You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
This was a fine audiobook, but not fantasy, more a complicated family drama.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
Thought-provoking, easy read
mysterious
reflective
tense
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First book I completely had no interest in the last 50%. I listened to audio; may have DNF if physical book.
3 stars due to holding my interest in beginning, had promise.
3 stars due to holding my interest in beginning, had promise.
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Though it took me a while to get going with it, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It's s story of four siblings who, as kids, make their way to a fortune teller who tells them each the day that they will die. After they lose their father, they make their way out into the world as young people - the youngest, Simon, is only 16 years old. What follows is a section of the book devoted to each of the siblings and how their stories play out over the years. I was most moved by the last section and the way this particular sibling manages. It was lovely writing and an interesting tale.
This book gives you a lot to chew on... fate vs. free will, the power of belief systems, family and regret... it's definitely a meaty read! Told from the perspectives of four siblings who visit a traveling psychic and learn the exact dates of their deaths, the story feels almost like four mini-stories tied into one—each is so different and vast in its scope. Some definitely read stronger than others (Varya's story felt the most contemplative and well-rounded, whereas Klara's felt a bit meandering and dragged a lot in the middle). Ultimately, I thought the story had an excellent premise, but the execution was not always as tight as it could have been. That being said, I still really enjoyed this book. It's compulsively readable—the kind of story where I was speed-reading to find out what happens. Though the characters are flawed and often make poor choices, I still felt so invested in their stories and watching their futures unfold across the page. The story leaves you with a lot of questions and hardly any answers, though I kind of like how much was left up to the reader's interpretation.
Definitely understand why this novel was blowing up when it came out; it's definitely an impressive feat! Would recommend to those who enjoy wide-spanning family stories and philosophical questions that make you consider the meaning of a life well-lived.
Definitely understand why this novel was blowing up when it came out; it's definitely an impressive feat! Would recommend to those who enjoy wide-spanning family stories and philosophical questions that make you consider the meaning of a life well-lived.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced