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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
I've mostly stopped reading older romance novels, because they're maybe best read in the time when they're written. But this is a massive favourite that comes up over and over again, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I can see why it's still a favourite - the story is sweeping and well thought out, it has a rags to riches heroine, and a very slow burn romance (although I didn't really feel the development of the hero's feelings, other than burning lust).
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Very readable but super problematic. 1990s problematic, racist and non con in parts, but endearing characters mostly.
This was going to be 2 stars but then I realized that the Heroine is TSTL (too stupid to live) and Hero never comes clean to her about what he's been doing the whole time and they never resolve the fact that she's a prissy little marshmallow who hates curse words and then I was so thoroughly annoyed that I had to change this to a 1 star rating.
The concept of the white Hawaiian ninjutsu practitioner and the Karate Kid-esque stuff is something I'm not going to touch with a 10-foot pole ("When danger come - I tiger. Sirent tiger. [sic]"), but there was a good chunk of the book in the middle where I was able to forget about that and just roll with Kinsale's writing (which is lovely and enjoyable, but about annoying people). To continue the above, however, Shadow and the Star concludes with two people who don't truly know each other. Strangely, they both have their own completely separate problems that they don't resolve together, or even know about. With the exception of Hero's experience of child abuse, they are not really aware or accepting of each other's struggles throughout the book. I don't really understand or like this relationship which IRL we would consider a pending disaster between two totally incompatible people with nothing in common.
Surprisingly this is my third Laura Kinsale book and looking back at my reviews it seems that I've detested the two others I've read (Flowers from the Storm, Hidden Heart). I've seen a lot of recommendations for "For My Lady's Heart" but based on this experience I think I'm probably not going to like that either, so this will be my last Kinsale book.
The concept of the white Hawaiian ninjutsu practitioner and the Karate Kid-esque stuff is something I'm not going to touch with a 10-foot pole ("When danger come - I tiger. Sirent tiger. [sic]"), but there was a good chunk of the book in the middle where I was able to forget about that and just roll with Kinsale's writing (which is lovely and enjoyable, but about annoying people). To continue the above, however, Shadow and the Star concludes with two people who don't truly know each other. Strangely, they both have their own completely separate problems that they don't resolve together, or even know about. With the exception of Hero's experience of child abuse, they are not really aware or accepting of each other's struggles throughout the book. I don't really understand or like this relationship which IRL we would consider a pending disaster between two totally incompatible people with nothing in common.
Surprisingly this is my third Laura Kinsale book and looking back at my reviews it seems that I've detested the two others I've read (Flowers from the Storm, Hidden Heart). I've seen a lot of recommendations for "For My Lady's Heart" but based on this experience I think I'm probably not going to like that either, so this will be my last Kinsale book.
Some great (both good and bad) moments. I was kind of skimming towards the end.
Maravilloso, que te emocionan de un modo que no te esperas. En breve @cdextercolby hará su reseña en alacamaconunlibro.blogspot.com
a very unusual book about a quiet and atypical heroine finding the way to heal the terribly abused hero. The plot may seem very simple, but it is not: the hero samuel is a virgin (at 28) tortured by his past and his lust for Leda. he’s a Ninja-like warrior, with an old Japanese butler for master, and a quest for justice. nteresting cultural differences and biases set up between the east and west. It is a book that needs to be read a 2nd time to clear some things up and appreciate the moody and complex characters and plot. Especially the ending, where Samuels feelings take a sudden leap amidst all the action. It leaves one with the feeling that they've been pushed into the front row, just as the show is over. But, as I said, re reading it several times helps to pick up little details and nuances and knowing the characters so well makes the ending work (not ideal obviously).
Oh look. Another 5 stars for a Laura Kinsale book.
My brains not at full power at the moment so I don't really have anything intelligent to say. I loved this book (what a big surprise). I love how it's again different. Plenty of interesting plot, gorgeous writing and wonderful characters. I am a sucker for damaged heroes and this one certainly is. AND IT HURTS. I want to give him a great big hug. And I hate the villain from [b:The Hidden Heart|802153|The Hidden Heart (Victorian Hearts, #1)|Laura Kinsale|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327997982s/802153.jpg|2449363] EVEN MORE. I didn't think it would be possible.
My brains not at full power at the moment so I don't really have anything intelligent to say. I loved this book (what a big surprise). I love how it's again different. Plenty of interesting plot, gorgeous writing and wonderful characters. I am a sucker for damaged heroes and this one certainly is. AND IT HURTS. I want to give him a great big hug. And I hate the villain from [b:The Hidden Heart|802153|The Hidden Heart (Victorian Hearts, #1)|Laura Kinsale|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327997982s/802153.jpg|2449363] EVEN MORE. I didn't think it would be possible.
Come on, how can you not love a Victorian romance with ninjas? Yeah, I said NINJAS.
I'm usually very picky when it comes to genre romance--Kinsale almost always delivers a satisfying yarn, and this is no exception.
I'm usually very picky when it comes to genre romance--Kinsale almost always delivers a satisfying yarn, and this is no exception.
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content