millennialbookreview's review
2.0
The Fifth Doll wasn’t quite the book I expected it to be. The magic was very unique and the author’s writing style was good. The author created an interesting story that intrigued me. At the same time, the conclusion was a disappointment to me and the pacing of the book could be improved on. Overall, I’d say this book is fairly average. If the premise sounds interesting to you, I’d tell you to give it a shot, but this isn’t a book I’m likely to recommend that everyone read.
My in-depth review can be found here.
My in-depth review can be found here.
barbaramanatee's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It kept me engaged for the most part and I read it very quickly because I wanted to know what was going to happen. Only 3 stars because her descriptions can get very wordy. I found myself skipping through passages to get to some action. And this book has the same issue as The Paper Magician towards the end. It stops making sense!
sooky's review against another edition
4.0
There is just something about Russian folk tales, that gives you the creeps. In a good way! This book is not one of those folk tales, per se, but does have all the magical elements that make one.
The Fifth Doll is a pretty neat, spooky tale set in a cutesy little village that is just a little bit too cheerful for its own good. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, you guessed right. Everything.
I wouldn't call this book suspenseful, but there's just something that keeps you turning the pages to try and get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding the villagers. I must admit, I had all sorts of ideas what's wrong with them, but none of them turned out to be the case.
I could not agree with those reviews that said the characters are flat an uninteresting. Maybe a little bit dopey, but hey, it all made perfect sense at the end!
Matrona, the main character is a bit immature for a 26 year old most of the time, but every now and then her potential shines through and she proves that she's wise beyond her years. Or at least wiser than I was at that age.
I’ve always wanted to be loved. I don’t know if Esfir’s passing closed my parents’ hearts, or if it’s just their way, but affection has always been lacking in my home. I fear it’s lacking in yours as well. I can’t be part of that.
Damn, girl, you tell him! Love it.
I loved Jaska, her sidekick. Shit doesn't make sense? Let's consider all our options, even the wildest ones! He's openminded, loyal and quick witted. If I had a side kick, I would sure want them to be someone like him.
I will most definitely read some more from this author.
The Fifth Doll is a pretty neat, spooky tale set in a cutesy little village that is just a little bit too cheerful for its own good. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, you guessed right. Everything.
I wouldn't call this book suspenseful, but there's just something that keeps you turning the pages to try and get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding the villagers. I must admit, I had all sorts of ideas what's wrong with them, but none of them turned out to be the case.
Spoiler
A little bit after halfway I even thought they are all dead or something... Damn...I could not agree with those reviews that said the characters are flat an uninteresting. Maybe a little bit dopey, but hey, it all made perfect sense at the end!
Matrona, the main character is a bit immature for a 26 year old most of the time, but every now and then her potential shines through and she proves that she's wise beyond her years. Or at least wiser than I was at that age.
I’ve always wanted to be loved. I don’t know if Esfir’s passing closed my parents’ hearts, or if it’s just their way, but affection has always been lacking in my home. I fear it’s lacking in yours as well. I can’t be part of that.
Damn, girl, you tell him! Love it.
I loved Jaska, her sidekick. Shit doesn't make sense? Let's consider all our options, even the wildest ones! He's openminded, loyal and quick witted. If I had a side kick, I would sure want them to be someone like him.
I will most definitely read some more from this author.
catburps's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
devynreadsnovels's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
kirkw1972's review against another edition
4.0
This is such an unusual book and with an ending I really didn't see coming. When Matrona starts to open up her dolls strange things start happening. I won't spoil all but one of them includes all your past negative thoughts coming back at you in one giant wave of information. As someone with anxiety and depression trying to picture that happening was horrible. The first couple of reveals as she opens the dolls really made me think.
I would have liked more details on Slava's backstory. When it finally comes towards the end it felt a bit rushed and not enough detail. I personally needed a little bit more to justify his actions.
Other than that it builds beautifully, is very descriptive and a joy to read
I would have liked more details on Slava's backstory. When it finally comes towards the end it felt a bit rushed and not enough detail. I personally needed a little bit more to justify his actions.
Other than that it builds beautifully, is very descriptive and a joy to read
debz57a52's review
2.5
I have read a fair amount of Holmberg's books, but this was not a favorite for me. The premise was interesting - a townsperson who has painted Russian nesting dolls of each people in the village, and there is magic associated. But the main character, Matrona, is far too immature to be the 26 years old that the author says she is, even despite the way her village shelters people from outside influences and Matrona's seemingly on-going list of family chores. Her immaturity and naivety got on my nerves at some point, but then she was all of a sudden smart and clever and able to figure out what was really going on in the village so quickly, around 70% in, that her earlier personality seemed absurd. The resolution of the story was frustratingly confusing to me, despite me reading a few pages multiple times to try to connect some of the action, and did not leave me with any kind of satisfaction.
katkinney's review against another edition
4.0
What a delightful novel. Author Charlie Holmberg has a beautiful sense of style and world building. You find yourself thoroughly immersed in this quaint little Russian village where everything is lovely and delightful for the most part, even though Matrona, our protagonist, and the reader, are left with the lingering sense something is not quite right.
I truly enjoyed this book throughout, especially towards the end as the plot began to pick up speed. The trope may be something we've seen before, but the author gives it her own flair, and it's no less enjoyable. Matrona is 26, but she seems to be caught in time so that her emotions and thoughts are that of a 16-year-old. She must work to save her village before all is lost.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
I truly enjoyed this book throughout, especially towards the end as the plot began to pick up speed. The trope may be something we've seen before, but the author gives it her own flair, and it's no less enjoyable. Matrona is 26, but she seems to be caught in time so that her emotions and thoughts are that of a 16-year-old. She must work to save her village before all is lost.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
adreann's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0