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krish_'s review
3.0
Not bad.
I agree with those who condemn Saundra Mitchell for her awful diction. But, it isn't always. If I had been asked to rate The Vespertine based exclusively on the first several chapters, I'd have given it a one and gladly shoved it onto my shelves under blech, fail-books-that-should-burn and unfinished-and-i-don't-even-care, where it can amalgamate with other shameful wastes of ink and paper.
Surprisingly, it gets better. It was as if Mitchell had poured all of her wit of language into that first chapter; as if she had written, re-written, edited and wasted away attempting to sound Victorian and clever. Of course, as things go, when you try too hard it never works out. So, her language ended up convoluted and coarse (honestly, I understood maybe two words in total from that first chapter - I had no idea what was going on!) It's always better to be natural. And it gets there, or Saundra Mitchell gets there...though the book is never entirely free of her weird phrasing, gross attempts at romantic metaphors and annoying pursuit of poetic writing. They pop up occasionally but you just have to take it in stride. Her writing slows to a good rhythm, one we can actually read!
Her depiction of the period, however, I thought was good enough, meaning she didn't completely butcher it. She took liberties, let's say...or didn't do her research but all the same. Now, I'm no expert but yes, spiritualism was at its height of popularity during this time (Edward Bulwer-Lytton even went as far as hosting seances at his home and Arthur Conan Doyle had also been heavily involved in the field). I was actually quite surprised that Amelia didn't get enough attention as seer. She should've been all over that town but Mr. and Mrs. Stewart sort of just waited around, serving tea and biscuits as their niece allegedly told the future...? Anyway, I just wish it had a more dramatic role in the story because I was really excited that she took this topic on. Amelia just kind of sat there and "saw". On the back of this edition, its described as Victorian Gothic...um, no. If you're going to reduce this genre to its most basic definition as involving horror and romance, then sure, I guess you can fly with that but - no, not even actually. Anyway, just know, this isn't a proper Gothic novel. Perhaps, a very watered-down, very diluted, almost flavorless version.
Now, the characters I liked. They weren't extraordinary but they're certainly better than the most we get out there these days. Sure, they giggled. Sure, they gossiped and sure, they swooned but it didn't bug me. I actually got giddy with them...one word: Thomas. Yum. Zora, I liked. Amelia, I liked. I couldn't quite decide on Nathaniel. Part of me found him really creepy but then half way, he got normal and then creepy again. I know not.
This is long enough. I think writing this took longer than reading the actual book. It took me an afternoon so you won't really be wasting too much time if you end up hating The Vespertine. It has its flaws but give Mitchell a chance, she's not bad.
I agree with those who condemn Saundra Mitchell for her awful diction. But, it isn't always. If I had been asked to rate The Vespertine based exclusively on the first several chapters, I'd have given it a one and gladly shoved it onto my shelves under blech, fail-books-that-should-burn and unfinished-and-i-don't-even-care, where it can amalgamate with other shameful wastes of ink and paper.
Surprisingly, it gets better. It was as if Mitchell had poured all of her wit of language into that first chapter; as if she had written, re-written, edited and wasted away attempting to sound Victorian and clever. Of course, as things go, when you try too hard it never works out. So, her language ended up convoluted and coarse (honestly, I understood maybe two words in total from that first chapter - I had no idea what was going on!) It's always better to be natural. And it gets there, or Saundra Mitchell gets there...though the book is never entirely free of her weird phrasing, gross attempts at romantic metaphors and annoying pursuit of poetic writing. They pop up occasionally but you just have to take it in stride. Her writing slows to a good rhythm, one we can actually read!
