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andyn5's review against another edition
5.0
This review was originally published on NetGalley.
An amazing, memorable read! The Book of Whispers was the winner of the Text Prize 2015.
In the 11th century, in the time of the Crusades, the young Luca de Falconi is anything but ordinary. Born with the ability to see demons, Luca hides who he is and what he can do. When his father joins the Prince on the Crusade, Luca finds his way to the holy pilgrimage, not satisfied on staying behind to take care of their estate. Taking only a secret book written in a cryptic language that his father gave him, Luca embarks on a journey that will reveal secrets, corruption and evil lurking in the shadows. When a mysterious girl named Suzan joins him, he realises that he isn’t alone; Suzan has powers of her own. Together, they have to discover the secrets of the book and stop the unknown plan of demons as the crusaders make their way to Jerusalem to free it from the Saracens.
This novel brings everything together perfectly: romance, adventure, loss, magic, change and history. The descriptions are incredibly written. From the vicious, violent confrontations to the harsh conditions of the crusades through hot sand, burning sun and lack of water, they served as a reminder that even though we don’t talk about them any more, it was still one of the biggest bloody periods in history. The descriptions of the sights and ancient places are mesmerising and the way Jerusalem is portrayed is breathtaking. It’s definitely a place that I would like to visit for its rich history and architecture.
The plot is complex, fast-paced and clues to understand the book of whispers are revealed in a good pace; not a single moment of boredom from this historical journey. The romance between the two main characters is beautiful and it complements the story-line perfectly. The way I interpreted it was, even in the darkest moments, there is always something good that should be kept and fought for.
An amazing novel that I highly recommend!
An amazing, memorable read! The Book of Whispers was the winner of the Text Prize 2015.
In the 11th century, in the time of the Crusades, the young Luca de Falconi is anything but ordinary. Born with the ability to see demons, Luca hides who he is and what he can do. When his father joins the Prince on the Crusade, Luca finds his way to the holy pilgrimage, not satisfied on staying behind to take care of their estate. Taking only a secret book written in a cryptic language that his father gave him, Luca embarks on a journey that will reveal secrets, corruption and evil lurking in the shadows. When a mysterious girl named Suzan joins him, he realises that he isn’t alone; Suzan has powers of her own. Together, they have to discover the secrets of the book and stop the unknown plan of demons as the crusaders make their way to Jerusalem to free it from the Saracens.
This novel brings everything together perfectly: romance, adventure, loss, magic, change and history. The descriptions are incredibly written. From the vicious, violent confrontations to the harsh conditions of the crusades through hot sand, burning sun and lack of water, they served as a reminder that even though we don’t talk about them any more, it was still one of the biggest bloody periods in history. The descriptions of the sights and ancient places are mesmerising and the way Jerusalem is portrayed is breathtaking. It’s definitely a place that I would like to visit for its rich history and architecture.
The plot is complex, fast-paced and clues to understand the book of whispers are revealed in a good pace; not a single moment of boredom from this historical journey. The romance between the two main characters is beautiful and it complements the story-line perfectly. The way I interpreted it was, even in the darkest moments, there is always something good that should be kept and fought for.
An amazing novel that I highly recommend!
mandi_m's review against another edition
2.0
Our kids book club read this. I really enjoyed the read but the young audience found elements of it difficult as they had no understanding of the time period and how real the violence of the crusades really was. A really clever set up and I liked the idea of the book.
We scored it 6/7.5/3.5/7/6.5
We scored it 6/7.5/3.5/7/6.5
hoffnungswolke's review
3.0
First things first: I received this book through NetGalley.
I ave such a lov/hate relationship with this book, it's not even funny. The cover was the thing that made me give this book a second look, cause it's gorgeous. The story sounded super interesting. It just didn't work for me at all.
Summary: Tuscany, 1096 AD. Luca, young heir to the title of Conte de Falconi, sees demons. Since no one else can see them, Luca must keep quiet about what he sees, or risk another exorcism by the nefarious priest Ramberti.
Luca also has dreams—dreams that sometimes predict the future. Night after night Luca sees his father murdered, and vows to stop it coming true. Even if he has to go against his father's wishes and follow him on the great pilgrimage to capture the Holy Lands.
Far away in Cappadocia, Suzan has dreams too. Consigned with her mute mother to a life in an underground convent, she has a vision of a brown-haired boy riding through the desert. A boy with an ancient book that holds some inscrutable power. A boy who will take her on an adventure that will lead to places beyond both their understanding.
