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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
There was a lot to appreciate about this book but not a lot to actually enjoy
Honestly, it was so slow moving that I just didn't care
Things I loved:
The mystery is truly compelling and it draws you in from the very beginning.
The book is somewhat self aware so it's sort of winking at you as it descends into certain fantasy tropes.
At least in my reading experience, the plot and the world building is unique.
Everything about the book that can be real seems very real (relationships, self-discovery, etc)
Things that took me out of it:
Sometimes, the fantastical elements and concepts in the book were a little too cerebral. That is to say they went over my head.
There was at least one obvious solution to a problem that I figured out many pages before the characters did (so I went over the book's head).
The protagonist keeps making the same mistake over and over, which got a little annoying (but it's also the definition of addiction, which the book admits is her problem).
It probably couldn't be helped, but there are some moments where the translation seems to falter.
Those lists seem even, but let me clarify that I loved this book way more than I didn't. I can't wait for the next book in the (reportedly loosely connected) series to be translated.
The mystery is truly compelling and it draws you in from the very beginning.
The book is somewhat self aware so it's sort of winking at you as it descends into certain fantasy tropes.
At least in my reading experience, the plot and the world building is unique.
Everything about the book that can be real seems very real (relationships, self-discovery, etc)
Things that took me out of it:
Sometimes, the fantastical elements and concepts in the book were a little too cerebral. That is to say they went over my head.
There was at least one obvious solution to a problem that I figured out many pages before the characters did (so I went over the book's head).
The protagonist keeps making the same mistake over and over, which got a little annoying (but it's also the definition of addiction, which the book admits is her problem).
It probably couldn't be helped, but there are some moments where the translation seems to falter.
Those lists seem even, but let me clarify that I loved this book way more than I didn't. I can't wait for the next book in the (reportedly loosely connected) series to be translated.
Alexandra is on vacation at the beach with her mother. She notices a man following her. She freaks out until the man talks to her and everything takes a turn. She has a task to do. When she finishes the task, she go it’s told coins. Now she is to collect the coins and give them to Farit-the man that was following her. It turns out he’s a recruiter for the Institute of Special Technologies. He convinces Alexandra (Sasha) that this is her college choice. She agrees and goes.
I think, at the heart of this book is the evolution of the relationship between Sasha and her mother. Her mother is divorced and meets another man. Sasha gets a bit jealous, but as the novel goes on, she starts to see the dynamic of their relationship change as she metamorphosizes. Literally.
By the time the end of the book rolls around, through her trials and changes, Farit approaches her with an offer so shocking, I had to stop reading and sit perfectly still. How would I handle it? What would I do? Hint-it involves her 16 year old self. She moves forward and as the end rolls around Sasha becomes a better person because of everything.
This book has elements of “The Magicians” and the magical realism of Francesca Lia Block. There’s some elements of mystery and a LOT of bodily fluids. So, prepare for that.
I think, at the heart of this book is the evolution of the relationship between Sasha and her mother. Her mother is divorced and meets another man. Sasha gets a bit jealous, but as the novel goes on, she starts to see the dynamic of their relationship change as she metamorphosizes. Literally.
By the time the end of the book rolls around, through her trials and changes, Farit approaches her with an offer so shocking, I had to stop reading and sit perfectly still. How would I handle it? What would I do? Hint-it involves her 16 year old self. She moves forward and as the end rolls around Sasha becomes a better person because of everything.
This book has elements of “The Magicians” and the magical realism of Francesca Lia Block. There’s some elements of mystery and a LOT of bodily fluids. So, prepare for that.
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
5+ stars
I’m not sure what to say — how to gather my thoughts. This was incredible: in its writing, its story, its complex philosophy. I’m not quite sure I’d be able to compile the necessary Words to describe Vita Nostra, but I don’t think I need to. A new favorite for sure.
I’m not sure what to say — how to gather my thoughts. This was incredible: in its writing, its story, its complex philosophy. I’m not quite sure I’d be able to compile the necessary Words to describe Vita Nostra, but I don’t think I need to. A new favorite for sure.