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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
4.5 stars.
I read the blurb and immediately my mind tried to place it into a genre. Historic Fiction? YA? Romance? War? Contemporary? What is this book hiding?
Believe me , Its whole lot more or everything in one. It spans almost all the genres and with such an accuracy that I felt the emotions hitting me in waves.
Alex, Val and Jav are the main characters of the story. A life traced from their childhood to their adulthood (Middle age). When Alex elopes from chile during a coup and his paternal uncle takes him in, in New york, little did Alex know that his uncle was going to die soon. Then Alex joins Val's family as a foster son.
"Their house was large and their hearts larger. One more fledgling in their nest wasn’t an imposition"
Thus Alex's and Val's life collides and they twist and turn around till they are adults to belong to each other.
Parallel story is Jav's or Javier's. Always thrown out by loved ones but an immense presence in the story, gets entangled with Larks (Alex and Val). They met in their 20's and then in their 40's, further complicating the relationships.
“We’re so alike. It’s no wonder.”
“No wonder what?”
“That we kept finding each other. I’m having a hard time thinking it was coincidence.”
Everyone sacrificing something for other, relationships twisting around and round and round , to the very end. There are erotic scenes, but not vulgar, also some gory details of killing , but not too extreme, as if Suanne Laqueur knows where to stop.
Writing is almost poetic and the emotions just build along the 550 pages. I just got hooked in to it in few chapters. Not a single moment of "Why am I reading this?".
Pure "Exaltation" is what a I felt when I read this book. Just Exalted.
ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
I read the blurb and immediately my mind tried to place it into a genre. Historic Fiction? YA? Romance? War? Contemporary? What is this book hiding?
Believe me , Its whole lot more or everything in one. It spans almost all the genres and with such an accuracy that I felt the emotions hitting me in waves.
Alex, Val and Jav are the main characters of the story. A life traced from their childhood to their adulthood (Middle age). When Alex elopes from chile during a coup and his paternal uncle takes him in, in New york, little did Alex know that his uncle was going to die soon. Then Alex joins Val's family as a foster son.
"Their house was large and their hearts larger. One more fledgling in their nest wasn’t an imposition"
Thus Alex's and Val's life collides and they twist and turn around till they are adults to belong to each other.
Parallel story is Jav's or Javier's. Always thrown out by loved ones but an immense presence in the story, gets entangled with Larks (Alex and Val). They met in their 20's and then in their 40's, further complicating the relationships.
“We’re so alike. It’s no wonder.”
“No wonder what?”
“That we kept finding each other. I’m having a hard time thinking it was coincidence.”
Everyone sacrificing something for other, relationships twisting around and round and round , to the very end. There are erotic scenes, but not vulgar, also some gory details of killing , but not too extreme, as if Suanne Laqueur knows where to stop.
Writing is almost poetic and the emotions just build along the 550 pages. I just got hooked in to it in few chapters. Not a single moment of "Why am I reading this?".
Pure "Exaltation" is what a I felt when I read this book. Just Exalted.
ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
Friends: Why do you read all these books that punch you in the guts? How are you not crazy yet?
Me:
Once in a while you have the good luck of good friends recommending you a very good book.
A book that leaves you speechless, and temporarily out of service. And of course unable to write a proper review, like a normal human being.
What this book isn't:
1. It's not a romance, but it is a love story
2. It's not a dark book, but it has very dark situations
3. It's not what you are expecting.
4. It's not a book which you can read and just relax because it's an easy breezy feel good book. No!
Read it if:
1. You can handle angst - if we were to count the level of angst from 1 to 10 this is an 11.
2. You want to read an amazing book
3. You want to be left speechless at the end, and wanting for more. Thank the heavens for [b:A Charm of Finches|33299920|A Charm of Finches (Venery, #2)|Suanne Laqueur|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1506265362s/33299920.jpg|54032397].
4. You wanna cry like a baby
5 stars and I've added this one to my favorite self published books shelf, because WOW!
Me:
Once in a while you have the good luck of good friends recommending you a very good book.
A book that leaves you speechless, and temporarily out of service. And of course unable to write a proper review, like a normal human being.
What this book isn't:
1. It's not a romance, but it is a love story
2. It's not a dark book, but it has very dark situations
3. It's not what you are expecting.
4. It's not a book which you can read and just relax because it's an easy breezy feel good book. No!
Read it if:
1. You can handle angst - if we were to count the level of angst from 1 to 10 this is an 11.
2. You want to read an amazing book
3. You want to be left speechless at the end, and wanting for more. Thank the heavens for [b:A Charm of Finches|33299920|A Charm of Finches (Venery, #2)|Suanne Laqueur|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1506265362s/33299920.jpg|54032397].
4. You wanna cry like a baby
5 stars and I've added this one to my favorite self published books shelf, because WOW!
