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3.32 AVERAGE
3.32 AVERAGE
I couldn't finish this book- though I desperately tried to force myself to keep reading. But I got to 33% / Page 177 (Kindle) and finally had to stop.
The story had an interesting premise. And the slight twist that I did get to was sort of interesting. So I do think Silver in the Blood actually had a lot of potential as story... But it was just so poorly told.
A lot of details were left out, so it sometimes jumped in ways that didn't make a lot of sense. Other plot points were too sudden, or had little context, making them more jarring than I think they should have been. The cheesiness of some of it was off putting as well... I've also never really been a huge fan of secondary narrative sources (journals, letters, news paper clippings, etc) in storytelling, or in POV switching- and it unfortunately does both, which just serves to make the story harder to follow and stay connected with.
The story had an interesting premise. And the slight twist that I did get to was sort of interesting. So I do think Silver in the Blood actually had a lot of potential as story... But it was just so poorly told.
A lot of details were left out, so it sometimes jumped in ways that didn't make a lot of sense. Other plot points were too sudden, or had little context, making them more jarring than I think they should have been. The cheesiness of some of it was off putting as well... I've also never really been a huge fan of secondary narrative sources (journals, letters, news paper clippings, etc) in storytelling, or in POV switching- and it unfortunately does both, which just serves to make the story harder to follow and stay connected with.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
All the pieces are there, but they didn't quite click into place. The first part of the book where the Dacia and Lou were trying to unravel the mystery of their family was atmospheric and intriguing, but once the mystery is revealed, the rest of the book feels like it's in a rush to be over and loses the characterization and mystery that kept it compelling. I think readers on the younger end of YA would enjoy it, but the lack of nuance in the second half made it a bit disappointing for me.
This was hard to rate! I wavered between 2 and 3 stars. Jessica Day George is one of my favorite YA authors. I loved her Princess series. The problem that I had with this book is that is was so slow going at first. The build up took so long before the secrets were revealed that I found myself putting the book down several times before I could really get into it.
The premise is really good. It is set in the late 1800's in the mysterious country of Romania. There are two girl cousins who are likeable and have a sister-like bond. Though they grow up as wealthy Americans, their mothers' heritage is full of dark secrets. As they travel to Romania to meet their extended family for the first time, they are faced with an unbelievable discovery. Throw in a mysterious prince named Dracula, and you have the makings for a great series.
Unfortunately, this book just didn't work for me. It took so long for anything to happen that by the time I got to the end, I didn't really feel much for the characters one way or another. The romance was just so so because we didn't really get much detail on the male characters. I wanted to really like this. I guess the setting made my expectations soar and the reality was disappointing. I will read the next book in the series just because the potential is there. Let's just hope the next book is better than the first book.
The premise is really good. It is set in the late 1800's in the mysterious country of Romania. There are two girl cousins who are likeable and have a sister-like bond. Though they grow up as wealthy Americans, their mothers' heritage is full of dark secrets. As they travel to Romania to meet their extended family for the first time, they are faced with an unbelievable discovery. Throw in a mysterious prince named Dracula, and you have the makings for a great series.
Unfortunately, this book just didn't work for me. It took so long for anything to happen that by the time I got to the end, I didn't really feel much for the characters one way or another. The romance was just so so because we didn't really get much detail on the male characters. I wanted to really like this. I guess the setting made my expectations soar and the reality was disappointing. I will read the next book in the series just because the potential is there. Let's just hope the next book is better than the first book.
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
4.5 stars
SILVER IN THE BLOOD could have been a lot of things. It could have been yet another spin on wolves in service (enslaved) to vampires. It could have been nothing more than two silly girls running amok in Eastern Europe. It could have been a bland Victorian tale about society misses having their sensibilities shocked by some generic Family Secret.
I was half expecting it to be one of those things or something else equally mediocre.
Which is why SILVER IN THE BLOOD is a perfect example of why sometimes you just have to read a book for yourself, other opinions be damned.
Lou and Dacia are best friends and cousins and as different as two girls can be, both in appearance and temperament. They are daughters of two of the most prominent New York families on their fathers’ sides and practically blue blood on their Romanian mothers’.
