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jay_z15's review
4.0
For the most part I really enjoyed the book and the way that the author was able to incorporate historical events into Nelleke’s narrative while still making it an important part of the story. The novella draws the reader in with the mysterious nature of Nelleke and her need to deviate from the norm as far as lutenists are concerned. However, the reason that I was not entirely pleased with the story is that it goes too slow in some places; the author seems to lose interest in telling this story and in these particular parts of the story that fact quickly makes itself apparent. Further, there were multiple misspellings of names and places, or incorrect grammar that distracts the reader quite a bit and does not allow them to be fully immersed into the world the author has created. However, I did really like that as the story progresses Nelleke’s characterization becomes a large part of the decisions she makes and drive her towards some key events that further enhance the characteristics and morals she holds dear. These will become especially important as the series continues and Anita, Nelleke’s daughter, becomes a larger part of this story as a whole.
If there were something that I would want more of it would be a better look at the way Anita was cared for by a mother who was only able to see her at night and how, if at all, that affected her character and view of the world in general. Is Anita more prone to being pessimistic about the world because she was confined to a life in which her mother was cruelly limited in the hours when she could see her only child? And what of Izaak, will there be more time dedicated to his relationship with Nelleke in the following novella’s, or will the reader be forced to make assumptions the entire time revolving that particular dilemma in her life. Until the next installation is published I can’t say if these needs in regard to this particular literary adventure remain true, and only then will I most likely be satisfied with the answers I receive.
Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obliged to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
If there were something that I would want more of it would be a better look at the way Anita was cared for by a mother who was only able to see her at night and how, if at all, that affected her character and view of the world in general. Is Anita more prone to being pessimistic about the world because she was confined to a life in which her mother was cruelly limited in the hours when she could see her only child? And what of Izaak, will there be more time dedicated to his relationship with Nelleke in the following novella’s, or will the reader be forced to make assumptions the entire time revolving that particular dilemma in her life. Until the next installation is published I can’t say if these needs in regard to this particular literary adventure remain true, and only then will I most likely be satisfied with the answers I receive.
Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obliged to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
lilyn_g's review
3.0
While I can’t really call it action-packed or thrilling, Sinfonia: First Notes on the Lute did do something few fantasy books manage to do. It kept my attention. At under two hundred pages long, the author successfully managed to avoid the word bloat so many fantasy authors fall prey to. It’s a smoothly flowing read that you can’t help but relax into.
The vampire mythos in Sinfonia has some elements readers may be unfamiliar with. I found myself enjoying it a bit more so than I might have normally because of that uniqueness. The years move swiftly in this vampire chronicle. The historical portion that makes this a historical fantasy seems well done. I enjoyed Shakespeare’s presence, and the ‘witch-hunting’ for those who didn’t follow the correct religion.
I had issues with the language, though. For all that the description of the clothing, the historical accounts, etc, the language didn’t fit. At least one of the phrases doesn’t seem to have been in use any earlier than the 1950s. It could be argued that as a documentary, the writer may just be using modern language as a matter of course. However, it’s jarring and served to yank me out of the story on more than one occasion. Also, there’s absolutely no tension to this book, or mystery. The small amount the author could have injected in the story disappears almost before it can get started when the characters involved in a particular scene spell everything out. That was truly disappointing.
Overall, Sinfonia: First Notes on the Lute isn’t bad, and I’m sure it’ll please many readers. It’s the perfect length for a 3-4 hour car ride (for slow readers). Also, it doesn’t demand every scrap of the reader’s attention.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The vampire mythos in Sinfonia has some elements readers may be unfamiliar with. I found myself enjoying it a bit more so than I might have normally because of that uniqueness. The years move swiftly in this vampire chronicle. The historical portion that makes this a historical fantasy seems well done. I enjoyed Shakespeare’s presence, and the ‘witch-hunting’ for those who didn’t follow the correct religion.
I had issues with the language, though. For all that the description of the clothing, the historical accounts, etc, the language didn’t fit. At least one of the phrases doesn’t seem to have been in use any earlier than the 1950s. It could be argued that as a documentary, the writer may just be using modern language as a matter of course. However, it’s jarring and served to yank me out of the story on more than one occasion. Also, there’s absolutely no tension to this book, or mystery. The small amount the author could have injected in the story disappears almost before it can get started when the characters involved in a particular scene spell everything out. That was truly disappointing.
Overall, Sinfonia: First Notes on the Lute isn’t bad, and I’m sure it’ll please many readers. It’s the perfect length for a 3-4 hour car ride (for slow readers). Also, it doesn’t demand every scrap of the reader’s attention.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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