You Won't be Able to Put this Book Down!

I have been in a bit of a reading funk of late, not really able to sit down and really get through a novel.

Blow me away if I didn't break that slump when I downloaded Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik. I found myself entirely engrossed: immersed in her story, the characters, and their world. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it, just waiting until I could steal away from university and work to pick it up once more.

The ending left me with a bewildering feeling of sadness that it was over, as well as the sweet satisfaction that can only come from a well-told story, ended well.

If you are a fan of fairy-tail retellings, Russian folklore, interesting and distinct characters, marvellous worlds, and enough twists and turns to keep your chest tight to the very last pages, I highly recommend this audiobook.

I feel I should also mention that the primary protagonist (of which there are 3) is a Jewish girl. I was pleasantly surprised to hear this perspective in a fantasy tale. I have not come across it before and must advocate that more authors follow Novik's lead.

The reader performs well, for the most part, she has distinct voices for each POV character. Her diction can be repetitive at times but does not take away from the story at all.

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4 people found this helpful

I never wanted it to end! Simply wonderful!

First of all, the narrator, Katy Sobey is EVERYTHING! So glad she came back to give yet another superb narration of one of Naomi's novels (listen to Uprooted, if you haven't already). I am in awe of her talent as a voice actor. She AND Naomi Novik take you on a journey to another world in this beautiful tale, which tells the stories of three very different young women.

I love that Naomi shies away from depicting these women as perfectly beautiful creatures in a 'Cinderella-like' way. Each character is an individual with fears and flaws, capable of making mistakes or missteps. But make no mistake, these women are intelligent and courageous, and when the time comes, willing to take charge of their own destinies, despite the times and circumstances they live in.

There are echoes of many different fairytales woven into Spinning Silver, but with their own twist - Rumpelstiltskin and The Snow Queen being the main two. There is definitely a nod to the sometimes gruesome nature of the old German fairytales and fables.

This book is fantastic. I can't wait to lose myself in it again soon.

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1 person found this helpful

excellent

loved it. a little difficult to always know which character was leading the chapter, but thoroughly enjoyable.

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Very enjoyable.

Naomi Novik writes wonderful, compelling stories and it is beautifully read by Katy Sobey. Listen!

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Another great story by Naomi Novik

Another enjoyable story by this author. I love her story telling style, it always has pace and plot turns. The story is told from different character perspectives and sometimes I found that disconcerting. But overall I loved how she made winter into a person & magical realm. Again, well narrated by Katy Sobey.

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Wowwwwww

Haven't read such a beautiful story in forever. So clever and gripping and the heroines were great.
Loved every moment.

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loved it but a small warning

Enjoyed this a lot, for a bunch of rrasons but a word of warning. the narrator doesn't seperate the character's voices much and because the author or people who to turned this to audio didn't give any heads up when your shifting between characters from one paragraph or sub chapter to the next it can sometimes be a bit disorienting figuring out which character’s scene it is. particularly if you haven't listened for a day or two.
but please don't hesitate to listen as the story and performance are otherwise great!

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5 people found this helpful

Glorious.

I loved this story and wanted it never to end. The story of three women, beautifully intertwined.

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1 person found this helpful

Surprising story

I enjoyed this book and the narration. The book had a good pace. The narrator was very good.

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Fantastic.

More than 13 hours of pure quality, intriguing story and entertainment. Would keep you listen long after bedtime. Looking forward to the next story from this amazing author.

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