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stephxsu's review against another edition
The writing was skilled, but that didn't translate into an engrossing plot and characters that I wanted to cheer on. The part that I read (approximately a third of it) wasn't bad, but there are just so many other books out there with the potential to actually make me invest in the characters' outcomes that I couldn't make myself finish this.
thebrainlair's review against another edition
3.0
Just did not fulfill it's promise. The girls proved not the ones who were the stars of the book, as I had been led to believe. Took a guy to make things right. Full review on blog - 7/23/12.
hayleybeale's review against another edition
4.0
I loved The Floating Islands and, while this wasn't quite as good for me, House of Shadows is a similarly satisfying elegant fantasy. The characters are attractively flawed, the world building is stunning and the plot revolves around politicking rather than action. I found it a little slow to start with and could really have done with a list of characters (complicated naming system with several characters having more than one name) and a map (all good fantasy books should have a map as far as I'm concerned), but I was reading an ARC so maybe these were included in the published book. As with The Floating Islands, I'm not sure it will have wide appeal, but will work for kids who like character-driven fantasy.
brandypainter's review
4.0
Originally posted at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
I read Rachel Neumeier's The Floating Islands (my review) and really enjoyed it, so when I saw people begin to talk about her latest book House of Shadows I knew I wanted to read it. I bought it rather than wait to see if my library would ever get it, and boy am I glad I did. I was able to read this wonderful story that much sooner.
Did you read the synopsis? No? Doesn't matter. This book is about a lot more than that and, in fact, does not focus nearly as much on Karah and Nemienne as it would lead you to believe. True the story starts with them and they are used to introduce us to the world, but there's a lot more going on. And two other characters of far more import. (Or maybe they just seemed that way to me.) Taudde and Leilis. Don't get me wrong. Nemienne and Karah are both important to the story, but Taudde and Leilis were what kept me reading and wanting more. I loved both of them so much. Taudde is a conflicted foreigner torn between his honor and a need for vengeance. Leilis is a bitter ensorcelled young woman who has given up on her dreams, but uses her wits to her best advantage with the life she has been left. I could have read a book all about these two and been quite happy. But that would have been a typical book, and Rachel Neumeier's books are anything but typical and so she made this one more. The shifting viewpoints and all the angles shown of every story give a richer fuller picture of what is going on. At the same time, Neumeier manages to surprise the reader from time to time. It's marvelous. The world these characters live in is rich in beauty and detail. I would love to read more about these characters and their countries.
Also there are mages, sorcery, politics, and a dragon. So you know, it's all awesome. If you are someone who breaks out in a cold sweat at the thought of reading High Fantasy, if all the strange long names and places distract you, if you don't like kingdom intrigue and political plotting, then this book isn't for you. If however, like me, you will read anything so described and are over the moon excited when it delivers everything you could want and more, then read this book.
House of Shadows is being marketed as adult but has a definite cross-over appeal for a YA audience which is why I chose to review it here. Nemienne and Karah are both in their teens, and the other characters are in their 20's.
I read Rachel Neumeier's The Floating Islands (my review) and really enjoyed it, so when I saw people begin to talk about her latest book House of Shadows I knew I wanted to read it. I bought it rather than wait to see if my library would ever get it, and boy am I glad I did. I was able to read this wonderful story that much sooner.
Did you read the synopsis? No? Doesn't matter. This book is about a lot more than that and, in fact, does not focus nearly as much on Karah and Nemienne as it would lead you to believe. True the story starts with them and they are used to introduce us to the world, but there's a lot more going on. And two other characters of far more import. (Or maybe they just seemed that way to me.) Taudde and Leilis. Don't get me wrong. Nemienne and Karah are both important to the story, but Taudde and Leilis were what kept me reading and wanting more. I loved both of them so much. Taudde is a conflicted foreigner torn between his honor and a need for vengeance. Leilis is a bitter ensorcelled young woman who has given up on her dreams, but uses her wits to her best advantage with the life she has been left. I could have read a book all about these two and been quite happy. But that would have been a typical book, and Rachel Neumeier's books are anything but typical and so she made this one more. The shifting viewpoints and all the angles shown of every story give a richer fuller picture of what is going on. At the same time, Neumeier manages to surprise the reader from time to time. It's marvelous. The world these characters live in is rich in beauty and detail. I would love to read more about these characters and their countries.
Also there are mages, sorcery, politics, and a dragon. So you know, it's all awesome. If you are someone who breaks out in a cold sweat at the thought of reading High Fantasy, if all the strange long names and places distract you, if you don't like kingdom intrigue and political plotting, then this book isn't for you. If however, like me, you will read anything so described and are over the moon excited when it delivers everything you could want and more, then read this book.