Her depiction of the period, however, I thought was good enough, meaning she didn't completely butcher it. She took liberties, let's say...or didn't do her research but all the same. Now, I'm no expert but yes, spiritualism was at its height of popularity during this time (Edward Bulwer-Lytton even went as far as hosting seances at his home and Arthur Conan Doyle had also been heavily involved in the field). I was actually quite surprised that Amelia didn't get enough attention as seer. She should've been all over that town but Mr. and Mrs. Stewart sort of just waited around, serving tea and biscuits as their niece allegedly told the future...? Anyway, I just wish it had a more dramatic role in the story because I was really excited that she took this topic on. Amelia just kind of sat there and "saw". On the back of this edition, its described as Victorian Gothic...um, no. If you're going to reduce this genre to its most basic definition as involving horror and romance, then sure, I guess you can fly with that but - no, not even actually. Anyway, just know, this isn't a proper Gothic novel. Perhaps, a very watered-down, very diluted, almost flavorless version.
Now, the characters I liked. They weren't extraordinary but they're certainly better than the most we get out there these days. Sure, they giggled. Sure, they gossiped and sure, they swooned but it didn't bug me. I actually got giddy with them...one word: Thomas. Yum. Zora, I liked. Amelia, I liked. I couldn't quite decide on Nathaniel. Part of me found him really creepy but then half way, he got normal and then creepy again. I know not.
This is long enough. I think writing this took longer than reading the actual book. It took me an afternoon so you won't really be wasting too much time if you end up hating The Vespertine. It has its flaws but give Mitchell a chance, she's not bad.
cleah's review
3.0
Amelia isn't sure what to expect when she is shipped off to stay with her Aunt and cousin Zora in Baltimore. Upon arrival, her life turns into one exciting adventure after another. Zora is extremely social and daring, introducing Amelia to girl friends and boys alike. But Amelia is hiding a secret, and when Zora finds out what she can do, life as Amelia knows it changes fast and furiously. The two girls make the best use of Amelia's talents as they can, creating quite a name for themselves. Then someone gets hurt and it becomes difficult to know who to trust. Plus Zora meets a mysterious boy who may or may not have powers of his own.
This is a tender and tragic little read. The atmosphere is filled with historically accurate references of the times (Zora and Amelia go to get calling cards printed, for example) that are delightful to experience. The writing was surprisingly sensual, breaking away from the prudish, stuffy air of proper society. Amelia's interest in Nathaniel Witherspoon is innocent and arousing. Zora's bright outlook on life and willingness to be her own gal is downright contagious. Saundra Mitchell expertly captures the language and rules of the time period. The plot takes it's time getting going, but once it does, the reader is thrown into happiness and dances and the mystique. Then, when things take a turn for the worse, I couldn't help but feel bad for poor Amelia. However slow, silly, or sad the story may be however, the ending is so completely worth it.
This is a tender and tragic little read. The atmosphere is filled with historically accurate references of the times (Zora and Amelia go to get calling cards printed, for example) that are delightful to experience. The writing was surprisingly sensual, breaking away from the prudish, stuffy air of proper society. Amelia's interest in Nathaniel Witherspoon is innocent and arousing. Zora's bright outlook on life and willingness to be her own gal is downright contagious. Saundra Mitchell expertly captures the language and rules of the time period. The plot takes it's time getting going, but once it does, the reader is thrown into happiness and dances and the mystique. Then, when things take a turn for the worse, I couldn't help but feel bad for poor Amelia. However slow, silly, or sad the story may be however, the ending is so completely worth it.
yungokssss's review
3.0
OK, this book went reaaaaaaaaally slow, and the adventure only started up after half the book. I was ready to give it a one-star (for the first time!) but then I reached the half of the book and it became AMAZING. Don't judge it till you try it!
kristid's review
4.0
The Vespertine is an excellent mix of historical fiction and paranormal! I was a big fan of Saundra's debut novel, Shadowed Summer, and I've eagerly been awaiting to read more by her. The Vespertine does not disappoint!
