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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me an ARC! That doesn't affect my review in any way.
First: yes this is a 3 stars from me, but I legit think its just a me thing and not a book thing. I can tell a lot of the YA audience is already loving it, so obviously it just didn't click with me.
My favorite part of the book was probably Raizel and I wish we got more of her! I also did like the mystery element that is what is pushing the story forward throughout. Even though that is our main conflict it felt like the novel was split 50/50 between the plot and character growth for Alter. That isn't a bad thing! However I was hoping for more leaning on the mystery side and less on the character side.
Yes, there is queer romance in this, but I wouldn't go out to grab this JUST for the romance aspect. It isn't a major plot element, though it is quite clear that they are together. There are only a few scenes that I would call "romantic". This isn't a critique either, just a warning for those getting this. It IS mostly focused on the mystery/character as I stated. There is romance, but it is definitely like the C or D plot. Not the main focus.
Honestly where I think this wasn't a hit for me was pacing (and again the fact that I just don't think this worked for me). There were a few points where I felt like it had been awhile since the plot had gotten a push so certain parts did definitely feel much slower compared to the rest. Whereas for me, also the big climatic final chapters ALSO felt kinda sluggish to read. Maybe its just a me thing but I just wasn't getting as much OOMPF as I was hoping. Another issue is the fact the possession isn't explictly stated until the book is almost half over. That is a LONG time for a synopsis point to not be hit/addressed. Like yes we know something is amiss, but it felt so obvious because we as readers know what the problem is. And yet our main cast hadn't gotten to that point yet. I think part of it is just the length which made it feel like it took extra long. (The book is almost 500 pages so 40% is roughly 200 pages in, and we still hadn't gotten possession confirmation).
This was an entertaining and informative time, but I don't know if I'll read it again (actually, who knows maybe now that I am more aware of the plot focus I'd be able to enjoy it more???).
Definitely pick this up if you want to read historical fiction focused on Jewish characters, with a spooky mystery that also manages to hit on some heavy themes.
First: yes this is a 3 stars from me, but I legit think its just a me thing and not a book thing. I can tell a lot of the YA audience is already loving it, so obviously it just didn't click with me.
My favorite part of the book was probably Raizel and I wish we got more of her! I also did like the mystery element that is what is pushing the story forward throughout. Even though that is our main conflict it felt like the novel was split 50/50 between the plot and character growth for Alter. That isn't a bad thing! However I was hoping for more leaning on the mystery side and less on the character side.
Yes, there is queer romance in this, but I wouldn't go out to grab this JUST for the romance aspect. It isn't a major plot element, though it is quite clear that they are together. There are only a few scenes that I would call "romantic". This isn't a critique either, just a warning for those getting this. It IS mostly focused on the mystery/character as I stated. There is romance, but it is definitely like the C or D plot. Not the main focus.
Honestly where I think this wasn't a hit for me was pacing (and again the fact that I just don't think this worked for me). There were a few points where I felt like it had been awhile since the plot had gotten a push so certain parts did definitely feel much slower compared to the rest. Whereas for me, also the big climatic final chapters ALSO felt kinda sluggish to read. Maybe its just a me thing but I just wasn't getting as much OOMPF as I was hoping. Another issue is the fact the possession isn't explictly stated until the book is almost half over. That is a LONG time for a synopsis point to not be hit/addressed. Like yes we know something is amiss, but it felt so obvious because we as readers know what the problem is. And yet our main cast hadn't gotten to that point yet. I think part of it is just the length which made it feel like it took extra long. (The book is almost 500 pages so 40% is roughly 200 pages in, and we still hadn't gotten possession confirmation).
This was an entertaining and informative time, but I don't know if I'll read it again (actually, who knows maybe now that I am more aware of the plot focus I'd be able to enjoy it more???).
Definitely pick this up if you want to read historical fiction focused on Jewish characters, with a spooky mystery that also manages to hit on some heavy themes.
The City Beautiful is a unique take of the events that happened during the World Fair in Chicago. This is perfect for any fan of the stories of Jack the Ripper or of H.H Holmes. But, what is really unique and is the star of the show of this book is the usage of Jewish culture and our Jewish protagonist. Aden Polydoros does such a good job at combining Jewish paranormal and the ominous aura that Chicago had at that time to create a gory read.
I also have to give credit to Polydoros to have used historical events that demonstrated hatred of Jews. There are so many people that presume that the racism that the Jews have faced is solely from the holocaust when it happened in so many other places. So thank you for using your book to shed some light on it.
For people that are intimidated about reading paranormal from a culture that you might not fully know. There is a glossary at the end of the book that gives a good explanation of Jewish terms.
My only real critic for this novel is that the pacing isn't constant. There are a few times where you do get a little bored. But it does pick up a chapter or two later. It doesn't help that the book is on the longer side.
Overall, wonderful representation, good use of historical events but the thrill wasn't constant.
Thank you, NetGalley, Inkyard Press, and Aden Polydoros for the arc!
Ps, this book is delightfully queer.
I also have to give credit to Polydoros to have used historical events that demonstrated hatred of Jews. There are so many people that presume that the racism that the Jews have faced is solely from the holocaust when it happened in so many other places. So thank you for using your book to shed some light on it.
For people that are intimidated about reading paranormal from a culture that you might not fully know. There is a glossary at the end of the book that gives a good explanation of Jewish terms.
My only real critic for this novel is that the pacing isn't constant. There are a few times where you do get a little bored. But it does pick up a chapter or two later. It doesn't help that the book is on the longer side.
Overall, wonderful representation, good use of historical events but the thrill wasn't constant.
Thank you, NetGalley, Inkyard Press, and Aden Polydoros for the arc!
Ps, this book is delightfully queer.
When the World Fair comes to Chicago in 1893, it brings a ton of excitement and attention to this bustling city full of immigrants. But all Alter wants to do is keep his head down and work hard until he has enough money to bring his mother and sisters over from Romania. Then Alter’s roommate Yakov is found dead on the fairgrounds. The police call it an accident, but Yakov is only one in a string of young Jewish boys who have gone missing or turned up dead in the last few weeks. After helping to prepare Yakov’s body, Alter finds himself possessed by a dybbuk—Yakov’s soul has latched onto his own, sharing warnings and snippets of memories while slowly gaining more control over Alter’s body. Can Alter use these glimpses into Yakov’s life to solve the mystery of who murdered him? He’ll need to work fast if he’s going to catch the murderer before his soul is consumed by his dead friend’s—and before the murderer catches him first. Luckily, Alter has help in the form of an outspoken anarchist named Raizel and Frankie, the charming young man Alter had left behind when he turned his back on a life of crime.
See my full review: https://www.thegothiclibrary.com/review-of-the-city-beautiful/
See my full review: https://www.thegothiclibrary.com/review-of-the-city-beautiful/
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
i do love it when a book concept just sounds SO up my alley and then i read it and it fully delivers
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
This book was so good! It had me on the edge of my seat. It's another surprise for me because I don't normally enjoy historical fiction, but with the addition of the supernatural and queer characters, I'm definitely here for it! Alter Rosen is such a beautifully written character with so much depth and growth. I loved him from the very beginning!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
tense
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