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amdame1's review
3.0
Sylvie had a promising career as a ballerina - until she broke a leg while dancing. Now she is being sent off to relatives in the south while she continues to recuperate. While there, she meets two young men who seem to be vying for her attention. And more worrisome to her is that she starts seeing things that no one else seems to notice.
A fun read. I only gave it 3 stars, but I think the teen girls at my school will like it more than that.
A fun read. I only gave it 3 stars, but I think the teen girls at my school will like it more than that.
misswinchester84's review
5.0
A very well told story. I like the authors writing and wouldn't mind reading more of her work.
anna_reads_too_much's review
4.0
At first I thought that The Splendor Falls started out really slow. During the prolouge, I felt about ready to throw the book against the wall instead of reading anymore. If the whole book would've went on that way... well there wouldn't have been a whole book that was read by me.
But I'm happy to say that the book did pick up. It was slow for the first two chapters, but after that it really picked up and I was sucked in. However, there were parts during the book that were really slow. It would pick up and then get slower for a while, and that was really annoying for me.
However, the actual story was amazing. Clement-Moore created a whole world down South for her story. It was refreshing and new, and there were so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
So, is the beginning slow? Yes, very much so. But does the story and characters make up for it? By far. Four hearts.
But I'm happy to say that the book did pick up. It was slow for the first two chapters, but after that it really picked up and I was sucked in. However, there were parts during the book that were really slow. It would pick up and then get slower for a while, and that was really annoying for me.
However, the actual story was amazing. Clement-Moore created a whole world down South for her story. It was refreshing and new, and there were so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
So, is the beginning slow? Yes, very much so. But does the story and characters make up for it? By far. Four hearts.
snarkywench's review
3.0
The Splendour Falls is another title that has dipped me into the murky and magical world of the South. Secrets, spells and family legacies are aspects that immediately capture my attention and this book was no different. However, at 512 pages, much of this intrigued was diluted and negatively impacted the pacing of the book. At times I was wondering how much more I could read about a dog barking or performing weird antics.
The strength of this novel is the mystery that swirls around Sylvie's family and how it plays into the current marina being proposed in the town. There's plenty to keep you interested between Sylvie's personal growth, the well being of her family's property to her interactions with two handsome guys. Characterisation is relatively strong though I do wish that the guys that are battling over her had been fleshed out more.
Rosemary Clement-Moore was an author who's work I was unfamiliar with prior to this book and I would definitely read more of her titles.
The strength of this novel is the mystery that swirls around Sylvie's family and how it plays into the current marina being proposed in the town. There's plenty to keep you interested between Sylvie's personal growth, the well being of her family's property to her interactions with two handsome guys. Characterisation is relatively strong though I do wish that the guys that are battling over her had been fleshed out more.
Rosemary Clement-Moore was an author who's work I was unfamiliar with prior to this book and I would definitely read more of her titles.
thilliard's review
4.0
I feel like this book was a rollercoaster in that there were some very slow parts that were hard to get through as well as fast parts where I couldnt read it fast enough! The storyline is definitely very interesting and the main character is very relatable.
I read this book as part of the US of YA challenge for the state of Alabama as well as for the prompt book with a pet for BTT.
I read this book as part of the US of YA challenge for the state of Alabama as well as for the prompt book with a pet for BTT.
sammeehicks's review
4.0
I found myself immersed in this story from the first page. I really enjoyed the character Sylvie and found myself connecting to her straight away. I really liked her voice - she came across as strong yet vulnerable and I loved the fact she questioned everything that happening, including her sanity! I also found myself really drawn to Rhys - I even missed him when he wasn't in the story And I completely adored her dog Gigi!
The story itself is an intriguing one. There was a lot of detail included - at times it felt every conversation and action was documented - but I really liked this. It felt as if I were putting all the pieces of the puzzle together to solve what was going on at the same time as the characters. I did find myself getting impatient toward the end - I really needed to know what was happening. The ending was really good - very exciting and I wasn't sure what direction the story would take. I really liked that I found it completely unpredictable and I loved the way all the information collected throughout the story made perfect sense by the end.
I appreciate though, that at over 500 pages, this is a long book. And although I found it a refreshing change to some of the really quick and fast paced books I've read recently, it is slow paced. If you are after a rollercoaster ride of action this probably isn't going to be the book for you. But, if you fancy a really well written mystery with a supernatural edge this is a great story. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books by the author.
The story itself is an intriguing one. There was a lot of detail included - at times it felt every conversation and action was documented - but I really liked this. It felt as if I were putting all the pieces of the puzzle together to solve what was going on at the same time as the characters. I did find myself getting impatient toward the end - I really needed to know what was happening. The ending was really good - very exciting and I wasn't sure what direction the story would take. I really liked that I found it completely unpredictable and I loved the way all the information collected throughout the story made perfect sense by the end.
I appreciate though, that at over 500 pages, this is a long book. And although I found it a refreshing change to some of the really quick and fast paced books I've read recently, it is slow paced. If you are after a rollercoaster ride of action this probably isn't going to be the book for you. But, if you fancy a really well written mystery with a supernatural edge this is a great story. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books by the author.
jasmineshollow's review
5.0
I forgot how much I loved this book. I read it when it came out many years ago. The only thing that I noticed that I didnt the first time is the constant mention of Gigi. Not that I dont live her, but... we didnt need to hear about her that much lol.
bookishdea's review
4.0
I have a thing for the Southern Gothic, YA, and mysteries. Oh, and I like novels about really talented people (in the arts) who either continue on in their talent, or have it taken away from them and have to deal. So in essence, this book was just what I wanted.
My problem with the book was that it was very slow moving at first. There's a lot of set-up. It takes awhile for the plot to get moving, because it's just hinted at. I would have really liked to know more about the family history, besides what is touched upon (like whatever happened to Jacob Maddox).
Once I got a bit more than halfway in, things really started to move. I enjoyed it a lot, and I liked the magical aspect. This wasn't just a ghost story -- the ghosts actually played less of a role than expected.
I debated whether I should give this book 3 or 4 stars, but finally went with 4 because of the subjects and the ending. It was very long (over 500 pages) and while it's not a bad thing, it probably could have been shorter and therefore moved along quicker. This was also a book that I didn't have problems setting down...which isn't really a good sign. On the other hand, I really did like the characters and story line, so I don't mind giving it 4 stars.
My problem with the book was that it was very slow moving at first. There's a lot of set-up. It takes awhile for the plot to get moving, because it's just hinted at. I would have really liked to know more about the family history, besides what is touched upon (like whatever happened to Jacob Maddox).
Once I got a bit more than halfway in, things really started to move. I enjoyed it a lot, and I liked the magical aspect. This wasn't just a ghost story -- the ghosts actually played less of a role than expected.
I debated whether I should give this book 3 or 4 stars, but finally went with 4 because of the subjects and the ending. It was very long (over 500 pages) and while it's not a bad thing, it probably could have been shorter and therefore moved along quicker. This was also a book that I didn't have problems setting down...which isn't really a good sign. On the other hand, I really did like the characters and story line, so I don't mind giving it 4 stars.
superspecs's review
3.0
great premise and some very creepy moments, but all of the characters annoyed the hell out of me.
bookertsfarm's review
3.0
Not a bad book. I had read some reviews and because of that, I found myself focusing on how many times the author mentioned taking GiGi, the chihuahua, out to use the bathroom. It was a tad annoying, but I think it was primarily so because I knew to focus on it. I liked the story and could picture the scene as the author does well describing eerie settings and conditions. I also liked that the story is wrapped up in one book.