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leejean's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
katehardy's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
carlyoc's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Vera is a golem made to avenge the death of a teenage Jewish resistance fighter names Chaya killed by Nazis. But Vera is not made of clay alone. Chaya's father took hair and eyes and other body parts from his daughter's corpse to make his golem more effective, but in doing so he also made her closer to human.
Vera struggles with finding her own identity while fulfilling her purpose.
Vera struggles with finding her own identity while fulfilling her purpose.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence, Gun violence, and War
purplealyssum's review
4.0
I really liked the premise and adored the writing—so evocative and so Jewish! My issue is the plot/pacing—feels like not much happens except running back and forth in the woods, most conflicts are resolved in moments, and right when it built to something big, the book ended. Despite that, I’m so excited by all this new Jewish lit coming out, and will keep reading this author!
nerdydreamer107's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
that_reader_naomi's review against another edition
3.5
I really liked the ending of this book. As a whole it had a few structural flaws, but I think the author did a good job conveying his message-at least as I understand it.
I’m usually pretty iffy about WWII fiction, but as a historical fantasy novel, it does not take the place of a true story that needs to be told. Rather, it’s intended as an exploration of certain themes through these magical/kabbalistic elements. It’s hard to tell a good story with a seemingly invincible character, but I think Polydoros did well. I expected a little more from this book, but overall would recommend.
I’m usually pretty iffy about WWII fiction, but as a historical fantasy novel, it does not take the place of a true story that needs to be told. Rather, it’s intended as an exploration of certain themes through these magical/kabbalistic elements. It’s hard to tell a good story with a seemingly invincible character, but I think Polydoros did well. I expected a little more from this book, but overall would recommend.
bbookmylife's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
shinesalot's review
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0