You'd be hard-pressed to find more well bred ladies on American soil.
Dacia is especially aware of this and enjoys it immensely. BUT. She sometimes finds the routine—the same people, places, parties, etc. day in and day out—a bit stifling.
Which is why she rejoices when her mother suggests a European tour, ending with a long family visit in Bucharest, or “Little Paris” as it was known at the time.
Her excitement, however, is dampened after a questionable escapade in London leads her aunt (and traveling companion) to take the most direct path to Romania, skipping over the actual Paris completely.
Such hardships.
*snickers*
Lou is having a difficult time of her own, traveling separately with her parents and hellion younger twin brothers. It begins when a young man approaches her on a ship and inquires, strangely, whether she is, "the wing, the claw, or the smoke?"
Baffled and more than a little bit flustered, for Lou is a rather fragile creature, and impertinent young men asking inscrutable questions is a perfect recipe for her discomfiture. She is further scandalized by That Awful Man’s continued harassment of her person by his repeated attempts at bizarre conversation, and seeing him throughout the remainder of her travels, she becomes quite convinced that he is following her.
I found Lou and her sometimes morose observations to be particularly hilarious:
Dacia was also highly entertaining, if in a more direct manner:
Beyond the girls (and their various family members) being a delight to read, I also found the plot wonderfully compelling. It's true that Day George did take an inordinate amount of time to finally reveal the Big Family Secret, but she paved the way to the discovery well enough that I didn't feel taunted, and she still managed to slip in a Surprise despite our expectations.
Bravo.
I was also impressed by her restraint in not taking the obvious supernatural route.
Bravo, again.
SILVER IN THE BLOOD by Jessica Day George is the delightful first installment of her new YA fantasy series. Between the secret societies, dark Family Secrets, and our two heroines who are both brave and strong enough to stand with impeccable posture in the face of adversity, what's not to love? Completely devoid of a cliffhanger, I suggest that anyone who enjoys Victorian society and paranormal twists pick this gem up immediately. Definitely a top read for the year and highly recommended.
4.5 stars
SILVER IN THE BLOOD could have been a lot of things. It could have been yet another spin on wolves in service (enslaved) to vampires. It could have been nothing more than two silly girls running amok in Eastern Europe. It could have been a bland Victorian tale about society misses having their sensibilities shocked by some generic Family Secret.
I was half expecting it to be one of those things or something else equally mediocre.
Which is why SILVER IN THE BLOOD is a perfect example of why sometimes you just have to read a book for yourself, other opinions be damned.
Lou and Dacia are best friends and cousins and as different as two girls can be, both in appearance and temperament. They are daughters of two of the most prominent New York families on their fathers’ sides and practically blue blood on their Romanian mothers’.
You'd be hard-pressed to find more well bred ladies on American soil.
Dacia is especially aware of this and enjoys it immensely. BUT. She sometimes finds the routine—the same people, places, parties, etc. day in and day out—a bit stifling.
Which is why she rejoices when her mother suggests a European tour, ending with a long family visit in Bucharest, or “Little Paris” as it was known at the time.
Her excitement, however, is dampened after a questionable escapade in London leads her aunt (and traveling companion) to take the most direct path to Romania, skipping over the actual Paris completely.
Such hardships.
*snickers*
Lou is having a difficult time of her own, traveling separately with her parents and hellion younger twin brothers. It begins when a young man approaches her on a ship and inquires, strangely, whether she is, "the wing, the claw, or the smoke?"
Baffled and more than a little bit flustered, for Lou is a rather fragile creature, and impertinent young men asking inscrutable questions is a perfect recipe for her discomfiture. She is further scandalized by That Awful Man’s continued harassment of her person by his repeated attempts at bizarre conversation, and seeing him throughout the remainder of her travels, she becomes quite convinced that he is following her.
I found Lou and her sometimes morose observations to be particularly hilarious:
That Awful Man was standing in the passageway, peering into their compartment! She thought she might really have an attack of some sort now, and could only gasp for air. Lord Johnny appeared beside him, and Lou wondered for a fevered moment if she was simply hallucinating all the beaux she didn’t have.
