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yourbookishgamermom's review
5.0
What a wonderfully chilling sequel to Forest of Whispers!!
This book gave me a crazy case of paranoia related feels and many chills. There were many times I would actually glance over my shoulder just because the chills I got from this book are simply unreal. If you want a good Halloween read with witches and ghosts, this is your book.
I’m still just as in love with the characters as I was in book one. One element I loved in this story wasn’t the creepiness of the story but the stronger element of mystery. I liked how even though not always in the spotlight that sense of mystery remained in the novel and I feel it just added to the creepiness and suspense of the whole witches, plagues, ghosts and other horrors much more than with Forest of Whispers. I applaud Jennifer Murgia for another chilling, brilliantly written sequel.
This book gave me a crazy case of paranoia related feels and many chills. There were many times I would actually glance over my shoulder just because the chills I got from this book are simply unreal. If you want a good Halloween read with witches and ghosts, this is your book.
I’m still just as in love with the characters as I was in book one. One element I loved in this story wasn’t the creepiness of the story but the stronger element of mystery. I liked how even though not always in the spotlight that sense of mystery remained in the novel and I feel it just added to the creepiness and suspense of the whole witches, plagues, ghosts and other horrors much more than with Forest of Whispers. I applaud Jennifer Murgia for another chilling, brilliantly written sequel.
erinarkin20's review
4.0
Castle of Sighs by Jennifer Murgia is book two of the Forest of Whispers series and if you haven’t read book one, you should consider checking it out. Murgia wrote a story about witches and magic while also tying in a bit of history to create something that had me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
When this book opens, Rune is staying at Pyrmont Castle and taking care of two orphans who were left after the witch hunt. As she settles in, Rune feels a pull to certain areas of the castle but as she begins to dig into the secrets of the castle, her mother, and Mathilde she finds out the secrets might be more than she is ready to handle.
I don’t want to say too much about the actual story as I don’t want to ruin it for anyone but I will say that Murgia creates a wonderfully creepy atmosphere in this book. The way Murgia revealed the secrets added to the creepiness of the castle and I loved all of it.
One of the things I liked in addition to the story was the growth I saw in Rune. She has definitely faced some dangerous situations and each time she does, she becomes stronger. Her ability to face things she doesn’t necessarily want to face is something I like about Rune and she does this throughout the entire book.
Laurentz has a role to play in this book and I loved that we were able to learn more about him. His secrets are revealed once Rune begins to dig and I thought Murgia tied everything together in a way that not only made sense but kept the story moving. Laurentz wants to protect Rune but he knows she needs to find the answers she is searching for.
So I’m hopeful this review isn’t too vague and gives you a sense of how well done this series is. Murgia does a wonderful job of creating a story that has solid characters and a great, atmospheric feel to it. If you are looking for something that will have you wondering what the real story is throughout the book, definitely check this series out. Murgia weaves together a story that has wonderful writing and an interesting plot which kept me turning the pages to find out what was coming next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!
When this book opens, Rune is staying at Pyrmont Castle and taking care of two orphans who were left after the witch hunt. As she settles in, Rune feels a pull to certain areas of the castle but as she begins to dig into the secrets of the castle, her mother, and Mathilde she finds out the secrets might be more than she is ready to handle.
I don’t want to say too much about the actual story as I don’t want to ruin it for anyone but I will say that Murgia creates a wonderfully creepy atmosphere in this book. The way Murgia revealed the secrets added to the creepiness of the castle and I loved all of it.
One of the things I liked in addition to the story was the growth I saw in Rune. She has definitely faced some dangerous situations and each time she does, she becomes stronger. Her ability to face things she doesn’t necessarily want to face is something I like about Rune and she does this throughout the entire book.
Laurentz has a role to play in this book and I loved that we were able to learn more about him. His secrets are revealed once Rune begins to dig and I thought Murgia tied everything together in a way that not only made sense but kept the story moving. Laurentz wants to protect Rune but he knows she needs to find the answers she is searching for.
So I’m hopeful this review isn’t too vague and gives you a sense of how well done this series is. Murgia does a wonderful job of creating a story that has solid characters and a great, atmospheric feel to it. If you are looking for something that will have you wondering what the real story is throughout the book, definitely check this series out. Murgia weaves together a story that has wonderful writing and an interesting plot which kept me turning the pages to find out what was coming next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!
thepaperreels's review
4.0
"And while I strive to be true, to prove I am not like my mother, despite my bloodline, I will always be the one the others watch carefully. I will always be a witch. And I feel such a stain will never wash away."
Oh wow! What a sequel. I already know that Jennifer Murgia will impress me with her skills to transport me into Runes's world and with her amazing writing but what I did not expect is that she will surpass all my expectations. Castle of Sighs floored me! Everything I ever wanted was given and Jennifer even gave me some bonus that I don't think I deserve.
I highly suggest that everyone read the first book of the series. I read some reviews saying that they didn't know that this was the second book in a series at first but still, they read on. There's really nothing wrong with that but of course, the experience will be a whole lot better if you've read the first one.
