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kozywords's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
luca97's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
I don't even know where I discovered this book. But from the moment I saw the book the book didn't let me go. Initially I placed a pre-order for the paperback, however, when I was scrolling through a second hand bookstore I saw they had a "as good as new" hardcover copy of this book for almost the same price as the paperback would have been. And I would have been able to start reading as soon as the book would arrive! Which was yesterday.
This is the kind of book I'd wanna write one day. The author does something amazing in this novel and my head is now trying to come up with an original idea to borrow the concept. Basically this book consists of quite a few shorter stories. However, each of these stories stars another character living in the same village and there is an overall theme and story arc connecting all the different stories and leading to one last story.
I loved each and every second of it. I loved meeting all those colorful, unique and wonderful characters. I loved feeling part of this town. I most of all loved the general atmosphere and writing style of this book. Reading all those stories was a magical experience. It's hard to describe, but despite the fact that the stories are relatively short and the book isn't that big, it does feel like I have really become part of something bigger.
I also absolutely loved the bigger story arc connecting all these characters. It takes a while before we start to understand what is going on and why we're reading all these stories and where they're leading, but the ending is so incredibly beautiful and heartbreaking in the very best of ways. Despite the sometimes dark themes and grim plot lines, the book is also filled with loads of love. Romantic love, friendship and everything in between.
I will certainly check out the other books by this author.
This is the kind of book I'd wanna write one day. The author does something amazing in this novel and my head is now trying to come up with an original idea to borrow the concept. Basically this book consists of quite a few shorter stories. However, each of these stories stars another character living in the same village and there is an overall theme and story arc connecting all the different stories and leading to one last story.
I loved each and every second of it. I loved meeting all those colorful, unique and wonderful characters. I loved feeling part of this town. I most of all loved the general atmosphere and writing style of this book. Reading all those stories was a magical experience. It's hard to describe, but despite the fact that the stories are relatively short and the book isn't that big, it does feel like I have really become part of something bigger.
I also absolutely loved the bigger story arc connecting all these characters. It takes a while before we start to understand what is going on and why we're reading all these stories and where they're leading, but the ending is so incredibly beautiful and heartbreaking in the very best of ways. Despite the sometimes dark themes and grim plot lines, the book is also filled with loads of love. Romantic love, friendship and everything in between.
I will certainly check out the other books by this author.
cdmue's review
3.0
Received this as an eARC from NetGalley all options are my own. A solid 3.5 for the use of grim fairy tales in a new way. This brings a couple of lesser-known tales together in a story where they all connect together. The ending is a bit happier for a grim tale but differently solid. The characters are a bit lackluster in writing but tolerable, and the writing is more juvenile than one may expect. It did not make me want to rush to know what happens next but a quick read all the same. Possibly spooky for younger audiences, but an older reader will be entertained but not think it is the next great novel.
seshat59's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
When in a reading quagmire, only an eerie, horror-lite Grimm’s retelling will do, apparently. And <u>Greymist Fair</u> delivers. While not completely perfect and filled with alleged children that according to my calculations would be in their 20s, the atmospheric, creepy fairytale vibes make for a good time.
The village of Greymist Fair is enshrouded in forest, a forest beloved to Death at that. The only way to reach this town is by traveling a blue-lit road of indeterminate, ever-changing length. The forest itself is dangerous. Whoever ventures off the path and into the trees disappears, with one exception. Helga makes weekly pilgrimages to appease the witch that allegedly lives therein.
The story is told from multiple points of view, almost like a collection of short stories but all set in the same town and all leading to the same narrative destination. Each character gets approximately five chapters before the narrative shifts. Each point of view reveals a different part of the story, adding more depth. (From a metaphorical point of view, it nicely shows how our individual perspectives are so narrow and incomplete.) I liked this style for the most part, but I would have liked a little more time with certain characters because I had follow up questions. For example and my most pressing question—how did Heike learn to wield magic?
It was still a good time. I really enjoyed the fairytale, and I thought the author really encapsulated that German feel. I was unsure whether this was supposed to be YA or not, but it could be, I guess.
maysedai's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child abuse and Violence
hgarzaa54's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a lovely whimsical book! I loved the uniqueness of it and the over arching story with death. If you want a quick cute ready I’d definitely recommend this!