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midlife_reader's review against another edition
3.0
I had mixed feelings about this book. While I loved the historical storyline and the unique plot, I struggled a bit with the modern storyline. There is also some minor language that I didn’t like seeing in a book that’s listed as Christian fiction.
bellbird22's review against another edition
3.0
There was a lot to love in this story, although some parts of the book annoyed me. The historical portion was spot-on, as far as I can discover, and I loved learning about Karl Fabergé, his business, and the beautiful creations he and his craftsmen came up with. Seeing the Russian Revolution through his eyes was an experience in itself, and I appreciated being able to see a little of how that developed as the story went on. The historical section was definitely my favorite part of this book!
The present-day sections were a bit of a disappointment, though. People’s attitudes toward each other annoyed me, several characters’ crushes on other characters came up relatively frequently, and the climax felt somewhat dramatic. I did LOVE how the treasure hunt brought a broken family together again—that was beautiful! I also loved seeing the mystery side play out—it was fairly easy to guess what would happen next, after reading the historical side, but I loved seeing how the characters went about looking for clues.
This wasn’t my most favorite book of the year, but I am grateful I got to read it. There was a lot to enjoy here. Please note, however, if you’re looking for a Christian story, this isn’t it—it’s relatively clean, but I didn’t pick up on any faith elements in the story.
Verdict: 3.5 out of 5 stars
I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
The present-day sections were a bit of a disappointment, though. People’s attitudes toward each other annoyed me, several characters’ crushes on other characters came up relatively frequently, and the climax felt somewhat dramatic. I did LOVE how the treasure hunt brought a broken family together again—that was beautiful! I also loved seeing the mystery side play out—it was fairly easy to guess what would happen next, after reading the historical side, but I loved seeing how the characters went about looking for clues.
This wasn’t my most favorite book of the year, but I am grateful I got to read it. There was a lot to enjoy here. Please note, however, if you’re looking for a Christian story, this isn’t it—it’s relatively clean, but I didn’t pick up on any faith elements in the story.
Verdict: 3.5 out of 5 stars
I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
freddikb's review against another edition
2.0
I am a fan of a good treasure hunt. I enjoyed the history of Russia, written in a way it was easy to understand and follow. I felt a part of the adventure, following the clues. However, I was not a fan of the ending. For me it was a disappointment.
*I received this book free from Revell in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*
*I received this book free from Revell in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*
slflorence99's review against another edition
5.0
We've got this book slated for our October book club meeting. I'm so glad I didn't wait! I started the Master Craftsman fairly soon after I received my copy on the release date which ended up nicely coinciding with Easter week. Perfect for all of the egg hunting talk!
While Kelli's first 2 works of historical fiction are far more graphic and emotionally charged historically, I was quickly drawn to the characters and dual timeline narrative of this gem. It took a bit to ramp up for me, but I ended up getting sucked in and finished the 2nd half of the book in an afternoon. And dang it, I should've known her writing would ultimately bring me to tears. The Master Craftsman is a beautiful, layered, suspenseful story of grace and reconciliation. This is a good one for adults and teens alike!
While Kelli's first 2 works of historical fiction are far more graphic and emotionally charged historically, I was quickly drawn to the characters and dual timeline narrative of this gem. It took a bit to ramp up for me, but I ended up getting sucked in and finished the 2nd half of the book in an afternoon. And dang it, I should've known her writing would ultimately bring me to tears. The Master Craftsman is a beautiful, layered, suspenseful story of grace and reconciliation. This is a good one for adults and teens alike!
beachbookbabe's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
introverteddragonscribbles's review against another edition
4.0
DNF
First off, the idea of this book is just plain cool. It’s part contemporary, part treasure hunt, and part mystery, part historical. But the thing is, it moves so slow. I felt like there was a lot in the beginning that could have been left out or summarized. It isn’t until almost halfway through the book that the characters even start looking for the mysterious Faberge Egg, and by then, I was starting to lose interest. This may be because I’m more used to the faster pace of YA fantasy, but I still think that some of the beginning could have been trimmed down a little. I came for the treasure hunt, not for Ava’s tumultuous relationship with her dad.
There was absolutely nothing wrong with this book. I just couldn’t finish it. I lost interest before any of the interesting things happened. I might try reading it again some day when I have better fortitude, but for now, I’m going to have to put it on my list of books I couldn’t finish. Otherwise, I feel like it is most likely a very good story. I loved Stuart’s A Silver Willow By the Shore, so I’m sure when I have better patience I’ll most likely enjoy this one as well.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First off, the idea of this book is just plain cool. It’s part contemporary, part treasure hunt, and part mystery, part historical. But the thing is, it moves so slow. I felt like there was a lot in the beginning that could have been left out or summarized. It isn’t until almost halfway through the book that the characters even start looking for the mysterious Faberge Egg, and by then, I was starting to lose interest. This may be because I’m more used to the faster pace of YA fantasy, but I still think that some of the beginning could have been trimmed down a little. I came for the treasure hunt, not for Ava’s tumultuous relationship with her dad.
There was absolutely nothing wrong with this book. I just couldn’t finish it. I lost interest before any of the interesting things happened. I might try reading it again some day when I have better fortitude, but for now, I’m going to have to put it on my list of books I couldn’t finish. Otherwise, I feel like it is most likely a very good story. I loved Stuart’s A Silver Willow By the Shore, so I’m sure when I have better patience I’ll most likely enjoy this one as well.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
busymomsreadtoo's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the premise of this book. It was super interesting and I was hoping for a National Treasure sort of hunt. I found it to be a bit too predictable, though. Over all it’s a fun book. It just needed something extra for me.
jennyp0208's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun historical fiction. I enjoyed the parallel stories, one present and one in the early 1900s. It's also a mystery. The ending surprised me, in a good way!
kristensreadingnook's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
This book was fascinating! I had no real knowledge of Fabrege eggs so this was all new territory for me and I loved every minute of learning. Kelli Stuart has added so much intrigue into the discussion of how many Fabrege eggs were really created and where are they all.
Set in the early 1900’s and present day, Stuart creates a tale that will give the reader a lot of background into Russian history in general and Fabrege in particular and also a current timeline with a fractured family trying to be restored.
Thank you UpLit Reads for including me on this campaign!
This book was fascinating! I had no real knowledge of Fabrege eggs so this was all new territory for me and I loved every minute of learning. Kelli Stuart has added so much intrigue into the discussion of how many Fabrege eggs were really created and where are they all.
Set in the early 1900’s and present day, Stuart creates a tale that will give the reader a lot of background into Russian history in general and Fabrege in particular and also a current timeline with a fractured family trying to be restored.
Thank you UpLit Reads for including me on this campaign!