Together, Luca and Suzan will realise their true quest: to defeat the forces of man and demon that wish to destroy the world.
I had the hardest time getting into this book, it wasn't the writing. It was the character. Luca. I just didn't care about him at all. Because of that, I only got into the story as soon as Suzan showed up. We get POV's from the both of them. As soon as the two of them met and the journey was told from the two of them, this is when things started to get really interesting for me. I still didn't care for Luca, tho. I'm so sorry. It hurts my soul to actually write it.
The world itself was super interesting. To have these historical events combined with the magical world of demons. But it kinda fell flat for me. Towards the end of the book, I just got bored (even though lots of things happened), I just didn't care enough about it anymore and had the hardest time picking this book up to read a few pages. Giving this a three star raiting, cause there were some parts that I really enjoyed and that I loved reading. Mostly when it came to Suzan. And later Serafina. Loved these two.
I ave such a lov/hate relationship with this book, it's not even funny. The cover was the thing that made me give this book a second look, cause it's gorgeous. The story sounded super interesting. It just didn't work for me at all.
Summary: Tuscany, 1096 AD. Luca, young heir to the title of Conte de Falconi, sees demons. Since no one else can see them, Luca must keep quiet about what he sees, or risk another exorcism by the nefarious priest Ramberti.
Luca also has dreams—dreams that sometimes predict the future. Night after night Luca sees his father murdered, and vows to stop it coming true. Even if he has to go against his father's wishes and follow him on the great pilgrimage to capture the Holy Lands.
Far away in Cappadocia, Suzan has dreams too. Consigned with her mute mother to a life in an underground convent, she has a vision of a brown-haired boy riding through the desert. A boy with an ancient book that holds some inscrutable power. A boy who will take her on an adventure that will lead to places beyond both their understanding.
Together, Luca and Suzan will realise their true quest: to defeat the forces of man and demon that wish to destroy the world.
I had the hardest time getting into this book, it wasn't the writing. It was the character. Luca. I just didn't care about him at all. Because of that, I only got into the story as soon as Suzan showed up. We get POV's from the both of them. As soon as the two of them met and the journey was told from the two of them, this is when things started to get really interesting for me. I still didn't care for Luca, tho. I'm so sorry. It hurts my soul to actually write it.
The world itself was super interesting. To have these historical events combined with the magical world of demons. But it kinda fell flat for me. Towards the end of the book, I just got bored (even though lots of things happened), I just didn't care enough about it anymore and had the hardest time picking this book up to read a few pages. Giving this a three star raiting, cause there were some parts that I really enjoyed and that I loved reading. Mostly when it came to Suzan. And later Serafina. Loved these two.
mermaidmoonqueen's review
1.0
I received a copy of this book from the publisher on Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was initially intrigued by this book because of the time period it was set in. When have you ever, and I mean in your entire life, even heard of a fiction book set during the crusades?? I never have, which is why I was so interested to try this book. I thought if nothing else, I could learn something from this book. And I guess in a way, I did. I learned about the path the crusaders went on and just how long the crusades were. But other than interest about the time period, there's not much else to recommend this book.
The Book of Whispers follows a young man named Luca who has always seen demons and desperately wishes to go along during the crusades. He disobeys his father in order to volunteer for them after receiving a mysterious book that's been in his family for generations that no one has been able to read. It also follows a young girl named Suzan, who has lived her whole life with her mother in a convent, but now must go out alone in the world during this dangerous time. This book is about demons and attempting to save the world.
The only thing I can think of nice to say about this book I've already said. The plot is what really dragged this book down, in my opinion. The characters were okay, if a bit dull, but the plot really dragged. The pacing in this book is so slow and we meander a lot from the original plot. This book could have been 100 pages shorter and the pace would have really benefited. I also felt like this book had too many mythological elements and I wished it were a less magical depiction of the crusades. I wish Luca were just a knight that really believed in what he was doing.
Another part I disliked was the romance. I don't think it's really hard to guess which two characters fall in love, but I'll keep it hidden. It was basically insta-love, then they spend a lot of time together and just don't fucking communicate. Yes, that's a great basis for a relationship (cue eye roll.) But in all honesty, it just didn't feel authentic.
In general, I just can't recommend The Book of Whispers. There was too much wrong with it that I don't want anyone else to suffer through.
