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lisaluvsliterature's review against another edition
4.0
I got this book from Netgalley, and am so glad I did! I'm a huge fan of Robin Wasserman's books because of the Skinned series, which I think is now called the Cold Awakening series. But anyway, this is a really good book. It is one that makes me realize why I can never finish any of the books I start. The depth of the detail and the back story in this is incredible! I love books that use letters or flashbacks to historical diaries or events like this one does. In a way this is a Da Vinci Code type of book in that it brings in an ancient religious sect. I also like the sciencey part to it, as I am a science teacher. This was a big book, lots and lots of story to read. It starts out and says where it starts is the middle of the story. But really, while it is kind of the start of the whole 2nd part, the 2nd part is HUGE! Not in a bad way, just you get to that part and it's not really the middle of the book, just the middle of the story. I do like that it starts like that, so that you know kind of what is to happen, but you don't know just what will happen after that until you get to that part. I loved that I was kept guessing on whether the boyfriend, Max, was a bad guy or a good guy the whole time. So many clues led you back and forth. And the cousin, the unknown guy who shows up after Chris's murder, again, you don't know if he's good or bad. I kind of wanted to like Eli, hated him at first for how he talked to Nora, the main character, but as the story went on, really liked the love-hate relationship they had, I often enjoy those types of stories.
The story talks about an elusive machine that is supposed to get the maker/user in touch with God, it is called the Lumen Dei. The way it works at the end when they finally get it together is really good and totally adds to the whole story, and makes up for waiting all through the story to know what it will really do, although you're not left knowing what actually happens.
Great book, I'll be putting it as a staff recommendation at the bookstore where I work when it comes out in January.
The story talks about an elusive machine that is supposed to get the maker/user in touch with God, it is called the Lumen Dei. The way it works at the end when they finally get it together is really good and totally adds to the whole story, and makes up for waiting all through the story to know what it will really do, although you're not left knowing what actually happens.
Great book, I'll be putting it as a staff recommendation at the bookstore where I work when it comes out in January.
jillybean7681's review against another edition
2.0
I thought this book was painfully slow. The characters weren't particularly likeable. The plot was unconvincing. It was a challenge even to finish. The only reason I did finish is because the 5 other books I want to read are all on hold at the library.
kaityreads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bookgoonie's review against another edition
4.0
Nora gets accepted onto a team with her best friend Chris, because of her ability to translate Latin. Chris’ professor, the Hoff, is working on cracking the code in The Book that will lead to the Lumen Dei. She is assigned the task of translating Elizabeth Weston’s letters. She is kind of miffed at being stuck rooting around the musings of the daughter of Edward Kelly, alchemist to the Emperor, and not the heart of the mystery. To her surprise, she really got into Elizabeth and her thoughts. To the surprise of everyone, she ends up being the key to the bigger picture. Once this is discovered, people on the project start being targeted. Murdered. In order for Nora to solve the murder and the mystery, she will find herself in Prague fighting for her life.
I kind of have to stop here, because I don’t want to ruin anything. I really enjoyed this book. There isn’t much that gets me more excited than following a mystery left for us in old books and letters. Nora and Elizabeth’s connection between centuries easily drew me in. I loved ducking into dark alleys, breaking into monasteries and hunting down clues. This is the first YA book I’ve read in this contemporary-history-mystery-type genre. I used to gobble their adult counterparts up exclusively. If you like Dan Brown books, The Historian, or The People of the Book, I think you’ll love this. With that being said, it isn’t perfect. The characters aren’t as rich, but I don’t feel that is necessary. The contemporary characters are kind of the medium to carry you along the larger story. The heart of the story is Elizabeth Weston. Her sacrifice, her discoveries, her love is the one we are really following here.
A mystery for the ages that has you questioning love and loyalty and most of all should man be able to converse with God.
I kind of have to stop here, because I don’t want to ruin anything. I really enjoyed this book. There isn’t much that gets me more excited than following a mystery left for us in old books and letters. Nora and Elizabeth’s connection between centuries easily drew me in. I loved ducking into dark alleys, breaking into monasteries and hunting down clues. This is the first YA book I’ve read in this contemporary-history-mystery-type genre. I used to gobble their adult counterparts up exclusively. If you like Dan Brown books, The Historian, or The People of the Book, I think you’ll love this. With that being said, it isn’t perfect. The characters aren’t as rich, but I don’t feel that is necessary. The contemporary characters are kind of the medium to carry you along the larger story. The heart of the story is Elizabeth Weston. Her sacrifice, her discoveries, her love is the one we are really following here.
A mystery for the ages that has you questioning love and loyalty and most of all should man be able to converse with God.
leanmrgreen's review against another edition
1.0
I'm actually surprised I read this one all the way to the finish. I guess that has to be a testament to the writing and the one star I gave. As for the characters, I couldn't relate. Not one ounce of sympathy or caring was given for the main character. That might be because I'm neither teenaged nor female.
The main character was always dark and dreary. The woe-is-me type. "The world sucks because my brother is dead. The world sucks because my parents don't give me attention. I'll just stick to translating Latin to English to avoid all of these boys hitting on me, even though I don't think I'm hot." I summarized there.