House of Shadows is being marketed as adult but has a definite cross-over appeal for a YA audience which is why I chose to review it here. Nemienne and Karah are both in their teens, and the other characters are in their 20's.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
4.0
I am wavering between a 3 and a 4. Most of the book was a total 4, but I felt the end was a bit weak. It was sudden, I wanted more. But then let's not judge just the end.
Was this YA? With a girl sold into sexual slavery? Ok ok I know it was more fancy than that. It was more a Geisha house, not a brothel. But it was still slavery cos she was stuck there until her debts were paid. And in the end she would sell her body too and become a flower wife. And her sisters sold Karah to this! No matter that it was not a brothel, you still sold your beautiful kind sister to sexual slavery. So the other one could marry, and the rest could keep the house and business. Karah's part wwas good. She was naive, just really kind. I usually hate those characters, but all the sisters were different and she was just the kind one. She must learn to navigate this new place filled with jealousy and resentment. As for the end, I know she is all nice and all, but she will never be more than a mistress to any man. And if she has daughters they will be raised like this too. But she is so kind that she will make it work (I'd still not want more daughters raised like that.)
Then there was Nem, the other sister sold, not pretty enough for sexual slavery but the madam saw her eyes and said she should see a magician. Nem was mostly exploring shadows at the Magician's house. And at the end I wanted more from her. There is another book in the making there, just about her.
This is a country on the path to war. Soon. So there is a plot in town that they are on the edge of. A bit of suspense there.
I did not mind that the world was not explored more, you know I love a good world. The book was just so light and nice that I did not mind. I wanted to know more. And at the end I was sad there was no more. I must read more by this author.
Was this YA? With a girl sold into sexual slavery? Ok ok I know it was more fancy than that. It was more a Geisha house, not a brothel. But it was still slavery cos she was stuck there until her debts were paid. And in the end she would sell her body too and become a flower wife. And her sisters sold Karah to this! No matter that it was not a brothel, you still sold your beautiful kind sister to sexual slavery. So the other one could marry, and the rest could keep the house and business. Karah's part wwas good. She was naive, just really kind. I usually hate those characters, but all the sisters were different and she was just the kind one. She must learn to navigate this new place filled with jealousy and resentment. As for the end, I know she is all nice and all, but she will never be more than a mistress to any man. And if she has daughters they will be raised like this too. But she is so kind that she will make it work (I'd still not want more daughters raised like that.)
Then there was Nem, the other sister sold, not pretty enough for sexual slavery but the madam saw her eyes and said she should see a magician. Nem was mostly exploring shadows at the Magician's house. And at the end I wanted more from her. There is another book in the making there, just about her.
This is a country on the path to war. Soon. So there is a plot in town that they are on the edge of. A bit of suspense there.
I did not mind that the world was not explored more, you know I love a good world. The book was just so light and nice that I did not mind. I wanted to know more. And at the end I was sad there was no more. I must read more by this author.
weweresotired's review
Did not finish.
Why?
I wanted to love this book. I'd heard a lot of good things about Rachel Neumeier's books, and the plot - one sister becomes what is this fantasy world's equivalent of a geisha, while the other apprentices with a mage - seemed like a great idea. It's a stand-alone book with no love triangle and very little romance. They're all things I should love! I think this was a case of the summary of the book not really representing the whole of the story, though, because the two sisters aren't the focus of the story at all. Other side characters are brought in for their own POV chapters and I just found myself getting bored. I'm willing to wade through boredom in cases where there are still characters/storylines I care about (George R.R. Martin, I'm looking at you) but in this case, I wasn't interested enough in any of them to keep going. Neumeier's a beautiful writer, and I'd be willing to try some of her other books. House of Shadows just wasn't for me.
Why?
I wanted to love this book. I'd heard a lot of good things about Rachel Neumeier's books, and the plot - one sister becomes what is this fantasy world's equivalent of a geisha, while the other apprentices with a mage - seemed like a great idea. It's a stand-alone book with no love triangle and very little romance. They're all things I should love! I think this was a case of the summary of the book not really representing the whole of the story, though, because the two sisters aren't the focus of the story at all. Other side characters are brought in for their own POV chapters and I just found myself getting bored. I'm willing to wade through boredom in cases where there are still characters/storylines I care about (George R.R. Martin, I'm looking at you) but in this case, I wasn't interested enough in any of them to keep going. Neumeier's a beautiful writer, and I'd be willing to try some of her other books. House of Shadows just wasn't for me.
moirwyn's review
4.0
Standalone YA fantasy without the love triangles and angst? I approve. Geishas, dragons, and political intrigue? Even better.
