cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
4.0
This book has it all: romance, suspense, lush settings in China, Paris and ancient Egypt, and a hefty dose of the supernatural. It also contains well-researched information about the history and craft of perfume, which adds an unusual and interesting dimension to the book. An enjoyable page-turner.
Recommended by Andrea
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sbook%20of%20lost%20fragrances%20rose__Orightresult__U1?lang=eng&suite=pearl
Recommended by Andrea
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sbook%20of%20lost%20fragrances%20rose__Orightresult__U1?lang=eng&suite=pearl
hldavids's review against another edition
3.0
The House of L'Etoile is in financial ruins. Jac has decided the best course of action is two sell their two flagship fragrances. Her brother Robbie believes instead that they can recreate the mythological memory fragrance instead. Then Robbie goes missing and is accused of murder. Jac comes back to France to find Robbie and her visions return. Perhaps the memory fragrance is more than just myth?
I was impressed with the variety of history and information woven throughout the tale, unfortunately I simply did not connect with the characters. Probably the librarian in me, but plagiarizing my dissertation in yours is an unforgivable sin - even for a fated true love.
This review was written from a copy received as a Goodreads first reads giveaway.
I was impressed with the variety of history and information woven throughout the tale, unfortunately I simply did not connect with the characters. Probably the librarian in me, but plagiarizing my dissertation in yours is an unforgivable sin - even for a fated true love.
This review was written from a copy received as a Goodreads first reads giveaway.
klherring's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoy reading M. J. Rose. I'm not much on suspense novels, but her works have so much history, philosophy, etc that I can overlook the adventure aspects that are less exciting to me. The story lines are a background for me and I enjoy the experience of learning something new. I remember being fairly transported in the first three novels in this series. I was very excited by the prospect of revisiting reincarnation again, especially through the lens of varying perspectives (Buddhist, Chinese government, again Egyptian...)This novel really fell short there. I did enjoy learning a little about the world of fragrances, but again felt that Rose left out a lot. I enjoy her great detail to such studies and felt that I didn't learn nearly as much as I would have liked. The plot was okay, about par with the others. I found myself pretty bored throughout this book and actually had a hard time committing myself to finishing it. It's a low 3 star rating for me. I'll continue to read this author's work, but this wasn't her strongest effort in my opinion.
truebookaddict's review against another edition
4.0
Once again, I am fascinated and impressed with Rose's knowledge of reincarnation. By now, everyone knows about my interest and belief in the subject and I truly never tire of reading about it, whether it be in a fictional context or in non-fiction (although some may argue that it's all fictional). What I like about Rose's portrayal of the subject is her incorporation of it with history, as well as the current events of the day.
In this book, the fourth installment in The Reincarnationist series, we are treated to ancient Egypt, another subject of endless fascination for me, and the culture's use of fragrance as a link to past lives, particularly during the Ptolemaic period. From there, we are whisked forward to present day China and the endless struggle between Tibet and the Chinese government to control the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama. As usual, there is mystery and intrigue, which adds a suspenseful element to the story. For me though, the historical aspects of the story are sufficient to keep my interest. Add in a bit of alchemy, and you have a well-rounded and interesting story of history, science, and mysticism.
The beauty of this series is that you really can read the books without having read the earlier books. I still have not read the first and second books in the series (although they are on my shelf), but I had no problem reading the third, The Hypnotist, and the fourth (this one) books as stand alone novels. Rose is a talented author, with a gift for writing about a subject of which she is clearly passionate. I sincerely look forward to any and all future offerings from her, whether it be more books in this series, or a new set of books down the road.
In this book, the fourth installment in The Reincarnationist series, we are treated to ancient Egypt, another subject of endless fascination for me, and the culture's use of fragrance as a link to past lives, particularly during the Ptolemaic period. From there, we are whisked forward to present day China and the endless struggle between Tibet and the Chinese government to control the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama. As usual, there is mystery and intrigue, which adds a suspenseful element to the story. For me though, the historical aspects of the story are sufficient to keep my interest. Add in a bit of alchemy, and you have a well-rounded and interesting story of history, science, and mysticism.
The beauty of this series is that you really can read the books without having read the earlier books. I still have not read the first and second books in the series (although they are on my shelf), but I had no problem reading the third, The Hypnotist, and the fourth (this one) books as stand alone novels. Rose is a talented author, with a gift for writing about a subject of which she is clearly passionate. I sincerely look forward to any and all future offerings from her, whether it be more books in this series, or a new set of books down the road.
lazygal's review against another edition
2.0
This had such promise - but too much going on for that promise to really be fulfilled. There's the concept of Jungian archetypes, past-life regression, scent as aide memoire, Tibetan freedom, Chinese triads, former loves, Cleopatra's perfume factory, Napoleon in Egypt... and I'm sure I've left stuff out.
If the author had simply concentrated on Jac and Robbie's world, perhaps with more about the history of perfumes, it would have been interesting. Even the addition of Malachai Samuel's search (and possible theft) of the memory objects would have been great. But as it was, with three major strands trying to come together? Too much. Which is really too bad because I was trying so hard to really like this book (part of it is set in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and most is in Paris; plus the Jungian connection).
ARC provided by publisher.
If the author had simply concentrated on Jac and Robbie's world, perhaps with more about the history of perfumes, it would have been interesting. Even the addition of Malachai Samuel's search (and possible theft) of the memory objects would have been great. But as it was, with three major strands trying to come together? Too much. Which is really too bad because I was trying so hard to really like this book (part of it is set in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and most is in Paris; plus the Jungian connection).
ARC provided by publisher.
lizjane's review against another edition
3.0
This novel is described some places as a thriller. I wouldn't way it is very thrilling at all, but it is a good enough story about a family in the perfume business who may or may not have found a perfume that stands the test of time. Seriously, thousands of years later BFFs may be able to find each other through scent. Maybe.....
luckyliza13's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting & well paced; loved author's research. Now I want new perfume!!
alisha_earreader's review against another edition
1.0
This was a slow and painful read. The story kept jumping from past to present and back again across multiple pasts and characters. It all eventually comes together in the end to create a good story, but the setup takes too long and I really didn't care about any of the characters until the end; plus the main female character is annoying. The author keeps repeating information about her and her brother that you don't need repeated to you, but neglects to clarify or dig deeper into what is interesting.
karak's review against another edition
I gave up on this book. Jac was too horrible to deal with for a whole book.