Book Review: What Wakes the Bells by [Author’s Name]
I have to admit, the dark allure of What Wakes the Bells initially drew me in like a moth to a flame. The premise promised a gothic fantasy that danced between the atmospheric shadows of a haunted city and the intricate lore reminiscent of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I anticipated a journey through a beautifully rendered world filled with magic and intrigue. But oh boy—this book certainly took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and not always in a way I enjoyed. Strap in, folks; I have a rant brewing!
At its heart, the story unfolds in Vaiwyn, a city haunted by the heavy toll of the Vesper Bells, which, if rung thirteen times, threaten to unleash an ancient evil. Mina, a Strauss, is among the Bell Keepers, destined to protect the city from the darkness that once consumed it. The atmosphere, my goodness—what a breathtaking tapestry! Imagine a dark academia dream alive with iron chandeliers, towering windows, and a touch of joyous eeriness thanks to animated gargoyles. The setting beautifully captures a blend of Edinburgh and Prague, propelling you into a world that feels rich yet oddly constrained.
However, here lies my frustration: the characters and the magic system, especially the backstories, were never fully fleshed out. Too often, I found myself rereading passages, chasing clarity that eluded me like a shadow at twilight. The lore surrounding the saints and how they actually influenced the city felt like an intricate web—beautiful and intricate, but full of loose threads that left me tangled. When pieces of the mysterious plot regarding Bane’s transformation into evil were revealed, I couldn’t help but feel cheated. His descent into darkness seemed almost cartoonish without a satisfying backstory to ground it.
Don’t even get me started on the dialogue. The confusion was a skillful twist I hadn’t anticipated. Take the immortal Elora, for example. Was she truly gone, or just in another realm? The book flipped between meanings so frequently that it left my mind spinning. Puzzles are great, but I shouldn’t need a decoder to navigate basic character motivations or world mechanics, especially in a genre that thrives on intricate detail and clear storytelling.
But let me pivot back to those beautiful elements—the atmosphere, the enchanting setting, and the underlying potential buried under all that muddled exposition. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that despite these flaws, I found moments that sparkled. When Mina’s determination to prevent the thirteenth toll resonated deeply with her struggles, it evoked a connection between reader and character that nearly made me overlook the chaos.
In conclusion, What Wakes the Bells is a double-edged sword—a lush, imaginative world with a haunting atmosphere that left me craving more clarity. I think this book could potentially resonate with readers who are willing to wade through confusion for moments of beauty and emotion. However, for those like me, who thrive on well-structured plots and clear character arcs, it might be a frustrating experience. While the vibes are utterly immaculate, the execution may leave you longing for a map through the labyrinth of its narrative.
Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel for the advance copy—I appreciate the chance to share my thoughts!