briarsreviews's review
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I've had The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges on my actual bookshelf for over a decade. I kept wanting to read it but I never got the nerve to actually pick it up. Silly, I know, but I finally bit the bullet. The cover was so pretty and I just had a bad feeling I was hyping the book up too much since I thought the cover was gorgeous.
Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, is a necromancer in Russia. There's vampires in Russia, and they are a dark force around Russia. Throw in the aristocrats, Princes, Princesses, and all the fun of being a royal trying to marry you off for power... You've got an interesting story.
I really like the paranormal aspect thrown in with a bunch of historical fiction about Russia. The Russian side of the story was done very well and you could tell there was research behind the actual lore and history of the tale. Russian stories aren't always told from a more realistic point of view, so this was a very nice touch.
This book wasn't my favourite and I do think I hyped it up way too much for my own good. The story is a fantastic start and especially for a debut! I did think the book was too long and at time had too much history and not enough substance. I wanted character interactions, conflict, and chaos. It mostly felt like complaining about Danilo and the other women instead of doing something. There is some insta-love to that feels forced even for a YA book.
I will be keeping an eye out for the rest of the series though. I think Robin Bridges crafted a unique tale that I still want to follow.
Two out of five stars.
Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, is a necromancer in Russia. There's vampires in Russia, and they are a dark force around Russia. Throw in the aristocrats, Princes, Princesses, and all the fun of being a royal trying to marry you off for power... You've got an interesting story.
I really like the paranormal aspect thrown in with a bunch of historical fiction about Russia. The Russian side of the story was done very well and you could tell there was research behind the actual lore and history of the tale. Russian stories aren't always told from a more realistic point of view, so this was a very nice touch.
This book wasn't my favourite and I do think I hyped it up way too much for my own good. The story is a fantastic start and especially for a debut! I did think the book was too long and at time had too much history and not enough substance. I wanted character interactions, conflict, and chaos. It mostly felt like complaining about Danilo and the other women instead of doing something. There is some insta-love to that feels forced even for a YA book.
I will be keeping an eye out for the rest of the series though. I think Robin Bridges crafted a unique tale that I still want to follow.
Two out of five stars.
littlefoot10's review
5.0
Bought this book discount for Christmas 2 years ago.. finally got the other 2 books and I am in love with this story. It's so good and so connected. excited to start the second in the series !!!! I am obsessed with Russian history at the moment !
radiansreads's review
4.0
I've been anticipating this one since I read the preview from Randombuzzers. It had the mysterious feel that pulled me in. To be honest, I'm not familiar with the Russian tales [or was it France?]. I've never even heard of its kind. Never have I read something like this; where there are vampires, werewolves and fairies yet none of those are the main focus. It was a refreshing read and very unique.
I loved the author's writing style. It's one thing that held me from stopping from reading this book even though I quite enjoyed it. The plot was unlike any other (not the ones that I came across to) especially Katiya. Her gift ─ or curse ─ was the rare kind. Dark, mysterious.
The characters are neatly done. I had some trouble the names however because 1) they were so unfamiliar (-vich, ovna) and 2) because of the spelling that made it hard to pronounce. I resolved to just skim past them. The way they work; the tradition, culture, and royal how-its-done was also foreign to me. I think it would be better if the author offer a little explanation every now and then.
I love the relationship between the characters. Especially between Katiya and the Count whatshisname. It shows how she was not the devil she said to be (given her odd gifts). Although I do wonder how Katiya & Gorge did fall in love. I mean, it's not like they spent a lot of time together. Even if they do, didn't they hate each other? Their relationship seems rushed if you consider that factor.
I had expected more actions in this book considering it was related to "seizure of power". I had high expectations from The Gathering Storm and while I do enjoyed it, it does not quite reach my expectation. But of course, I do not blame the author for I'm the one who had a hard time understanding the foreign tale & words. I even had to use Google translate for some of the words.
3.5 stars
Written on Feb 7th, 2012
I loved the author's writing style. It's one thing that held me from stopping from reading this book even though I quite enjoyed it. The plot was unlike any other (not the ones that I came across to) especially Katiya. Her gift ─ or curse ─ was the rare kind. Dark, mysterious.
The characters are neatly done. I had some trouble the names however because 1) they were so unfamiliar (-vich, ovna) and 2) because of the spelling that made it hard to pronounce. I resolved to just skim past them. The way they work; the tradition, culture, and royal how-its-done was also foreign to me. I think it would be better if the author offer a little explanation every now and then.
