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vegantrav's review against another edition
5.0
one of the best works of fiction published this year (2008) - amazing frame story with marvelous vignettes within the frame story that relate to the frame story - superb beginning and excellent development throughout, though, I must say, a rather quiet and, in some ways, disappointingly mundane denouement - still, overall, an exceptional story - well worth the read
fireheart77's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
scunareader's review against another edition
3.0
Only halfway through, but you ladies will LOOOOVE this. I challenge you to find the harry potter references!
I've finished the book after a marathon reading session and was trying to slow myself down so that I could savor it a bit longer. My first thought is that, for a first time author, the writing resonates with the excitement of creation. It's not formulaic, IMHO. Believable? Who knows? But, then again, why does it matter? The bottom line was still the same. The author turns a phrase in a lovely way. If I could write fiction like this, on a first try, I'd be very satisfied.
I was invested in the two main characters, but loved every moment I spent with all the other characters too, who were not secondary but tributaries to the story.
Andrew, it was lovely. Don't sell the rights to the Hollywood machine too soon, now!
I've finished the book after a marathon reading session and was trying to slow myself down so that I could savor it a bit longer. My first thought is that, for a first time author, the writing resonates with the excitement of creation. It's not formulaic, IMHO. Believable? Who knows? But, then again, why does it matter? The bottom line was still the same. The author turns a phrase in a lovely way. If I could write fiction like this, on a first try, I'd be very satisfied.
I was invested in the two main characters, but loved every moment I spent with all the other characters too, who were not secondary but tributaries to the story.
Andrew, it was lovely. Don't sell the rights to the Hollywood machine too soon, now!
pastaprincess's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
aforlini's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
aglaia0001's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
tomperignon's review against another edition
5.0
This book was such a surprise and delight! I can honestly say I never wanted this book to end. I loved the history, the Dante connections, love story, everything! I wish this author had more than one novel!
Plus he is from Manitoba to boot!
I recommend this book to everyone! Go pick it up today
Plus he is from Manitoba to boot!
I recommend this book to everyone! Go pick it up today
pete55's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Confinement, Mental illness, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
bexlrose's review against another edition
5.0
The cover really lets this book down. It is a total stunner of a book, it goes DEEP, yet the cover makes it look like a young adult fantasy romance. I've actually seen 2 covers and they both do that. Not cool.
It's actually amazing. It covers a lot. There's a horrific accident where someone gets 90% of their body burnt and we go through the entire recovery process with them which is absolutely brutal. There's porn and drugs, there's love and morality, there's a 14th century monastery, there are Vikings, there's god, death, questions of sanity, and a really great walk through Dante's Hell. It's all just very good. Read it, despite the cover, this is no pulp fiction. 5 stars.
It's actually amazing. It covers a lot. There's a horrific accident where someone gets 90% of their body burnt and we go through the entire recovery process with them which is absolutely brutal. There's porn and drugs, there's love and morality, there's a 14th century monastery, there are Vikings, there's god, death, questions of sanity, and a really great walk through Dante's Hell. It's all just very good. Read it, despite the cover, this is no pulp fiction. 5 stars.