Brekke K. (sfvamp) -
Helpful Score: 10
At first this book reminded me a little too much of Harry Potter since it takes place in a Victorian haunted boarding school and the professors couldn't help but remind me of the professors of Hogwarts. Professor Alexi reminding me of a good-looking Snape (he even sweeps into the room with his black cloak billowing around him and terrifies his students) and Headmistress Rebecca, with her no-nonsense ways, couldn't help but bring to mind McGonagall. But as I got more acquainted with Hieber's world I became more enamored with her creativity and the similarities between other famous works seemed less intrusive and more indicative of beloved archetypes placed in unique circumstances. The enigmatic and brilliant Alexi thaws and is destined for love in a way that Snape was doomed to never know. Cool-headed Rebecca eventually loses her cool in a way McGonagall never would. And after a while one stops comparing Hieber's characters to other beloved literary characters and falls in love with these characters on their own merit.
This novel is a mixture of Wuthering Heights meets Greek Mythology meets Victorian gothic novel and it is soooooo good because of it. At times Hieber gets a little melodramatic and I admit to rolling my eyes a few times at the over-the-top actions of some of the characters but it never jolted me out of the story. In fact it was more like reading a Shakespearean play because, though the dialogue could get over-explanatory, it was so poetic and beautiful nevertheless and, moreover, befitting of the world Hieber creates.
The romance is wonderful though non-explicit. For most of the story a kind of UST drives most of the romance and that somehow makes it all the more steamy. You truly believe in the love between the two main characters which is the lynchpin holding the entire plot together.
Hieber is a playwright and her diaglogue, as previously stated, is poetic and witty. The influence of the Renaissance permeates her work and I only wish her website would state what the next book in her Strangely Beautiful series is about because I am dying to know more about the characters in this novel as well as see what other fantastic characters she can imagine.
Furthermore I'd like to state that this book is one that benefits the most from knowing as little as possible about it before one delves in. Hieber weaves such an intricate tapestry that the discovery along the way leads to the most enjoyment. Normally I'm one of those people who likes to know the ending before I read a book, but I have to say I'm very glad I held back in this case and let myself just enjoy the journey.
This novel is a mixture of Wuthering Heights meets Greek Mythology meets Victorian gothic novel and it is soooooo good because of it. At times Hieber gets a little melodramatic and I admit to rolling my eyes a few times at the over-the-top actions of some of the characters but it never jolted me out of the story. In fact it was more like reading a Shakespearean play because, though the dialogue could get over-explanatory, it was so poetic and beautiful nevertheless and, moreover, befitting of the world Hieber creates.
The romance is wonderful though non-explicit. For most of the story a kind of UST drives most of the romance and that somehow makes it all the more steamy. You truly believe in the love between the two main characters which is the lynchpin holding the entire plot together.
Hieber is a playwright and her diaglogue, as previously stated, is poetic and witty. The influence of the Renaissance permeates her work and I only wish her website would state what the next book in her Strangely Beautiful series is about because I am dying to know more about the characters in this novel as well as see what other fantastic characters she can imagine.
Furthermore I'd like to state that this book is one that benefits the most from knowing as little as possible about it before one delves in. Hieber weaves such an intricate tapestry that the discovery along the way leads to the most enjoyment. Normally I'm one of those people who likes to know the ending before I read a book, but I have to say I'm very glad I held back in this case and let myself just enjoy the journey.
Janice Y. (jai) reviewed The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker (Strangely Beautiful, Bk 1) on + 310 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
When I first started reading this book, I was struck by the Gothic atmosphere. The worldbuilding seemed interwoven with the way the book was written. There's an old fashioned formality to the language and dialogue which goes with the tale of ghosts and demons in Victorian London. I could see things taking place in dark, somber colors like blues and blacks, with Percy as a pale exception. Against this backdrop, the supernatural aspects - the ghosts, the frightening Ripper, and the Guard battling creatures on the cobblestone streets, had a perfect home. As for the romance: It was easy for me to see Percy's attraction to her Professor, less easy for me to see what the Professor saw in Percy - she was so meek, and in comparison to the Professor, her feelings made her seem very young. In that regard, the romance felt off for me, but otherwise I did enjoy the way it slowly unfolded and the problems it hit along the way.
Overall: Very good. The story is unique - a mix of historical, steampunk, paranormal and gothic romance. It's the originality that really had me and made it a keeper, with clever twists on Greek mythology and Jack the Ripper. The only quibbles I had were with things in keeping with the sense of gothic romance and heavy drama throughout the book.
Overall: Very good. The story is unique - a mix of historical, steampunk, paranormal and gothic romance. It's the originality that really had me and made it a keeper, with clever twists on Greek mythology and Jack the Ripper. The only quibbles I had were with things in keeping with the sense of gothic romance and heavy drama throughout the book.
