Scan barcode
freadomlibrary's review against another edition
3.0
This review was originally posted at https://freadomlibrary.wordpress.com
Critically
Plot – 3 out of 5 stars
This was just strange. I honestly still don’t know what to make of it. It was confusing a lot of the time and dark and creepy. The pace was really slow the entire time until the last few chapters toward the end when things picked up and finally got interesting. I was really disinterested most of the time and it took a while for the plot to engage me. Not my favorite definitely.
Writing Style – 3.5 out of 5 stars
The writing style shocked me straight from the beginning. I was under the impression that this was young adult until a certain graphic paragraph where I realized, nope just kidding, this is adult. It was nice, poetic, kind of hypnotic in a way. The descriptions were great, of the characters, the setting, and the situations, however peculiar they were. But it lacked something. It didn’t make up for the lack luster and strange plot and didn’t pull me in when the plot didn’t which I hoped would happen.
Characters – 4 out of 5 stars
This was probably the best part of the story but also the most mind boggling. The characters are all very weird. To be honest, this was the part that was most disturbing. The characters’ personalities and their relationships really bothered me, to the point where I’d have to stop reading but at the same time, were so complex and well crafted that I couldn’t not give it for stars. We start with Odilé who is disgustingly selfish and into herself. She is desperate and arrogant. Can you tell I didn’t like her? She’s the root of the story and I just did not care for her. I didn’t like her actions or her motivations. Then we have Nicholas, who has a history with Odilé and hates her. I liked him haha. He’s determined and compassionate and strong. His only problem is that he’s easily manipulated and it gets him in lots of trouble. Then we have the twins, Sophie and Joseph and I’m going to describe them as a unit because that’s what they are. They’re strange, incredibly so, but charismatic. They easily have everyone wrapped around their fingers. They’re passionate about a lot of things and manipulative to get what they want. But they have a deep vulnerability that is disturbing and endearing at the same time.
Emotionally
The plot is okay. It exists but at the same time, it’s mostly character driven which still in the end I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. We follow four different perspectives throughout their adventures in Venice during the nineteenth century. Odilé, a three hundred year old succubus looking for an amazing talent to feed from (don’t worry, not a spoiler, it’s the first few pages of the book), Nicholas whom she fed from a few years prior and who wants to destroy her from taking away his talent, and Joseph and Sophie, twins who are hoping to make a name for him in the art scene after escaping a scandal in New York. The whole thing is really intricate and complex. The different lives interconnect and weave in and out of each other’s views but it mostly revolves around their relationships (with each other and the supporting characters) and Odilé’s journey. I feel like this could’ve been incredible but it took some seriously disgusting and disturbing turns that I was not expecting at all. It really turned me off from the story and made me want to read it even less. There were a lot of things that weirded me out, starting from Odilé’s character to the twins’ past, and they made me uncomfortable to read. That was the majority of the first part of the book which took me two days to get through. Once we got towards the middle, about halfway, did things start to pick up for me and my interest grew. I finally got sucked into the story but it felt like too little too late. I still wanted to know what would happen in the end but it took so long to get there that it took the fun out of it. It was tension filled and suspenseful until the very end which just left me dissatisfied in a big way. I understand why it ended the way it did but definitely not the greatest outcome.
Usually here I talk a little bit more in depth about the characters but with this one, I’m going to refrain. I feel like the juice of the story so to speak is the characters and trying to figure them out bit by bit. That was the only thing that kept me reading, even if it was a chapter at a time. If you don’t have an interest in reading and don’t mind the spoilers, let me know and I have no problem going in depth privately.
What I do want to mention really quickly before wrapping up is the writing style, specifically the world building. That practically leaped off the page. It was vivid and detailed and carefully constructed. To the clothes to the sights to the way people say things and their language. Everything was built to give you this dangerous and sexy atmosphere and it definitely delivered. If the story had been up to par with the world it created this could’ve been phenomenal.
