Reviews
The Four Symbols (Black Sun Trilogy, #1), by Eric Giacometti, Maren Baudet-Lackner, Jacques Ravenne
openmypages's review against another edition
3.0
This book was not quite what I expected. I had been thinking it'd be along the lines of a Clive Cussler or Dan Brown-like re-telling of WWII with some insight on the Nazi organization. There were some intriguing elements, the focus on the occult was really fascinating. It was an element of WWII that I wasn't as familiar with.
There were entirely too many characters, locations and timelines to keep track of. I think this story needs some streamlining for the sequels, it has a fascinating premise but the execution was not quite right for my taste. I think it's also a risk having large chunks of the book told from the viewpoint of the Nazi torturers, for a person like me who wants characters to relate to, I found myself wanting to rush through those sections and get back to characters I could relate to.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
There were entirely too many characters, locations and timelines to keep track of. I think this story needs some streamlining for the sequels, it has a fascinating premise but the execution was not quite right for my taste. I think it's also a risk having large chunks of the book told from the viewpoint of the Nazi torturers, for a person like me who wants characters to relate to, I found myself wanting to rush through those sections and get back to characters I could relate to.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
charlottejmor's review against another edition
3.0
I read a lot of WWII fiction but this was unlike any of the books I've read before! If you enjoy a good puzzle with a mix of mysticism and war-torn Europe, this book is for you.
I picked this up knowing that it was a trilogy so I wasn't surprised that this first book involved a lot of stage setting and character introducing. The first half of the book fell a little flat with all of this background information sharing but once the second part of the book started, the story really took off.
At the start there were so many characters and locations that I felt like I was getting whiplash jumping between story lines. It wasn't until the last few chapters that I really understood who the main characters really were and who I should be getting invested in.
I have a feeling book 2 will be far more enjoyable now that the story has been set so I'm giving this book 3.5 stars with the caveat that I'm fully intending to read the next book!
I picked this up knowing that it was a trilogy so I wasn't surprised that this first book involved a lot of stage setting and character introducing. The first half of the book fell a little flat with all of this background information sharing but once the second part of the book started, the story really took off.
At the start there were so many characters and locations that I felt like I was getting whiplash jumping between story lines. It wasn't until the last few chapters that I really understood who the main characters really were and who I should be getting invested in.
I have a feeling book 2 will be far more enjoyable now that the story has been set so I'm giving this book 3.5 stars with the caveat that I'm fully intending to read the next book!
rachel_reads_by_night's review against another edition
3.0
Well this was good! I was hooked right from the start, and the Nazi/occult topic combined with relic hunting makes for a really good read.
Super fast paced and a great story line, plus intriguing characters kept me interested right to the end. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown. I’ll certainly be recommending this.
Super fast paced and a great story line, plus intriguing characters kept me interested right to the end. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown. I’ll certainly be recommending this.
clarowe's review against another edition
4.0
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
The Four Symbols is a thrilling, captivating work of historical fiction that also pulls you into the world of the occult. In The Four Symbols, Ravenne does an incredible job of providing an accurate, historical backdrop for this story to take place. You feel like you have truly been dropped into Europe in the middle of WWII where Nazi Germany seems to be utterly unstoppable. As you read you get hints as to what might be behind Hitler's meteoric rise to power and dominance over all of Europe.
The race is on between Hitler's Nazi artifact hunters and archaeologists and what remains of the unconquered people of Europe to find what might be the only hope to stop the Nazi forces from rolling through the rest of Europe, and the world.
The Four Symbols is a thrilling, captivating work of historical fiction that also pulls you into the world of the occult. In The Four Symbols, Ravenne does an incredible job of providing an accurate, historical backdrop for this story to take place. You feel like you have truly been dropped into Europe in the middle of WWII where Nazi Germany seems to be utterly unstoppable. As you read you get hints as to what might be behind Hitler's meteoric rise to power and dominance over all of Europe.
