You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.32 AVERAGE
3.32 AVERAGE
I was going to give this book three stars, but then I thought about what it felt like to read the book all the way through. Many times I'll begin a book, and even if there is some mystery or secret being alluded to, I will stop reading because the answer to whatever mystery or secret does not intrigue me enough to keep going. With Silver in the Blood, although I wasn't totally loving the writing style or the story, I felt enough of an interest in the characters and the secret that I felt I just had to keep reading. Because of this, I felt as though this book deserved 4 stars.
I loved Dacia and Lou, the main characters, because they both offered such an interesting perspective and fun tidbits of personality. The romance in the story left a little to be desired although that subplot wasn't meant to be the focus of the main story. I really like how this story puts a totally new spin on the vampire fiction trend. I also loved the setting and time period of the story because I think the nineteenth century is a little under-done in YA. That time period always interests me, especially when an author makes character who lived so long ago seem so relatable.
If you're into paranormal fiction or even historical fiction, this could be a fun, quick read for you.
I loved Dacia and Lou, the main characters, because they both offered such an interesting perspective and fun tidbits of personality. The romance in the story left a little to be desired although that subplot wasn't meant to be the focus of the main story. I really like how this story puts a totally new spin on the vampire fiction trend. I also loved the setting and time period of the story because I think the nineteenth century is a little under-done in YA. That time period always interests me, especially when an author makes character who lived so long ago seem so relatable.
If you're into paranormal fiction or even historical fiction, this could be a fun, quick read for you.
This review was written for The Review Diaries
You can read the full review here
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
I was all set to get along famously with this book, after all I’ve enjoyed Jessica Day George’s books in the past, it’s got an historical setting, plus shapeshifting society ladies! What more could one want! However it ended up being quite a problematic book, so whilst by the time I reached the final page I had quite enjoyed the story, I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth.
The first half of the story drags, like at a seriously glacial pace. If you’re going to reveal something to the reader in the blurb, don’t then drag out the reveal to the heroines for half of the book. It does not inspire tension or mystery, it just peeves the reader to no end because they know what’s going on and there is no reason for everyone to be acting so ridiculously mysteriously all the time.
Then you’re faced with the sheer un-likeability of all of the adult characters. They flip from vaguely likeable right at the start to downright nasty within a few chapters, and with no reason. None of the motivations make any sort of sense with the adults, and I refuse to believe that previously caring parents and parental figures would cease to care about their children like that.
But the most problematic thing for me, the point from which this book didn’t stand a hope of recovery was where Mihai threatens to and attempts to rape Dacia. It was handled so badly, and Dacia’s response to it was dealt with appallingly. Mihai himself was a very poorly constructed character, he made little to no sense and his motivations were bizarre. His actions where he starts trying to force himself on Dacia didn’t fit with the rest of his character, and seemed so utterly out of place. Add into that that we don’t get to understand any of Dacia’s thought process or feelings after the event and the whole storyline ended up feeling like a bit of a train wreck and left me feeling thoroughly put off the story.
The two girls were interesting, and I enjoyed the alternating chapters headed by diary entries, letters and telegrams. It gave little additional insights into the characters and the story and were a lovely touch. However the character development was poor. Dacia was unlikeable for the first half, then she suffers a huge trauma through the knowledge of her shapeshifting, followed by the near rape and basically shuts down. But instead of understanding what’s happened and being able to deal with her trauma or allowing the reader into her thought process, she’s quiet and withdrawn before suddenly poof she’s decided she’s all fixed. I’m sorry but trauma doesn’t work like that, and the way that storyline was dealt with was shocking.
Then Lou is a timid and mostly unmemorable girl until poof suddenly she’s decided everything is peachy and she’s going to stop acting like a doormat. I get that they both had a huge shift through their experiences and this is what led to their changes in attitude, but we aren’t really allowed into their characters enough that we can understand and experience that shift in emotions. We’re just told ‘hey look this has changed’ and expected to get on board with it.
And the ‘heroes’ – what kind of hero, or even father or uncle, leaves these girls in a situation they know is that bad? Where was the reasoning behind this? None of the character motivations or reasoning made sense and it made my head hurt to try and make it make sense.
So whilst I was excited after reading Jessica Day George’s previous novels, this one really didn’t work for me. The pacing was off, the character arcs didn’t work particularly well and that attempted rape was the proverbial death knell for any sort of enjoyment. The second half of the book is infinitely better paced and more interesting than the first half, but unfortunately it was too little far too late.
