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alainral's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A very engaging and well-written book with excellent atmosphere. It does fall into tropes here and there but stands out in all the ways that count. The characters all felt unique and were likeable, even though I wished Domek in particular could have had a bit more dimension. I also would have liked to have seen him get called out more for his "knight in shining armor" personality. Likewise, Ora's reformed vampire persona was annoying at times. All in all, it's worth a read just for the solid vibes and plot. The pacing is a consistent medium throughout.
As a side note on the treatment of Judaism: I think it's great that the book dealt with antisemitism and attempted to portray a Jewish character positively. However, Abrahams should have had more personality and integration with the plot to feel less tokenish. Additionally, the author made the insensitive choice to use the word "cabal" more than once. Especially with that applying to a secret vampire group (see the blood libel connection), that made me pause a bit. Overall, though, I think the author's intentions were good.
As a side note on the treatment of Judaism: I think it's great that the book dealt with antisemitism and attempted to portray a Jewish character positively. However, Abrahams should have had more personality and integration with the plot to feel less tokenish. Additionally, the author made the insensitive choice to use the word "cabal" more than once. Especially with that applying to a secret vampire group (see the blood libel connection), that made me pause a bit. Overall, though, I think the author's intentions were good.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Slavery, Antisemitism, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Domestic abuse
Lgbtq, reformed vampirebooksthatburn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
THE LIGHTS OF PRAGUE is the story of what can happen when some think that the line between monster and human is intrinsic and obvious, and others see monstrosity as a function of action and choice. Lady Ora Fischer is in mourning for her husband, who died some decades before. She's been spending time with Domek, someone whose social status is very different from her own. She's unaware that he's a lamplighter, one of the people who patrol the streets to keep pedestrians safe from monsters in the night. Set in a magic-touched version of historical Prague, and THE LIGHTS OF PRAGUE specifically explores the connection between perceived monstrosity and bigotries such as queerphobia, classism, and antisemitism, continuing the genre's long-running engagement with these themes. What could have been a simple story of a pijavica hunter falling in love with a pijavica (vampire) becomes a much more complicated story, as everything from the Will-O-Wisp he meets to his own mother's history makes it harder and harder for Domek to keep thinking that the prevailing attitude of "us versus them and they are all monsters" has any connection to reality.
Prague is a city in the grips of change. Most of these developments are incremental, such as the lights being installed in the city to make travel safer at night. There are many kinds of monsters: those who attack people in the night on their way home; those who lead travelers off of paths and into danger; and those who require some ideal performance of humanness in order to acknowledge personhood. Twenty years ago, the ghetto was opened and Jews were declared to be citizens, but this declaration of their equality hasn't been able to erase old prejudices. People with a little bit of power (real or imagined) are slow to welcome changes which threaten their sense of privilege and stability. One of the lamplighters is a Jewism man who discusses his awareness that many of his fellow lamplighters still are unsure whether he's one of the monsters they should be fighting. There’s also a scene which plays out very much like transphobia, with a character, assuming that he would never be intimate with a pijavica, because he would obviously be able to tell what they are ("clocking" in modern parlance). However, by that point the reader already knows that he’s wrong, that he has, in fact, had many wonderful conversations with a pijavica. There follows a scene which plays out in the first half like a gay/trans panic scene, where after an intimate encounter he find out that something about his bed partner isn't what he assumed. This scene highlights the ridiculousness of his earlier assertion of his perception powers, and is one piece in a long arc of him questioning the definitions and worth of "humanity" as he's been taught to revere and preserve it. He also comes into possession of a Will-O-Wisp who's magically enslaved, and the more they interact the less he's able to pretend that's there's some essential difference between them which means it's okay to exploit them.
I like pretty much everything about this book, especially the way the other various plot threads weave together. The lamplighter and the vampire are pursuing parallel tracks of investigation, but have very little reason to think that they might be on the same side. Generally, I don’t like plots which revolves around continued misunderstandings, but this one seemed very natural and didn’t bother me. The story has a nice alternation between me and characters, so that it avoids dull moments and allows for some scenes to have partially alternating perspectives without changing locale. There’s a pretty vibrant cast of secondary characters, helpful and nefarious alike. There’s also a specificity of place and time without getting bogged down and details in a way that might slow down the story.
Prague is a city in the grips of change. Most of these developments are incremental, such as the lights being installed in the city to make travel safer at night. There are many kinds of monsters: those who attack people in the night on their way home; those who lead travelers off of paths and into danger; and those who require some ideal performance of humanness in order to acknowledge personhood. Twenty years ago, the ghetto was opened and Jews were declared to be citizens, but this declaration of their equality hasn't been able to erase old prejudices. People with a little bit of power (real or imagined) are slow to welcome changes which threaten their sense of privilege and stability. One of the lamplighters is a Jewism man who discusses his awareness that many of his fellow lamplighters still are unsure whether he's one of the monsters they should be fighting. There’s also a scene which plays out very much like transphobia, with a character, assuming that he would never be intimate with a pijavica, because he would obviously be able to tell what they are ("clocking" in modern parlance). However, by that point the reader already knows that he’s wrong, that he has, in fact, had many wonderful conversations with a pijavica. There follows a scene which plays out in the first half like a gay/trans panic scene, where after an intimate encounter he find out that something about his bed partner isn't what he assumed. This scene highlights the ridiculousness of his earlier assertion of his perception powers, and is one piece in a long arc of him questioning the definitions and worth of "humanity" as he's been taught to revere and preserve it. He also comes into possession of a Will-O-Wisp who's magically enslaved, and the more they interact the less he's able to pretend that's there's some essential difference between them which means it's okay to exploit them.