For full review, see here:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/house-of-shadows-by-rachel-neumeier/
For full review, see here:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/house-of-shadows-by-rachel-neumeier/
tyrshand's review
5.0
Neumeier always intrigues me with the details she reels in her world. Now, she's not one of those writers that creates a novel that's half encyclopedia as they go out of their way to explain every clever idea they've had. Rather, Neumeier explains only what's important for the character to know and leaves the rest as life's little mysteries. This makes her fantasy worlds feel even more real and immersive.
The characters in this novel were all wonderful and I hope there will be more books that take place in this world so I can learn more about them and the magic systems and even the geography (I can identify with longings for the sea and the cold winter winds and whatnot).
Really, what doesn't Neumeier do well? Good plot, beautiful writing, great pacing... This was just exactly what I wanted to read.
The characters in this novel were all wonderful and I hope there will be more books that take place in this world so I can learn more about them and the magic systems and even the geography (I can identify with longings for the sea and the cold winter winds and whatnot).
Really, what doesn't Neumeier do well? Good plot, beautiful writing, great pacing... This was just exactly what I wanted to read.
bellatora's review against another edition
4.0
I think Rachel Neumeier is an underappreciated talent in the realm of Young Adult fantasy. Like [a:Sharon Shinn|28544|Sharon Shinn|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1218995575p2/28544.jpg], [a:Juliet Marillier|8649|Juliet Marillier|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1373081365p2/8649.jpg], and [a:Robin McKinley|5339|Robin McKinley|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1314406026p2/5339.jpg] she can create a whole world that is both magical and believable and characters that have more than one layer.
That being said, this is not my favorite book of Neumeier's. I learned in the Q&A after the novel that this was originally several story ideas eventually melded into one. That makes everything make so much more sense because it really did feel somewhat spliced together.
I originally thought (and the book description indicates) that this book would focus on Nemienne, a mage-in-training – (I was imagining something similar to [b:Howl's Moving Castle|6294|Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle, #1)|Diana Wynne Jones|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327887365s/6294.jpg|2001]). The tone in the beginning was akin to a fairy tale - seven beautiful sisters (each with a character-defining attribute or talent!) are left destitute when their wealthy merchant father suddenly dies. Karah - the gentle, most beautiful one - is sold to a respected keiso house (think geishas, but who are definitely only artists and respectable entertainers, who can become the mistress of the rich man of their choice, or who can remain single). Nemienne - the one without any apparent talent - is apprenticed to a mage living in a house with doors and hallways that link to other places.
Okay I thought, settling in, I like where this is going.
And THEN. A switch in POVs!
There's a second character - a young woman named Leilis living in the same keiso house as Karah. There is something off about Leilis - it is hinted quickly that she is an ex-deisa (geisha-in-training), who is now a not-servant/not-deisa member of the keiso house. I thought that she had been straight-forwardly slashed in the face (and thus had her beauty marred) by a jealous fellow deisa, but in fact she had a curse put on her that twisted in a way I still do not understand after finishing the book.
Okay I was a bit confused, but still game I don't know how this Leilis ties in, but I can work with it.
And THEN. ANOTHER SWITCH.
This time to Taubbe, a foreign bard caught up (mostly) against his will in a plot to kill the Crown Prince (a conspiracy spearheaded by Nemienne’s mage teacher, Ankenne). Taubbe's story is one of divided loyalties and doing bad in order to do good and learning the enemy may not be who you thought all along. Normally I would have loved a character like Taubbe. I totally dig the kind of conflict he was embroiled in (political intrigue! grey morality!). BUT I had wanted to read Nemienne's story and then she ended being regulated to essentially a side character and I was annoyed. This was really the Taubbe-and-Leilis story, which is fine, but I also really wanted a Nemienne story (her non-Karah sisters barely make another appearance).
The beginning of the book was very winning, but I got more confused as the book went on and by the end I felt a little bit like it was a handwave of I DON'T KNOW MAGIIIIIIC. I mean, Neumeier tried to make it clear, but all I know was that there was a dragon (that was a symbol and a real creature and maybe some kind of god?!?!?) and shadowy paths that could lead to other houses or could lead to DEATH and a treaty in danger of being broken and a mad wizard and magiiiiiic.
I did really love the world-building that involved the keiso houses and the bard magic, though.
