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A review by bubblewombat
Ghost Apparent by Jelena Dunato
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
One thing about Jelena Dunato, she will put her whole soul into a story, even if it's a 100-something page novella.
I went into this expecting the moon and the stars, and Dunato delivered!!! It's a prequel novella, so you could start with it, if you want, though I'd suggest you read Dark Woods, Deep Water first for an even bigger treat.
Both books are similar, happening in the same world with some overlapping characters, but Orsiana's story is still very unique, and not quite as dark as the main book.
What I absolutely love about it though, is how the Balkan influence pops out. The way the characters behave/speak, the story structure, the Gods' gifts, it's giving "Čardak ni na nebu ni na zemlji" or literally any local fairytale from my childhood. I love it so much. Dunato managed to capture the feel of these stories so well.
WHICH REMINDS ME, in the future I need to see this lovely story, along with Dark Woods, Deep Water, illustrated in the style of those childhood fairytales, because that's what it deserves!! If I ever have/adopt kids, they will be getting this as a bedtime story, I'm so serious.
So yes, Ghost Apparent left a lasting impression on me, and much of that is due to the enchanting writing (which I have praised before, and will time and time again!). I've been transported into a magical world that I never want to leave. I need Orsiana to keep me in a snow globe and carry me around with her so I can see all the things, please and thank you.
No but, honestly, Dunato's writing is one of my absolute favourites, she could write a grocery list and I'd be like "this is art". The world she developed is so close to my heart, it feels like home.
The story flowed so well, I have zero complaints, except that I wish it was even longer. The plot was extremely engaging, I didn't want to stop reading for a second.
There was SO MUCH character development for such a short read, I loved learning more about Orsiana's past, and watching her grow up and fall in love and become the best queen all while getting revenge, so proud of my girl. The romance crumbs we got made me wish the book was longer too, because they had a lot of chemistry.
Of course, the Slavic mythology is always welcome too, you already know I get happy when I see our old Gods on page, and here we got four, woohoo!!! Their portrayal was accurate, if you ask me.
Also, I gotta give credit to Orsiana's father, for opening up his library and letting his daughter read whatever she wanted, telling her that if something disturbs her, she should come to him and they can discuss it. That's good parenting right there.
Now, I will not-so-subtly ask for more books set in Abia, I need more of this world like I need air. Please give us more stories!!!!!!!!
If you haven't picked up any of Jelena Dunato's books yet, now is a good time to start. And by now, I do mean RIGHT NOW. Go buy her books!!!
*Huge thank you to the amazing author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I went into this expecting the moon and the stars, and Dunato delivered!!! It's a prequel novella, so you could start with it, if you want, though I'd suggest you read Dark Woods, Deep Water first for an even bigger treat.
Both books are similar, happening in the same world with some overlapping characters, but Orsiana's story is still very unique, and not quite as dark as the main book.
What I absolutely love about it though, is how the Balkan influence pops out. The way the characters behave/speak, the story structure, the Gods' gifts, it's giving "Čardak ni na nebu ni na zemlji" or literally any local fairytale from my childhood. I love it so much. Dunato managed to capture the feel of these stories so well.
WHICH REMINDS ME, in the future I need to see this lovely story, along with Dark Woods, Deep Water, illustrated in the style of those childhood fairytales, because that's what it deserves!! If I ever have/adopt kids, they will be getting this as a bedtime story, I'm so serious.
So yes, Ghost Apparent left a lasting impression on me, and much of that is due to the enchanting writing (which I have praised before, and will time and time again!). I've been transported into a magical world that I never want to leave. I need Orsiana to keep me in a snow globe and carry me around with her so I can see all the things, please and thank you.
No but, honestly, Dunato's writing is one of my absolute favourites, she could write a grocery list and I'd be like "this is art". The world she developed is so close to my heart, it feels like home.
The story flowed so well, I have zero complaints, except that I wish it was even longer. The plot was extremely engaging, I didn't want to stop reading for a second.
There was SO MUCH character development for such a short read, I loved learning more about Orsiana's past, and watching her grow up and fall in love and become the best queen all while getting revenge, so proud of my girl. The romance crumbs we got made me wish the book was longer too, because they had a lot of chemistry.
Of course, the Slavic mythology is always welcome too, you already know I get happy when I see our old Gods on page, and here we got four, woohoo!!! Their portrayal was accurate, if you ask me.
Also, I gotta give credit to Orsiana's father, for opening up his library and letting his daughter read whatever she wanted, telling her that if something disturbs her, she should come to him and they can discuss it. That's good parenting right there.
Now, I will not-so-subtly ask for more books set in Abia, I need more of this world like I need air. Please give us more stories!!!!!!!!
If you haven't picked up any of Jelena Dunato's books yet, now is a good time to start. And by now, I do mean RIGHT NOW. Go buy her books!!!
*Huge thank you to the amazing author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*