I was initially intrigued by this book because of the time period it was set in. When have you ever, and I mean in your entire life, even heard of a fiction book set during the crusades?? I never have, which is why I was so interested to try this book. I thought if nothing else, I could learn something from this book. And I guess in a way, I did. I learned about the path the crusaders went on and just how long the crusades were. But other than interest about the time period, there's not much else to recommend this book.
The Book of Whispers follows a young man named Luca who has always seen demons and desperately wishes to go along during the crusades. He disobeys his father in order to volunteer for them after receiving a mysterious book that's been in his family for generations that no one has been able to read. It also follows a young girl named Suzan, who has lived her whole life with her mother in a convent, but now must go out alone in the world during this dangerous time. This book is about demons and attempting to save the world.
The only thing I can think of nice to say about this book I've already said. The plot is what really dragged this book down, in my opinion. The characters were okay, if a bit dull, but the plot really dragged. The pacing in this book is so slow and we meander a lot from the original plot. This book could have been 100 pages shorter and the pace would have really benefited. I also felt like this book had too many mythological elements and I wished it were a less magical depiction of the crusades. I wish Luca were just a knight that really believed in what he was doing.
Another part I disliked was the romance. I don't think it's really hard to guess which two characters fall in love, but I'll keep it hidden. It was basically insta-love, then they spend a lot of time together and just don't fucking communicate. Yes, that's a great basis for a relationship (cue eye roll.) But in all honesty, it just didn't feel authentic.
In general, I just can't recommend The Book of Whispers. There was too much wrong with it that I don't want anyone else to suffer through.
macnwords's review against another edition
4.0
I've read a great many augmented literary classics, but this was my first adventure in augmented history. And I must say, the adventure was truly enjoyable! The Book of Whispers is a delicious blend of history, mythology, adventure and imagination. Keep your eyes peeled for when it hits shelves in Canada and the US in September 2017.
chloesbook's review against another edition
3.0
This book was really fast paced, it had good descriptions. I liked the connection between the supernatural and the characters. I was not a fan of the insta love . It was an OK book.
allyreadssometimes's review against another edition
4.0
I received this ebook free from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
The Book of Whispers by Kimberley Starr is a historical fiction story set during the crusades (with Demons). I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as a historical setting I felt completely immersed in the world and loved loved loved the idea of seeing demons.
A large part of the story revolves around the idea of death and the seven deadly sins, those being the different types of demons attached to different items. I don't know how to describe my feelings for the characters. I wouldn't say I loved them, often finding them a bit whiny but I have to say they definitely felt real, given the circumstances. The contrast in love stories between our main characters and their friends was huge. Serafina and Mattias felt real and was completely understandable, but for me personally I do not like the love at first sight vibe and the whole 'I've seen you in my dreams' thing either. However, I do like the connection between Suzan and Luca and the fact that they accept they are in this together despite the views of everyone around them. I'd like to hope I'd have that attitude if I was destined to save the world.
I really liked the aspect of the book, obviously, and the ever changing content of it. Having it written in a seemingly dead language was also something that really intrigued me.
One of the downfalls of this book for me which stopped it being a 5 stars was its ending. Some of this book felt long and like it was building up to a huge dramatic finale and yet the final 'battle' was underwhelming. So underwhelming in fact that the main villain doesn't even realise its happening for most of it. I was so invested in this story and was so there for a huge end but I felt a little let down.
Overall 4/5 Stars
The Book of Whispers by Kimberley Starr is a historical fiction story set during the crusades (with Demons). I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as a historical setting I felt completely immersed in the world and loved loved loved the idea of seeing demons.
A large part of the story revolves around the idea of death and the seven deadly sins, those being the different types of demons attached to different items. I don't know how to describe my feelings for the characters. I wouldn't say I loved them, often finding them a bit whiny but I have to say they definitely felt real, given the circumstances. The contrast in love stories between our main characters and their friends was huge. Serafina and Mattias felt real and was completely understandable, but for me personally I do not like the love at first sight vibe and the whole 'I've seen you in my dreams' thing either. However, I do like the connection between Suzan and Luca and the fact that they accept they are in this together despite the views of everyone around them. I'd like to hope I'd have that attitude if I was destined to save the world.
I really liked the aspect of the book, obviously, and the ever changing content of it. Having it written in a seemingly dead language was also something that really intrigued me.
One of the downfalls of this book for me which stopped it being a 5 stars was its ending. Some of this book felt long and like it was building up to a huge dramatic finale and yet the final 'battle' was underwhelming. So underwhelming in fact that the main villain doesn't even realise its happening for most of it. I was so invested in this story and was so there for a huge end but I felt a little let down.