P.S. Did anyone else find the romance between Karah and the Crown Prince as creepy as I did? Like the fact that he (and every other male) found Karah so irresistibly attractive because of her pure purity? Her only personality (besides being pretty) was being innocent and sweet and demure and gentle and virginal. She was a goddamn old-school Disney princess or a Victorian heroine and everyone ate that up like chocolate-covered crack. I guess I found Amy Adams in Enchanted pretty damn charming but it still gives me the creeps the way the men in this novel could not stop being entranced with Karah. When Karah grows up and becomes less innocent and sheltered, will the Crown Prince fall out of love with her? Does Karah have to be hidden away in safety, away from all tragedy and anything that could tarnish her purity? Won't she naturally grow out of her wide-eyed naivite when she is no longer a teenager? What happens when the Crown Prince has to marry an actual princess (instead of just having a left-hand marriage to a keiso) and Karah has to deal with being the Other Woman, facing the official wife who might very well have the power and ruthlessness to destroy Karah and everything she holds dear (and Karah really shouldn't be able to retain her pure purity through that). THAT would be an interesting story to read. Maybe a sequel focused on Nemienne and Karah is in the future?
That being said, this is not my favorite book of Neumeier's. I learned in the Q&A after the novel that this was originally several story ideas eventually melded into one. That makes everything make so much more sense because it really did feel somewhat spliced together.
I originally thought (and the book description indicates) that this book would focus on Nemienne, a mage-in-training – (I was imagining something similar to [b:Howl's Moving Castle|6294|Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle, #1)|Diana Wynne Jones|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327887365s/6294.jpg|2001]). The tone in the beginning was akin to a fairy tale - seven beautiful sisters (each with a character-defining attribute or talent!) are left destitute when their wealthy merchant father suddenly dies. Karah - the gentle, most beautiful one - is sold to a respected keiso house (think geishas, but who are definitely only artists and respectable entertainers, who can become the mistress of the rich man of their choice, or who can remain single). Nemienne - the one without any apparent talent - is apprenticed to a mage living in a house with doors and hallways that link to other places.
Okay I thought, settling in, I like where this is going.
And THEN. A switch in POVs!
There's a second character - a young woman named Leilis living in the same keiso house as Karah. There is something off about Leilis - it is hinted quickly that she is an ex-deisa (geisha-in-training), who is now a not-servant/not-deisa member of the keiso house. I thought that she had been straight-forwardly slashed in the face (and thus had her beauty marred) by a jealous fellow deisa, but in fact she had a curse put on her that twisted in a way I still do not understand after finishing the book.
Okay I was a bit confused, but still game I don't know how this Leilis ties in, but I can work with it.
And THEN. ANOTHER SWITCH.
This time to Taubbe, a foreign bard caught up (mostly) against his will in a plot to kill the Crown Prince (a conspiracy spearheaded by Nemienne’s mage teacher, Ankenne). Taubbe's story is one of divided loyalties and doing bad in order to do good and learning the enemy may not be who you thought all along. Normally I would have loved a character like Taubbe. I totally dig the kind of conflict he was embroiled in (political intrigue! grey morality!). BUT I had wanted to read Nemienne's story and then she ended being regulated to essentially a side character and I was annoyed. This was really the Taubbe-and-Leilis story, which is fine, but I also really wanted a Nemienne story (her non-Karah sisters barely make another appearance).
The beginning of the book was very winning, but I got more confused as the book went on and by the end I felt a little bit like it was a handwave of I DON'T KNOW MAGIIIIIIC. I mean, Neumeier tried to make it clear, but all I know was that there was a dragon (that was a symbol and a real creature and maybe some kind of god?!?!?) and shadowy paths that could lead to other houses or could lead to DEATH and a treaty in danger of being broken and a mad wizard and magiiiiiic.
I did really love the world-building that involved the keiso houses and the bard magic, though.
P.S. Did anyone else find the romance between Karah and the Crown Prince as creepy as I did? Like the fact that he (and every other male) found Karah so irresistibly attractive because of her pure purity? Her only personality (besides being pretty) was being innocent and sweet and demure and gentle and virginal. She was a goddamn old-school Disney princess or a Victorian heroine and everyone ate that up like chocolate-covered crack. I guess I found Amy Adams in Enchanted pretty damn charming but it still gives me the creeps the way the men in this novel could not stop being entranced with Karah. When Karah grows up and becomes less innocent and sheltered, will the Crown Prince fall out of love with her? Does Karah have to be hidden away in safety, away from all tragedy and anything that could tarnish her purity? Won't she naturally grow out of her wide-eyed naivite when she is no longer a teenager? What happens when the Crown Prince has to marry an actual princess (instead of just having a left-hand marriage to a keiso) and Karah has to deal with being the Other Woman, facing the official wife who might very well have the power and ruthlessness to destroy Karah and everything she holds dear (and Karah really shouldn't be able to retain her pure purity through that). THAT would be an interesting story to read. Maybe a sequel focused on Nemienne and Karah is in the future?