fionak's review
5.0
Easily the best new YA fantasy of the year, Ms. Egan presents us with a magic-based reality that echoes 17th century England. Our hero, an orphan with a adopted family of upright if criminal types, takes a job spying in the house of a great lady. Naturally, things are far more complicated that they first seem and our able Julia is suddenly in it up to her neck. A well-drawn cast of characters, constant even pacing, and a plot that, while resolved at the end of the book, is deep enough to sustain a trilogy mark this the beginning of a beautiful reading relationship.
A big thank you to Penguin Random House who were kind enough to send me this ARC. (If you guys could get the second book out asap, I'd really appreciate it.)
A big thank you to Penguin Random House who were kind enough to send me this ARC. (If you guys could get the second book out asap, I'd really appreciate it.)
the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. It had a bit of a steampunk feel to it. The story sucked me in and kept me interested all the way through. The characters were interesting and well developed. The magical element and World building was unique and done well. It doesn't end on a cliffy, but it is left in such a way as I'm sure we'll be seeing a book two eventually.
Overall, a really delightful read.
Overall, a really delightful read.
laurenlo29's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
emiann2023's review against another edition
3.0
DNF. Stopped reading at 200 and skimmed the last 172 pages.
This cover caught my eye in B&N a while back, and the reviews indicated it was a worthwhile read.
For me, it wasn't. At page 100, NOTHING of interest had happened. People we know nothing about and care nothing about were murdered. there's a wierd mystery going on, but no real clues about it. Julia attempts to spy and almost gets caught so many times I can't even remember them all now. And her "abilities" seem worthless. I'VE yet to see her using them successfully once! The freaking baby could see her!
By page 200 we learned more of the secrets of the house. The "secrets about the guy in the basement was predictable and I honestly rolled my eyes. Her fake bravado at the inn thing...
I'm sorry, this book is a no for me. I like books where the plot is more fast-paced and there are more surprises. I don't think I will return to this series without some seriously amazing recommendations.
This cover caught my eye in B&N a while back, and the reviews indicated it was a worthwhile read.
For me, it wasn't. At page 100, NOTHING of interest had happened. People we know nothing about and care nothing about were murdered. there's a wierd mystery going on, but no real clues about it. Julia attempts to spy and almost gets caught so many times I can't even remember them all now. And her "abilities" seem worthless. I'VE yet to see her using them successfully once! The freaking baby could see her!
By page 200 we learned more of the secrets of the house. The "secrets about the guy in the basement was predictable and I honestly rolled my eyes. Her fake bravado at the inn thing...
I'm sorry, this book is a no for me. I like books where the plot is more fast-paced and there are more surprises. I don't think I will return to this series without some seriously amazing recommendations.
carstensena's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this fantasy. Julia is an appealingly realistic character. She's far from perfect or even good. But is she evil?
The world was intriguing, the plot moved along full of mysterious people and happenings, and there were just enough tinges of horror to keep me quite happy. Looking forward to the next in the trilogy!
The world was intriguing, the plot moved along full of mysterious people and happenings, and there were just enough tinges of horror to keep me quite happy. Looking forward to the next in the trilogy!
sammy234's review
2.0
Extraordinary. I just cannot recommend this book enough. I'm DYING for the next book.
cupcakegirly's review against another edition
Well-written with an interesting premise, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
melissapalmer404's review against another edition
4.0
Book #38 Read in 2016
Julia Vanishes by Catherine Egan
This is the first book in a planned trilogy. Julia, daughter of a drowned witch, has the power to be unseen by most people. She is in a merry group of con artists and thieves and is working as a house maid to spy on the owner of the house. Julia's job takes a difficult turn and she needs to enlilst the help of her "family" of thieves in order to make things right.
This book took a little while for me to get into it but then I really enjoyed it. It is geared toward YA readers but to me, it reads more like an adult book. I will continue the series...it has enough action, mystery, interesting characters to keep me hooked.
I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
Julia Vanishes by Catherine Egan
This is the first book in a planned trilogy. Julia, daughter of a drowned witch, has the power to be unseen by most people. She is in a merry group of con artists and thieves and is working as a house maid to spy on the owner of the house. Julia's job takes a difficult turn and she needs to enlilst the help of her "family" of thieves in order to make things right.
This book took a little while for me to get into it but then I really enjoyed it. It is geared toward YA readers but to me, it reads more like an adult book. I will continue the series...it has enough action, mystery, interesting characters to keep me hooked.
I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
missprint_'s review against another edition
3.0
This is an interesting world and I really wanted to like it but even this early on it's a bit too gory/horror for me. Which is silly because I think it would pair really well with The Diviners. But there you go. I wish this had gotten a bigger push near its release. Will definitely be recommending.
happyglowlucky's review
5.0
I loved this book! (and not just because my name happens to be Julia) :-) It's a wonderful, fast-paced, page-turner that drops you into a world of mystery, murder, magic, witches, and more. It has a great, full cast of interesting characters, and I really loved how it pulled me into a fantasy world, and let me really live in that world, and leave my troubles behind. I read it before bed each night, and I found that living in that fantasy world, and leaving my world behind, helped to put my daytime worries and rest, and so I was calmer before bed and actually slept better than I have in a long time. Well-written, and very enjoyable.