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Not all romances are fairytales.
The von Strassenbergs' saga begins in 1877, when Katherine Demure, brimming over with discontentment, is swept into the arms of the mysterious Viktor von Strassenberg who is newly arrived from Europe with dark rumors preceding him. Hoping to find love and adventure, she instead becomes the centerpiece of a mystery that will take generations to unravel.
The responsibility falls into the hands of her granddaughter, five times removed, who has no inkling as to the origins of her strange name or the reason she has no connection to her family. All that changes and begins to unravel when she makes the mistake of being found.
The von Strassenbergs' saga begins in 1877, when Katherine Demure, brimming over with discontentment, is swept into the arms of the mysterious Viktor von Strassenberg who is newly arrived from Europe with dark rumors preceding him. Hoping to find love and adventure, she instead becomes the centerpiece of a mystery that will take generations to unravel.
The responsibility falls into the hands of her granddaughter, five times removed, who has no inkling as to the origins of her strange name or the reason she has no connection to her family. All that changes and begins to unravel when she makes the mistake of being found.
392 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2010
7 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Gwenn Wright
19 books134 followersAs a reader, I rate books based solely on entertainment value. It doesn't matter if they're cheesy or cliche or predictable, if they keep me entranced I love them. It takes a lot of skill as a writer to be cheesy, cliche, predictable and STILL manage to be entertaining and entrancing.
As a writer, I studied history, criminal justice, English, business and personal coaching before deciding journalism/broadcast journalism suited me best. I love filming, directing (in terms of filming), and editing musicals and concerts. You learn a lot about how to write a story by trying to build emotional peaks and valleys in a thirty second video clip.
Also, I have three young sons, one ornery husband, a gaggle of geese and a flock of chickens.
As a writer, I studied history, criminal justice, English, business and personal coaching before deciding journalism/broadcast journalism suited me best. I love filming, directing (in terms of filming), and editing musicals and concerts. You learn a lot about how to write a story by trying to build emotional peaks and valleys in a thirty second video clip.
Also, I have three young sons, one ornery husband, a gaggle of geese and a flock of chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 26, 2012
Fantastic read! I was all in with Katherine & Viktor from the beginning. I was annoyed at how often Katherine's physical frailty was referenced, especially by pain-in-the-tush sister, Henrietta because it was so clear that her spirit far exceeded any limitations her physical being held her to. I worried when Katherine worried that she'd never see Viktor again & I worried when it was evident that Viktor's father was a terrible sort & not good to his son at all. I have to admit that almost immediately took to our modern day girl Rocky. She had a wit & voice that came through quite clearly & I enjoyed the journey with her. I was glad when she escaped harrier moments & hoped for things to work out well. William was enigma enough that I was pulling for him & even felt sympathy for him being on the receiving end of the, not always deserved, sharper edge of Rocky's tongue.
Both heroines initially suffer a bit from some sort of ego malady that brings out their mean/snarky to guys they like & then they are more offended when the guy either takes it or doesn't. I think it's supposed to be endearing in its irrationality but I find it annoying IRL & in literature. At least with Rocky, she does, at times, acknowledge the idiocy of that particular trait. I also found Peter squickworthy from jump & was glad that Rocky had reservations but I was annoyed that even with her reservations she always kept leaving the door open for him, especially when it was usually because she didn't have William to do whatever it was that she wanted or it served her ego in some shallow way. But if she hadn't, there'd be less tension & this story gives that to spare. Anyway, the mystery of the families, what became of the daughters Demure, what's happened these six generations up to Rocky & how the odd Drexlers are connected (because we know it isn't just a legal thing) are what also lock you in to this story until the very last.
I gave 4 stars because the Kindle edition does need some cleaning up what with typos & errors here & there but that does not tarnish the plot & that's what keeps you tapping your Kindle for the next page. And now I must dash, I need to get on to the next book in the series. ;)
Both heroines initially suffer a bit from some sort of ego malady that brings out their mean/snarky to guys they like & then they are more offended when the guy either takes it or doesn't. I think it's supposed to be endearing in its irrationality but I find it annoying IRL & in literature. At least with Rocky, she does, at times, acknowledge the idiocy of that particular trait. I also found Peter squickworthy from jump & was glad that Rocky had reservations but I was annoyed that even with her reservations she always kept leaving the door open for him, especially when it was usually because she didn't have William to do whatever it was that she wanted or it served her ego in some shallow way. But if she hadn't, there'd be less tension & this story gives that to spare. Anyway, the mystery of the families, what became of the daughters Demure, what's happened these six generations up to Rocky & how the odd Drexlers are connected (because we know it isn't just a legal thing) are what also lock you in to this story until the very last.
