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heidi_mcj's review against another edition
3.0
Well written but just not my favorite. I wasn't expecting a romance novel.
macaronoui's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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? N/A
5.0
vespertillio's review against another edition
3.0
3.5-3.75 I am not sure.
This book might have fallen to the ‘too high expectations’ problem. I absolutely adored the first instalment in this duology (?). This book might have therefore fallen a bit flat. I love the way Wecker writes and creates characters and their stories. But this book did not grip me the way the first book had. Will still be interested in other things she writes.
This book might have fallen to the ‘too high expectations’ problem. I absolutely adored the first instalment in this duology (?). This book might have therefore fallen a bit flat. I love the way Wecker writes and creates characters and their stories. But this book did not grip me the way the first book had. Will still be interested in other things she writes.
ladybeehyde's review against another edition
Not in the right head space - will return to eventually
alibrareads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Considering I gave the first book 3 stars, I’m pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this sequel! I might just be more inclined to enjoy books like this now compared to when I first read the Golem and the Jinni in 2019, but the writing and storytelling in this one just held my interest in a way that book one didn’t always.
It was very slice of life in ways and there were many scenes that didn’t necessarily feel like they went anywhere in particular, but it’s all about these little moments that build up to turning points in these people’s lives, and they all eventually come together and intertwine in a satisfying and magical way. There were many POVs, which kept things feeling a little more like they were moving forward, and honestly I was interested in every single person’s storyline. They all have their own flaws and secrets, people are missing information and making assumptions, and it makes for compelling tension throughout the book.
The world and conflicts feel very real and sympathetic even though the most pivotal characters are not human. The writing was very smooth, and this was just really well-written! These books are great for people who love historical fiction with a bit of light fantasy elements while still feeling very grounded in reality. The author is in the midst of writing a third book in the series, which I will definitely read!
It was very slice of life in ways and there were many scenes that didn’t necessarily feel like they went anywhere in particular, but it’s all about these little moments that build up to turning points in these people’s lives, and they all eventually come together and intertwine in a satisfying and magical way. There were many POVs, which kept things feeling a little more like they were moving forward, and honestly I was interested in every single person’s storyline. They all have their own flaws and secrets, people are missing information and making assumptions, and it makes for compelling tension throughout the book.
The world and conflicts feel very real and sympathetic even though the most pivotal characters are not human. The writing was very smooth, and this was just really well-written! These books are great for people who love historical fiction with a bit of light fantasy elements while still feeling very grounded in reality. The author is in the midst of writing a third book in the series, which I will definitely read!
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition
5.0
It takes an audacious writer to take two supernatural beings from different religious traditions and plop them into New York's Lower East Side in the 1890s. Helene Wecker's sequel to The Golem and the Jinni" builds on the first book as Chava the Golem and Ahmad the Jinni struggle to discover how they will live in a changing world as physically they do not change at all.
Chava is a Golem, a creature of superhuman strength from Jewish lore, who is made of clay to serve a master. In Chava's case, her master died right after calling her to life, and instead of her entire being focusing on anticipating her master's needs, she hears the desires of everyone around her and wants to meet them. Ahmad is a Jinni, desert creatures of Islamic tradition, made of fire and wind who have no physical form. Ahmad does indeed pop out of a bottle, crashing naked at the feet of a surprised metalsmith who is supposed to repair the flask. Ahmad is bound to earth by an iron bracelet that no one can remove except the one who put it there. As opposed to Chava whose situation makes her a hyper-empath, Ahmad understands and cares nothing of the feelings of others.
They meet on nightime walks as neither needs to sleep or eat. As their story moves into the 20th century, they've been in their neighborhoods for several years and people are wondering why they don't age, or how Chava can make a superhuman number of challas daily at the bakery where she works. So, to hide, or reinvent themselves?
"The Hidden Palace" is even more compelling and imaginative than the first novel, which I re-read with great pleasure. The world of Chava and Ahmad will continues to entrance readers as these two magical beings attempt to thrive in a world hurtling toward World War I.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for granting access to this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
~Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader
Chava is a Golem, a creature of superhuman strength from Jewish lore, who is made of clay to serve a master. In Chava's case, her master died right after calling her to life, and instead of her entire being focusing on anticipating her master's needs, she hears the desires of everyone around her and wants to meet them. Ahmad is a Jinni, desert creatures of Islamic tradition, made of fire and wind who have no physical form. Ahmad does indeed pop out of a bottle, crashing naked at the feet of a surprised metalsmith who is supposed to repair the flask. Ahmad is bound to earth by an iron bracelet that no one can remove except the one who put it there. As opposed to Chava whose situation makes her a hyper-empath, Ahmad understands and cares nothing of the feelings of others.
They meet on nightime walks as neither needs to sleep or eat. As their story moves into the 20th century, they've been in their neighborhoods for several years and people are wondering why they don't age, or how Chava can make a superhuman number of challas daily at the bakery where she works. So, to hide, or reinvent themselves?
"The Hidden Palace" is even more compelling and imaginative than the first novel, which I re-read with great pleasure. The world of Chava and Ahmad will continues to entrance readers as these two magical beings attempt to thrive in a world hurtling toward World War I.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for granting access to this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
~Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader
joshhall13's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Good story, but the beginning dragged. Great characters just like the 1st book.
abeplaut's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
4.75
raesock's review against another edition
4.0
The Golum and the Jinni was one of the best books I read in 2020. This sequel did not dissapoint. I was happy to see the characters again and it felt like it was a true continuation of their lives. The mix of historical fiction and folklore is a genre I didn't know I needed, but I love it.
lippi's review against another edition
reflective
slow-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
4.5