By Kai Meyer
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
To Sum It Up: Venice has been under siege by the Egyptian Empire for many years, and the only thing keeping the mummy warriors at bay is the Flowing Queen. But when the Queen is bested by the clever Egyptians and traitors within her own city, Merle, the young apprentice to the magic mirror maker, is the city's only hope.
Review: The title and the artwork on the cover grabbed my attention and the blurb sealed the deal. Who doesn't love magic and mermaids?!
The setting and plot were innovative and eclectic. You have magic mirrors, Hell, stone lions, mermaids, mummies, and Venice all crammed into one story. It was incredibly original and creative. So, it's quite a surprise that this book really didn't do anything for me.
Usually, this would be exactly my kind of read. However, I couldn't make an emotional connection with the characters or their story line. It's not that I hated the characters, but I found them rather flat and hard to empathize with. Additionally, I felt like it was too predictable. I never found myself surprised or getting really invested in what might happen next. I was waiting for it to get better and it never did. The plot felt like it was moving too quickly without ever really explaining anything fully enough for me to latch onto. I'm a really open and go-with-the-flow reader, but it was a bit hard for me to keep up.
I was disappointed because this book had the potential to be great. The biggest flaw for me was the lack of emotional investment.
All in All: I kind of enjoyed this book, but I won't be reading the sequel.
Oh man you had me all excited to read this, stone lions, mermaids, mummies oh my and then flat story, Bummer. Oh well maybe I'll give it a chance any how and hope that book two is better and the story picks up to match the concept. Matt @ JC's Book Haven.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have better luck with it than I did! :)
DeleteYeah, it does sound like a winner, too bad the execution tanked. Heir of Fire will make up for this, I promise!
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Thanks! :)
DeleteI agree that this one sounds brilliant: Egyptians, Venice, Mermaids, Queens and Mummies! Wow.It's a shame the characters just didn't reach out and grab you though, I find that a lack of connection to the characters in story can really ruin an otherwise promising read. Emotional connections are important! Sorry this one was a letdown for you! Hope your next read is/was much better :)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this one did not live up to expectations, it does sound like it has a lot of potential. I always find it rather annoying when you cannot get into a book that you really want to read.
ReplyDelete