I gave 4 stars because the Kindle edition does need some cleaning up what with typos & errors here & there but that does not tarnish the plot & that's what keeps you tapping your Kindle for the next page. And now I must dash, I need to get on to the next book in the series. ;)
June 22, 2011
Wow, wow. I loved this book and I need the second book IMMEDIATELY. I'm always on the lookout for great indie reads, and I just can't believe I haven't found this book before now! How have I not heard of Gwenn Wright before I stumbled across Filter a few days ago? She is an incredibly gifted storyteller.
Filter follows two storylines, that of Rocky Evans, a 17 yr. old girl from present day, and Katherine, a 16 yr. old girl from 1877. Rocky is an orphan from Nashville who lives under the guardianship of a friend of her mother. She's from the "wrong side of the tracks" and grew up trying to make ends meet, dodging rent collectors, and avoiding her alcoholic guardian's increasing and disturbing interest in her. When a young lawyer shows up saying that his firm's been looking for her, Rocky is presented with an opportunity to escape her less than ideal situation and discover the family she's never known.
Katherine Demure, lives with her wealthy family in 1877 St. Louis, MO. Although plagued by weakness and illness she is a strong, opinionated girl who longs for exciting, novel-like adventures. One evening at a dinner party that her parents' host, she accidentally meets the equally infuriating and captivating Viktor von Strassenberg and begins a journey that will rival even the darkest of gothic romances.
Wright's formatting of this book is part of what makes this book so “un-put-downable.” (Yes, you can quote me....lol.) She switches the story's POV chapter to chapter (first person for Rocky and third person for Katherine) and masterfully keeps the mystery moving through both storylines, revealing just enough to make sense of both stories, and often leaving you with mini cliffhangers until that heroine's next chapter. I've read some books recently where the shift between narrators is just a confusing mess; however, this is never a problem in Filter and the shift between narrators/timelines is one of this story's greatest strengths. Another aspect of the shifting POVs that I absolutely LOVED was that each POV was written to the period of the narrator. I absolutely hate when period pieces sound too modern day, but Wright has expertly tailored each girl's POV to their respective times.
I don't want to give anything away in this story, but Filter is a dark gothic romance and to me evokes a little Bronte, and some other authors that I won't mention for fear of revealing too much..... Most paranormal-esque YA books are pretty predictable; it can be pretty easy to guess what the schtick is....but I have to say that up until 2/3 of the novel I was kept guessing, wondering what in the world was going on. And I love that! I love being given the opportunity to not know...to develop a couple wild theories on my own. Wright really has created something original and lovely with Filter.
I would recommend this for older teens due to some heavy thematic elements.
Filter follows two storylines, that of Rocky Evans, a 17 yr. old girl from present day, and Katherine, a 16 yr. old girl from 1877. Rocky is an orphan from Nashville who lives under the guardianship of a friend of her mother. She's from the "wrong side of the tracks" and grew up trying to make ends meet, dodging rent collectors, and avoiding her alcoholic guardian's increasing and disturbing interest in her. When a young lawyer shows up saying that his firm's been looking for her, Rocky is presented with an opportunity to escape her less than ideal situation and discover the family she's never known.
Katherine Demure, lives with her wealthy family in 1877 St. Louis, MO. Although plagued by weakness and illness she is a strong, opinionated girl who longs for exciting, novel-like adventures. One evening at a dinner party that her parents' host, she accidentally meets the equally infuriating and captivating Viktor von Strassenberg and begins a journey that will rival even the darkest of gothic romances.
Wright's formatting of this book is part of what makes this book so “un-put-downable.” (Yes, you can quote me....lol.) She switches the story's POV chapter to chapter (first person for Rocky and third person for Katherine) and masterfully keeps the mystery moving through both storylines, revealing just enough to make sense of both stories, and often leaving you with mini cliffhangers until that heroine's next chapter. I've read some books recently where the shift between narrators is just a confusing mess; however, this is never a problem in Filter and the shift between narrators/timelines is one of this story's greatest strengths. Another aspect of the shifting POVs that I absolutely LOVED was that each POV was written to the period of the narrator. I absolutely hate when period pieces sound too modern day, but Wright has expertly tailored each girl's POV to their respective times.