Milena M. (regencygirl123) reviewed The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker (Strangely Beautiful, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 2
The book started out rather slow and "cloudy" but once Percy Parker was introduced, I was hooked till the end. The writing was so beautiful and emotional at times that I felt as if I was right there amidst the characters.
A wonderful story, a talented writer!
A wonderful story, a talented writer!
Amanda H. (lushblue) reviewed The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker (Strangely Beautiful, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 2
This book was a trainwreck yet I could not look away and stop reading it. I really wanted to throw it across the room a multiple points.
I ended up hating the main character who possesses no backbone whatsoever. The plot is the same old crappy tune that women's books never cease to deliver: A naive, self-loathing and unattractive (by society's standards ) girl who believes she's undeserving of love who loves the dark, brooding, mysterious guy (Heathcliff, Edward Cullen etc etc) who has some dark secret that keeps him from return her love etc. I'll not go through the whole premise since everyone is familiar with it. It's full of the tried and true gushy romance one would expect. The supernatural element comes off as merely a ploy to gain readers since this is a romance, not a fantasy novel in the least bit.
I've read on Amazon that the 2nd one is even worse. I'll probably read it for the trainwreck quality as well (which earned this one the second star), then promptly swap it.
I ended up hating the main character who possesses no backbone whatsoever. The plot is the same old crappy tune that women's books never cease to deliver: A naive, self-loathing and unattractive (by society's standards ) girl who believes she's undeserving of love who loves the dark, brooding, mysterious guy (Heathcliff, Edward Cullen etc etc) who has some dark secret that keeps him from return her love etc. I'll not go through the whole premise since everyone is familiar with it. It's full of the tried and true gushy romance one would expect. The supernatural element comes off as merely a ploy to gain readers since this is a romance, not a fantasy novel in the least bit.
I've read on Amazon that the 2nd one is even worse. I'll probably read it for the trainwreck quality as well (which earned this one the second star), then promptly swap it.
Janice -
Helpful Score: 1
Although this book has an intriguing premise -- a group of Guards who keep the dead of London from troubling the living -- it's one of the worst written things I've ever encountered. Twee, saccharine sweet, florid, arch, artificial, affected, amateurish prose. I am amazed that this thing saw publication. I think it can only be read by people following plot only, because its prose is so toothgrindingly awful. That said, I have to admit I didn't finish it -- it got worse & worse & in the end I just couldn't.
Too bad for the story -- as a graphic novel it might have worked quite well because then I wouldn't have had to suffer through the author's awful, awful writing style.
Too bad for the story -- as a graphic novel it might have worked quite well because then I wouldn't have had to suffer through the author's awful, awful writing style.
Patricia M. (patmcc) reviewed The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker (Strangely Beautiful, Bk 1) on + 107 more book reviews
It is an odd book, not at all what I was expecting. I think the author has captured the culture of the time very well. It was very intriguing. Well worth reading.
Ronda -
Because of the glowing reviews, I was expecting so much more. Yes, it is a "young adult" novel, but maybe for the very young crowd. I think the author tried too hard to be in the YA world and it ends up sounding like some 12 year old's romantic fantasy.
If you are looking for a well written and engrossing magical tale, I highly recommend (especially the audio version) of Lani Taylor's "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" and the sequel "Days of Blood and Starlight".
If you are looking for a well written and engrossing magical tale, I highly recommend (especially the audio version) of Lani Taylor's "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" and the sequel "Days of Blood and Starlight".
Rachel A. (ra7) reviewed The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker (Strangely Beautiful, Bk 1) on + 1029 more book reviews
This book had a very slow and confusing start. I almost put in down and picked a different one. It's a bit too descriptive in places. Percy annoyed me at first. She was very meek and apologized too much. She does grow and gain in spine and confidence (and stops apologizing all the freaking time). I finally got more invested and interested more about halfway through the book. On the fence about continuing with the next 2 since this was such a slow start and I'm not sure if I care enough to continue.
Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker (Strangely Beautiful, Bk 1) on + 2527 more book reviews
I have had this book on my to be read list forever, not sure why I never got around to reading it. I bought it for my Kindle when I first got my Kindle (along with a million other books) so it kind of got lost in the shuffle. It was beautifully written, engaging, and romantic. It does have a gothic overtone to it and I ended up absolutely adoring it.
Six kids are given powers and a task, to guard humanity against the ghosts and darkness that haunt it...they are known as The Guard. Their leader is Alexi and he is given power over spiritual blue fire. There is a prophecy that in their hour of need the Guards will gain a seventh member; she will be lost and need protection but will also save humanity.
Many years have passed since the Guard have been given their powers. Miss Percy Parker is excited to arrive at Athens Academy. She was an orphan raised at a nunnery but deeply desired more schooling and a profession. Percy is looking forward to higher education and is determined to be the perfect pupil. Of course all that is put in jeopardy when she meets Professor Alexi; there is something about him Percy finds very distracting and the visions she occasionally has hit her all the more frequently in his presence.