Rune grew up a lot! As I read through the Castle of Sighs, it's obvious that the author made some huge characters developments in our main protagonist. Rune was a young and confused witch at Forest of Whispers but in here, she embraced who she is and tried to be better despite all the negative and cruel things that people kept throwing at her. Yes she's a blood witch, but that doesn't mean she's part of the problem.
The writing was so magnificent. Jennifer Murgia just enthralled me the whole way. I was sucked in from the first chapter and the story did not let me go until the very end. I have to double check my surrounding for a moment every time I read Castle of Sighs so that I can remind myself that I'm reading in my bedroom and not roaming the castle along with Rune. Everything about Murgia's writing is absolutely beautiful.
All the characters charmed their way into my heart. And what's the best is my Laurentz-Rune shipper heart is happy and swooning. I admit that I was left asking for more but I get that it was not the main focus of the book. I was still satisfied with the little romance that the author inserted.
Castle of Sighs is a solid follow up to an amazing book. Not only did it maintain the mysterious and enchanting vibe of the series but it intensified it even more. Looking for the perfect read this season? This series got you covered!
the_cover_contessa's review
5.0
This story will haunt me...I need to see more of Rune and Laurentz, of Adelaide and Niclaus! Review to come!
spencerhillpress's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
trinforeman's review
3.0
This book was just simply a good read. There wasn't anything thrilling or much action but the story carries you through until the end. Well written.
ruthsic's review
3.0
Some secrets cannot be kept--in life or in death. Months have passed since Rune has heard a single whisper from her long-dead mother, the great witch of Bavaria. But the absence of one evil has only made room for another. After rightfully inheriting her ancestral home, Pyrmont Castle, Rune settles into a quiet life taking care of two orphans left in the wake of the terrible witch hunt that claimed dozens of lives in the nearby village. As the days grow colder, the castleâs secrets beckon, and something darker seems to have been awakened, as well. Rune finds herself roaming where no one has set foot in a long time. In the bowels of the fortress is a locked room full of memories that hang like cobwebs--shelves stacked with jars, strange specimens, putrid liquids, and scrolls of spells. Rune is undeniably drawn to what she finds there, and she begins to dabble in the possibilities of magic, hoping she will find a cure for the strangeness overwhelming the castle. And the key may lie in the dark forest she once called home and the boy she thought she knew.
Set about a year after the events of Forest of Whispers, Castle of Sighs has a vastly different tone to it. Where the previous one was about the witch trials, the sequel has a more gothic theme - with the first half of the book spent in Rune exploring the castle she has called home, playing house with Laurentz and two abandoned kids. The other half mostly contains flashback of the history of Pyrmont, leading to a very sudden and too simple ending. The writing was on point in the first half, with the spooky atmosphere befitting a German fairytale, the creepy kid, and most of all, the old looming castle and it's mysterious secret room. But by the second half, the plot seems to go nowhere and there is a distinct lack of action to make up for the languid pace of the first half.
Moreover, the problems plaguing the first one continue to persist in this one - irrational actions of characters. Rune knew the castle is dangerous but still continues to live there. She hasn't explored it for over a year but now suddenly does. Matilde never told her about the past, which seems stupid since the castle was sealed for a reason. Also, no motivation given for Matilde to help Laurentz's mother. While all these actions pull together the plot, there is no logical reason behind them happening. And when the whole story could have been avoided with the simple fact of letting a witch train and embrace her bloodline, it makes for a weak story plot. In conclusion, the story comes together well, and is entertaining, but has a lot of plot holes.
Received a free galley from Spencer Hill Press via Netgalley; this does not influence my opinions or review.
Set about a year after the events of Forest of Whispers, Castle of Sighs has a vastly different tone to it. Where the previous one was about the witch trials, the sequel has a more gothic theme - with the first half of the book spent in Rune exploring the castle she has called home, playing house with Laurentz and two abandoned kids. The other half mostly contains flashback of the history of Pyrmont, leading to a very sudden and too simple ending. The writing was on point in the first half, with the spooky atmosphere befitting a German fairytale, the creepy kid, and most of all, the old looming castle and it's mysterious secret room. But by the second half, the plot seems to go nowhere and there is a distinct lack of action to make up for the languid pace of the first half.
Moreover, the problems plaguing the first one continue to persist in this one - irrational actions of characters. Rune knew the castle is dangerous but still continues to live there. She hasn't explored it for over a year but now suddenly does. Matilde never told her about the past, which seems stupid since the castle was sealed for a reason. Also, no motivation given for Matilde to help Laurentz's mother. While all these actions pull together the plot, there is no logical reason behind them happening. And when the whole story could have been avoided with the simple fact of letting a witch train and embrace her bloodline, it makes for a weak story plot. In conclusion, the story comes together well, and is entertaining, but has a lot of plot holes.
Received a free galley from Spencer Hill Press via Netgalley; this does not influence my opinions or review.
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