Critically
Plot – 3 out of 5 stars
This was just strange. I honestly still don’t know what to make of it. It was confusing a lot of the time and dark and creepy. The pace was really slow the entire time until the last few chapters toward the end when things picked up and finally got interesting. I was really disinterested most of the time and it took a while for the plot to engage me. Not my favorite definitely.
Writing Style – 3.5 out of 5 stars
The writing style shocked me straight from the beginning. I was under the impression that this was young adult until a certain graphic paragraph where I realized, nope just kidding, this is adult. It was nice, poetic, kind of hypnotic in a way. The descriptions were great, of the characters, the setting, and the situations, however peculiar they were. But it lacked something. It didn’t make up for the lack luster and strange plot and didn’t pull me in when the plot didn’t which I hoped would happen.
Characters – 4 out of 5 stars
This was probably the best part of the story but also the most mind boggling. The characters are all very weird. To be honest, this was the part that was most disturbing. The characters’ personalities and their relationships really bothered me, to the point where I’d have to stop reading but at the same time, were so complex and well crafted that I couldn’t not give it for stars. We start with Odilé who is disgustingly selfish and into herself. She is desperate and arrogant. Can you tell I didn’t like her? She’s the root of the story and I just did not care for her. I didn’t like her actions or her motivations. Then we have Nicholas, who has a history with Odilé and hates her. I liked him haha. He’s determined and compassionate and strong. His only problem is that he’s easily manipulated and it gets him in lots of trouble. Then we have the twins, Sophie and Joseph and I’m going to describe them as a unit because that’s what they are. They’re strange, incredibly so, but charismatic. They easily have everyone wrapped around their fingers. They’re passionate about a lot of things and manipulative to get what they want. But they have a deep vulnerability that is disturbing and endearing at the same time.
Emotionally
Spoiler
From the very beginning, I was just completely weirded out by this book. There was just too many strange things going on.The plot is okay. It exists but at the same time, it’s mostly character driven which still in the end I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. We follow four different perspectives throughout their adventures in Venice during the nineteenth century. Odilé, a three hundred year old succubus looking for an amazing talent to feed from (don’t worry, not a spoiler, it’s the first few pages of the book), Nicholas whom she fed from a few years prior and who wants to destroy her from taking away his talent, and Joseph and Sophie, twins who are hoping to make a name for him in the art scene after escaping a scandal in New York. The whole thing is really intricate and complex. The different lives interconnect and weave in and out of each other’s views but it mostly revolves around their relationships (with each other and the supporting characters) and Odilé’s journey. I feel like this could’ve been incredible but it took some seriously disgusting and disturbing turns that I was not expecting at all. It really turned me off from the story and made me want to read it even less. There were a lot of things that weirded me out, starting from Odilé’s character to the twins’ past, and they made me uncomfortable to read. That was the majority of the first part of the book which took me two days to get through. Once we got towards the middle, about halfway, did things start to pick up for me and my interest grew. I finally got sucked into the story but it felt like too little too late. I still wanted to know what would happen in the end but it took so long to get there that it took the fun out of it. It was tension filled and suspenseful until the very end which just left me dissatisfied in a big way. I understand why it ended the way it did but definitely not the greatest outcome.
Usually here I talk a little bit more in depth about the characters but with this one, I’m going to refrain. I feel like the juice of the story so to speak is the characters and trying to figure them out bit by bit. That was the only thing that kept me reading, even if it was a chapter at a time. If you don’t have an interest in reading and don’t mind the spoilers, let me know and I have no problem going in depth privately.
What I do want to mention really quickly before wrapping up is the writing style, specifically the world building. That practically leaped off the page. It was vivid and detailed and carefully constructed. To the clothes to the sights to the way people say things and their language. Everything was built to give you this dangerous and sexy atmosphere and it definitely delivered. If the story had been up to par with the world it created this could’ve been phenomenal.
songwind's review against another edition
4.0
What would you give for inspiration and fame?
