annabella82's review against another edition
4.0
When I starting reading this book, I almost put it aside for later. I didn’t really like it…Heighton likes to described things a little too much for my liking. I’m glad I pushed through and read the whole thing because it as worth it in the end. The story just continues to build as you keep reading.
The characters in this novel are well written, each with their own interesting backstory. You can’t help but be drawn in…I especially loved Kaya.
This was a Goodreads giveaway.
The characters in this novel are well written, each with their own interesting backstory. You can’t help but be drawn in…I especially loved Kaya.
This was a Goodreads giveaway.
krisis86's review against another edition
3.0
This isn't really a book I would've normally chosen to read, but I was stuck in a hospital and desperate for something to do. I'm glad I read it, because it gave me a lot to think about. I liked the characters a lot and thought they were all very unique and well-written. I had a hard time with the setting, though, and wasn't really sure when things were supposed to be taking place or if the story was based on a true story or what. I feel like I probably missed some things (I wasn't really sure what the point of Paris's character was, for example) but I'm still glad I finished the book and it's probably one that will stick with me for a long while.
miramichireader's review against another edition
5.0
After reading [b:Afterlands|1384236|Afterlands|Steven Heighton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320472773s/1384236.jpg|1374264] I had to read another Heighton book to ensure this guy is the real deal. He is. My newest favourite author. I especially like the settings he chooses and the people he places in them. He can juggle two or three protagonists and pull it off. To say any more would encroach on the spoiler territory. Thrilling and suspenseful, conflicting and introspective.
karenllowe's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 really as I am waffling between 3 and 4.
I enjoyed the book.
The characters were interesting and their emotional journey was well written and captivating. However I found a couple to be less realistically developed-Polat in particular want as rounded as i thought he could have been, and Kaya was a bit too smooth and his life in Cyprus a bit too easy. However, Elias and the villagers were beautifully written and so utterly believable and conflicted.
The themes of war and conflict, both personal and between countries, were explored throughout in a satisfying way. The pacing was fairly good, although the first half did wander rather than walk briskly for me. That being said, I enjoyed Heighton's lyrical use of language.
I loved the descriptions of Cyprus as well as the food. Made me hungry while I was reading!
I enjoyed the book.
The characters were interesting and their emotional journey was well written and captivating. However I found a couple to be less realistically developed-Polat in particular want as rounded as i thought he could have been, and Kaya was a bit too smooth and his life in Cyprus a bit too easy. However, Elias and the villagers were beautifully written and so utterly believable and conflicted.
The themes of war and conflict, both personal and between countries, were explored throughout in a satisfying way. The pacing was fairly good, although the first half did wander rather than walk briskly for me. That being said, I enjoyed Heighton's lyrical use of language.
I loved the descriptions of Cyprus as well as the food. Made me hungry while I was reading!
autumns_nite96's review
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kwitshadie's review
5.0
Engaging tale, eureka moments, a poet's command of language. Truly a delightful read.
veereading's review
2.0
I really wanted to like this novel but I had a hard time getting through. At first, I was intrigued with the action and Elias's discovery of Varosha. I sympathized with him and enjoyed learning about the people living in this town. I liked that the story switched perspectives and the reader was able to glimpse the life of Colonel Kaya. However, none of this was enough to get me to push through the rest of the novel. I could feel my interest waning as each new character was introduced. It felt like the story wasn't moving at all, and after a while I didn't care about Elias's healing time. Because of this, I stopped reading at about 128 pages. I hope this doesn't deter other people from reading this novel; it has received strong positive reviews from other readers.
I received this novel as an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this novel as an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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