I love the relationship between the characters. Especially between Katiya and the Count whatshisname. It shows how she was not the devil she said to be (given her odd gifts). Although I do wonder how Katiya & Gorge did fall in love. I mean, it's not like they spent a lot of time together. Even if they do, didn't they hate each other? Their relationship seems rushed if you consider that factor.
I had expected more actions in this book considering it was related to "seizure of power". I had high expectations from The Gathering Storm and while I do enjoyed it, it does not quite reach my expectation. But of course, I do not blame the author for I'm the one who had a hard time understanding the foreign tale & words. I even had to use Google translate for some of the words.
3.5 stars
Written on Feb 7th, 2012
adrienneambo's review
3.0
Set in Russia’s Imperial Court of St. Petersburg in 1889, The Unfailing Light is the second installment in the Katerina Trilogy. Katerina, a seventeen year old duchess desires to break free from the conventions of her class and gender to become a doctor. However, Katerina harbors a secret talent, she is a necromancer and her ability to raise the dead is in high demand with the Light and Dark Faerie forces that rule over the tsar’s court.
gallydoll's review
4.0
Love how it is based in Russia. I could have done without the vampires though. Overall...loved it.
danicapage's review
4.0
First off I'd like to thank Tara and Lisa from DAC tours for giving me the book to review. Thanks!
I was constantly debating between 3.5 and 4 stars and well I've decided on four. I thought Bridges' idea was very original, very intriguing, and very appealing. This new trend of historical paranormal novels is new for me and I was really curious to see what I would think of it. I've always loved historical fiction and I've always loved Russia, so this seemed like a perfect fit. I was intrigued by this book from the beginning.
Katerina was a character I immediately liked. She wasn't afraid to confront the social norms of the time, and she wasn't afraid to do what she wanted. She was strong, and yet there was a sense of vulnerability about her. I loved that.
I also loved George Alexandrovich from the beginning. He was strong, mysterious, and just a little dangerous (not to mention slightly off limits) so I loved him.
And then Prince Danilo, a character I also really liked. I don't want to say too much here, because I don't want to give anything away. But I'll just say I could see why Katerina was "inexplicably drawn to him" as the synopsis says.
The writing style was good, the characters were extremely likable, and I loved the setting, but something was missing for me. I can't figure out quite what was missing, but something was missing to make it a high four star rating or a five rating.
I did, however, love love love the ending. I am definitely excited to see what happens in the sequel which should be coming out in October of this year.
For an extended review, please visit this link.
I was constantly debating between 3.5 and 4 stars and well I've decided on four. I thought Bridges' idea was very original, very intriguing, and very appealing. This new trend of historical paranormal novels is new for me and I was really curious to see what I would think of it. I've always loved historical fiction and I've always loved Russia, so this seemed like a perfect fit. I was intrigued by this book from the beginning.
Katerina was a character I immediately liked. She wasn't afraid to confront the social norms of the time, and she wasn't afraid to do what she wanted. She was strong, and yet there was a sense of vulnerability about her. I loved that.
I also loved George Alexandrovich from the beginning. He was strong, mysterious, and just a little dangerous (not to mention slightly off limits) so I loved him.
And then Prince Danilo, a character I also really liked. I don't want to say too much here, because I don't want to give anything away. But I'll just say I could see why Katerina was "inexplicably drawn to him" as the synopsis says.
The writing style was good, the characters were extremely likable, and I loved the setting, but something was missing for me. I can't figure out quite what was missing, but something was missing to make it a high four star rating or a five rating.
I did, however, love love love the ending. I am definitely excited to see what happens in the sequel which should be coming out in October of this year.
For an extended review, please visit this link.
thechaoshour's review against another edition
3.0
Quick Thoughts:
1. The plot in this book sounded ok at first glance but was SO confusing. I don't know how I got through it.
2. I really did like the characters in this story. For that reason alone I might read the second book.
3. The description of this book doesn't really help me out any. I didn't realize this would be a book about faeries and vampires as well as the magic abilities mentioned in the summary. Way too many different creatures and I couldn't keep track of who was who.
4. Honestly, I should have rated this lower but I guess I was feeling generous. Very confusing for sure and I don't know if I'd recommend it.
1. The plot in this book sounded ok at first glance but was SO confusing. I don't know how I got through it.
2. I really did like the characters in this story. For that reason alone I might read the second book.
3. The description of this book doesn't really help me out any. I didn't realize this would be a book about faeries and vampires as well as the magic abilities mentioned in the summary. Way too many different creatures and I couldn't keep track of who was who.
