Absolutely captivating.  A dark and richly painted tale.
586124
If you choose to read this book (and I certainly recommend that you do), start with the back of the book and read "Author's Note or Ode to Peter Pan."  It really sets the tone for a grand tale that weaves the originally dark tale of Peter Pan with Welsh, British and Celtic mythology to create a riveting tale that is set both in the present day and in the mystical setting of Avalon.

Brom does an amazing job of blending these two "realities" in a very unique and compelling way.  However, this story is not standard fantasy fair.  There is no real good and bad.  There are, however, plenty of complex characters and themes.  The characters are so good, I found myself emotionally charged about their fates.  The topography was so richly painted I found myself feeling "familiar" when returning to varied scenes throughout the book.  The story is extremely engaging without depending on overly convoluted plots.  It is a story rich in symbolism without relying on it to be interesting.

"The Child Thief" is a graphic story involving the vulnerability of childhood and adolescence, the loss of innocence (as a result of abuse or as a result of acculturation into the adult world), and societal influences such as religion and charismatic leadership.

"...for Peter's smile is a most contagious thing" is a line sprinkled throughout the book that takes on a chilling and complex meaning in the context of this Peter Pan tale.  There is no Disney or Tinker Bell here.
2579379
Beautifully written story. It's not the simple little village tale that I expected. Darker and more interesting.
3198579
This very dark story is brilliantly presented, interweaving the present and the past without confusing the viewer as such complex  plots often do. Any further comments would be a "spoiler," so all I can do is recommend it highly.
398803
A great read!  The pages come alive painting vivid images as the author weaves his tale of intrigue and terror.
The characters come alive as they live their as they live their lives straddling the fine line between dark horror and normalcy.

I wait anxiously for your next book.
1244042
Elegant writing and masterful storytelling combine to take you to a world that you could have never imagined. The characters journey throughout the endless spans of Shadowbridge chased by an unknown past. Collecting tales along the way of the varied and sometimes bizarre inhabitants makes this world more than real, it makes it steeped in lore. I was captivated, and wished it would continue forever...
4064535
This is a story with a extremely dark backdrop but which is also entirely believable. Right from the beginning you get immersed in the characters, their state of existence, adventures, set backs and their dilemmas. I enormously enjoyed the story as it unfolded and developed. The build up of tension is fantastic and you are continuously are wondering what you would be doing in the same situation. It is wonderfully written and I am looking forward to working my way through the continuing series!

A really enjoyable read and hard not to rush through as you want to know how it turns out
754246
It is a tale as old as time, but told in a whole new way. Setting the story in medieval England was quite intriguing with all the historical details. This has always been one of my absolute favorite fairy tales, but it came to life in a whole new way with realistic characters in a realistic setting. I felt deeply connected to the characters as I experienced the depths of their souls, with all the good and bad inside. This story in particular shows total transformation for both the hero and heroine in a way many other fairy tales do not, and Melanie captured that transformation beautifully. I guarantee that you will be captivated by this story as I was.
2243239
Andy Peloquin has a talent for developing an amazing story. "Child of the Night Guild" will capture your imagination, whisk you away to a world you wouldn't wish on any child and take you deep into the depths of suspense. The children of the Night Guild will lodge themselves in your mind and in your heart as you follow their trials and tribulations at the hands of Master Velvet, then each other as they struggle to survive. This dark, gritty tale will keep you turning the pages with your heart beating wildly, looking for hope and cheering on the little accomplishments. This is one of the best books of the year and you'll become as big a fan of Mr. Peloquin's writing as I am. I can't wait for book two of the series.
399467
Both this book and the hero of this story are unlike any I've ever encountered. This dark tale is refreshingly different and masterfully woven by the author. I look forward to reading the sequel!
2709354
This is one of the most exceptional books I have ever read. Obreht adroitly intertwines dark myth with nonspecific history in a way that is surprising and mysterious, but not fantastical.
2555444
This book I wanted to read slowly so that I could soak in every detail in hopes that the last page would never come. After reading the introduction though, I never imagined that I would soon be so captured by such colorful characters in this story; it was so much more than the synopsis stated. The descriptive writing and characters created cinematography in my imagination and the arrangement of each individual scene was so well expressed. The writing was detailed in such ways that the prose came across the page almost visibly in my mind. This novel was richly complex but simply layered at the same time. I was enticed from the very first page until the last.
3531156
This utterly captivating fantasy novel is a tour-de-force of brilliant writing that draws the reader in and never lets go. It is a novel that will stay with the reader long after he or she finishes the final page. One device used by the author to capture the reader is the placement of second person scenes at strategic intervals throughout the novel, giving the reader a sense of participation in the events, specifically allowing the reader to enter and savor the delights of the night circus. You will taste, touch, smell, and see the wonders of the circus. Mysteries abound to challenge you. You will find the characters both intriguing and wholly believable. Indeed, you will step into a fantasy world wholly unlike any other and yet quite recognizably the world in which you live. This book is not vacation reading; reading it is a vacation. So step right in and experience the marvels and mysteries of the Night Circus.
3889247
An Excellent Dark Fantasy.  Definitly worth the purchase price.  To add a bit of a spoiler, the book jolts you midway through when the main hero of the story becomes the primary villain of the story.  Your in for quite a ride with this one.
1815967
Thanks to Diversion Books for gifting me this book for review!

