Language and characters are tops!
579654
De Kretser is sooooo accomplished at using language Ian an inventive way!
The characters she creates are original, especially the unlovely Laura, I care so much about Riva I want a sequel!
Shame about the plot. Too long, too unresolved, so not five stars, but well worth treating your self to some sparkling writing!
4075443
What a marvel of a novel!  Characters rich and alive; plot believable and well-paced; writing sensitive and certain.  An absolute winner.
4062977
I am impressed with the amount of research that went into this story!  The names, 'magic' language, have a true depth of meaning, in some cases multiple levels of meaning.  They are real words, with solid intent behind each.  This is not your run of the mill novel, few authors are able to satisfyingly pull off crescendo after crescendo as Parkinson does!  It does not peak and then wane, but runs from crest to crest without being predictable or stale.  Parkinson's style and depth of writing has grown from the first novel and I eagerly look forward to the next installment!  Bravo!!
2289305
The Great Queen Seondeok is a grand, colorful extravaganza of Korean culture over 1000 years ago.  The plots, subplots, villains, heroines and heroes are so intriquing and attention-grabbing. It is in the Korean language with subtitles (English, Chinese etc) which means you have to pay attention...but we were so captivated by the episodes that we enjoyed even the language!
  For anyone who has an interest in the history and culture of ancient Korea (the Shilla dynasty) this is so facinating.
  The storyline begins with the the birth of twin daughters to the King of Shilla and the King's enemies.  The twins are raised separately and unaware of the other's presence for years, while the evil villainess Misil works to undermine the King and seize the throne for herself.  There are  many surprise twists and turns in the plots and characters as well deep emotion, adventure and humor.  This will remain a favorite in our household and I would highly reccommend it.  There is the violence of battle but not overdone, language and sexual content is not an issue so this could be viewed by middle-school children up to elderly.
570457
With wonderful vocabulary and "exotic" British lingo, this tale brings to life endearing characters who embark on an exciting and wholesome adventure, via train, bus, boat or disguise! Interested in British culture (especially with the recent royal wedding), I purchased this book at a local book store for our family. Though the book is a little mature for our 1-year-old, I am planning to purchase more copies, as gifts, for friends with older children. Families who appreciate travel or international culture will relish the fun exploits set in cultural landmarks, e.g. the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace!
887390
Besides being and entertaining adventure of two young girls, the language in this book was clever, rich, full of alliteration and wonderful vocabulary.  That's just the English.  There are lots of Spanish remarks ( which are very understandable in the context of the story) which add to the fun.  This book is hard to put down, even though I am not a ten-year-old girl.
366411
I really ennjoyed this book on so many levels. Historiic value great lead character and twisty plot all wrapped up in one scary and often brutal package. i kept visualizing a  movie in my head which is a  sign to me of how descriptively well wriitten a book is. I am looking forward to the  next book later ths year and can't wait to see what Herr Detective Inspector Max Heller will face. Also applause for the translator who did an outstanding job.
8362
The language in this book is evocative and creates an amazing sense of place and time.  I plan to read it again simply to savor the turn of a phrase. The characters come to life i their complexity and are truly unique.  Weeks later, I still feel like I met many of them in person.  While I did not like many of the characters and their actions, they lived and breathed throughout the pages.
3836125
I loved this book so much. I had no idea what I was in for going in, but the premise was intriguing and it delivered on imaginativeness and downright fun. What an incredible cast of characters! Everyone unique and diverse, lovable in their own scoundrel way. (OK maybe not Cal. Sorry Cal.) Even the bad guy was so mustache-twirlingly evil! Loved it.

The writing was clean, expressive and polished - just the way I like it! So much world building in such a tiny space. I want to know more, and even better, I want to imagine more!

My only teeny-tiny peeve: Adelia/Archie, Rosa/Ruby. I'd see "Adelia" and think "Archie" and vice versa, same with Rosa/Ruby. I'm bad enough with names and having main characters with names starting with the same letter caused a bit of a hiccup, especially when they were in the same scene.

This is a book I will go back to again and again. Instant favorite, instant classic :-)!
2385556
This book is a wonderful gem, and we're so lucky that "English" has been translated into English! Perhaps even more importantly, we're fortunate that the translators did a superb job of the translation. Chinese to English translation is a daunting task for even the most talented linguists. What I appreciated is how the writer's were able to do it so eloquently and also create a real feeling of suspense in the book. Although not a mystery, the book has that page turner quality. I think you won't be able to put it down!

I generally only read non-fiction books about China. What steered me toward reading "English" was the fact that it was essentially the autobiography of its author, Wang Gang. It's a deep look at a young boy's experiences growing up in West China - an area that even most Chinese people don't really know enough about.