There are absolutely no words for how much I loved An Exaltation of Larks. As I read, this book slowly wrapped around me, getting such a hold on me and making me so emotional that I just couldn't deny that this is one of the best books I've ever read. I remember I said the same about The Man I Love and I don't think you can really compare these books, but I must admit that An Exaltation of Larks was even better. This story, these characters, the writing... it all left me speechless and in such awe.
It's hard to describe what this book is about because I have so many thoughts and feelings about it and I want to keep it as spoiler free as possible because you just have to read it for yourself to really experience this incredible story.
The characters were so special to me. Jav, Val, Alex and every other character... they were definitely not perfect but that made me love them all even more. They all touched me so much, they made me angry at times and they made me cry. And I loved how they kept finding each other.
Some scenes were a little hard to read, especially on both September 11th dates taking place in the book, but I thought that this only made the story more powerful. And then there's the prose, which was so very beautiful. This made me fall more in love with the story.
If I could recommend only one book right now above all other I would absolutely recommend An Exaltation of Larks by Suanne Laqueur.
It's hard to describe what this book is about because I have so many thoughts and feelings about it and I want to keep it as spoiler free as possible because you just have to read it for yourself to really experience this incredible story.
The characters were so special to me. Jav, Val, Alex and every other character... they were definitely not perfect but that made me love them all even more. They all touched me so much, they made me angry at times and they made me cry. And I loved how they kept finding each other.
Some scenes were a little hard to read, especially on both September 11th dates taking place in the book, but I thought that this only made the story more powerful. And then there's the prose, which was so very beautiful. This made me fall more in love with the story.
If I could recommend only one book right now above all other I would absolutely recommend An Exaltation of Larks by Suanne Laqueur.
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I’m left fairly speechless by this one but I will say it’s my favorite of the year so far and in my top 5 of all time. As I’m sure you’ve seen in other reviews I can’t say much plot wise without spoilers but wow this book crushed me so many times.
I never felt so much heartache for one character before. For a lot of these characters actually.
I usually pick out my favorite quotes but I I have so many highlights I can’t pick favorites. I think some non spoiler ones I’ll make public so you can look for yourself.
I’m off to read Finches and most likely get crushed again.
I never felt so much heartache for one character before. For a lot of these characters actually.
I usually pick out my favorite quotes but I I have so many highlights I can’t pick favorites. I think some non spoiler ones I’ll make public so you can look for yourself.
I’m off to read Finches and most likely get crushed again.
"Second chances are given or made." ~ An Exaltation of Larks
Wow!! An Exaltation of Larks, is poetic, risqué, sensual, and beautiful. It’s like nothing I’ve ever read. If you’ve been reading my reviews (thank you) you know I always aim for short and sweet reviews, but this one is worthy of a few more lines. From the beginning, author Suanne Laqueur had my undivided attention. This magnificent novel is about family, second chances, sexuality, loyalty, and love. The story shows how unpredictable love is, how complicated and baffling relationships can be, and how actions can affect our lives forever. Laqueur is an extraordinary, gifted writer who exudes a healthy dose of poetic naughtiness. Even though parts of the book involve sex and sexuality (some naughty words), it surprisingly did not bother me. Perhaps because Laqueur is such a smooth operator that captivates with her graceful writing. I fell hook, line and sinker.
Here is an example of Laqueur’s enchanting writing, “He was wounded to the core. A victim of emotional assault who couldn’t press charges.” See what I mean? Here’s another one just in case you need more, “He lifted his face to the stars, asking love to be his friend.” Laqueur, where have you been all my life? Days after finishing the novel, I haven’t been able to stop thinking of Javier, Alex and Val -- major book hangover. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, but wonderful, I highly recommend this book. My prediction? You will not want to put it down.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. You know a book is good when you go out and buy it after you read it for free. Yup, it is that good! What are you waiting for — go get your copy!
For this review and more, check out my blog: http://debbiesbooknook.com/index.html
Wow!! An Exaltation of Larks, is poetic, risqué, sensual, and beautiful. It’s like nothing I’ve ever read. If you’ve been reading my reviews (thank you) you know I always aim for short and sweet reviews, but this one is worthy of a few more lines. From the beginning, author Suanne Laqueur had my undivided attention. This magnificent novel is about family, second chances, sexuality, loyalty, and love. The story shows how unpredictable love is, how complicated and baffling relationships can be, and how actions can affect our lives forever. Laqueur is an extraordinary, gifted writer who exudes a healthy dose of poetic naughtiness. Even though parts of the book involve sex and sexuality (some naughty words), it surprisingly did not bother me. Perhaps because Laqueur is such a smooth operator that captivates with her graceful writing. I fell hook, line and sinker.