Saundra has a distinct writing style, and I absolutely love it. It was even more apparent in The Vespertine. I was instantly drawn into the world and fascinated by its characters. I was especially fascinated by Amelia. For some reason I felt an instant kinship with her. She's quiet and very perceptive of her surrounding, spunky and independent, she would totally be BFF material! And the girl has visions of the future at sunset, how freaggin' awesome is that!
And I don't want to fail to mention the very mysterious Nathan, who never failed to intrigue me! (Although I have to say I did have a little crush on the Thomas, who was every the gentleman.) All of the characters in this novel were so very well fleshed out.... it was easy to picture them and their environment and just feel like I was there in the story.
Awesome characters. Beautifully written.
And the ending. WOW. Saundra gets me with her endings every time, and the shit really hit the fan with this one... so did not see that coming at all. I will say it again, wow!
You should definitely add this one to your reading piles!
Saundra has a distinct writing style, and I absolutely love it. It was even more apparent in The Vespertine. I was instantly drawn into the world and fascinated by its characters. I was especially fascinated by Amelia. For some reason I felt an instant kinship with her. She's quiet and very perceptive of her surrounding, spunky and independent, she would totally be BFF material! And the girl has visions of the future at sunset, how freaggin' awesome is that!
And I don't want to fail to mention the very mysterious Nathan, who never failed to intrigue me! (Although I have to say I did have a little crush on the Thomas, who was every the gentleman.) All of the characters in this novel were so very well fleshed out.... it was easy to picture them and their environment and just feel like I was there in the story.
Awesome characters. Beautifully written.
And the ending. WOW. Saundra gets me with her endings every time, and the shit really hit the fan with this one... so did not see that coming at all. I will say it again, wow!
You should definitely add this one to your reading piles!
joyousreads132's review
4.0
A gift turned into a curse.
Amelia van den Broek spent the spring and the better part of the summer in the carefree company of her cousin, Zora; surrounded by ladies whose worries were isolated to proprieties and catching the eye of a legitimate gentleman. But circumstances changed when visions of the future appear before her during sunsets. Soon after, her place in society improved, as ladies of different stature started calling on her to read them their fortunes. Her encounters with a certain rake added to the charm of living in Baltimore, as Nathaniel Witherspoon disturbed her in ways which sent her reeling from the tumult of her emotions. It's all enjoyment until one of her ill-omened visions came into fruition. And she was unable to prevent it from happening. It didn't take long until everyone turned on her and the languid life she knew briefly fell apart.
Hard to believe I waited ages to read this book; and if it weren't for an ARC of [b:The Springsweet|12180240|The Springsweet (The Vespertine, #2)|Saundra Mitchell|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1314932129s/12180240.jpg|15013096]that's been silently prodding me to read it, I'd not known the existence of this decadent, lush historical romance. I've always had this rigid notion that historicals are a bore. But let me tell you, this book certainly was far from it. The writing was rich in lovely prose, the language and setting, authentic of the period. This paranormal period piece took me by surprise due to the fact that the synopsis wasn't really generous in mapping out the other elements of the story. Nathaniel Witherspoon's ability certainly was a delightful revelation.
I love the characters as well. The cast was lovely and thoroughly fleshed out. I felt a certain foreboding oddity everytime Amelia foretold a future whilst Nathaniel just made me feel unsettled most of the time. These two enchanted me with every sensuous and (not so) innocent encounters on top of their numinous capacities. Nathaniel filled me with anxious impatience due largely to Saundra Mitchell's cunning choice to make his appearance in the book practically scarce. Needless to say, Nathaniel Witherspoon was one of those boys who'd make you shed all semblance of propriety with one quirk of his brow.
Amelia's relationship with Zora was also delightful. Educated in rectitude, these two just have enough playful impishness to make troubles for themselves. But not all were about fun, dances and picnics. The story didn't end with these ladies walking into the sunset with their parasols and their beaus in tow. It was bittersweet.