This story revolves around this question. Joseph and Sophie Hannigan, damaged and desperate twins, are in Venice to try to find a patron for the creative genius Joseph.
Odile Leon, immortal muse, is in the city looking for the next great talent to inspire to a timeless work.
Nicholas Dane has followed Odile, unable to put his encounter with her 7 years ago aside.
I'm not going to spoil anything, even some things that are revealed fairly early in the book. Suffice it to say that no one's plans are going to go smoothly, or without cost.
The language is lovely and evocative. The fantastic/horror elements are pretty unique, and the ending surprised me.
Definitely a good read. 4.5 stars
This story revolves around this question. Joseph and Sophie Hannigan, damaged and desperate twins, are in Venice to try to find a patron for the creative genius Joseph.
Odile Leon, immortal muse, is in the city looking for the next great talent to inspire to a timeless work.
Nicholas Dane has followed Odile, unable to put his encounter with her 7 years ago aside.
I'm not going to spoil anything, even some things that are revealed fairly early in the book. Suffice it to say that no one's plans are going to go smoothly, or without cost.
The language is lovely and evocative. The fantastic/horror elements are pretty unique, and the ending surprised me.
Definitely a good read. 4.5 stars
bridgetwf's review against another edition
5.0
I kind of loved this book. I mean it's not a work of literary fiction that will change the art form, but damn it was fun! I love Venice, and artists, intrigue and supernatural twists at the edge of reality. I struggled over what rating to give this, because it's a totally different category than a true 5 star that my man Haruki Murakami gets. But for the genre, I dug it. Checking out Bone River now, and not loving it nearly as much.
100pagesaday's review against another edition
5.0
Inamorata had me enamored. A beautifully told and unique story that combined historical fiction, the paranormal and romance. Set in enchanting 1800's Venice, I was taken into the story through the points of view of four wholly intriguing and different characters. Odilé, a muse who's inspiration will cost an artist dearly; Nicholas, who has already felt the impact of Odilé's affection and is on quest to stop other men from falling under her spell; and twins, Joseph and Sophie a talented painter and storyteller with an inexplicable bond.
I really can't say enough good things about this book, it is alluring, with marvelous writing and characterization. The setting completely drew me in, the glamour, the mystery, the salons and the artistry created a world that I was completely immersed with. The changing point of view between the four characters gave me a sense of a fast-pace and a view into each of their points-of-view and their motives. Each of the characters was well developed and special. I loved learning about what exactly Odilé was and her history. Sophie and Joseph were an enigma, their relationship was obviously special, but it also had a a very dark component, but it is what ended up helping them the most in the end.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
I really can't say enough good things about this book, it is alluring, with marvelous writing and characterization. The setting completely drew me in, the glamour, the mystery, the salons and the artistry created a world that I was completely immersed with. The changing point of view between the four characters gave me a sense of a fast-pace and a view into each of their points-of-view and their motives. Each of the characters was well developed and special. I loved learning about what exactly Odilé was and her history. Sophie and Joseph were an enigma, their relationship was obviously special, but it also had a a very dark component, but it is what ended up helping them the most in the end.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
curby's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I listened to this one and I really enjoyed the narrator. Highly recommend the audio version
hodgesro's review against another edition
4.0
I started this on the plane and got sucked in! Mainly since some of the relationships are odd and the secrets seem to never get revealed. I was disappointed in the ending though
thegirlwiththebookonthecouch's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastically dark, complex and honest.
I was amazed by finding in the last few pages a perfect summation of the story's theme:
"Some things even a fairy tail could not make beautiful."
This story is an incredible representation of that truth: even the most charmed of stories fall short of perfection in reality.
I was amazed by finding in the last few pages a perfect summation of the story's theme:
"Some things even a fairy tail could not make beautiful."