I like pretty much everything about this book, especially the way the other various plot threads weave together. The lamplighter and the vampire are pursuing parallel tracks of investigation, but have very little reason to think that they might be on the same side. Generally, I don’t like plots which revolves around continued misunderstandings, but this one seemed very natural and didn’t bother me. The story has a nice alternation between me and characters, so that it avoids dull moments and allows for some scenes to have partially alternating perspectives without changing locale. There’s a pretty vibrant cast of secondary characters, helpful and nefarious alike. There’s also a specificity of place and time without getting bogged down and details in a way that might slow down the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Grief, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Physical abuse, Confinement, Grief, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Terminal illness, Medical content, and Slavery
Minor: Antisemitism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Classism, Xenophobia, Mental illness, and War
lanid's review
adventurous
dark
- 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
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Body horror, Gore, Death, and Antisemitism
bas0513's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Antisemitism
samusc's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.75
It's surprising that this book has less than 30 reviews! I hope more people pick it up based on the cover alone. The shutter-stock bats reminded me of the flying bats in the Castlevania animated series opening and are super eye catching.
In The Lights of Prague a vampire Ora, and a lamplighter/monster hunter Domek, find themselves caught up in conspiracies to cure or kill all vampires, respectively.
The true strength of this book is the characters. I wanted Ora to be okay and she's having a hell of a week! It was really satisfying to see Domek reflect on his actions and gain self awareness over time (we love a man that is capable of unlearning). The reader can see why characters made decisions they did, and the characters themselves are messy, which I love.
The mystery aspect of this was incredibly engaging, and I found myself heavily invested in the wisps' well-being as well. Yes, vampires are the main monster focus here, but knowing that there were other paranormal creatures involved makes the world feel full. I can absolutely see the comparison to The Witcher, based on the theme of finding humanity among monsters.
The romance plot line was handled tastefully and was a key component to the overall story.
This historical fantasy included vivid details on a city that I'm not too familiar with, which was an added bonus.
The conclusion does feel a little rushed, with bringing every character back one after the other, but overall it was great fun.
I can't wait to see where Nicole Jarvis takes us next.
In The Lights of Prague a vampire Ora, and a lamplighter/monster hunter Domek, find themselves caught up in conspiracies to cure or kill all vampires, respectively.
The true strength of this book is the characters. I wanted Ora to be okay and she's having a hell of a week! It was really satisfying to see Domek reflect on his actions and gain self awareness over time (we love a man that is capable of unlearning). The reader can see why characters made decisions they did, and the characters themselves are messy, which I love.
The mystery aspect of this was incredibly engaging, and I found myself heavily invested in the wisps' well-being as well. Yes, vampires are the main monster focus here, but knowing that there were other paranormal creatures involved makes the world feel full. I can absolutely see the comparison to The Witcher, based on the theme of finding humanity among monsters.
The romance plot line was handled tastefully and was a key component to the overall story.
This historical fantasy included vivid details on a city that I'm not too familiar with, which was an added bonus.
The conclusion does feel a little rushed, with bringing every character back one after the other, but overall it was great fun.
I can't wait to see where Nicole Jarvis takes us next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
Minor: Antisemitism
the_grimdragon's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
4.0
"There was something melancholic yet comforting about a silent library. So much knowledge sat unlearned. Books without readers were only paper."
The Lights of Prague is the debut novel from Nicole Jarvis & comes out on the 25th in North America & TODAY for the rest of the world!
Thanks to Titan Books for the copy & for inviting me along on the Instagram tour!
Taking place in gaslight-era Prague, this has such a comfortable, cozy vibe but with wicked sharp teeth!
Jarvis weaves together historical fantasy & horror in a lusciously brutal way. It's got mythology, costumery, bloodthirsty predators, elite monster hunters, trapped spirits, atmospheric writing & IT'S QUEER!!
The Lights of Prague is the debut novel from Nicole Jarvis & comes out on the 25th in North America & TODAY for the rest of the world!
Thanks to Titan Books for the copy & for inviting me along on the Instagram tour!
Taking place in gaslight-era Prague, this has such a comfortable, cozy vibe but with wicked sharp teeth!
Jarvis weaves together historical fantasy & horror in a lusciously brutal way. It's got mythology, costumery, bloodthirsty predators, elite monster hunters, trapped spirits, atmospheric writing & IT'S QUEER!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Death, Gore, and Homophobia
Moderate: Mental illness
peculiarb's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Lights of Prague by Nicola Jarvis tells the tale of a man forced to reckon with all he knows in order to save his city.