VERDICT: A period piece sure to surprise you, The Vespertine will leave you in awe of the general faithfulness the author took in transporting you to an era heady with proper decorum and gentility. The paranormal elements balanced off the romance quite appropriately. It was an emotional ride but the ending left just enough to whet my already ravenous appetite for the next book.
"You're the only fire that consumes me." And my wonderful monster, he smiled at that. He smiled at me."
More of my reviews here: Joyousreads
Amelia van den Broek spent the spring and the better part of the summer in the carefree company of her cousin, Zora; surrounded by ladies whose worries were isolated to proprieties and catching the eye of a legitimate gentleman. But circumstances changed when visions of the future appear before her during sunsets. Soon after, her place in society improved, as ladies of different stature started calling on her to read them their fortunes. Her encounters with a certain rake added to the charm of living in Baltimore, as Nathaniel Witherspoon disturbed her in ways which sent her reeling from the tumult of her emotions. It's all enjoyment until one of her ill-omened visions came into fruition. And she was unable to prevent it from happening. It didn't take long until everyone turned on her and the languid life she knew briefly fell apart.
Hard to believe I waited ages to read this book; and if it weren't for an ARC of [b:The Springsweet|12180240|The Springsweet (The Vespertine, #2)|Saundra Mitchell|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1314932129s/12180240.jpg|15013096]that's been silently prodding me to read it, I'd not known the existence of this decadent, lush historical romance. I've always had this rigid notion that historicals are a bore. But let me tell you, this book certainly was far from it. The writing was rich in lovely prose, the language and setting, authentic of the period. This paranormal period piece took me by surprise due to the fact that the synopsis wasn't really generous in mapping out the other elements of the story. Nathaniel Witherspoon's ability certainly was a delightful revelation.
I love the characters as well. The cast was lovely and thoroughly fleshed out. I felt a certain foreboding oddity everytime Amelia foretold a future whilst Nathaniel just made me feel unsettled most of the time. These two enchanted me with every sensuous and (not so) innocent encounters on top of their numinous capacities. Nathaniel filled me with anxious impatience due largely to Saundra Mitchell's cunning choice to make his appearance in the book practically scarce. Needless to say, Nathaniel Witherspoon was one of those boys who'd make you shed all semblance of propriety with one quirk of his brow.
Amelia's relationship with Zora was also delightful. Educated in rectitude, these two just have enough playful impishness to make troubles for themselves. But not all were about fun, dances and picnics. The story didn't end with these ladies walking into the sunset with their parasols and their beaus in tow. It was bittersweet.
VERDICT: A period piece sure to surprise you, The Vespertine will leave you in awe of the general faithfulness the author took in transporting you to an era heady with proper decorum and gentility. The paranormal elements balanced off the romance quite appropriately. It was an emotional ride but the ending left just enough to whet my already ravenous appetite for the next book.
"You're the only fire that consumes me." And my wonderful monster, he smiled at that. He smiled at me."
More of my reviews here: Joyousreads
enelya's review
2.0
Beautiful covers hides beautiful prose with a "but", it's too hard to follow. I'm 26 and found it hard sometimes, so knowing this book is aimed at a younger age group startles me. It's not that the sory is complex (it's actually a very simple storyline), it's the many twists and turns Sandra puts the words through, that loses the reader. There's a bit of sparkle here and there, in moments that stay with the reader for a while, but overall it just comes across as a words-too-big for the story told kind of book.
(Looking at the cover of book 2 - so pretty! I hope the writing and the simplicity of following the sroryline improves!)
(Looking at the cover of book 2 - so pretty! I hope the writing and the simplicity of following the sroryline improves!)
amber04's review
Okay, where to start.....well, this book has a beautiful cover. Unfortunately, I just can't finish it. I just could not get into this book. I tried...wasn't happening. I'm sure this story will capture someone's interest, but not mine. Since I didn't finish this book I will not rate it.
lyssadoll's review
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
cjyu's review
3.0
3.75 stars
I'm rounding this REALLY specifically because
1. If I rated it as Historical fiction, it would be 4
BUT
As fantasy, it would only be a 3.
