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mcbibliotecaria's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really surprisingly fun read. Fantasy slash mystery noir from that same wealth of Danish authors that are really driving noir right now. Books are powerful tools but some people can wield them into evil deeds. And the unexpected characters will be called upon to fight back. Super fun.
magic_treehouse's review against another edition
5.0
A book about books and libraries, set in Denmark. I was always going to love it wasn't I?! I found this really compelling though. It's part crime, part thriller, part mystery, part fantasy which combine to create something really interesting and enjoyable.
lizzer's review against another edition
2.0
I'm disappointed by this book. It sounded fascinating. Could have been interesting. Could have been thrilling. Instead it's a lament on the downward appreciation of reading in our society. Where it could have been beautiful, it's bitter.
karinlib's review against another edition
3.0
I actually liked this book, after realizing that it wasn't what I expected.
marianna87's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
aethenea's review against another edition
3.0
Wow! It took me a long time to get though this book!
Well, The Library of Shadows has such an interesting premise. The main character's father Luca mysteriously dies. He was an owner of a second-hand bookshop that our main character Jon inherits (oh, isn't that the dream of every bookworm?). But John is a quite succesful lawyer who hadn't seen his father in years and thus has no interest in the bookshop. Soon he finds out that there is much more to books than he ever expected.
In the society there are people that can enhance the reading experience. So called transmitters can influence people who listen to their reading, then we have receivers who can enhance the reading experience of the reader. This is amazing, right?
But I am so sad that the book didn't meet its potential. It could have been such an amazing story but it was a very mediocre story set in an interesting world. I also think the book could have been 150 shorter as it dragged quite a bit but of course, the book was long as heck but the ending was rushed! Just, why??
There was one more problem I had. I didn't get to know any characters, they just felt flat and I didn't feel for them. Besides, Jon is really frustrating, he accepts everything that happens to him... okay, your father died mysteriously... what could you possibly do? You found out that reading is basically magical process. Oh, that seems cool and totally plausible... You lost your job... well, there is nothing I can do about it - HE WAS JUST FRUSTRATING.
On the other hand I have to admit that the idea behind this book is unexpectedly unique for a debut novel.
Well, The Library of Shadows has such an interesting premise. The main character's father Luca mysteriously dies. He was an owner of a second-hand bookshop that our main character Jon inherits (oh, isn't that the dream of every bookworm?). But John is a quite succesful lawyer who hadn't seen his father in years and thus has no interest in the bookshop. Soon he finds out that there is much more to books than he ever expected.
In the society there are people that can enhance the reading experience. So called transmitters can influence people who listen to their reading, then we have receivers who can enhance the reading experience of the reader. This is amazing, right?
But I am so sad that the book didn't meet its potential. It could have been such an amazing story but it was a very mediocre story set in an interesting world. I also think the book could have been 150 shorter as it dragged quite a bit but of course, the book was long as heck but the ending was rushed! Just, why??
There was one more problem I had. I didn't get to know any characters, they just felt flat and I didn't feel for them. Besides, Jon is really frustrating, he accepts everything that happens to him... okay, your father died mysteriously... what could you possibly do? You found out that reading is basically magical process. Oh, that seems cool and totally plausible... You lost your job... well, there is nothing I can do about it - HE WAS JUST FRUSTRATING.
On the other hand I have to admit that the idea behind this book is unexpectedly unique for a debut novel.
boothby738's review against another edition
2.0
The quality of the writing was average, but the second half was over the top fantasy. I wish there would have been more of a hint of this in the first half, I probably would have not spent the time finishing this.
grethaleesalles's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Great story but the tranlsation makes it slow and difficult to read