A truly excellent book! I'm not a huge fan of fairy tales, but this story was different in the very best way. Shannon Hale is a very talented and fabuA truly excellent book! I'm not a huge fan of fairy tales, but this story was different in the very best way. Shannon Hale is a very talented and fabulous writer. She really made the fable of The Goose Girl come alive for me.
The characters, especially Ani, are wonderful, deep and interesting. The author even makes the reader want to know more about the "bad guys", particularly Celia. The three characters that I wish I had more backstory on are Ani's mother, The Queen; The King of Bayern, and Enna.
The world the author created is lush, vibrant and full of activity. Even though I don't usually enjoy books that are plot-driven, this book had both plot and great characters. This book was recommended by one of my favorite BookTubers (and friend), Kate Howe. We usually love the same type of books and this one was an brilliant example.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. Please give it a try!
(Also, the only reason why I didn't give it a higher rating was because it was a bit of a stressful for me to read. It's not a middle grade book, but clearly a Young Adult. The situations the characters face would be too stressful for children under 12 or 13, I think.)...more
The moment I finished reading The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, I felt a strong urge to go right back to the beginning and start again. It’s one of tThe moment I finished reading The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, I felt a strong urge to go right back to the beginning and start again. It’s one of those stories that starts out simple, close to boring, and then slowly gains momentum until you can’t put it down.
I almost gave up on the author’s writing style after a couple of chapters. Though the language is not difficult, I found myself needing to go over sentences twice because I felt as if there were a hidden meaning that I was missing. I didn’t know if I had the energy to put into reading the story, but I’m glad I persevered.
The characters in this novel (especially Thaniel and Mori) are amazing. You truly feel like they are people you’ve known in a past life. They have a unique coziness to them. Even the clockwork characters are well crafted. One of them, Katsu the Octopus, truly stole my heart. As soon as I closed the book, I started missing them.
Natasha Pulley’s novel is the type that needs to be read multiple times to really absorb all of the tiny details and nuances. I definitely plan to read this book again soon.
If only The Watchmaker at Filigree Street would be made into a movie! It would be challenging, but glorious!...more
I really fell in love with this book, even though I'm 48 years old and not a child anymore. I've always had a special place in my heart for unicorns. I really fell in love with this book, even though I'm 48 years old and not a child anymore. I've always had a special place in my heart for unicorns. I’ve loved them since I was a child and, even though it sometimes makes me feel silly, I still adore them now. This sweet little book is gorgeous, dreamy and incredibly magical. I wish this book had been published when I was young. The artwork by Jay Burch is so soothing and peaceful. I wish they had published this book as a hardcover with much larger pictures. But, this slim paperback is just wonderful. Although there is a little bit of history, folklore and legend added to the beginning of the book, the rest is filled with even more lovely paintings of unicorns and poetry. If you or anyone you know has an interest in unicorns, they will adore this book! It would make a lovely gift....more
I'm so torn about this book! In some ways, I loved it but, in other ways, I had a hard time with it. The story is intriguing and unique in many ways wI'm so torn about this book! In some ways, I loved it but, in other ways, I had a hard time with it. The story is intriguing and unique in many ways with great writing. On the other hand, I almost gave up on this novel at the 50% mark. I struggled until I was about 2/3 of the way through...but then my interest was rekindled and I was completely invested until the end.
I think that the history-heavy details weighed me down. It might be much more interesting to other readers, but history is my least favorite subject and there was a LOT of it between the 50-65% section of the book. Although the attention to detail in the scientific aspects was also admirable, this addition to the love story dampened (instead of kindled) my attention.
All that said, I think the story is pretty brilliant and I adored the characters—especially Diana and Matthew. I also have a special place in my heart for Marte and Marcus. I'm pretty sure that I'll continue with the series, but I need to give my nerves a bit of a break before continuing.
Definitely recommended for any reader who loved the Twilight and Outlander series. The chemistry between the witch Diana and the vampire Matthew is truly electric. I love the mash up of these two supernatural species' stories in one giant novel. ...more
After reading all 5 books (so far) of the Sevenwaters trilogy, I was slightly disappointed with this book. I had a hard time picking it up after I wasAfter reading all 5 books (so far) of the Sevenwaters trilogy, I was slightly disappointed with this book. I had a hard time picking it up after I was halfway through and it just didn't "wow" me like her other books have. I liked the Bridei character, though....more
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