EMPRESS is the kind of book that has a dark undercurrent running through it. The darkness may ebb and flow, but its always there. Paire is a character who may be sympathetic at times, and other times she will make you cringe and wonder what you ever saw in her in the first place.

The titular Empress is the sun around which everyones world revolves. Dolans description of her is so precise, so fawning, that it makes you wish you could see her for yourself and become obsessed. As Paire slowly sinks into lustful infatuation with the Empress, the darkness flows into her and also makes her stronger. Paire gets involved with illegal activities, all the while with the painting at the back of her mind.

The darkness envelops other characters as well, and begets betrayal, or violence. It seems as though the painting is like a Rorschach drawing; people see what they want to see, while the image affects them all differently. I especially enjoyed this aspect of the book  watching everyone decompensate is a delicious, voyeuristic experience.

Another enjoyable facet of this story is the art and artist setting. New York is the perfect backdrop for this beleaguered gallery and its employees. There also was a great deal of authentic art discussion that taught me things and enriched the reading experience.  Any time I can learn something from a book, its a plus for me. This shows that the author is not just trying to create a story; he is doing his hardest to immerse the reader in a believable world where things occur because of the setting, not despite it.

THE EMPRESS OF TEMPERA was a compelling and brilliantly conceived story. I loved it! Definitely a must read this year.
4064875
Wonderfully elegant and masterful.  The writing style, the characters, the plot and storylines all come together like an impressionist painting.  Up close you see all the individual brush strokes but then you step back and there it is, a masterpiece.  I can't wait for the next book.  I must read it.  Please read this book, it is so refreshing from so many other e-books I've read of late.  Most definitely five stars.  Don't miss this one!!!
185322
I did not realize when I chose to review this novel that it was part of a series. I didn't really find it out until I read a couple of reviews for it. I could see where some questions could be answered but I in no way felt that I lost at sea, so to speak. The Prisoner of Heaven can definitely stand on its own and it has certainly piqued my interest in seeking out Mr. Zafon's first two books in this intriguing Spanish tale.

I was drawn to the story by the promise of a bit of historical novel, a bit of a love story and the hint of mystery. It delivered on all fronts. It's a very hard book to try and describe as it is quite unlike anything I've read before. It is a dark gem full of rich characters of both good and evil and it uses my favorite novel, The Count of Monte Cristo as a reference and a reverence.

Mr. Zafon creates a dark world for war torn Barcelona in 1939. Fermin Romero de Tores is swept up into prison for reasons never fully explained (one of those questions I mentioned above) and he meets famous author David Martin who helps him to escape with the promise that he will look after his friend Isabella and her child.

In present day Barcelona (1957 in the book) Fermin and Daniel, Isabella's child are best friends and the book details how that came to be through Fermin's confession to Daniel when the past rises and threatens the peace of the present.

It's a horrifying and well written tale and it is not over...another book is alluded to and I will look forward to it. The writing is exceptional; Mr. Zafon's pen sets a mood whether dark or light with words that dance on the page. He draws you into the dank, smelly prison where Fermin suffers and he celebrates the beauty of a sunset just as effectively. He is a seductive writer no matter the subject. I will most certainly seek out more of his work and keep this one in my library.
3886134
Amazing story. Vivid and compelling. The characters are not just words on a page. They are paintings your mind can see and feel. A must read for anyone who wants to be taken on a journey.