The Miniaturist - Jessie Burton [Review]

"Every woman is the architect of her own fortune."

Overview

When I started this book, I did not exactly know what to expect from it. The cover indicated a historical fiction novel, the title intrigued me and I have seen it being hauled by other reviewers.

The book is set in the Netherlands in the 17th century and we follow 18-year-old Nella, who comes from a poorer family and is newly married to a wealthy merchant named Johannes Brandt from Amsterdam. She has mixed feelings about her new role as Lady of a whole household and the new life in this big city. However, her husband does not seem to be very interested in her and she doesn't get along with his sister, who seems to be in control of the household. One day, Johannes gives her a cabinet with a miniature replica of their own house as a wedding gift. Nella is confused what to make of this strange gift, but she wants to please him and instructs a miniaturist to build things for the replica house. However, the miniaturist seems to know more about her life and her new home than should be possible and the events unfold from there. 

The Setting

A Monster Calls - Patrick Ness [Review]

"Stories are wild creatures, the monster said. When you let them loose, who knows what havo they might wreak?"

Overview

This is one of those books that you have to read and experience on your own, to see the beautiful illustrations that make the story come to life and create a dark and frightening atmosphere.

This is a story about a boy named Conor, who lives with his mother and has to deal with her being very ill. He has these nightmares that won't stop and one night, he gets visited by a monster. 

I started this book on a whim and, since it only has around 200 pages with full-page illustrations throughout, it is a rather fast read and I recommend reading it in one sitting to experience the construction of the atmosphere and the emotional ride Conor has to go through. 

To say more would be to reveal too much. If you have not read this book, please do so! Patrick Ness wrote this story based on the ideas of Siobhan Dowd, who wasn't able to complete this novel before she died. He did an exceptional job and it is definitely worth the experience. But be warned: it might grip your heart and squeeze hard. It surely did that with me. 

Discussion [Spoiler]

Caraval - Stephanie Garber [Review]

"Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world."

Overview

In "Caraval", we follow the two sisters Scarlett and Tella. Scarlett is the older sister and the story is told from her point of view. They live in fear under the strict rule of their abusive father on a small island. When the sisters suddenly have the chance to visit the mysterious show Caraval on a faraway island, they don't know that it will change their lives forever. 

This book is a great overall package: The cover is stunning! Every edition I have seen has a beautiful cover and the naked hardback is really pretty as well (the dress💖). There is this diligent and detailed map of Caraval, the gorgeous chapter pages with a rose theme and chapter number decorations. And finally, throughout the book various printed letters can be found.

The Setting

The setting is definitely unique when compared to other YA books. The island were Caraval is set and the people who are living there reminded me a lot of a Disney movie or the whimsicalness of Alice in Wonderland. It is magical, but in a darker, more twisted way. The world itself is not really fully developed, we only get to know bits and pieces, but that did not affect my enjoyment.

"Welcome, welcome to Caraval! The grandest show on land or by sea. Inside you'll experience more wonders than most people see in a lifetime. You can sip magic from a cup and buy dreams in a bottle."

The Characters 

The interaction between Scarlett and Tella reminded me a lot of my sister and me and I really loved it. Scarlett is the older sibling and has to take care of Tella, who is fiercer and a little reckless. Both try to safe the other from the wrath of their brutal father and Scarlett wants to marry to build a life for Tella and her on another island.

At the beginning, we get to know Julian, who seems to be involved with Tella. He is the reason why the two girls are able to visit Caraval because he smuggles them off their home island. He and Scarlett soon get closer and the developing romance is a huge part of the story. 

There are a lot of rather peculiar side characters, for example the owner of the clock shop, who looks almost like a clock himself, the histographer Aiko who has pictures of the history of Caraval in her journal or Legend, the master of Caraval.

The Plot [Spoiler]

Uprooted - Naomi Novik [Review]

Overview

In a small valley surrounded by an enchanted forest called the Wood lives a wizard called the Dragon in his tower. Every ten years, he comes to the villages to choose a girl to live with him. The story begins with such a choosing and we meet Agnieszka, who has to participate in this choosing, but everyone in her village thinks that the Dragon will take her beautiful friend Karsia. However, the Dragon picks her instead and she will soon discover the reason for it. 

I leave the summary of this book intentionally vague because it is better to know not so much when going into it. In general, I found it hard to get into the story, mainly because I did not like the Dragon's and most of the men's behaviour throughout the book at all. It gets really interesting and magical after the first 50 pages or so, but I was so disappointed with the way the story evolved and ended.

I enjoyed the parts involving the Wood and the magic system the most and even the friendship between Agienszka and Karsia that is a main plot point thoughout the book was really lovely.

Overall, I think the story has a lot of potential and some unnecessary elements. I did not like the way the story went in the second half and had a hard time finishing it.