BUT
3.5 stars didn't seem to fit well, so it's 3.75 stars.
:)
Disappoint because I heard so many good things about it, and it didn't quite live up to the hype. Bit dull in places.
I'm rounding this REALLY specifically because
1. If I rated it as Historical fiction, it would be 4
BUT
As fantasy, it would only be a 3.
BUT
3.5 stars didn't seem to fit well, so it's 3.75 stars.
:)
Disappoint because I heard so many good things about it, and it didn't quite live up to the hype. Bit dull in places.
novelsbycaitlin's review
3.0
I cant decide if I want to rate it 3 1/2 or a four.
Okay, I'll admit. I love historical novels. In fact, I love history, so when I read the description that this would be taking place in the Victorian era, New York. I was in. In other words, again, this may be a little bias review.
The book starts off slow, even feels a little tedious. Mitchell wants everything to feel authentic in the book. The clothes, the environment, the city, the dialogue, even the narrative. And that's where it gets tedious. For the first two or three chapters I pushed myself through. It's hard getting use to MItchell's...old? style of writing. But once you get past it, suddenly you're reading a sentence and you understand it without really knowing how. In other words, you've read enough to comprehend it on your own. Yea, I know, I'm making no sense but we all do it. We'll read something, half assed, but we still understand what we're reading, just not to it's full extent. Plus, while I'm not reading a bunch of YA, I'm reading stuff like, Reflections of the Revolution in France and The Vindication of the Rights of Women. Or The Poor Man's Opera. So reading tedious/ old writing isn't something new to me.
Mitchell does a wonderful job at bringing us to the Victorian era in Baltimore. I'm not gonna lie, I was sqeeing like a little fan girl when she first described Baltimore, with the docks and all those sailors. Oh boy. And the best part? Through out the book this historical aspect continues. But I'm not a historian, so I can't tell you if everything was accurate, but man, it seemed pretty damn close.
For once I wasn't ready to stab the MC. Amelia was actually a pretty efficient character. She knew her place in society and she knew what a lady should and shouldn't do, but just because she knows, doesn't mean she actually does. Everything she does made sense. When she started giving "fortunes" out to others, I loved how she stood tall, making sure no one took her as a crazy fraud, nor did she want them to take her as a scary witch. Plus Zora was like her manager, but not pushy, and inspired by money (they didn't charge a fee for fortunes). Zora overall was a great friend/character and I loved her just as much as I like Amelia. My point is, the characters were decent and believable. There weren't any cliches (well, it's the in the Victorian Era, so lets hope there will never be any usual stereotypes) so everything felt fresh.
The romance was actually nice for once. Usually, I'm rolling my eyes at romance in YA novels now a days. Honestly, everything is driven by love, when in reality, love isn't the center of the world. But in The Vespertine, the romance was sweet. Probably because it started off slow, but also, because Amelia knew her loving Nathaniel was impossible, him being on the bottom of the social chain. (I loved how Mitchell really made it clear that society was important. All the girls dreamed of getting married, living there life with a man that they weren't suppose to be with. It was a very romantic idea, marrying below you for love, but you could tell they all were aware of how difficult life would be if they actually do that, especially Amelia.) But of course, she's attracted to him, without a reason. Not like I haven't heard that one before. Nathaniel wasn't your typical Male Lead. He had depth but at the same time, I felt we hardly got to know him. I think I'd like the couple better if I Nathaniel revealed himself a bit more.
The plot was the weakest point in the book. Let's say, about half way, things start to boil, but it's tiny tiny bubbles. Near the end it reaches boiling point. The water is spewing over, getting everywhere, and then all the sudden it stops. The end. When the plot wasn't in motion, either romance development or society/world building was in play. Honestly, I'm confused. It ended so fast, and so sad, but what the heck? I mean, there's no cliff hanger, but I keep asking myself, "What the hell is up with fire and wind?" "Why are they so attracted to each other?" "What are they gonna do now?" "Why so sudden?" Unanswered questions leave potential for a sequel, but I feel these unanswered questions, are big ones. Something you can't just ignore.