This story is an incredible representation of that truth: even the most charmed of stories fall short of perfection in reality.
doctabird's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The story was interesting, but the incestuous undertones were too much for me.
moirwyn's review against another edition
5.0
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2014/08/25/inamorata-megan-chance/
Inamorata by Megan Chance is a blend of historical fiction and fantasy set in 19th century Venice. Joseph Hannigan and his alluring sister Sophie come to Venice to escape scandal in New York. Joseph is an artist, and he hopes to find a wealthy patron so that he can pursue his passion. Sophie is Joseph’s muse and has dedicated her life to helping him succeed, but she also wants someone to see her as an individual and not as an extension of her brother’s company. Enter Nicholas Dane, an attractive former poet who becomes captivated by Sophie. Dane is in a perfect position to help Joseph meet prominent intellectuals and artists in Venice’s Bohemian circles.
And then there’s Odile, who throws a wrench into everyone’s plans. Odile is a succubus who feeds on artistic talent, leaving a string of bodies in her wake. She has inspired great artists throughout the ages, including figures such as Byron and Keats, but then destroyed them. You see, before her lovers are destroyed, her power allows them to create their greatest masterpieces. Odile is dangerous, seductive, and completely irresistible to men, and she means to make Joseph Hannigan into her next victim.
Each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the four main characters. This includes Odile. Even though she’s the major antagonist of the story, she has her own reasons for why she is the way she is. We see her as a flawed yet understandable character who wants to make a mark on the world and be remembered for it. Time and time again, she is immortalized through art, but she remains the nameless muse. Her role in making those artists great is never acknowledged, and so Odile remains frustrated and unsatisfied. It’s rare to see a story told in part through the eyes of the villain, and seeing Odile as a complex character rather than just an adversary was wonderfully intriguing.
The plot of Inamorata progresses slowly, but that’s because Megan Chance fills her pages with breathtaking descriptions of Venice that perfectly encapsulate the story’s mood. She builds an atmosphere of both possibility and despair as each character strives to accomplish his goals and ambitions.
If a book filled with European cities, seductive immortals, and Lannister-style relationships appeals to you, then Inamorata will be right up your alley.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2014/08/25/inamorata-megan-chance/
Inamorata by Megan Chance is a blend of historical fiction and fantasy set in 19th century Venice. Joseph Hannigan and his alluring sister Sophie come to Venice to escape scandal in New York. Joseph is an artist, and he hopes to find a wealthy patron so that he can pursue his passion. Sophie is Joseph’s muse and has dedicated her life to helping him succeed, but she also wants someone to see her as an individual and not as an extension of her brother’s company. Enter Nicholas Dane, an attractive former poet who becomes captivated by Sophie. Dane is in a perfect position to help Joseph meet prominent intellectuals and artists in Venice’s Bohemian circles.
And then there’s Odile, who throws a wrench into everyone’s plans. Odile is a succubus who feeds on artistic talent, leaving a string of bodies in her wake. She has inspired great artists throughout the ages, including figures such as Byron and Keats, but then destroyed them. You see, before her lovers are destroyed, her power allows them to create their greatest masterpieces. Odile is dangerous, seductive, and completely irresistible to men, and she means to make Joseph Hannigan into her next victim.
Each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the four main characters. This includes Odile. Even though she’s the major antagonist of the story, she has her own reasons for why she is the way she is. We see her as a flawed yet understandable character who wants to make a mark on the world and be remembered for it. Time and time again, she is immortalized through art, but she remains the nameless muse. Her role in making those artists great is never acknowledged, and so Odile remains frustrated and unsatisfied. It’s rare to see a story told in part through the eyes of the villain, and seeing Odile as a complex character rather than just an adversary was wonderfully intriguing.
The plot of Inamorata progresses slowly, but that’s because Megan Chance fills her pages with breathtaking descriptions of Venice that perfectly encapsulate the story’s mood. She builds an atmosphere of both possibility and despair as each character strives to accomplish his goals and ambitions.
If a book filled with European cities, seductive immortals, and Lannister-style relationships appeals to you, then Inamorata will be right up your alley.