You can read the full review here
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
I was all set to get along famously with this book, after all I’ve enjoyed Jessica Day George’s books in the past, it’s got an historical setting, plus shapeshifting society ladies! What more could one want! However it ended up being quite a problematic book, so whilst by the time I reached the final page I had quite enjoyed the story, I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth.
The first half of the story drags, like at a seriously glacial pace. If you’re going to reveal something to the reader in the blurb, don’t then drag out the reveal to the heroines for half of the book. It does not inspire tension or mystery, it just peeves the reader to no end because they know what’s going on and there is no reason for everyone to be acting so ridiculously mysteriously all the time.
Then you’re faced with the sheer un-likeability of all of the adult characters. They flip from vaguely likeable right at the start to downright nasty within a few chapters, and with no reason. None of the motivations make any sort of sense with the adults, and I refuse to believe that previously caring parents and parental figures would cease to care about their children like that.
But the most problematic thing for me, the point from which this book didn’t stand a hope of recovery was where Mihai threatens to and attempts to rape Dacia. It was handled so badly, and Dacia’s response to it was dealt with appallingly. Mihai himself was a very poorly constructed character, he made little to no sense and his motivations were bizarre. His actions where he starts trying to force himself on Dacia didn’t fit with the rest of his character, and seemed so utterly out of place. Add into that that we don’t get to understand any of Dacia’s thought process or feelings after the event and the whole storyline ended up feeling like a bit of a train wreck and left me feeling thoroughly put off the story.
The two girls were interesting, and I enjoyed the alternating chapters headed by diary entries, letters and telegrams. It gave little additional insights into the characters and the story and were a lovely touch. However the character development was poor. Dacia was unlikeable for the first half, then she suffers a huge trauma through the knowledge of her shapeshifting, followed by the near rape and basically shuts down. But instead of understanding what’s happened and being able to deal with her trauma or allowing the reader into her thought process, she’s quiet and withdrawn before suddenly poof she’s decided she’s all fixed. I’m sorry but trauma doesn’t work like that, and the way that storyline was dealt with was shocking.
Then Lou is a timid and mostly unmemorable girl until poof suddenly she’s decided everything is peachy and she’s going to stop acting like a doormat. I get that they both had a huge shift through their experiences and this is what led to their changes in attitude, but we aren’t really allowed into their characters enough that we can understand and experience that shift in emotions. We’re just told ‘hey look this has changed’ and expected to get on board with it.
And the ‘heroes’ – what kind of hero, or even father or uncle, leaves these girls in a situation they know is that bad? Where was the reasoning behind this? None of the character motivations or reasoning made sense and it made my head hurt to try and make it make sense.
So whilst I was excited after reading Jessica Day George’s previous novels, this one really didn’t work for me. The pacing was off, the character arcs didn’t work particularly well and that attempted rape was the proverbial death knell for any sort of enjoyment. The second half of the book is infinitely better paced and more interesting than the first half, but unfortunately it was too little far too late.
Honestly the worst part of the book was that Houri mess? The Theo guy was basically replaced with someone else after we were made to dislike him, and unlike with idk, Darcy, there’s little reason to why he might have reacted like that in the first place?
Other than that things were fine. I did feel as if the difference between Dacia’s and Lou’s personalities was very much blurred after Lou found out she was [redacted], but overall it was cool.
I really liked how snarky everyone was though.
Other than that things were fine. I did feel as if the difference between Dacia’s and Lou’s personalities was very much blurred after Lou found out she was [redacted], but overall it was cool.
I really liked how snarky everyone was though.
Fun supernatural historical ya fantasy - young wealthy cousins from NYC visit mysterious family in Romania in the late 19th. Reminded me a little of Sorcery and Cecelia.
Silver in the Blood has an intriguing premise. Jessica Day George has once again created a rich, believable fantasy world within our old world. It has promise and potential...and somehow falls short.
Plot
American cousins Dacia and Lou are the belles of upper 1890 New York. Dacia longs for adventure. Lou for consistency. Just as Dacia is about to get an offer of marriage from the catch of the season, the two girls are packed off to their mothers' relations in Romania. There they discover a dark family secret and a world that blots out everything they have ever known.
Thoughts
The book is obviously well researched and some of the descriptions are lovely. Even the idea of a family of Claw, Wing, and Smoke was creative and absorbing. As far as the plot goes, it kept me guessing and had some great twists and turns.
The writing was okay. It wasn't great. Every character "babbles" at some point which got on my nerves. Just because there are three sentences in a row doesn't mean someone is babbling. I think there were a few other words and plot elements that were unnecessarily repetitive.
