Kristin K. (escapeartistk) -
Helpful Score: 2
DISCLAIMER: I did not finish this book. To find out why, read on
I feel like I keep running across the same heroine: a single heterosexual female scholar in her late 20s-early 30s who excels in her field and who suddenly and unexpectedly finds herself the center of some adventure (Interred with their Bones; A Discovery of Witches; 'Doomsday Book). Apparently, the reader is supposed to sympathize with this protagonist merely because she is a single female scholar in her late 20s-early 30s who excels in her field and who suddenly and unexpectedly finds herself the center of some adventure. Little more in the way of characterization is offered to endear this heroine. By the time I met her again in City of Dark Magic, she felt pre-fabricated.
Then theres the fact that nothing happens for 100+ pages. I noticed, when I was on page 103...that I was already on p. 103. And that nothing really had happened. There had been a lot of plot set up too much, it seemed to me, to effectively be brought to conclusion in the remaining 300 pages. However, I cannot say this with certainty because I never found out because I didnt continue reading past p. 103.
I did try to skim ahead a little -- on 2-3 different occasions -- before completely giving up, to make sure I wasnt going to miss something great. When I saw, however, that Id only be missing descriptions like this -- BAM. That was how Sarah would later describe the sound of the tractor hitting their small white van (p. 108) (a description that I truly believe I could write myself, as could most other PBSers, as could, probably, most sixth-graders), I decided to spend my time on other books with more interesting protagonists or more engaging storylines or better writing OR, heaven permit, all of the above.
I feel like I keep running across the same heroine: a single heterosexual female scholar in her late 20s-early 30s who excels in her field and who suddenly and unexpectedly finds herself the center of some adventure (Interred with their Bones; A Discovery of Witches; 'Doomsday Book). Apparently, the reader is supposed to sympathize with this protagonist merely because she is a single female scholar in her late 20s-early 30s who excels in her field and who suddenly and unexpectedly finds herself the center of some adventure. Little more in the way of characterization is offered to endear this heroine. By the time I met her again in City of Dark Magic, she felt pre-fabricated.
Then theres the fact that nothing happens for 100+ pages. I noticed, when I was on page 103...that I was already on p. 103. And that nothing really had happened. There had been a lot of plot set up too much, it seemed to me, to effectively be brought to conclusion in the remaining 300 pages. However, I cannot say this with certainty because I never found out because I didnt continue reading past p. 103.
I did try to skim ahead a little -- on 2-3 different occasions -- before completely giving up, to make sure I wasnt going to miss something great. When I saw, however, that Id only be missing descriptions like this -- BAM. That was how Sarah would later describe the sound of the tractor hitting their small white van (p. 108) (a description that I truly believe I could write myself, as could most other PBSers, as could, probably, most sixth-graders), I decided to spend my time on other books with more interesting protagonists or more engaging storylines or better writing OR, heaven permit, all of the above.
Michelle H. (brokenchell) reviewed City of Dark Magic (City of Dark Magic, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
I absolutely loved the story line if this book, and I will read book two, I loved all the "flashbacks" with Beethoven, and I adored Pols. Max is a strong character, Nico is awesome, Sarah is a good character as well... However I found this book to be so slow, I didn't like the random babble of Senator Yates, and I could have done without Sarah being such a slut, it was unnecessary... Don't get me wrong tho the story is awesome, ya just gotta get thru those parts...
Kristine S. (NHBookLover) reviewed City of Dark Magic (City of Dark Magic, Bk 1) on + 293 more book reviews
Prague is a mysterious city. When Sarah Weston, a music student, gets a job there for the summer, she finds out out mysterious and even deadly it really is. She meets a handsome prince, a 400-year old dwarf, and an evil US Senator who is trying to ensure her secrets stay her secrets. Did I mention Beethoven? He is here, too!
Eadie B. (eadieburke) -
Book Description
Release Date: November 27, 2012
Cosmically fast-paced and wildly imaginative, this debut novel is a perfect potion of magic and suspense
Once a city of enormous wealth and culture, Prague was home to emperors, alchemists, astronomers, and, as its whispered, hell portals. When music student Sarah Weston lands a summer job at Prague Castle cataloging Beethovens manuscripts, she has no idea how dangerous her life is about to become. Prague is a threshold, Sarah is warned, and it is steeped in blood.
Soon after Sarah arrives, strange things begin to happen. She learns that her mentor, who was working at the castle, may not have committed suicide after all. Could his cryptic notes be warnings? As Sarah parses his clues about Beethovens Immortal Beloved, she manages to get arrested, to have tantric sex in a public fountain, and to discover a time-warping drug. She also catches the attention of a four-hundred-year-old dwarf, the handsome Prince Max, and a powerful U.S. senator with secrets she will do anything to hide.
City of Dark Magic could be called a rom-com paranormal suspense novelor it could simply be called one of the most entertaining novels of the year.
I enjoyed this book very much. It is very fast-paced and crosses over just about every genre. Its a mystery, a thriller; it has science and history and music. Romance. Comedy. Time-travel. Don't miss out on this one - I think you will enjoy the ride!
Release Date: November 27, 2012
Cosmically fast-paced and wildly imaginative, this debut novel is a perfect potion of magic and suspense
Once a city of enormous wealth and culture, Prague was home to emperors, alchemists, astronomers, and, as its whispered, hell portals. When music student Sarah Weston lands a summer job at Prague Castle cataloging Beethovens manuscripts, she has no idea how dangerous her life is about to become. Prague is a threshold, Sarah is warned, and it is steeped in blood.
Soon after Sarah arrives, strange things begin to happen. She learns that her mentor, who was working at the castle, may not have committed suicide after all. Could his cryptic notes be warnings? As Sarah parses his clues about Beethovens Immortal Beloved, she manages to get arrested, to have tantric sex in a public fountain, and to discover a time-warping drug. She also catches the attention of a four-hundred-year-old dwarf, the handsome Prince Max, and a powerful U.S. senator with secrets she will do anything to hide.
City of Dark Magic could be called a rom-com paranormal suspense novelor it could simply be called one of the most entertaining novels of the year.
I enjoyed this book very much. It is very fast-paced and crosses over just about every genre. Its a mystery, a thriller; it has science and history and music. Romance. Comedy. Time-travel. Don't miss out on this one - I think you will enjoy the ride!
