Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Premise, flawed execution, August 9, 2010
This review is from: Shades of Milk and Honey (Hardcover)
I would give the book 3.5 stars. But I can see where some would rate it higher.
Premise is excellent.
Easy read - but then as I note below - I found that distracting.
Characters - most needed more development
Plot - pleasant
The premise of the novel is marvelous. Take a regency England family, and make magic (called glamour) an accomplishment pursued by the ton women. I think I may have come to the book with a high expectation. I love Austen and I love Georgette Heyer. I was unconsciously setting the bar pretty high.
From my view point, a book like this should be written with more intricate prose. Kowal wrote her book, the way the vast majority of books are written today - for the 8th grade reading level. (Its not a YA novel, its just short sentences, easy repeatable words) Frankly, she probably couldn't have sold the book if she had written it with complex sentences that go on for a paragraph. But to me that is what the era calls for. That is what evokes that air of sophisticated snobbery, the elitist condescension,and the beautiful culture.
I longed for more detailed history, a more in depth characterization, a reason to like Melody - the beautiful sister, a better and more entertaining character study of the mother.
None of the characters are particularly original, but I don't demand that. I just demand that I get to know them and not end up defining them off characters in other novels to which they are similar.
Kowal's description of glamour is wonderful. Her description of its creation and the finished illusions make you long to see it in person. And she did a nice job of creating & building interest in the mysterious and scowling Mr. Vincent.
As I say, my biggest problem with the novel is one that most would count in its favor. Its easy to read. If Kowal develops this world with more stories, I will undoubtedly test the waters again, because its hard not to love such an idea as magic as an accomplishment for ladies of the ton.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
23 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
An OK Debut Novel, August 9, 2010
This review is from: Shades of Milk and Honey (Hardcover)
I picked this up on a recommendation from one of my favorite sci-fi/fantasy sites. I have to agree with the reviewer who gave it one star: the characters are bland at best, one dimensional stereotypes at worst. I was hoping for some real character growth, or to show more to the characters personalities as the story went on. There was very little, and what little there was was painfully predictable. That's the problem with this novel: its TOO predictable. You've seen all the characters and plot before, and even the addition of magic adds little to make it much different.
The novel is slowly paced, and I felt like I was waiting for something to happen. Austen could be accused of this, but her writing was witty enough to carry it. There are some interesting ideas, but nothing that really gripped me or made me excited for the climax. I didn't love the novel, but I didn't hate it either. It's a decent read, but easily forgettable. Wait for the paperback edition, or if its on sale to get it.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Light, enjoyable reading, January 26, 2011
This review is from: Shades of Milk and Honey (Hardcover)
I agree whole-heartedly with Sherry Livingston's review. I enjoyed the light ease with which "Shades of Milk and Honey" flowed through my mind. I couldn't put it down. I'd hoped to read it before bed, over the course of several nights, but finished it within just 2 days. It's become rare for me to read a modern novel and simply enjoy it -- without feeling confused, bored, manipulated, disappointed, repulsed, or overwhelmed. Not every book has to be chock full of action, suspense, violence, angsty emo self-centered fixation, social commentary, incredible magic/super powers, monsters, and sex. If that's what you want, this isn't it. This is a charming, romantic story which -- like many of my favorite costume dramas -- is all about subtlety. "Shades" of romance, despair, misunderstanding, insult, honor and meaning. The main character is a very selfless, humble, kind person -- another rarity in modern storytelling. And the magic -- called "glamour" within the novel -- was a beautiful, entirely believable element of the story. I eagerly await the sequel, "Glamour in Glass."
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