Thus instead of the four I want to give, The Vespertine gets a 3 1/2.
Okay, I'll admit. I love historical novels. In fact, I love history, so when I read the description that this would be taking place in the Victorian era, New York. I was in. In other words, again, this may be a little bias review.
The book starts off slow, even feels a little tedious. Mitchell wants everything to feel authentic in the book. The clothes, the environment, the city, the dialogue, even the narrative. And that's where it gets tedious. For the first two or three chapters I pushed myself through. It's hard getting use to MItchell's...old? style of writing. But once you get past it, suddenly you're reading a sentence and you understand it without really knowing how. In other words, you've read enough to comprehend it on your own. Yea, I know, I'm making no sense but we all do it. We'll read something, half assed, but we still understand what we're reading, just not to it's full extent. Plus, while I'm not reading a bunch of YA, I'm reading stuff like, Reflections of the Revolution in France and The Vindication of the Rights of Women. Or The Poor Man's Opera. So reading tedious/ old writing isn't something new to me.
Mitchell does a wonderful job at bringing us to the Victorian era in Baltimore. I'm not gonna lie, I was sqeeing like a little fan girl when she first described Baltimore, with the docks and all those sailors. Oh boy. And the best part? Through out the book this historical aspect continues. But I'm not a historian, so I can't tell you if everything was accurate, but man, it seemed pretty damn close.
For once I wasn't ready to stab the MC. Amelia was actually a pretty efficient character. She knew her place in society and she knew what a lady should and shouldn't do, but just because she knows, doesn't mean she actually does. Everything she does made sense. When she started giving "fortunes" out to others, I loved how she stood tall, making sure no one took her as a crazy fraud, nor did she want them to take her as a scary witch. Plus Zora was like her manager, but not pushy, and inspired by money (they didn't charge a fee for fortunes). Zora overall was a great friend/character and I loved her just as much as I like Amelia. My point is, the characters were decent and believable. There weren't any cliches (well, it's the in the Victorian Era, so lets hope there will never be any usual stereotypes) so everything felt fresh.
The romance was actually nice for once. Usually, I'm rolling my eyes at romance in YA novels now a days. Honestly, everything is driven by love, when in reality, love isn't the center of the world. But in The Vespertine, the romance was sweet. Probably because it started off slow, but also, because Amelia knew her loving Nathaniel was impossible, him being on the bottom of the social chain. (I loved how Mitchell really made it clear that society was important. All the girls dreamed of getting married, living there life with a man that they weren't suppose to be with. It was a very romantic idea, marrying below you for love, but you could tell they all were aware of how difficult life would be if they actually do that, especially Amelia.) But of course, she's attracted to him, without a reason. Not like I haven't heard that one before. Nathaniel wasn't your typical Male Lead. He had depth but at the same time, I felt we hardly got to know him. I think I'd like the couple better if I Nathaniel revealed himself a bit more.
The plot was the weakest point in the book. Let's say, about half way, things start to boil, but it's tiny tiny bubbles. Near the end it reaches boiling point. The water is spewing over, getting everywhere, and then all the sudden it stops. The end. When the plot wasn't in motion, either romance development or society/world building was in play. Honestly, I'm confused. It ended so fast, and so sad, but what the heck? I mean, there's no cliff hanger, but I keep asking myself, "What the hell is up with fire and wind?" "Why are they so attracted to each other?" "What are they gonna do now?" "Why so sudden?" Unanswered questions leave potential for a sequel, but I feel these unanswered questions, are big ones. Something you can't just ignore.
Thus instead of the four I want to give, The Vespertine gets a 3 1/2.