unpredictable as the world around her.
One of the book's notable strengths lies in its exploration of moral ambiguity. Jeanne's blurred sense of right and wrong reflects the murky depths of Vampyria's political landscape, where alliances are forged and broken with little regard for conventional notions of morality. This moral ambiguity adds layers of complexity to the narrative, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of power and the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their own interests.
Despite its merits, "La Cour des ténèbres" is not without its flaws. The relentless quirkiness of its characters may prove grating to some readers, who may find themselves longing for a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos. Additionally, Jeanne's unreliability as a narrator may alienate those seeking a more straightforward protagonist to guide them through the story's twists and turns.
In conclusion, "La Cour des ténèbres" offers a promising start to what promises to be an enthralling series. With its relentless pacing, intricate world-building, and morally complex characters, Victor Dixen has crafted a tale that will keep readers guessing until the very end. As the translation of subsequent volumes becomes available, fans of dark fantasy will undoubtedly find themselves eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the saga of Vampyria.
Dixen's ability to construct a well-developed world without resorting to info-dumping is commendable. Through subtle exposition and immersive storytelling, readers are transported to the captivating realm of Vampyria, where vampires, or Vampyres, are given a fresh and intriguing portrayal. Despite the familiarity of the vampire concept, Dixen infuses it with renewed vitality, breathing life into this age-old archetype.
However, amidst the allure of the fantastical setting lies a cast of characters who are as enigmatic as they are eccentric. From the outset, it becomes apparent that there are no conventional figures to be found within these pages. Each character possesses their idiosyncrasies, making it difficult for readers to form enduring connections before they are abruptly torn away. This constant upheaval adds to the narrative's sense of disorientation, leaving readers grappling to find solid ground amidst the chaos.
At the heart of the story is Jeanne, the protagonist whose complexity defies easy categorization. She oscillates between moments of apparent naivety and surprising cunning, her actions guided by a moral compass that seems to waver in the shifting sands of Vampyria's intrigue. While her internal contradictions may frustrate some readers, they ultimately serve to deepen her characterization, rendering her a flawed and compelling protagonist whose journey is as unpredictable as the world around her.
One of the book's notable strengths lies in its exploration of moral ambiguity. Jeanne's blurred sense of right and wrong reflects the murky depths of Vampyria's political landscape, where alliances are forged and broken with little regard for conventional notions of morality. This moral ambiguity adds layers of complexity to the narrative, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of power and the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their own interests.
Despite its merits, "La Cour des ténèbres" is not without its flaws. The relentless quirkiness of its characters may prove grating to some readers, who may find themselves longing for a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos. Additionally, Jeanne's unreliability as a narrator may alienate those seeking a more straightforward protagonist to guide them through the story's twists and turns.
In conclusion, "La Cour des ténèbres" offers a promising start to what promises to be an enthralling series. With its relentless pacing, intricate world-building, and morally complex characters, Victor Dixen has crafted a tale that will keep readers guessing until the very end. As the translation of subsequent volumes becomes available, fans of dark fantasy will undoubtedly find themselves eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the saga of Vampyria.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The book got better near the ending, but I almost put it away around the halfway point. I do very much like the idea of this world, this alternate reality. But I disliked the protagonist immensely. She didn't seem real to me, was quite stupid, and the way she unfeelingly betrayed those who trusted her... It got old quite quickly.
I'll leave this series at the first book, sadly.
I'll leave this series at the first book, sadly.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was SO impressed with this book/story/world. A Court of Shadows jumps quickly into action and then takes its time dragging you down into the world of the Vampyria. You learn about the horrendous and terrifying things the Court does as the fmc finds them out which builds suspense so well. The horror slowly piles on in such a perfect way. I also loved the historical fiction parts of this that blended with fantasy like the students learning courtly manners with a dash of “this is how you bow down to vampires”. The “shadows” are truly creepy.