Did you want to throw up? A little?
Me.
Too.
What should have been a fun treasure-hunt style novel was heavily overshadowed by this bleak mentality. I was hoping the ending would make up for it.
It didn't.
Don't waste your time. Move on to something else.
The main character was always dark and dreary. The woe-is-me type. "The world sucks because my brother is dead. The world sucks because my parents don't give me attention. I'll just stick to translating Latin to English to avoid all of these boys hitting on me, even though I don't think I'm hot." I summarized there.
Did you want to throw up? A little?
Me.
Too.
What should have been a fun treasure-hunt style novel was heavily overshadowed by this bleak mentality. I was hoping the ending would make up for it.
It didn't.
Don't waste your time. Move on to something else.
darkchocolate's review against another edition
5.0
Well, it's 4:30 am and i can say IT WAS WORTH IT! As I read in the comments, I can absolutely agree that this book is like Da Vinci Code if not even better! I absolutely love it though at the beginning i had my doubts. Elizabeth's letters, the cryptic messages, the turns of events (though for some i had my suspicions), everything was just great! Undoubtedly, there have been put down a lot of work and research for this book and once again i'd like to say i'm very glad i chose to read it! Thumbs up!
bookishanjali's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars
I really wanted to love this book, it had mystery, intrigue and some serious betrayal. But alas it just wasn't for me. In the beginning I was hooked within the first few chapters. I was really interested in Nora's character but mid-way I started losing interest and found myself bored. It's not until the last few chapters that my interest kicked up into high gear and I was pulled back into the story full of curiosity.
The Da Vinci Code is what this reminded me of. A young adult version of it at least. Nora is trying to prove that Max didn't kill her best friend Chris and so she travels all the way to Prague decoding letters and clues trying to find the one thing that will supposedly help clear his name and meanwhile she has run-ins with secret societies and conspirators who are all after her.
Like I said there were some very exciting parts to the book but at the same time there was so much historical information being thrown around and the writing felt a little choppy. Not to mention at times the letters by Elizabeth just grew too long for me that I found myself skimming it. I wanted to connect with this book since it sounded so exciting of a read but in the end it just wasn't for me.
Overall even though I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to, I still recommend picking it up if you like a good murder mystery and have a liking for lots of historical facts in the book your reading.
I really wanted to love this book, it had mystery, intrigue and some serious betrayal. But alas it just wasn't for me. In the beginning I was hooked within the first few chapters. I was really interested in Nora's character but mid-way I started losing interest and found myself bored. It's not until the last few chapters that my interest kicked up into high gear and I was pulled back into the story full of curiosity.
The Da Vinci Code is what this reminded me of. A young adult version of it at least. Nora is trying to prove that Max didn't kill her best friend Chris and so she travels all the way to Prague decoding letters and clues trying to find the one thing that will supposedly help clear his name and meanwhile she has run-ins with secret societies and conspirators who are all after her.
Like I said there were some very exciting parts to the book but at the same time there was so much historical information being thrown around and the writing felt a little choppy. Not to mention at times the letters by Elizabeth just grew too long for me that I found myself skimming it. I wanted to connect with this book since it sounded so exciting of a read but in the end it just wasn't for me.
Overall even though I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to, I still recommend picking it up if you like a good murder mystery and have a liking for lots of historical facts in the book your reading.
books_plan_create's review against another edition
3.0
This book was NOT what I was expecting! Just from the title I was expecting either a paranormal or something similar. Instead, it was a current, mundane setting with a bit of historical context thrown in.
Nora has been translating letters from Latin to English. During the translation she discovers something that is supposed to lead people to God. But, she was not supposed to discover it. So now her friends are being killed, she is searching for answers in Prague, and a mysterious order is chasing her.
Mystery, intrigue, double-crossing, betrayals abound in this book. It was definitely a good read. It took me a little while to get into it, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. The mix of 16th century intrigue with modern day teens was fun. Spending time in Prague with Czech language was fun as well.
Nora has been translating letters from Latin to English. During the translation she discovers something that is supposed to lead people to God. But, she was not supposed to discover it. So now her friends are being killed, she is searching for answers in Prague, and a mysterious order is chasing her.
Mystery, intrigue, double-crossing, betrayals abound in this book. It was definitely a good read. It took me a little while to get into it, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. The mix of 16th century intrigue with modern day teens was fun. Spending time in Prague with Czech language was fun as well.
lcbeutler's review against another edition
5.0
Read March 20, 2012.
Read again March 8-14, 2013.
Apparently, I want to read the same books at the same time, annually. This might be evidence of a psychological problem. Oh well.
Read again March 8-14, 2013.
Apparently, I want to read the same books at the same time, annually. This might be evidence of a psychological problem. Oh well.
shalenaimathews's review against another edition
4.0
While the style of writing may prove too much for some, I think the majority of readers who give The Book of Blood and Shadow a chance will find a solid, well-paced narrative with complex characters and a mystery that hooks you and doesn't let go. Though there were a few major issues that affected my overall feelings about the novel, I did enjoy the book and came away impressed. I will definitely be picking up more from Robin Wasserman in the future.
*8/10*
Find my full review here.
*8/10*
Find my full review here.