I don't want to give anything away in this story, but Filter is a dark gothic romance and to me evokes a little Bronte, and some other authors that I won't mention for fear of revealing too much..... Most paranormal-esque YA books are pretty predictable; it can be pretty easy to guess what the schtick is....but I have to say that up until 2/3 of the novel I was kept guessing, wondering what in the world was going on. And I love that! I love being given the opportunity to not know...to develop a couple wild theories on my own. Wright really has created something original and lovely with Filter.
I would recommend this for older teens due to some heavy thematic elements.
August 2, 2013
Where do I start with this one? I have waited a long time to get my hands on this book and I couldn't believe my luck when I saw that the it was on Smashwords for free.(Which BTW is an offer open only till 8th of August 2013. So hurry!!!!) You can already guess that I didn't waste any time starting this one even though I was in the middle of three other gigantic books at the time. It is suffice to say that Filter was well worth the wait. Any one who have gone through my "read" shelf will know that I have read my share of YA's. So I have pretty much reached a point where YA books have stopped capturing my attention. But now after reading this one I have realized there are certainly a number of gems in the genre that I have missed.
What is different about filter? Is it the dual time point of view that jumps between a Katherine Demure and Rocky Evans her grand daughter five times removed? That may not be the case as I have read other books with Dual time POV's. Then it must have been the aura of mystery that the book builds up from the very first page. Yes, that is it. From the very first page you get the impression that something profound is going to happen but you have no idea what it is. At first you meet Katherine Demure the curious invalid who is fascinated with the a strange count and his son who have moved in next door and later you meet Rocky Evans a teenager who wears third hand clothes and lives a hand to mouth existence.She is completely unaware about her history and that something extrordinary is going to happen to her. Two completely different characters but similar in strange ways. At points you feel their life moving in the same path. Get the feeling that history is repeating itself but the curious part is it is this very same history that we are trying to uncover. What is the thread that comnnects them all and binds them to a tale that has followed generations. Before anyone venture into the paranormal territory I assure you that it is not the case. The book keeps you engaged at all the crucial points. I remember times when I was so worn out that all I wanted to do was sleep yet for the life of me I couldn't put this book down. With each chapter I wanted to read further I wanted to get some answers but each new chapter just kept on introducing more question. The dark glamour of the settings, the historical mystery, the clues left like crumbs all managed to create an atmosphere unlike any other book that I have read.
The characterisation was fairly good I liked the character of Katherine Demure the curious girl with a strong heart and frail body, Rocky Evans the strong and sensible girl with high level of self preservation instict, Viktor Von Straussenberg the mysterious boy that captures Katherine's interest and William the mysterious lawyer. However there were times when I felt the main characters a bit inconsistant. Rocky for example when we meet her gives the impression of a girl who is tough and knows how to live in any situation, then things happen and the way her character adapts to the changes was a bit quick. Same goes for Katherine. I get she is stubborn and she has a strong mind but some of the things she did was difficult to achieve and I found it hard to believe that she wasn't found out sooner provided her condition and dotting parents. Another issue I had was with the length of chapters which was kind of short and didn't give much time to invest with the characters and time period. However as the book progressed I found myself so caught up in the story that it wasn't an issue anymore. The way the author decided to end the book was brilliant because suspense in the last chapters will have you rushing to the nearest bookstore to purchase the next in the series. Overall the book is a definite good read. It is different from the YA's I have encountered so far and has the power to captivate you from the very first page. This one should not be missed at any cost
What is different about filter? Is it the dual time point of view that jumps between a Katherine Demure and Rocky Evans her grand daughter five times removed? That may not be the case as I have read other books with Dual time POV's. Then it must have been the aura of mystery that the book builds up from the very first page. Yes, that is it. From the very first page you get the impression that something profound is going to happen but you have no idea what it is. At first you meet Katherine Demure the curious invalid who is fascinated with the a strange count and his son who have moved in next door and later you meet Rocky Evans a teenager who wears third hand clothes and lives a hand to mouth existence.She is completely unaware about her history and that something extrordinary is going to happen to her. Two completely different characters but similar in strange ways. At points you feel their life moving in the same path. Get the feeling that history is repeating itself but the curious part is it is this very same history that we are trying to uncover. What is the thread that comnnects them all and binds them to a tale that has followed generations. Before anyone venture into the paranormal territory I assure you that it is not the case. The book keeps you engaged at all the crucial points. I remember times when I was so worn out that all I wanted to do was sleep yet for the life of me I couldn't put this book down. With each chapter I wanted to read further I wanted to get some answers but each new chapter just kept on introducing more question. The dark glamour of the settings, the historical mystery, the clues left like crumbs all managed to create an atmosphere unlike any other book that I have read.
