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spikeanderson1's review against another edition
2.0
This book attempts to show a new angle on the Golem story, and it is a decent try, but it reads like an author's first book. I feel like with a good editor, Goldstein could have made a decent book really good. I encourage her to keep writing, as there is a good base to work with.
nedhayes's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting novel that interweaves history, alchemy and demonology.
Reads like a bit of found history from the life of John Dee, court astrologer to Queen Elizabeth. In the descriptions of Dee's perspective and the work he does, and the scholarship he evinces, it is quite convincing, and very tied to historical fact. I really got a sense of what life was like for a scholar seeking patronage in that age.
However, the whole magic element in here... although very down-played... almost feels underwritten and trivialized, instead of being an essential plot point. In truth, the ending therefore feels slightly disappointing.
Reads like a bit of found history from the life of John Dee, court astrologer to Queen Elizabeth. In the descriptions of Dee's perspective and the work he does, and the scholarship he evinces, it is quite convincing, and very tied to historical fact. I really got a sense of what life was like for a scholar seeking patronage in that age.
However, the whole magic element in here... although very down-played... almost feels underwritten and trivialized, instead of being an essential plot point. In truth, the ending therefore feels slightly disappointing.
skybalon's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting sort of historical fantasy mashup that works. Some social commentary, some spirituality, and some action add up to something worth reading. No big messages are really brought through but that ends up not distracting from the overall enjoyment.
gavinsteyn's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful novel. To me the characters felt like people of their time, not 21st century people in 16th century dress.
The two major characters, Dr. Dee and R. Judah Loew, are very well drawn. I liked that, even at the end, they can't really see eye-to-eye on a number of things, including the very thorny problem (at the time) of the treatment of illegitimate children, especially under Jewish law.
Even though the plot itself is completely fantastical, about maneuvers to find and kill one of the 36 righteous people that keep the world intact, and involving demons, the golem, and so on, most of the story has relatively low-key magic, when there's magic at all. One character makes herself look old, Dr. Dee breaks a window with magic, that sort of thing.
The two major characters, Dr. Dee and R. Judah Loew, are very well drawn. I liked that, even at the end, they can't really see eye-to-eye on a number of things, including the very thorny problem (at the time) of the treatment of illegitimate children, especially under Jewish law.
Even though the plot itself is completely fantastical, about maneuvers to find and kill one of the 36 righteous people that keep the world intact, and involving demons, the golem, and so on, most of the story has relatively low-key magic, when there's magic at all. One character makes herself look old, Dr. Dee breaks a window with magic, that sort of thing.
jmeston's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the swirl of historical characters and setting. But I think the multiculti mind of the author allowed for characters that were not enough of their culture or time. I say eh.
telegramsam's review against another edition
2.0
Starts a little slow but I am very much into the story now. About halfway thru. The author does focus more on the story than on characters or scenery.
About three quarters through and I've given up on the story. It's not badly written but I feel the story could have been fleshed out more. Read more as a world tour of occult personages of the 16th century than a coherent narrative. As well action seemed a little flat.
About three quarters through and I've given up on the story. It's not badly written but I feel the story could have been fleshed out more. Read more as a world tour of occult personages of the 16th century than a coherent narrative. As well action seemed a little flat.
jocelyngrobles's review against another edition
4.0
It's a great book, it kept me interested through the whole story. Although I am not entirely satisfied with the ending, as I find it rather simple after all the complicated plot, I think it is a book worth reading. Her writing was the best part, as she had some really memorable words you can relate to, even tho this book takes places around 1400's and 1500's. I think that is why it is amazing, it is a whole magic world you can imagine yourself living in.
pshotts's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
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