The race is on between Hitler's Nazi artifact hunters and archaeologists and what remains of the unconquered people of Europe to find what might be the only hope to stop the Nazi forces from rolling through the rest of Europe, and the world.
ellie_bell's review against another edition
3.0
While the story was very good I didn't feel any excitement or tension or that "ooh, what is going to happen next!?" which I usually feel when reading books in this genre. I never wanted to stop reading, but at the same time I didn't feel any drive to pick the book up again when I wasn't reading. I did like the mix of mysticism and realism and the way that was handled. I think it was the writing rather than the story that didn't gel with me and perhaps this is down to translation, as I have struck this with other translated works. I will read the next book in the series as I am interested to know where the story goes.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a lot of fun to read and I loved how it mixes paranormal with history.
It's well plotted, full of twists and turns, with a cast of interesting characters and a vivid historical background.
It was a gripping and entertaining read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's well plotted, full of twists and turns, with a cast of interesting characters and a vivid historical background.
It was a gripping and entertaining read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
redbirdwings's review against another edition
3.0
WWII occult fiction is always hit-or-miss with me. I have to be in the right mood for a Dan Brown or similar writing topic and style. This is a wonderfully fast-paced adventure with vivid imagery of a war-torn continent mixed with the mysticism of older faiths.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
mayhappily's review against another edition
4.0
Brilliant book! I'm sure this will end up being one of my favorites of this year!
Giacometti and Ravenne's excellent storytelling kept me equal parts horrified and captivated throughout a book filled with unforseen twists and turns.
The Black Sun trilogy begins just before the outbreak of World War II and takes place during its first years.
WWII has always held a terrifying fascination for me, partly because of what people are capable - and willing - to do to others in search of power.
The Four Symbols takes us on the hunt for centuries old relics, supposedly infused with immeasurable power which will bring the world to its knees before whomever holds them - and Hitler's Germany has the upper hand, being in possession of a book which points them to the relics' hiding places.
I personally enjoyed the added touch of the authors keeping the german titels for Nazi officers and commanders, but I can see that it could possibly be confusing.
I think that Giacometti and Ravenne made an excellent decision in alternating the narratives - especially nearing the end, where the frequency between the changes increased; I think it managed to convey a sense of hurried dread.
Giacometti and Ravenne's excellent storytelling kept me equal parts horrified and captivated throughout a book filled with unforseen twists and turns.
The Black Sun trilogy begins just before the outbreak of World War II and takes place during its first years.
WWII has always held a terrifying fascination for me, partly because of what people are capable - and willing - to do to others in search of power.
The Four Symbols takes us on the hunt for centuries old relics, supposedly infused with immeasurable power which will bring the world to its knees before whomever holds them - and Hitler's Germany has the upper hand, being in possession of a book which points them to the relics' hiding places.
I personally enjoyed the added touch of the authors keeping the german titels for Nazi officers and commanders, but I can see that it could possibly be confusing.
I think that Giacometti and Ravenne made an excellent decision in alternating the narratives - especially nearing the end, where the frequency between the changes increased; I think it managed to convey a sense of hurried dread.
the_reader_mommy's review against another edition
3.0
It's the Second World War and SS soldier and Ahnenerbe head Weistort is convinced that there are 4 occult symbols scattered across the world. These symbols, when brought together, will help Germany win the war and eventually rule the world.
He's an absolute fanatic and with the encouragement of Himmler, he sets of on an absolutely thrilling journey to retrieve the symbols. He is ruthless and clever, a devastating mixture of traits.
On the other hand, Churchill is sceptical of his Secret Service man, Malorley's assertions that the Germans are after these occult symbols. However, having no other choice than explore, he grants Malorley permission to go after the clues. Malorley, in his quest, comes across some amazing adventures.
Who is Tristan? Will the Germans get their hands on the symbols? Read the book to know more!
I've been reading WW2 literature since quite some days and this book came at the right time. I enjoyed reading it, though it is a bit on the longer side (it took me around a week to complete).
All in all, a good book, if you're looking for WW2 historical fiction that involves conspiracies and a bit of everything - humour, romance, adventure, and the occult.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me an ARC for an unbiased review. I'll look forward to reading the next parts as well.