Love Liu's obsession with the English language and his bond with his teacher and classmates is poignant. The book will take you back to your own childhood when learning something new made it feel electric and almost dangerous.

Finally, "English" is an important book for China watchers because it's not the run of the mill "Cultural Revolution" tome. This book is about the experiences of a young boy who is growing up during that era and doesn't really understand what is happening around him. This ignorance creates a sense of what that experience must have been like for everyone - adult or child - who lived through it.

I attended a book talk that the author gave in Beijing, and he's very charming and humorous. He confirmed that each character in the book was a real person and that these experiences were each his own. I guess that's why this "novel" is so richly crafted.
896469
Such an excellent summer read!  I was quickly drawn in to the world that Topping has created - so much so that I read the whole book in a weekend!  I love her wit and often wicked sense of humor; there was a lot of giggling on my part as I read.  I also particulary enjoyed her detailed imaginings of the cultures in the different parts of the kingdom.  The settings, customs, and traditions are carefully and thoughtfully conveyed and show such a rich vision of what these places are and how their peoples interact.  On top of that, there's a badass heroine who knows how to take care of herself and fight for her kingdom.  I will DEFINITELY be on the lookout for the second book and the continuation of this story!
1346866
extremely well written,beautiful language, interesting characters
118750
This is a mystery -lover's / grammarian' s dream!  The language is rich and Austin -like, the drama & mystery unfolding layer by layer.  It will keep you enthralled if you appreciate the complexity of the language.  The literary device of telling the story through the eyes of each character is fascinating
 Loved this book!
3803970
Sharon Shinn has a gift for using simple, easy language to build rich characters and wonderful relationships and communities.  It took less than a day to read, but this book has depth, is well-plotted, and joyful, without glossing over evil and pain.  Kellen, the main character, seems androgynous, but always knows who she really is, and is amazing at caring about other people and wishing wonderful things for them.  I wish I could take a vacation in this world and go stay in a village inn for Wintermoon, and visit Wodenberry for Summermoon.

As other reviewers have noted, this is the third book set in the same kingdom (after "The Safe-Keeper's Secret" and "The Truth-Teller's Tale"), and each book is set just a few years later than the one before it.  While some characters recur, along with places and customs, the books are each centered on different characters and have different themes.  They're young adult books, about teenagers, but so deep and rich that adults will find them rewarding.
3385518
Cursed Inheritance. What a title. Definitely worth the money.  It's interesting to think Spanish writer Angeles Goyanes chose London England for the story's setting.

From the first page, we feel the humidity of the location, right from the rainy streets of London, like in the style of LEE CHILD, and even FREDRICK FORYSTHE. Sharp, and to the point! It's focused more on the emotions and feelings of the characters rather than finite details. The Dialogue is crisp, and believable!
The style of dialogues change from formal to casual so it doesn't feel too one sided! Religion is a big subject of the book and the main character; Robert Waller, a firm believer in Buddhism and reincarnation who is obsessed with the idea of coming back from the dead in a child's body just to keep hold of his fortune. It is a wish that will cost everyone dearly, including James Lorton, the man he turns to for help!

I was pleased to see there were no spelling or grammar errors in the book, a mistake a lot of eBook writers make! A lot of effort has been made to describe locations and interiors, which is very rewarding and feels less like it was written and a rush with a gung-ho attitude; though I say that having just read some plain writings from RONNIE DAUBER.

It's a scary thought, to think of someone invading another body; and it's an issue James Lorton has to confront! There are a variety of characters, and plenty of twists, to make this more than your run of the mill dramas. It does make you want to sit up and read it; so perhaps don't read it in bed. It could even be a play. At times it is nail bitingly tense, though thankfully there no stupidity seen to lengthen the story - what I call the LOST trap (from the TV series) - where characters walk into a visible trap, or heroes suddenly making friends with villains, just so that the story can take a turn! The pace in this story never lets up, and surprises are not given away!

For once, a story with morals; don't get greedy - I think! I found this book to be descriptive, detailed, exciting and highly dramatic! This is original stuff - good stuff! Praise Angeles Goyanes.
4523260
Really impressed by the artistry Franklin shows with the language. Fantastic imagery, believable characters, and a fresh interpretation of Norse mythology elevated this novel beyond its peers.
4404931
Patricia Briggs' writing just gets better and better. In this tale that must be the beginning book of several--please, I hope there's more!, Briggs creates a cast of characters rich and multi dimensional. There's not a wasted word, and I find myself wishing it were 2-3 times longer! The beauty of her characterizations is almost haunting; the way Seraph moves through emotions created by her violent past, her culture, and her role as a mom--every scene she's in is full and interesting, with expected and unexpected comments, feelings, and reactions. Just glorious. And each of the characters is built and related in a similar fashion. Not simple, but unbelievably readable. A book to be read again and again. Thanks, Ms. Briggs!