eclectictales's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy of this novel from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
The Choir Boats is an interesting and ambitious first novel in Daniel A. Rabuzzi's series. The author brings early nineteenth century European society to life and introduces a unique but complex world with Yount. Although the setting was very interesting, I did find myself having difficult fully immersing myself and engaging with the story which is strange because the novel has all of the elements that would grab my attention: adventure, a detailed presentation of early nineteenth century European society, a fantastical place beyond our conception of the known world, a cast of characters with their own quirks and traits. I think this is due to the writing, where the pacing is too slow at times and too distracting from the main storyline.
Despite of this, it's an interesting and unique story to the genre and I am curious to find out how the story will resolve in the second novel. You could read my full review of the novel over at my blog: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2012/09/06/review-the-choir-boats/
The Choir Boats is an interesting and ambitious first novel in Daniel A. Rabuzzi's series. The author brings early nineteenth century European society to life and introduces a unique but complex world with Yount. Although the setting was very interesting, I did find myself having difficult fully immersing myself and engaging with the story which is strange because the novel has all of the elements that would grab my attention: adventure, a detailed presentation of early nineteenth century European society, a fantastical place beyond our conception of the known world, a cast of characters with their own quirks and traits. I think this is due to the writing, where the pacing is too slow at times and too distracting from the main storyline.
Despite of this, it's an interesting and unique story to the genre and I am curious to find out how the story will resolve in the second novel. You could read my full review of the novel over at my blog: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2012/09/06/review-the-choir-boats/
audaciaray's review against another edition
4.0
Ok, now I understand why people read (and why I've been avoiding) multi-volume fantasy books (I am probably wrong in calling it fantasy, I don't have these genre-types down yet): because the act of reading the book creates an immediate need for MORE. But what if the next one isn't written yet? Then you have to wait! Booooo. I hate waiting! I want to know what happens next!
Anyway.
Book is good. Characters are excellent, with fun and feminist twists and turns.
More, please.
Anyway.
Book is good. Characters are excellent, with fun and feminist twists and turns.
More, please.
tiltingwindward's review against another edition
3.0
Another book about people who dream of another world, and whose desire opens a way for them to go there. This is the first of a trilogy, and I liked where it seemed to be going - I'm certainly looking forward to the second installment. And, of course, it doesn't hurt that the author graduated from the same Masters program as I did. I harbor a fond hope that someday we will become friends.
alyssaarch's review against another edition
3.0
With a mixture of epic fantasy and steampunk, this story is unique and enjoyable. There are prophecies, quests, adventures, along with magic that is run by mathematical equations and science. This is exactly the sort of story I love. The world Rabuzzi creates in The Choir Boats is fascinating. I love Yount, its customs, and its history. My only complaint is that I didn't see enough of this new world.
There are definitely a lot of twists and turns throughout this story, which I greatly enjoyed. The lines are blurred between who is "good" and who is "bad," which always makes for a fun read. There are references to quite a few literary works, which amused me. (For example, at one point, it is mentioned a Miss Bennett is staying with her Uncle Gardiner.) There is also a lot of history, folklore, and descriptions of different countries. Rabuzzi really tries to pack everything in, and does so fairly successfully, I think.
While the story is engaging, the writing held me back from enjoying this as much as I could have. Because most of the plot points, descriptions, and explanations are revealed through dialogue, I felt that this story was shallow. Not enough detail is given and not enough time is spent on the important things. Also, I wasn't able to form a connection with the characters, because all I get from them is dialogue. I was never able to observe them, judge their actions, and relate to their emotions.
Another thing that bothered me was the advanced vocabulary. This is supposed to be a children's book, and while I don't usually complain about giving children a challenge, there are a lot of difficult, advanced words thrown in. I think this was an attempt to provide some vocabulary words for children, but there were far too many and it affected the smoothness of the story.
I do think that the writing gets significantly better at the end. Sally, who felt more like a nine-year-old at the beginning rather than a girl in her late teens, grows up and I start to like her quite a bit more. The story starts coming together and things finally start happening. Unfortunately, the book ends before we can get any more good stuff, and we have to wait for the sequel to get more.
This is a story that children can really dive into and love. While I do think The Choir Boats had the potential to be better, it is still a fun, worthwhile read and I am definitely planning to read the sequel.
There are definitely a lot of twists and turns throughout this story, which I greatly enjoyed. The lines are blurred between who is "good" and who is "bad," which always makes for a fun read. There are references to quite a few literary works, which amused me. (For example, at one point, it is mentioned a Miss Bennett is staying with her Uncle Gardiner.) There is also a lot of history, folklore, and descriptions of different countries. Rabuzzi really tries to pack everything in, and does so fairly successfully, I think.
While the story is engaging, the writing held me back from enjoying this as much as I could have. Because most of the plot points, descriptions, and explanations are revealed through dialogue, I felt that this story was shallow. Not enough detail is given and not enough time is spent on the important things. Also, I wasn't able to form a connection with the characters, because all I get from them is dialogue. I was never able to observe them, judge their actions, and relate to their emotions.
Another thing that bothered me was the advanced vocabulary. This is supposed to be a children's book, and while I don't usually complain about giving children a challenge, there are a lot of difficult, advanced words thrown in. I think this was an attempt to provide some vocabulary words for children, but there were far too many and it affected the smoothness of the story.
I do think that the writing gets significantly better at the end. Sally, who felt more like a nine-year-old at the beginning rather than a girl in her late teens, grows up and I start to like her quite a bit more. The story starts coming together and things finally start happening. Unfortunately, the book ends before we can get any more good stuff, and we have to wait for the sequel to get more.
This is a story that children can really dive into and love. While I do think The Choir Boats had the potential to be better, it is still a fun, worthwhile read and I am definitely planning to read the sequel.
bhalpin's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this very clever fantasy. (I think it's been mischaracterized as steampunk and as YA--I don't really think it's either one.) It doesn't follow any predictable pattern--it's not a "chosen one emerges" type of book, or a "quest for the magickal thingy" type of book, though I guess it has both of those elements. There's an excellent adventure here, but there's also depth of characterization and a lot to chew on about regret and forgiveness. Also, I always appreciate a book where everyting is not as it initially seems. Oh, also, strong parts for both male and female characters.
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