Viper

4.5*

oof. wow. what?
That was quite a handful. But in a very good way.

This book took me by surprise.
I picked it up wanting to embark on a adventure with a whole lot of pirates and fantasy - but in the back of my mind I was already dreading long meandering parts which would take over the enjoyment of the story. (I am looking at you Shadow and Bone.)

Well, it's like the book has heard my apprehensions.
This was everything but long and meandering.
So much was happening all the time. And not in a convoluted way.
More like: One beat striking after the other, leaving little room to breathe, finishing in a grand speactacle.

And even though I longed for a fast paced novel, I wouldn't have minded just a few more pages in certain segments.
Just to let, not only the reader, but the story to take a breath. Because I (at least) need a bit more time to fully empathize with the characters, before the next blow hits them right in the face.
And maaaan, was this woman hitting us with major blows. (All of which I fairly enjoyed.)

I only had a few issues with the novel. Mainly in the way it's been written. We experience everything first person through Marianne's eyes. Meaning we spent a lot in her headspace thinking about a ton of stuff.
Which is fine - it, being an integral part of the mind from a barely adolescent girl.
I just wished it was less narration and more dialogue. Because the dialogue was exquisite! (Probably ‘cause I enjoyed all the Characters just so damn much and needed more/longer interactions between them.)

And I don't want to hate on the narration - the words were perfectly fitting and our protagonist got a beautiful voice whilst describing the world - but in the end it is still narration.

Nevertheless.
This was epic.
And I cannot believe this is a ‘only' debut novel.
The world already seems so intricate that I cannot wait to learn more about it.

I am hyped for the next installment.



Thank you for reading and goodnight.