While Percy tries to unravel the secrets of her history and of the effect Alexi has on her; the Guard is desperate to find their seventh as more and more violent hauntings plague London.
I really loved this book, it is beautifully written and blends together a lot of interesting elements of fantasy, history, and mythology. The book is set in Victorian London during the Jack the Ripper crisis. In this alternate London ghosts are real and it is the Guards' duty to protect humanity from them and make sure the public is fairly ignorant about it all. That is pretty much the world, there isn't a ton of world building outside of that.
Aside from the historical setting there is also some mythology in here; you should be able to guess how greek mythology ties in with the story given Persephone's name. This mythology was blended into the historical setting in a creative and well done way.
What really drives the story are the characters. I loved the Guard and how each Guard member represents an aspect of the Goddess who gave them their powers. The lead guard, Alexi, is of course the most interesting and compelling of them all. He has that whole dark, brooding, mysterious and noble persona going on..which I will admit I am a sucker for. He also has a darkly witty sense of humor which I loved.
I also enjoyed Percy as a character; in the beginning of the book she's comes off as a bit naive and ignorant but she definitely grew more backbone as the story continued. I ended up enjoying watching her grow as she grew more confident and daring. The chemistry between her and Alexi is amazingly well done and very engaging. There are some beautifully written scenes between the two that will take your breath away.
The writing is very lush, descriptive, and flows nicely. It was a book that was enjoyable and easy to read. It's a good balance of plot, mystery, action, paranormal, and romance. I will admit this is a pretty romance heavy story; there are a few times where the story takes a pause so that Alexi and Percy can have a romantic scene together. However, I never felt like the romance overrode the interesting storyline. The story is fairly predictable but I still really enjoyed the path we took to get to that ending.
Overall this was a beautifully written story that did an excellent job of blending history, mythology, and supernatural elements. The story has a very gothic/Victorian feel to it and I enjoyed it a lot. The characters are really what drive the story and I loved them all. There is quite a bit of romance in here that was incredibly well done; it never took over the story but was definitely a driver. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fantasy with some supernatural elements and romance.
Six kids are given powers and a task, to guard humanity against the ghosts and darkness that haunt it...they are known as The Guard. Their leader is Alexi and he is given power over spiritual blue fire. There is a prophecy that in their hour of need the Guards will gain a seventh member; she will be lost and need protection but will also save humanity.
Many years have passed since the Guard have been given their powers. Miss Percy Parker is excited to arrive at Athens Academy. She was an orphan raised at a nunnery but deeply desired more schooling and a profession. Percy is looking forward to higher education and is determined to be the perfect pupil. Of course all that is put in jeopardy when she meets Professor Alexi; there is something about him Percy finds very distracting and the visions she occasionally has hit her all the more frequently in his presence.
While Percy tries to unravel the secrets of her history and of the effect Alexi has on her; the Guard is desperate to find their seventh as more and more violent hauntings plague London.
I really loved this book, it is beautifully written and blends together a lot of interesting elements of fantasy, history, and mythology. The book is set in Victorian London during the Jack the Ripper crisis. In this alternate London ghosts are real and it is the Guards' duty to protect humanity from them and make sure the public is fairly ignorant about it all. That is pretty much the world, there isn't a ton of world building outside of that.
Aside from the historical setting there is also some mythology in here; you should be able to guess how greek mythology ties in with the story given Persephone's name. This mythology was blended into the historical setting in a creative and well done way.
What really drives the story are the characters. I loved the Guard and how each Guard member represents an aspect of the Goddess who gave them their powers. The lead guard, Alexi, is of course the most interesting and compelling of them all. He has that whole dark, brooding, mysterious and noble persona going on..which I will admit I am a sucker for. He also has a darkly witty sense of humor which I loved.
I also enjoyed Percy as a character; in the beginning of the book she's comes off as a bit naive and ignorant but she definitely grew more backbone as the story continued. I ended up enjoying watching her grow as she grew more confident and daring. The chemistry between her and Alexi is amazingly well done and very engaging. There are some beautifully written scenes between the two that will take your breath away.
The writing is very lush, descriptive, and flows nicely. It was a book that was enjoyable and easy to read. It's a good balance of plot, mystery, action, paranormal, and romance. I will admit this is a pretty romance heavy story; there are a few times where the story takes a pause so that Alexi and Percy can have a romantic scene together. However, I never felt like the romance overrode the interesting storyline. The story is fairly predictable but I still really enjoyed the path we took to get to that ending.
Overall this was a beautifully written story that did an excellent job of blending history, mythology, and supernatural elements. The story has a very gothic/Victorian feel to it and I enjoyed it a lot. The characters are really what drive the story and I loved them all. There is quite a bit of romance in here that was incredibly well done; it never took over the story but was definitely a driver. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fantasy with some supernatural elements and romance.
