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hinkle's review
DNF. Got about a quarter of the way through and it hadn't grabbed me (mostly it had just irritated me, why is this book 500 pages long when almost nothing had happened a quarter of the way in??) so I gave myself permission to read something else, which I always feel weirdly bad about.
aprilsarah's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely fell in love with this book. Everything in it really. Rosemary Clement-Moore is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
It is true that this story follows a lot of the standard YA supernatural trops, but, in part, that is why I loved it. Place a girl in an old time-y setting with supernatural stuff going on, and you have won my heart.
It even managed to make me completely frustrated and tear up. I count that as a win.
It is true that this story follows a lot of the standard YA supernatural trops, but, in part, that is why I loved it. Place a girl in an old time-y setting with supernatural stuff going on, and you have won my heart.
It even managed to make me completely frustrated and tear up. I count that as a win.
trogdor19's review against another edition
5.0
Very classy for a YA paranormal. The attention to detail shows in the grace of the wording. Spot-on viewpoint, complete with appropriate ballet analogies. Skillful shading in of the paranormal stuff at just the right rate to be believable. The imagery was so good that the whole book played in my head like a movie. This author is fantastic, and I'm sorry I waited so long to try one of her books!
itsamyk's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't enjoy this book nearly as much as I did Texas Gothic, which I loved. The Splendor Falls drags in places and I have to echo what a few other reviewers have said, way too much focus on the dog. Way, way too much. Having said that, however, I look forward to reading future books by the author.
bookishdea's review against another edition
4.0
I have a thing for the Southern Gothic, YA, and mysteries. Oh, and I like novels about really talented people (in the arts) who either continue on in their talent, or have it taken away from them and have to deal. So in essence, this book was just what I wanted.
My problem with the book was that it was very slow moving at first. There's a lot of set-up. It takes awhile for the plot to get moving, because it's just hinted at. I would have really liked to know more about the family history, besides what is touched upon (like whatever happened to Jacob Maddox).
Once I got a bit more than halfway in, things really started to move. I enjoyed it a lot, and I liked the magical aspect. This wasn't just a ghost story -- the ghosts actually played less of a role than expected.
I debated whether I should give this book 3 or 4 stars, but finally went with 4 because of the subjects and the ending. It was very long (over 500 pages) and while it's not a bad thing, it probably could have been shorter and therefore moved along quicker. This was also a book that I didn't have problems setting down...which isn't really a good sign. On the other hand, I really did like the characters and story line, so I don't mind giving it 4 stars.
My problem with the book was that it was very slow moving at first. There's a lot of set-up. It takes awhile for the plot to get moving, because it's just hinted at. I would have really liked to know more about the family history, besides what is touched upon (like whatever happened to Jacob Maddox).
Once I got a bit more than halfway in, things really started to move. I enjoyed it a lot, and I liked the magical aspect. This wasn't just a ghost story -- the ghosts actually played less of a role than expected.
I debated whether I should give this book 3 or 4 stars, but finally went with 4 because of the subjects and the ending. It was very long (over 500 pages) and while it's not a bad thing, it probably could have been shorter and therefore moved along quicker. This was also a book that I didn't have problems setting down...which isn't really a good sign. On the other hand, I really did like the characters and story line, so I don't mind giving it 4 stars.
thompson3's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent book! Fantasy, realistic fiction, and romance wrapped up beautifully.
bookishliz_'s review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0