Prague’s lamplighters consider all non-human creatures to be demons, however Domek’s black and white view of the world finds itself constantly challenged as he’s forced to acknowledge shades of grey. His character arc was very interesting, chiefly because he resisted this change. For most of the book, he openly condemns anyone who he doesn’t perceive as good while he is blind to the actions of peers. It’s only once he reaches rock bottom that he starts expanding his point of view.
Ora Fischerová becomes a catalyst to this change. A wealthy widow with an eye for Domek, she spends her nights enjoying the many sights Prague has to offer until she is pulled into the pijavice conspiracy herself. Her character is almost the complete opposite of Domek. She’s appears to be incredibly lively, yet she’s still shadowed by the death of her husband. Despite the image she projects, her grief and loneliness are often suffocating. Throughout the book she is forced to reckon with it and the fact that it has rendered her stagnant in life. However, it’s not her growing relationship with Domek brings on the change, but rather her involvement in the plot and the threats to her loved ones.
I really liked that the romance wasn’t the reason for her coming to terms with her grief. Domek helps, but she ultimately starts the process of healing on her own.
While the two of them are the main characters, they don’t actually team up until the end. This means that the book is made up of two converging plot lines, giving the readers the full image. I especially liked one part of The Lights of Prague where Ora is working against the pijavice, while Domek is following Ora thinking she’s part of them. Despite the gravity of those scenes, I did enjoy how well Jarvis pulled off this miscommunication trope.
I also enjoyed the plot as a whole. While the story is condensed into a small number of days, it doesn’t feel forced or overwhelming. Jarvis slowly builds the action, balancing it out with scenes of Domek and Ora hanging out with loved ones or each other, giving the story an excellent pace.
Late 19th century Prague comes alive with Jarvis’ writing. She takes care not just to describe the scenery, but to include small details that make the whole more authentic. The worldbuilding isn’t overwhelming, but rather rely on our own history with an added layer of magic. I also appreciated that the creatures kept their Slavic names.
As for the LGBTQ+ representation, while Ora doesn’t label herself, she is unabashedly queer with frequent mentions of previous lovers of all kinds. One, Darina, even comes to play a role in the story. Her previous relationship with her husband and her budding one with Domek do not erase her sexuality, rather they are just as much a part of it.
The Lights of Prague by Nicola Jarvis is a fantastic adventure. It’s a great introduction to elements of Czech mythology, with dynamic main characters and a captivating story. I do hope to see more of Jarvis’s works in the future.
CW: Gore, violence, grief, antisemitism
Prague’s lamplighters consider all non-human creatures to be demons, however Domek’s black and white view of the world finds itself constantly challenged as he’s forced to acknowledge shades of grey. His character arc was very interesting, chiefly because he resisted this change. For most of the book, he openly condemns anyone who he doesn’t perceive as good while he is blind to the actions of peers. It’s only once he reaches rock bottom that he starts expanding his point of view.
Ora Fischerová becomes a catalyst to this change. A wealthy widow with an eye for Domek, she spends her nights enjoying the many sights Prague has to offer until she is pulled into the pijavice conspiracy herself. Her character is almost the complete opposite of Domek. She’s appears to be incredibly lively, yet she’s still shadowed by the death of her husband. Despite the image she projects, her grief and loneliness are often suffocating. Throughout the book she is forced to reckon with it and the fact that it has rendered her stagnant in life. However, it’s not her growing relationship with Domek brings on the change, but rather her involvement in the plot and the threats to her loved ones.
I really liked that the romance wasn’t the reason for her coming to terms with her grief. Domek helps, but she ultimately starts the process of healing on her own.
While the two of them are the main characters, they don’t actually team up until the end. This means that the book is made up of two converging plot lines, giving the readers the full image. I especially liked one part of The Lights of Prague where Ora is working against the pijavice, while Domek is following Ora thinking she’s part of them. Despite the gravity of those scenes, I did enjoy how well Jarvis pulled off this miscommunication trope.
I also enjoyed the plot as a whole. While the story is condensed into a small number of days, it doesn’t feel forced or overwhelming. Jarvis slowly builds the action, balancing it out with scenes of Domek and Ora hanging out with loved ones or each other, giving the story an excellent pace.
Late 19th century Prague comes alive with Jarvis’ writing. She takes care not just to describe the scenery, but to include small details that make the whole more authentic. The worldbuilding isn’t overwhelming, but rather rely on our own history with an added layer of magic. I also appreciated that the creatures kept their Slavic names.
As for the LGBTQ+ representation, while Ora doesn’t label herself, she is unabashedly queer with frequent mentions of previous lovers of all kinds. One, Darina, even comes to play a role in the story. Her previous relationship with her husband and her budding one with Domek do not erase her sexuality, rather they are just as much a part of it.
The Lights of Prague by Nicola Jarvis is a fantastic adventure. It’s a great introduction to elements of Czech mythology, with dynamic main characters and a captivating story. I do hope to see more of Jarvis’s works in the future.
CW: Gore, violence, grief, antisemitism
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gore, and Grief
Moderate: Antisemitism and Homophobia
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