The characterisation was fairly good I liked the character of Katherine Demure the curious girl with a strong heart and frail body, Rocky Evans the strong and sensible girl with high level of self preservation instict, Viktor Von Straussenberg the mysterious boy that captures Katherine's interest and William the mysterious lawyer. However there were times when I felt the main characters a bit inconsistant. Rocky for example when we meet her gives the impression of a girl who is tough and knows how to live in any situation, then things happen and the way her character adapts to the changes was a bit quick. Same goes for Katherine. I get she is stubborn and she has a strong mind but some of the things she did was difficult to achieve and I found it hard to believe that she wasn't found out sooner provided her condition and dotting parents. Another issue I had was with the length of chapters which was kind of short and didn't give much time to invest with the characters and time period. However as the book progressed I found myself so caught up in the story that it wasn't an issue anymore. The way the author decided to end the book was brilliant because suspense in the last chapters will have you rushing to the nearest bookstore to purchase the next in the series. Overall the book is a definite good read. It is different from the YA's I have encountered so far and has the power to captivate you from the very first page. This one should not be missed at any cost
June 21, 2011
Oh my goodness. Run, do not walk, to your nearest computer/Nook/Kindle/smartphone (once it is live again) and order this book. Filter is an absolute must-read. I am going to try very hard not to include any spoilers in this review because I can't stand having a book possibly ruined for a future reader!
The story is so riveting that you can't stop thinking about it as you go about the rest of your daily life. There are authors who know how to end a chapter and then there is Gwenn Wright who practically drives you into the beginning of the next chapter with her skillfull weaving of just the right balance of suspense and revelation! You are simply drawn back to Wright's beautiful descriptions and the completely enthrallling characters if you are ever able to put this book down for any length of time--which I obviously was not able to do since I finished it in about 36 hours. You will laugh and cry and hurt and rage with her characters, who are so completely developed you feel they could jump of the page. Wright's physical descriptions, especially eye color, are so clever and build so much into the reader's knowledge of her characters. You want nothing more than to keep reading until suddenly the book ends and you are dying for more! I simply can't wait for the next segment of the Von Strassenberg Saga!
The story is so riveting that you can't stop thinking about it as you go about the rest of your daily life. There are authors who know how to end a chapter and then there is Gwenn Wright who practically drives you into the beginning of the next chapter with her skillfull weaving of just the right balance of suspense and revelation! You are simply drawn back to Wright's beautiful descriptions and the completely enthrallling characters if you are ever able to put this book down for any length of time--which I obviously was not able to do since I finished it in about 36 hours. You will laugh and cry and hurt and rage with her characters, who are so completely developed you feel they could jump of the page. Wright's physical descriptions, especially eye color, are so clever and build so much into the reader's knowledge of her characters. You want nothing more than to keep reading until suddenly the book ends and you are dying for more! I simply can't wait for the next segment of the Von Strassenberg Saga!
Read
September 28, 2014**originally posted on www.bunnycates.com **
Loved. It.
How’s that for a professional review? haha. Seriously! OMGosh you guys. When I finished reading this book, it was like 3am. I ran upstairs where my Mr. was in his office and tossed the book in his lap, then I just started telling him about it. When I get excited I talk REALLY fast and I forget to breath. So, when I was finished, I leaned against the door and fake smoked a fake cigarette with a HUGE intake of air. He just looked up at me and said “So… you liked it then?” UGH!!! I could’ve punched him in the face! haha!!!