4. Honestly, I should have rated this lower but I guess I was feeling generous. Very confusing for sure and I don't know if I'd recommend it.
bookishanjali's review against another edition
3.0
The Gathering Storm is based during the late nineteenth century, and young Duchess Katerina just happens to be a Necromancer meaning she can raise the dead. Thinking that was all I was going to get as far as the paranormal department goes I was surprised to discover this book had vampires, witches, faeries, zombies, and many more supernatural creatures. Toss that in with a whole bunch of characters and names being thrown around at times the book got confusing because there was too much going on.
With the interesting concept I had really high hopes for the book and I did enjoy reading it but not to the extent I hoped I would. Katerina was a character I liked at times especially when she showed how passionate she was about not being part of the norm and becoming a doctor and whenever she decided to have a backbone and stand up for herself but there was also too many times in crucial moments when she let people push her around and it frustrated me so much.
As far as romance there is no real love triangle although the synopsis might make you believe that but there is none, what Katerina and Prince Danilo have is far from love...like etc it's all about the Grand Duke George Alexandrovich who in the beginning dislikes her for the dark aura that surrounds her but somehow somewhere falls madly in love with her and same goes with Katerina she can't stand him but eventually she is in love with him also...how and when that happens I have no clue but it does. Oddly I actually did like the Grand Duke.
Overall I loved the Historical Russia setting with the paranormal twist but there was too much going on and some very unnecessary pointless parts that can be taken out of the book which would actually make it a more enjoyable read.
With the interesting concept I had really high hopes for the book and I did enjoy reading it but not to the extent I hoped I would. Katerina was a character I liked at times especially when she showed how passionate she was about not being part of the norm and becoming a doctor and whenever she decided to have a backbone and stand up for herself but there was also too many times in crucial moments when she let people push her around and it frustrated me so much.
As far as romance there is no real love triangle although the synopsis might make you believe that but there is none, what Katerina and Prince Danilo have is far from love...like etc it's all about the Grand Duke George Alexandrovich who in the beginning dislikes her for the dark aura that surrounds her but somehow somewhere falls madly in love with her and same goes with Katerina she can't stand him but eventually she is in love with him also...how and when that happens I have no clue but it does. Oddly I actually did like the Grand Duke.
Overall I loved the Historical Russia setting with the paranormal twist but there was too much going on and some very unnecessary pointless parts that can be taken out of the book which would actually make it a more enjoyable read.
kelsenator's review against another edition
5.0
Edit: Did a re-read, and loved it just as much the second time around!
For the full review, go to my blog at Kelsey's Cluttered Bookshelf
This was Robin’s first novel, and after reading it, I want more! This book was a great read, I loved that it was set in the past but in Russia, which was a nice change, and the added paranormal element was interesting.
Katerina has a special skill, of raising the dead, that she discovered by accident when she was a child. She tries to hide it, and has never told anyone, not even her family. Even though she goes to the balls and dances, which are meant to help find her a husband, all she really wants to do is study medicine and become a doctor. But women are not allowed to go to school for that in Russia, which leads her to wanting to apply elsewhere. Her dad supports her, as he is one himself, but her mother wants her to be normal and find a rich husband.
When she first uses her necromancer ability at a ball to help someone secretly, that’s when things start to change. She notices the paranormal world and what people really are, and they start to notice her too.We meet more people, that either say they want to help her, or secretly want to use her.
I definitely loved this book, I got it from the library but will have to get my own copy and reread it before the second book comes out. Highly recommended for people who like paranormal, a bit of romance, set in the 1800′s of Russia.
For the full review, go to my blog at Kelsey's Cluttered Bookshelf
This was Robin’s first novel, and after reading it, I want more! This book was a great read, I loved that it was set in the past but in Russia, which was a nice change, and the added paranormal element was interesting.
Katerina has a special skill, of raising the dead, that she discovered by accident when she was a child. She tries to hide it, and has never told anyone, not even her family. Even though she goes to the balls and dances, which are meant to help find her a husband, all she really wants to do is study medicine and become a doctor. But women are not allowed to go to school for that in Russia, which leads her to wanting to apply elsewhere. Her dad supports her, as he is one himself, but her mother wants her to be normal and find a rich husband.
When she first uses her necromancer ability at a ball to help someone secretly, that’s when things start to change. She notices the paranormal world and what people really are, and they start to notice her too.We meet more people, that either say they want to help her, or secretly want to use her.
I definitely loved this book, I got it from the library but will have to get my own copy and reread it before the second book comes out. Highly recommended for people who like paranormal, a bit of romance, set in the 1800′s of Russia.