I'd read this again in a heartbeat.
353344
I enjoyed reading Legends of the Saloli: Approaching Storm.  The action kept me on the edge of my seat, and at times biting my nails!  The well crafted plot took me for a journey of emotions from joy to tears.  After reading the book I feel like I know the characters, most of whom have their own stories in there somewhere.  The book itself contains some editing errors, but I was aware of that when I bought it.  On the whole Approaching Storm takes the reader on an intense journey and doesn't get caught up in drudgery.  I plan on reading it again in the near future.
857321
After a few recent disappointments, it was so refreshing to read a book like this. The language was so lovely and I adore how new words are constructed. Listen to this  when they had found flipper-footing they began to gallop toward me, as sheep hurry over their snowy field to a fresh-dropped hay bale, or pigs cross a sty at the clink of a slop bucket. Flipper-footing. I have a new favourite word.

I had before never ventured into the realm of selkie fantasy fiction, but Im glad to start here. Lanagan really captured the silent heartbreak of tearing these seal-women from the sea, the injustice and the cruelty of it. Although frankly, by the end of this book, I wouldve quite happy to stand around with Miskaella and Trudle and watch the men stay miserable. Having stolen wives for at least two generations (my math is probably not up to snuff), I thought they deserved all the misery they got. (But maybe Im just being very uncharitable.)

The book certainly did a good job of illustrating what an unhealthy love looks like, because none of these marriages, save that of Dominicks mam and dad, were healthy. Misskaella enchanted the men and trapped the women; the men could not look beyond themselves enough to set their wives free; the seal-women loved their husbands but loved the sea more.

The seal-wives were extremely docile for much of the book; stealing their skins seemed to sap them of the spirit to protest their circumstances. That was frustrating, especially since only Daniel seemed to have the guts to release them. However, the seal-women found strength enough to do what was needed to escape and protect their children.

I also appreciate the glimmer of hope there at the end, with Lory and Daniel's second meeting, him smiling. While slightly contrived, it was refreshing, like two souls breaking out of the shadows of the last generation. And Trudle I didn't expect to ever like her, but the final chapter from her perspective was so moving. I was happy that she was content as the island revived around her, that she discovered the last of Misskaellas secrets.

All in all, a lovely read and one Im proud to have on my bookshelf.
861188
This is a book you could read over and over again.
892481
This is really outside of my usual genres, but a close friend loves Historical Westerns, and begged me to read it. I figured, if she loved it so much, I could at least give it a try.

I was still shocked, despite her rave reviews, that I absolutely loved this story! Completely unexpected for me, but it was so well written, and the characters were so well developed, I got completely enwrapped in it. I don't think I put it down once, even when I was eating, which was a bid difficult.

It was the perfect length for an involved plot and character development, without dragging things out longer than it needs to be. They're such a sweet couple, I absolutely loved them :)
2221600
This has rapidly become a comfort re-read, and is the only book I have ever in my life finished reading, then gone directly back to the first page, and read it all again. Sarah Monette has a gift for writing characters who have been shaped by the stresses of their childhood, and who yet reach for heroism, but without falling into an overly-simplistic "well now everything is okay" narrative; Maia Drazhar is no exception. A beautiful, hopeful story, well-told.
770592
I loved reading this, and wish it were in print to carry without
the need of a battery but my own mind,

it is a finger
a middle digit
suspended over a pond
over a Jesus bug
the finger and the bug skating, both
leaving ripples
one seen,
one entirely

supposed.

Reading is like that, skating through air, and the choice for deep reading
which is how I come back to this manuscript, this reflection,
is a held breath
before I slip beneath it all.  And soon I realize, soon,
that I can breath
under water.

And someone like Hirshfield is there
sitting quietly in her own aged relief
to smile, to say welcome, to point the way
and say enjoy the walk...
4553982
I just finished reading this for the 3rd time and I loved it just as much as the first time!  It has everything I would want in a novel--deep characters, suspence, murder, deceit, mystery, despair and hope.  Since I have read it several times during different stages of my life I also appreciate the different views I have had of the characters and plot depending on my experience of life at the time.  This has made me realize just how genuine the characters are because I seemed to understand the young leading lady when I first read it and didn't quite share her views as she developed until I read it again and again as I matured and developed myself.  Where if I had just read it recently, I probably wouldn't have understood Rosamond towards the beginning of the novel.  Now I appreciate that Alcott has genuinly developed a believable character that readers can relate to in one way or another.
3030453
A great read,  I was glued to it, and was worth re- reading
4282539
Raw, real, and emotional. I could read it again and love it all over :)
2129336
I've read this more then once already - and have underlined quite a few things.  I am sure I'll go back to it again and again.
3300551
I want to read it again in about a year in case I missed something !  Even knowing the end (which was obvious) I will read it again.  The characters are so well drawn.
4940873
I just finished this book and wish I could start it over for the first time again. I want to relive the enjoyment, the anticipation and the head first dive I took into this story and these characters.  It's one of those rare books that reaches your very core/soul.
4107117
I'm not always a fan of the literature style that jumps around to different perspectives and times, however the way in which Doerr wrote this was poetic. The characters and lines were well developed and I sincerely appreciate the detail he put into finishing our the character lines. I loved this book so much I'm already considering reading it again.
3271
Couldn't put it down. While I'm not usually an romance novel fan, I'd recommend this to anyone! Young, old, male, female - in fact if I had the power I'd make it recommended reading! It's uplifting, heartwarming, funny, beautiful and worthy.
2192166
Not at all the type of book I expected to read, although it had been on my pile for months. But I saw someone compare it to Bastard out of Carolina, which I love so I picked this up again...and...devoured it in three days. Gorgeous, spare, visual writing. Haunting story. Sometimes the world has a way of delivering to you, at precisely the perfect moment, the very book you need.
3625148
Im giving this one 5 stars. I don't read a lot of romance novels, but GAH ... absolutely in love with this. I had been in a bit of a reading slump, and this really took me out of it.
Typically I read YA fantasy, but this was such a refreshing take on a stage of life that is much more recent/familiar to me.
The relationship between Aurora and Tristan was very real. I loved how sassy Aurora was, and Tristans demeanor and reactions perfectly complemented her. This story was relatable, but still tantalizing. Just a very well-rounded, well-written fantasy novel, with the bonus of a few steamy scenes.
I cant wait for the sequel!
2844436
This is a SUPER quick read, but worth every minute. Funny, touching and just brilliant.  I'll definitely read it again.