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squirrelsohno's review
3.0
Much more of a whodunnit than I would have expected or cared for TBH. But I loved the general premise, even though Ginger's backstory was not well developed beyond having a rich aunt and being an American heiress.
3.5/5
3.5/5
whatsmacksaid's review
3.0
Three and a half stars. The writing itself was masterful, but the story couldn't always hold my interest.
oldenglishrose's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
travis_hurst's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
boggremlin's review
3.0
Probably a 2.5, but I'm rounding up; it's not unenjoyable, for all of its flaws.
Slow to start--there's a lot of alternate universe explanation that has to be crammed in to the first third of the novel--but picks up and becomes a thrilling, earnest element of the Great War. Kowal doesn't shy away from the absolute horrors of trench warfare, and her portrayal of racism and sexism in the British hierarchies is a sensitive addition to an alternate historical novel about spirit mediums taking the final reports of dead soldiers.
"Ghost Talkers" is a quick and relatively enjoyable read, but the fascinating premise is somewhat bogged down by the romance element (there's a war going on! Though at the same time, there is a war going on, and it's more drama than anything else) and a mystery that plods on without disseminating enough clues for the reader to stay engaged.
Despite its flaws, it's a neat premise that will likely appeal to people who love "Code Name Verity," but who also prefer a paranormal element to their historical fiction.
Slow to start--there's a lot of alternate universe explanation that has to be crammed in to the first third of the novel--but picks up and becomes a thrilling, earnest element of the Great War. Kowal doesn't shy away from the absolute horrors of trench warfare, and her portrayal of racism and sexism in the British hierarchies is a sensitive addition to an alternate historical novel about spirit mediums taking the final reports of dead soldiers.
"Ghost Talkers" is a quick and relatively enjoyable read, but the fascinating premise is somewhat bogged down by the romance element (there's a war going on! Though at the same time, there is a war going on, and it's more drama than anything else) and a mystery that plods on without disseminating enough clues for the reader to stay engaged.
Despite its flaws, it's a neat premise that will likely appeal to people who love "Code Name Verity," but who also prefer a paranormal element to their historical fiction.
suzemo's review
3.0
This book centers on Ginger, a medium who can communicate with ghosts of the recently dead. In this case, the dead are soldier (WWI) and are conditioned to report in to these mediums so that they can give critical information before passing on to wherever it is they go.
Ginger's fiancee is killed at the front and she learns that it is murder (there's another murder that she tries to report ahead of time) and we get ourselves a little fantasy who-dunnit.
It's a pretty good book, nothing earth shattering or exciting, although I admit to reading a summary a little too fast and being surprised by a couple of things in the book that were pretty well broadcast. So for once, spoilers worked out well.
Ginger's fiancee is killed at the front and she learns that it is murder (there's another murder that she tries to report ahead of time) and we get ourselves a little fantasy who-dunnit.
It's a pretty good book, nothing earth shattering or exciting, although I admit to reading a summary a little too fast and being surprised by a couple of things in the book that were pretty well broadcast. So for once, spoilers worked out well.
kortirion's review
4.0
This is another example of Mary Robinette Kowal's ability to write a fantasy novel with elaborate magical systems that are set in the past. Ghost Talkers imagines, What if ghosts were real? How would we use that information in war? The story has intrigue, romance, tragedy, and an eye for historical detail. This is definitely an author to check out if you like historical fiction romance with fantasy. Her books are well-written, have good characters, and are even clean (if that's your cup of tea).
eshied's review
4.0
A delightful read. A mix of many genres: spy thriller, war novel, romance, fantasy, murder mystery - and does them all deftly. In addition, the author narrates the audio version herself and it is a very good listen. The chemistry between Ginger and Ben is sweet, funny, and tragic. Highly recommend.