The only thing that I could see as a negative is the fmc is incredibly impulsive the whole book BUT she does learn the lesson by the end and I think the consequences of her impulsiveness build the plot and her character. (And keep in mind the fmc is 17 so I looked past this flaw pretty quickly)
The only thing that I could see as a negative is the fmc is incredibly impulsive the whole book BUT she does learn the lesson by the end and I think the consequences of her impulsiveness build the plot and her character. (And keep in mind the fmc is 17 so I looked past this flaw pretty quickly)
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Kirjan miljöön ja tapahtuman kuvailu oli todella kankeaa ja heikkoa. Melkein kaikki hahmot olivat täysin samanlaisia luonteeltaan ja käytökseltään, vain heidän nimensä vaihtui.
Kirjan kuvailut olivat niin heikkoja, että oli todella vaikeaa ymmärtää millaisessa ympäristössä liikuimme. Myös tapahtumat etenivät liian nopeaa vauhtia, eikä lukijana voinut uppoutua kunnolla mukaan tärkeisiin hetkiin.
Maailmanrakennus oli puutteellista ja kirjailija joutui liikaa suoraan kirjoittamaan asiat, jotka olisi pitänyt lukijalle selvitä itse lukemisen ja kuvailun kautta. Tapahtumat olivat todella ennalta-arvattavia ja juonessa oli valtavia aukkoja.
Kirjan kuvailut olivat niin heikkoja, että oli todella vaikeaa ymmärtää millaisessa ympäristössä liikuimme. Myös tapahtumat etenivät liian nopeaa vauhtia, eikä lukijana voinut uppoutua kunnolla mukaan tärkeisiin hetkiin.
Maailmanrakennus oli puutteellista ja kirjailija joutui liikaa suoraan kirjoittamaan asiat, jotka olisi pitänyt lukijalle selvitä itse lukemisen ja kuvailun kautta. Tapahtumat olivat todella ennalta-arvattavia ja juonessa oli valtavia aukkoja.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Dit boek neemt je mee naar een heel interessante en intrigerende setting. Namelijk het hof van de Zonnekoning in Versailles, maar dan met vampiers aan de macht waardoor de tijd lijkt te zijn blijven stilstaan. Je wordt geïntroduceerd binnen de Koninklijke Stallen, de school die zich aan het hof bevindt.
De wereldopbouw is makkelijk te begrijpen maar toch boeiend net omdat er redelijk wat herkenbare elementen in zitten. De personages zijn tevens heel verschillend waardoor je met plezier op avontuur vertrekt met hen. De schrijfstijl en het woordgebruik passen ook goed bij de tijdsgeest en cultuur van aan het hof, zonder nodeloos zwaar te zijn voor de lezer.
Op sommige momenten heb ik me wel wat vragen gesteld bij bepaalde gedragingen van de hoofdpersonages. Daarnaast lijken de karakters soms te draaien als een weerhaan. Er zit ook heel wat immaturiteit in dit boek. Bepaalde dingen kwamen dan ook zelfs wat absurd over. Maar desalniettemin heb ik wel genoten van dit verhaal en ben ik benieuw wat de volgende boeken in petto hebben.
De wereldopbouw is makkelijk te begrijpen maar toch boeiend net omdat er redelijk wat herkenbare elementen in zitten. De personages zijn tevens heel verschillend waardoor je met plezier op avontuur vertrekt met hen. De schrijfstijl en het woordgebruik passen ook goed bij de tijdsgeest en cultuur van aan het hof, zonder nodeloos zwaar te zijn voor de lezer.
Op sommige momenten heb ik me wel wat vragen gesteld bij bepaalde gedragingen van de hoofdpersonages. Daarnaast lijken de karakters soms te draaien als een weerhaan. Er zit ook heel wat immaturiteit in dit boek. Bepaalde dingen kwamen dan ook zelfs wat absurd over. Maar desalniettemin heb ik wel genoten van dit verhaal en ben ik benieuw wat de volgende boeken in petto hebben.