He's an absolute fanatic and with the encouragement of Himmler, he sets of on an absolutely thrilling journey to retrieve the symbols. He is ruthless and clever, a devastating mixture of traits.
On the other hand, Churchill is sceptical of his Secret Service man, Malorley's assertions that the Germans are after these occult symbols. However, having no other choice than explore, he grants Malorley permission to go after the clues. Malorley, in his quest, comes across some amazing adventures.
Who is Tristan? Will the Germans get their hands on the symbols? Read the book to know more!
I've been reading WW2 literature since quite some days and this book came at the right time. I enjoyed reading it, though it is a bit on the longer side (it took me around a week to complete).
All in all, a good book, if you're looking for WW2 historical fiction that involves conspiracies and a bit of everything - humour, romance, adventure, and the occult.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me an ARC for an unbiased review. I'll look forward to reading the next parts as well.
bookbustle's review
5.0
iven that I am a huge history nerd, World War II and Nazi Germany are not really a field I'm super familiar with, but I wanted to give The Four Symbols a try. I am so glad that I requested this book! I am a sucker for political intrigue and I love a good YA fantasy novel centered around magic. This book has intrigue by the tons and the magic is more occult-y, but I still found it really interesting reading about the ancient mythology in this book!
I threw on some Wagner (Ride of the Valkyries) and could not put this book down! Set in the very early days of World War II (the prologue is set during Kristallnacht), the narrative navigates through several different plot lines that showcase a cast of characters from many different sides. The reader is taken on a journey with SS officers in search of ancient artifacts. Winston Churchill and the British make an appearance as they attempt to foil the scheming of the Nazi government. We see French espionage, along with other characters who float in and out of the narrative as the authors masterfully weave the entire story together. I really enjoyed the semi-vignette style of the writing. A chapter can have more than one storyline playing out, though the jumps seem jarring, I would argue that this is intentional. It simulates the fluidity of war and geopolitics.
This is the first book in a trilogy that promises to span the entire war, and what an opening salvo it is! This book contains some graphic violence as it tackles literal war and figurative war via undercover operations and spy games.
Other reviews have noted that this book reads like a Dan Brown novel, which I wholeheartedly agree that it does! I would also recommend this book to fans of Tom Clancy, Stephen Ambrose, Dan Brown (obviously), and Robert Ludlum. Great read for someone who enjoys war games books, international espionage, complex plots/subplots, and an overall engaging read about World War II!
Add this to your to be read list! Publication date is September 3rd, 2020! A perfect pre Labor Day weekend purchase!
I received a galley copy of this novel courtesy of NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review!
I threw on some Wagner (Ride of the Valkyries) and could not put this book down! Set in the very early days of World War II (the prologue is set during Kristallnacht), the narrative navigates through several different plot lines that showcase a cast of characters from many different sides. The reader is taken on a journey with SS officers in search of ancient artifacts. Winston Churchill and the British make an appearance as they attempt to foil the scheming of the Nazi government. We see French espionage, along with other characters who float in and out of the narrative as the authors masterfully weave the entire story together. I really enjoyed the semi-vignette style of the writing. A chapter can have more than one storyline playing out, though the jumps seem jarring, I would argue that this is intentional. It simulates the fluidity of war and geopolitics.
This is the first book in a trilogy that promises to span the entire war, and what an opening salvo it is! This book contains some graphic violence as it tackles literal war and figurative war via undercover operations and spy games.
Other reviews have noted that this book reads like a Dan Brown novel, which I wholeheartedly agree that it does! I would also recommend this book to fans of Tom Clancy, Stephen Ambrose, Dan Brown (obviously), and Robert Ludlum. Great read for someone who enjoys war games books, international espionage, complex plots/subplots, and an overall engaging read about World War II!
Add this to your to be read list! Publication date is September 3rd, 2020! A perfect pre Labor Day weekend purchase!
I received a galley copy of this novel courtesy of NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review!
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