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avalete's review against another edition
4.0
I went into this not liking the pacing or writing style. After finishing it though, I realize I really did like it. It was entertaining enough to keep me wanting to read more. I wish there was a little more historicism to the historical fantasy, but honestly what we got was enough for me.
I’m pretty sure there’s another book coming out sometime in 2024 so I’m looking forward to seeing more of this cast, Petra and Josef’s story but also just Viktor. I enjoyed Viktor.
I’m pretty sure there’s another book coming out sometime in 2024 so I’m looking forward to seeing more of this cast, Petra and Josef’s story but also just Viktor. I enjoyed Viktor.
littlebees_reads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The concept of blending history with the supernatural fantasy world wasn’t something I’d read before, so I was definitely intrigued.
Petra, the main character, is a young witch with a dark past and the unique ability to capture souls of the dead with her camera. With her husband away at war, she often ventures out at night to see what she can capture. One night, she’s approached by a man seeking someone with her abilities for a mission that could turn the tide in the war and even the playing fields.
While the concept and world-building captures interest, the story line in places seemed to fall flat, and it was difficult to remain immersed in the story at times.
I’m not sure if I would have got through the book as quickly if I’d read it vs. listening to the audio. It’s an easy enough story and audio to follow without getting too lost if you’re listening while doing other things.
I’ve heard the sequel picks up where book one left off, so I’d still be interested to see what happens and if there’s some real development/change.
cherylg123's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
barnfieldkatherine033's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
20somethinggrandma78's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War
dobunnii's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
athenabinghamauthor's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"The Witch's Lens" by Luanne G. Smith is a delightful blend of historical fiction and fantasy that deserves a solid 5/5 stars. The story is centered around Petra's unique talent for capturing souls on film during World War I, which makes for a truly engaging read from beginning to end. Although romance isn't the main focus, it adds a lovely layer of depth to the story. Smith skillfully weaves together world-building, character development, and exciting pacing, resulting in a satisfying and well-rounded conclusion.
ammonoids's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A lot of good plot and emotional threads are started in this book, but they're left dangling. Her husband is missing- but after he helps her, she doesn't mention it further. Halfway through the book, she falls in love with a commander?? Her fellow soldiers find out about her powers, and it's fairly glossed over. Overall, the plot moved fine but I think it just went too fast to include the human element I was hoping for.
y4wwn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75