Here is an example of Laqueur’s enchanting writing, “He was wounded to the core. A victim of emotional assault who couldn’t press charges.” See what I mean? Here’s another one just in case you need more, “He lifted his face to the stars, asking love to be his friend.” Laqueur, where have you been all my life? Days after finishing the novel, I haven’t been able to stop thinking of Javier, Alex and Val -- major book hangover. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, but wonderful, I highly recommend this book. My prediction? You will not want to put it down.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. You know a book is good when you go out and buy it after you read it for free. Yup, it is that good! What are you waiting for — go get your copy!
For this review and more, check out my blog: http://debbiesbooknook.com/index.html
Is “epic romance” a thing? If not, this novel has constructed its own place in literary fiction. Though it took me far too long to get through, SO much happens, and it kept my attention every time I picked it up. I feel like I can’t say a thing without spoiling but WOW— every time I thought I knew where the story was going it took another turn. Though it could easily be deemed exhausting, I’d say it’s well worth sticking out.
I want to preface this review by acknowledging the pure writing talent Suanne Laqueur, the author, has. An Exaltation of Larks is probably the most beautifully written book I have read this year and I am so grateful to have received a free copy of it from DartFrog Books. There are many topics addressed in this novel, but the most prominent one is definitely friendship. Laqueur explores what it means to be a good friend and shows how the thin line between friends and family can become blurred. The concept of "chosen family" is prominently displayed in this title. I will admit that the plot was overdramatic at some points (think soap opera-esque), but I personally did not think it took anything away from the book itself. I highly recommend checking out this backlist title!
Suanne Laqueur, I am sorry for finding you now. This BOOK, man!
When I tell you, that I GASPED multiple times- Wow!
When I tell you, that I GASPED multiple times- Wow!
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
God this was something else. I loved every second of this generational family saga. September 11, 1973: The Chilean government is overthrown by a coup and Alejandro Penda is forced to escape to America. His parents are disappeared. In America, he's taken in by his Uncle and the Larks, a prominent family of Guelisten.
September, 11 2001: Javier Landes watches from his apartment as New York City is attacked by terrorists. He is traumatized by the event as well as a promise that was never kept. As one of NYC's top paid escorts, Jav has never wanted for anything. But in the wake of 9/11, he discovers he has a orphaned nephew in Guelisten who needs him.
Jav, Alex and Valerie cross paths in their twenties and feel the sparks of attraction. Val even spends time with Jav as a paid client for some time. But as Val and Alex become even closer and eventually marry, their reunion at 40 is full of suppressed emotions and sexual chemistry. They have all been shaped by their trauma and find that it brings them closer to each other than they ever could have dreamed.
I loved these three. They made me so happy when they were together. Jav spends a good portion of the book trying to come to terms with his sexuality, and eventually does come out as bisexual. His relationship with Val and Alex separately and together was just lovely. I fell so completely in love with these guys. The only thing I wish had been more of an option is polyamory. Monogamy is not for everyone, and that's all I am going to say without going into spoiler territory.
Seeing Jav, Alex and Val at 20 and then reunite again with kids to take care of was so magical. I already knew how much I loved them and then seeing them pushed back together was like coming home. There's so much in this book that I don't have the words to describe, but damn this was just amazing. I felt every emotion you could think of in the course of reading this book, but damn it was so worth it.
I did not realize this was a series. I think I have an idea about who Jude may be in book 3, but I can't wait to get there and find out for real.
God this was something else. I loved every second of this generational family saga. September 11, 1973: The Chilean government is overthrown by a coup and Alejandro Penda is forced to escape to America. His parents are disappeared. In America, he's taken in by his Uncle and the Larks, a prominent family of Guelisten.
September, 11 2001: Javier Landes watches from his apartment as New York City is attacked by terrorists. He is traumatized by the event as well as a promise that was never kept. As one of NYC's top paid escorts, Jav has never wanted for anything. But in the wake of 9/11, he discovers he has a orphaned nephew in Guelisten who needs him.
Jav, Alex and Valerie cross paths in their twenties and feel the sparks of attraction. Val even spends time with Jav as a paid client for some time. But as Val and Alex become even closer and eventually marry, their reunion at 40 is full of suppressed emotions and sexual chemistry. They have all been shaped by their trauma and find that it brings them closer to each other than they ever could have dreamed.
I loved these three. They made me so happy when they were together. Jav spends a good portion of the book trying to come to terms with his sexuality, and eventually does come out as bisexual. His relationship with Val and Alex separately and together was just lovely. I fell so completely in love with these guys. The only thing I wish had been more of an option is polyamory. Monogamy is not for everyone, and that's all I am going to say without going into spoiler territory.
Seeing Jav, Alex and Val at 20 and then reunite again with kids to take care of was so magical. I already knew how much I loved them and then seeing them pushed back together was like coming home. There's so much in this book that I don't have the words to describe, but damn this was just amazing. I felt every emotion you could think of in the course of reading this book, but damn it was so worth it.
I did not realize this was a series. I think I have an idea about who Jude may be in book 3, but I can't wait to get there and find out for real.