Dacia was also highly entertaining, if in a more direct manner:
She wanted to hide, or open the window and somehow fly away. Instead she pasted on a smile and did her best to keep it there.
“Not so big, LouLou, you’re looking ghoulish,” Dacia whispered,
Beyond the girls (and their various family members) being a delight to read, I also found the plot wonderfully compelling. It's true that Day George did take an inordinate amount of time to finally reveal the Big Family Secret, but she paved the way to the discovery well enough that I didn't feel taunted, and she still managed to slip in a Surprise despite our expectations.
Bravo.
I was also impressed by her restraint in not taking the obvious supernatural route.
Spoiler
The Draculas were NOT vampires.Bravo, again.
SILVER IN THE BLOOD by Jessica Day George is the delightful first installment of her new YA fantasy series. Between the secret societies, dark Family Secrets, and our two heroines who are both brave and strong enough to stand with impeccable posture in the face of adversity, what's not to love? Completely devoid of a cliffhanger, I suggest that anyone who enjoys Victorian society and paranormal twists pick this gem up immediately. Definitely a top read for the year and highly recommended.
A pretty historical with light supernatural elements. The pace picked up near the end, which I appreciated. Love the cover, and love the international setting.
This book was enjoyable and though it had some spots that could have been handled better, I would still recommend it if you’re looking for a paranormal read that doesn’t rely heavily on romance and is instead the story of two young girls trying to do the right thing.
Adorably enthralling heroines with mysterious characters and a surprising twist of a plot!
Two gorgeously strong heroines coming into their own power, amidst shocking turns and supernatural thrills. I loved the development of Dacia and Lou, and read this book in one sitting - I could not stop!
Great description of the places (Paris, Bucharest, Romanian Countryside) and details of the time period. It is obvious that Jessica Day George researched the locations extensively.
This is an absolute must-read, and an absolute must re-read!
**eARC netgalley**
Two gorgeously strong heroines coming into their own power, amidst shocking turns and supernatural thrills. I loved the development of Dacia and Lou, and read this book in one sitting - I could not stop!
Great description of the places (Paris, Bucharest, Romanian Countryside) and details of the time period. It is obvious that Jessica Day George researched the locations extensively.
This is an absolute must-read, and an absolute must re-read!
**eARC netgalley**
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Like many Jessica Day George novels, this was a fun little romp without much depth. I enjoyed the reimagining of some of the Dracula mythos, and the setting was faithfully portrayed. I didn’t realize that she could write such effective action. Unfortunately, the beginning of the novel was a drag because she committed one of the most subtle plot sins. The novel took forever to warm up because George wanted to maintain an air of mystery around the ominous hints dropped by the various family members of the mains. Dacia and Lou (short for Louisa) are traveling to meet their Romanian family members, but as they get closer to their destination, the more people threaten, stalk, or warn the two girls. Though the references to Dracula make the eventual reveal of the dange a bit obvious, it still could have been a decent start to the novel. However, George makes the classic mistake of wrapping all of the potential tensions of the plot into the mystery that she is preserving, so essentially no tensions are allowed to develop or resolve until late into the novel. The girls have no interpersonal conflicts except ones that end at the brick wall of “You’ll know more when we get to Romania,” no new acquaintances are met except ones who mysteriously hint at what will happen in Romania, and the girls don’t really want anything at all. The first 150 pages just marked time as the two ladies traveled through Europe with their families and shopped and talked with no real motivation to achieve anything. Once the mystery is revealed, the plot really begins to move along. I did not realize that Jessica Day George could write such effective action scenes. The characters also act like real people who make actual logical decisions, rather than decisions that simply move the plot where the author wants to go. After the halfway point, the novel is a fun, fast-paced adventure with just the right amount of supernatural elements and intrigue. Before that, however, George needs to figure out a different way of maintaining interest for the reader. A mystery woven throughout the story in the background can make for a fun plot, but there need to be smaller reasons as well to keep the reader interested in reading the next page, not simply flipping to the end to see where it is all going.