House of Shadows
by Rachel Neumeier
Orbit
Pub. Date: July 10, 2012
Book received from: Publisher via TLC Book Tours
_____________________________________
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Cover: Very pretty, but lacks a certain something
Characters: Very well-described and engaging
Worth the read? Sure, but there is better YA fantasy out there
Tagline: Some doors should never be opened…
_____________________________________
Set in the fictional city of Lonne, eight sisters are left struggling to find a way to save the family inheritance following the death of their father. Realizing they must seek out extreme measures, two of the sisters agree to sell themselves off to train for two very different paths. Beautiful Karah joins a keiso house, similar to that of the geisha. Dreamy and aloof Nemienne begins on a journey with a mage, which adds a mystical tone throughout. This is their story, as well as that of the city in which they become entangled.
House of Shadows begins very strong, with lavish descriptions and a great introduction to the eight sisters themselves. The second chapter follows that of a servant girl within the keiso house, capturing a much different perspective. By the third chapter, which follows yet another character, it all began to become too much. The descriptions lost some of their charm, and it became laborious to follow so many characters and figure out who fits where and why. There is obviously a very well thought out and complex story that is within the mind of the author, but I was not able to push through to the end of this one.
The language, combined with the detail of an unfamiliar land would make a great television series or movie, where visuals could help supply much more. This is where the magic of Game of Thrones is evident- it is tedious to read, but comes to life on the screen.
If one is able to connect with the writing style, I am sure this would be an enchanting and magical read. In this case, it is only my personal preference that I did not connect with it. Neumeier obviously has a lot of talent and a great imagination and vision. I only wish I could have connected better with it all, and that the two sisters would have been the only points of view.
********************************************************
Orbit has generously offered a copy of ‘House of Shadows’ for one lucky reader. To be entered, simply comment below & tell me what is your favorite fantasy world in books or television, with your e-mail address in the comment.
Must be at least 17-years-old and live in the US/CAN. I will pick a winner by random August 1, 2012.
*********************************************************
Check out the entire blog tour calendar.
‘House of Shadows’ can be purchased at Amazon.com, as well as your local independent bookseller.
For more about Rachel Neumeier, go to her website here.
My favorite fantasy world is one where everyone works together and does their part to make the world a better place for everyone.
phdragonlady@hughes.net
Agreed! It is kind of sad that that had to be classified as a ‘fantasy world’, though…
I’ve been finding a number of books I’ve read lately have too many characters. I have found when an author really lets you get to know one of them and then slowly adds them it’s so much easier for me to keep them all straight. But so many books want you (the reader) to meet them all at once and then I find myself having to go back and see–which one was she? who was she with? it makes it so much harder for the reader to enjoy a really great story. Thanks for the review and a chance to win House of Shadows.
I am the same way. Less is more in most cases. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the giveaway! My favorite fantasy world is from the Harry Potter series.
stephward84(at)hotmail(dot)com
It would be very cool to live at Hogwarts, for sure. Thanks for visiting!
I love the atmosphere created with a *lavish* setting – House of Shadows sounds lushly gothic <4
Thank you for the sweet chance to win a copy!!
Per the question: my favorite fantasy world was the one created in the TV series LOST ;D
The island itself was gorgeous, and the world spanned several decades of time & mysteries …. oooh, I hated to see the show end
zenrei57 (at) hotmail dot com
Mary DeBorde
I never could get into Lost, but the idea was very cool, indeed. Thanks for commenting!
My favorite fantasy world was created by Shelly Crane in her Significance Series.
Thanks!
doodlesbookblog @ gmail .com
I have never heard of that series. Thanks for giving me something new to check out!
My favorite fantasy world is Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Thanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
<3 Buffy! I have a slight obsession yet today…
I always liked the world of Fionavar from the Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay
megnate@telus.net
Another new selection to check out- thanks!
My favorite fantasy world I would want to live in is without a doubt Harry Potter. When I was younger, and even recently when I was re-reading the books. I so desperately wanted to go to Hogwarts!!!!
meghangale(at)rogers(dot)com.
A world with Dobby can’t be all wrong!
my fantasy world would be true blood with eric northman! lol Gale
pgan427@yahoo.com
I still can’t get into ‘True Blood’, but I sure get the appeal!
My favorite fantasy world is the world of Buffy and Angel. I wouldn’t mind living in their world, except maybe without all the apocalypses : )
Haha…yeah, the only downfall with their world….
Thank you for being a part of the tour.