Mar 12, 2013

Early Reader Review: Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson

Strands of Bronze and Gold (Strands of Bronze and Gold, #1)Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson
Publisher: Random House Books
Available: March 12, 2013

 

Format: Paperback ARC/ Audiobook/ Ebook
Source: RandomBuzzers/Random House Audio/Netgalley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Background: Seventeen year old Sophia is used to being spoiled by her mysterious godfather, Monsieur Bernard de Cressac. However when her father passes away she is given an offer she cannot refuse, to live with her godfather in his very lavish estate in Mississippi. He is a very mysterious and dark man and Sophia soon learns that her godfather may have more secrets than she bargained for. Nickerson creates a beautiful and exciting retelling of the famous tale of 'Bluebeard'.

Review: I received this book in various formats, which was great. I could experience it in a variety of media formats. I started with an e-book, then received ARCs and an audiobook. I dabbled in all of them. I also have a giveaway on the blog for one of my ARCs.

I really enjoyed this story and had to put it down only to try to slow down my reading, I didn't want to miss anything or take any detail for granted.

The plot is full of suspense, intermingled with spine chilling realizations and blood curdling non-gentlemanly actions. I found that Jane Nickerson's writing was a delight. It was beautifully composed and the historical elements only added to the ambiance of the plot.

Sophia, our heroine, is a bit naive and stubborn, but soon realizes her folly and tries to assert herself within the household of M. de Cressac. Sadly, she finds out very horrible things about her, now, captor.

The whole time there is a feeling of disgust with everything M. de Cressac does and it is NOT wrong to feel that way. I was not disappointed with his horrific character or the part he played, only that he did send shivers up my spine on many occasions.

This may be a slow moving book for some, most of the suspense is in emotions and psychological rather than running, chasing, and such. I did not feel this way but was a little taken aback by the time it took to get to the plots apex, and when it finally did, I felt the book was immediately over...

Overall I felt this was a beautiful retelling of a horrifying fairy tale.

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4 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great book. x

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  2. I love how you included a clip of the audio. Thanks for doing that!

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  3. I haven't read Bluebeard and don't know the story, but I have heard really good things about this book. Thanks for your review. I will definintely be reading this one! :)

    Tressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings

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