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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Interesting story, a bit wordy but elicits emotion and imagination.
adventurous
emotional
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:
No
In this historical fiction book, we meet Fenna Vos, an illusionist who utilizes her special skills in knowing things aren't as they always seem to aid in WW2. In the book we learn about her past, including a horrific event at a Christmas celebration which changed her life forever, partly because she met Arie who would become an essential part of her future.
I enjoyed the book, however it just felt like it went on forever and ever. It seemed almost like the first half of the book was so much backstory to get to the present, which I appreciated, but certainly felt like it could be a novel itself. I am probably in the minority here, but the story didn't grab me as much as I had hoped. I do appreciate Fenna as a character, but at times I found it difficult to focus on the story and where it was going because I was caught up in minute details. I almost wish we got to learn more about Fenna in the present with her illusionist routine, that was the most entrancing part of the book for me. I'm not a huge historical fiction fan, though, so if you are, it might be more your speed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing this ARC. The opinions above are all my own.
I enjoyed the book, however it just felt like it went on forever and ever. It seemed almost like the first half of the book was so much backstory to get to the present, which I appreciated, but certainly felt like it could be a novel itself. I am probably in the minority here, but the story didn't grab me as much as I had hoped. I do appreciate Fenna as a character, but at times I found it difficult to focus on the story and where it was going because I was caught up in minute details. I almost wish we got to learn more about Fenna in the present with her illusionist routine, that was the most entrancing part of the book for me. I'm not a huge historical fiction fan, though, so if you are, it might be more your speed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing this ARC. The opinions above are all my own.
adventurous
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really enjoyed this book and the way the author wove real events into the story. She did a good job developing the characters and their relationships.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
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:
No
3.5 rounded up. Unfortunately, for some reason, I never connected with the book or Fenna. I found myself skimming in parts. Maybe it’s because it was another World War II book. Maybe I just didn’t like the writing. But, for whatever reason, it just didn’t catch my interest.