Overall 4/5 Stars
katealane's review against another edition
2.0
The premise of this teen historical-fiction is very interesting. Set during the Crusades, the two main characters can see demons and end up learning about a plot involving the demons that they need to stop. I enjoyed reading about the interesting evil characters in this book, both demon and human. However, in order for me to really enjoy a book I need to be surprised by something. I felt like I knew what was going to happen as soon as I started reading this. Thanks to NetGalley and Text Publishing for the ARC.
fionayule's review
4.0
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my free preview copy in return for an honest review.
Luca lives in Tuscany during the middle ages at the time of the Crusades. Before his father goes of on a Crusade he gives him a secret enchanted book he keep hidden in a cellar. After reading the book Luca discovers he can see demons. Everywhere.
He also dreams about the future. After dreaming of his father’s death Luca joins the crusade, and against his father’s wishes, takes the Book of Whispers with him.
What follows is a bloody journey from Italy to Jerusalem on the crusades. This is marketed as a Young Adult book, but some of it concerned me about its appropriateness for very Young Adults. It’s no worse than vampire slaughters but some of the accounts make hard reading.
That saying it’s a remarkable tale. Luca falls in love with Suzan who through her language skills can read the Book of Demons. Suzan can already see demons although she doesn’t realise it. Suzan's back story is more interesting than Luca's and she is a feisty female lead.
As a historical fantasy Kimberlay has done her research. This book could equally have been a stand-alone historical novel without the inclusion of the Demons. The storyline is strong and the characters likeable. The description of life on the crusade is gritty realistic, and informative. It really threads together for a truly enjoyable read.
Though in my view it’s not for children or very Young Adults as it does get gruesome.
Luca lives in Tuscany during the middle ages at the time of the Crusades. Before his father goes of on a Crusade he gives him a secret enchanted book he keep hidden in a cellar. After reading the book Luca discovers he can see demons. Everywhere.
He also dreams about the future. After dreaming of his father’s death Luca joins the crusade, and against his father’s wishes, takes the Book of Whispers with him.
What follows is a bloody journey from Italy to Jerusalem on the crusades. This is marketed as a Young Adult book, but some of it concerned me about its appropriateness for very Young Adults. It’s no worse than vampire slaughters but some of the accounts make hard reading.
That saying it’s a remarkable tale. Luca falls in love with Suzan who through her language skills can read the Book of Demons. Suzan can already see demons although she doesn’t realise it. Suzan's back story is more interesting than Luca's and she is a feisty female lead.
As a historical fantasy Kimberlay has done her research. This book could equally have been a stand-alone historical novel without the inclusion of the Demons. The storyline is strong and the characters likeable. The description of life on the crusade is gritty realistic, and informative. It really threads together for a truly enjoyable read.
Though in my view it’s not for children or very Young Adults as it does get gruesome.
katieb94's review
4.0
Firstly thanks to Netgalley and Text Publishing for allowing to read this book in exchange for a review. I requested this book from Netgalley because of the cover, and the genre. I had no idea what it was about and I liked it!
It follows two characters, Luca, heir to his fathers title and fortune and Suzan- a girl who knows nothing else but the convent dungeon she lives in with her mother- who is mute.
They're very opposite and different but also extremely similar and I feel the story really got going once our characters meet- before that it felt like the narrative of their lives.
As it's set during the Crusades, the war scenes had some very bloody descriptions- it definitely had some very dark moments. Although a lot of them are historically accurate- such as the cannibalism- I was still put off by it.
I found the demon lore of the story really interesting- especially the fact that demons clutch to objects of sin. Demons play a big part of the story- even though only Luca and Suzan can see them.
This book ended up being better than I thought it was although it does seem a little older than YA due to some of the scenes.
It's a very good story, with an interesting take on historical events. Both character voices are strong, and brave. I found neither of them irritating.
Overall, there were some areas that were predictable such as the inevitable romance between Luca and Suzan- even if at one point it did seem that their hearts were taken by other people.
However, as a fantasy novel, this novel has a lot going for it. I'd never read anything by Kimberley Starr before so it was nice to read something by a new to me author.
I'd definitely recommend this book, it was a good book and I really enjoyed it!
4/5 Stars
Demons placed in history that don't feel out of place!
4/5 Stars
Demons placed in history that don't feel out of place!