However, what really annoyed me about this book was the characters. Almost every single one of them. They were unlikable. Annoying. I liked Lord Johnny. Otherwise...
(Some spoilers to follow)
Dacia - This girls begins by falling for every guy around. She's always flirting/thinking about boys/whining about her life/thinking about boys/complaining/thinking about boys... Thankfully a little danger smacks her out of it but when she loses her constant boy-filled thoughts she also loses the gumption that made her interesting. In fact, as soon as she gets her power she goes into shock. Her character becomes limp, passive, and unwilling to use her power. I know this is supposed to develop character change but it mostly just irritated me and I lost any respect I had for her character (especially in the room with Mihai when she just stood there blankly...I wanted her to fight! To be strong! The timing of her rescue was too convenient to make me comfortable about the situation)
Lou - Lou-Lou had some good character change and was more likable. However, she too irritated me after a while. She starts off getting pushed around by everyone, bemoaning life, and bemoaning her lack of beaus/charm/beauty...all of the above. Then she has her change and becomes strong overnight. She gets a confidence booster and that was good. But see, she also gets a Romance.
And I really didn't like the guy she fell for.
Lou is too timid. She remains timid throughout, even with her new "stronger" persona. Also, her ability confused me
Beaus - I liked Lord Johnny. He showed gumption and was enjoyable to read about. I'd read more with him in it. I disliked Theo Arkady, whose behavior is never really explained. I have no clue why Will Carver was even part of the plot. I was ready to take up a gun and shoot him myself. Prince Mihai was kinda...
I liked Radu. He's a ginger and so that automatically gives him points in my book. His hair basically made up for his waffling attitude.
Overall, not a book I would necessarily recommend but it isn't one to avoid. I will definitely keep my eye out for the sequel.
Plot
American cousins Dacia and Lou are the belles of upper 1890 New York. Dacia longs for adventure. Lou for consistency. Just as Dacia is about to get an offer of marriage from the catch of the season, the two girls are packed off to their mothers' relations in Romania. There they discover a dark family secret and a world that blots out everything they have ever known.
Thoughts
The book is obviously well researched and some of the descriptions are lovely. Even the idea of a family of Claw, Wing, and Smoke was creative and absorbing. As far as the plot goes, it kept me guessing and had some great twists and turns.
The writing was okay. It wasn't great. Every character "babbles" at some point which got on my nerves. Just because there are three sentences in a row doesn't mean someone is babbling. I think there were a few other words and plot elements that were unnecessarily repetitive.
However, what really annoyed me about this book was the characters. Almost every single one of them. They were unlikable. Annoying. I liked Lord Johnny. Otherwise...
(Some spoilers to follow)
Dacia - This girls begins by falling for every guy around. She's always flirting/thinking about boys/whining about her life/thinking about boys/complaining/thinking about boys... Thankfully a little danger smacks her out of it but when she loses her constant boy-filled thoughts she also loses the gumption that made her interesting. In fact, as soon as she gets her power
Spoiler
and does the most exciting thing she's done all book by becoming the pack leaderLou - Lou-Lou had some good character change and was more likable. However, she too irritated me after a while. She starts off getting pushed around by everyone, bemoaning life, and bemoaning her lack of beaus/charm/beauty...all of the above. Then she has her change and becomes strong overnight. She gets a confidence booster and that was good. But see, she also gets a Romance.
And I really didn't like the guy she fell for.
Lou is too timid. She remains timid throughout, even with her new "stronger" persona. Also, her ability confused me
Spoiler
WHY is the Smoke the leader? It seems the most useless to me. She Doesn't Do Anything. She can turn into a mist and hear conversations...but basically nothing else. Do they have to make the Smoke the leader or else everyone would think she was useless?Beaus - I liked Lord Johnny. He showed gumption and was enjoyable to read about. I'd read more with him in it. I disliked Theo Arkady, whose behavior is never really explained. I have no clue why Will Carver was even part of the plot. I was ready to take up a gun and shoot him myself. Prince Mihai was kinda...
Spoiler
he didn't make much sense. I suppose it is because he is crazy, but madness felt like a cop-out. Like, how can we get this guy to be totally evil and keep fighting even when his forces are overrun? Oh! Make him delusional. Done.I liked Radu. He's a ginger and so that automatically gives him points in my book. His hair basically made up for his waffling attitude.
Overall, not a book I would necessarily recommend but it isn't one to avoid. I will definitely keep my eye out for the sequel.
Apparently I've already read this book? The summary and character names sound really familiar, and I have lukewarm feelings towards them. (Clearly it didn't make a very strong impression either way, though.)