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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
Been a long time since I read this and after reading A Discovery of Witches -- at the end, it reminded me of this story. Rice creates a gothic spooky world and the story is well done. I actually own this book, so may dig it out and re-read...
The paranormal isn't my usual genre, but the elements of the narrative are so well done that this was mostly enjoyable. The incest was disturbing, but I think Rice is trying to disturb readers. I must find out what happens to the Mayfair Witches, so I will continue with the series.
I absolutely hated this book. Is it well written? Sure, it’s picturesque and descriptive. Overall it’s extremely boring, leaves you feeling confused, and has a horrible ending. Also, it has some very disturbing ideas about healthy sexual relations. Incest is not hot. Rape is not sexy, rape is not sought after, rape is not wanted or asked for. Don’t waste your time.
I read this book about 15 years ago but I still remember how much I loved it. I read it on a flight to Rome and stayed in the room instead of visiting the Spanish Steps so I could finish.
While it's not the best ending I've ever read, the story unravels with plenty of drama, family secrets, supernatural powers, and intrigue! The ride is worth it.A great read!
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Terribly long winded and while the idea of the story was interesting, at 80% through, nothing much had actually happened plot wise. Most of the book was a historical report on the family. While interesting, it should’ve been its own story. Also the main characters were just not very likeable. I found them to be to cliche and not nuanced enough to be believable.
Couldn't do it. I love Anne Rice, but starting this book off as an audiobook was a bad idea. I'll try this book again in 2 years.
DNF - Oh the hubris of this undertaking, what was I thinking? Well, I know what I was thinking.
"Oh, Kate Reading is the narrator of this. I've listen to 1,200 page books read by her before. Maybe I'll love this as much as Stormlight Archives! This will be great!"
This was... not great. Now, it's Anne Rice so I do enjoy the prose (hence the 2nd star). Just as the spooky haunting magic stuff was happening and I was beginning to get invested YOINK! Here's TWO HOURS of learning this boring man's ENTIRE life story. Everyone's an alcoholic! He gets fixated and just rants about abortions. I looked at my phone and realized that I was only 7% through this and... I just can't. Sorry Anne Rice. This sorely needed an editor.
"Oh, Kate Reading is the narrator of this. I've listen to 1,200 page books read by her before. Maybe I'll love this as much as Stormlight Archives! This will be great!"
This was... not great. Now, it's Anne Rice so I do enjoy the prose (hence the 2nd star). Just as the spooky haunting magic stuff was happening and I was beginning to get invested YOINK! Here's TWO HOURS of learning this boring man's ENTIRE life story. Everyone's an alcoholic! He gets fixated and just rants about abortions. I looked at my phone and realized that I was only 7% through this and... I just can't. Sorry Anne Rice. This sorely needed an editor.