How to review this story without giving away too much of the plot, hmmm…
Filter is book one of a series, and thus the beginning of the story. In this installment we are following two timelines of events: the late 1800s and present day St. Louis. Told through alternating P.O.V. we meet the 1800’s young Katherine, and we also meet present day Rocky. Normally, I am not a fan of the alternating point of views in a book. It usually ends up distracting from the story instead of enhancing. However, in Filter, the author has written the p,o.v. transitions with such skill that the story just flows through the changes. I can’t imagine it being written any other way.
I have to admit, I loved the Katherine/Viktor storyline (picture me saying “Veek-tor”, lol). There, I admitted it. I can no longer deny that I enjoy romance. *sigh* What has happened to me?! Katherine, a prominent St Louis attorney’s sickly headstrong daughter. Viktor a foreign Dr/Scientists sickly and handsome son. Meet. Sparks. Parents forbid them to be together. Ahh, young love.
Rocky’s storyline: I headstrong orphaned teen, who flees to St. Louis on the hopes of finding her own path (and a promise of wealth through an unlikely bloodline). She is strong, independent, and smart. Usually. And “the Third”. OMG, *swoon*… yes, “the Third” makes my toes curl and my face to girl giggle…haha.
How they are connected is a mystery, and the story is basically page after page of adventure as we try to fit together the pieces of the puzzle. The story is dark, gothic, romantic, and tragic. Yep, Ole Miss Bunny Cates cried her face off toward the end.
When you finish a book, and you have to smoke a fake cigarette…that’s when you know you’ve read something amazing. I totally recommend this one for anyone who enjoys: historical fiction, romance, suspense, mystery, ya
READ IT. You’ll thank me for it, promise.
Loved. It.
How’s that for a professional review? haha. Seriously! OMGosh you guys. When I finished reading this book, it was like 3am. I ran upstairs where my Mr. was in his office and tossed the book in his lap, then I just started telling him about it. When I get excited I talk REALLY fast and I forget to breath. So, when I was finished, I leaned against the door and fake smoked a fake cigarette with a HUGE intake of air. He just looked up at me and said “So… you liked it then?” UGH!!! I could’ve punched him in the face! haha!!!
How to review this story without giving away too much of the plot, hmmm…
Filter is book one of a series, and thus the beginning of the story. In this installment we are following two timelines of events: the late 1800s and present day St. Louis. Told through alternating P.O.V. we meet the 1800’s young Katherine, and we also meet present day Rocky. Normally, I am not a fan of the alternating point of views in a book. It usually ends up distracting from the story instead of enhancing. However, in Filter, the author has written the p,o.v. transitions with such skill that the story just flows through the changes. I can’t imagine it being written any other way.
I have to admit, I loved the Katherine/Viktor storyline (picture me saying “Veek-tor”, lol). There, I admitted it. I can no longer deny that I enjoy romance. *sigh* What has happened to me?! Katherine, a prominent St Louis attorney’s sickly headstrong daughter. Viktor a foreign Dr/Scientists sickly and handsome son. Meet. Sparks. Parents forbid them to be together. Ahh, young love.
Rocky’s storyline: I headstrong orphaned teen, who flees to St. Louis on the hopes of finding her own path (and a promise of wealth through an unlikely bloodline). She is strong, independent, and smart. Usually. And “the Third”. OMG, *swoon*… yes, “the Third” makes my toes curl and my face to girl giggle…haha.
How they are connected is a mystery, and the story is basically page after page of adventure as we try to fit together the pieces of the puzzle. The story is dark, gothic, romantic, and tragic. Yep, Ole Miss Bunny Cates cried her face off toward the end.
When you finish a book, and you have to smoke a fake cigarette…that’s when you know you’ve read something amazing. I totally recommend this one for anyone who enjoys: historical fiction, romance, suspense, mystery, ya
READ IT. You’ll thank me for it, promise.
November 3, 2011
This was one of the very best books I have ever read. You may think I'm exaggerating, but you would be wrong. I believe I drew many puzzled stares when I finished this up at the airport last week and was visibly outraged that I had reached the end. This was an incredibly well-planned novel, and I am eagerly (but not patiently) awaiting Book 2 of The Von Strassenberg Saga. You will not be able to anticipate the next turn the story may take. You become emotionally invested in the protagonists. I read it in about 4 hours because it was painful to put it down. PLEASE read this because you will NOT regret it!!
December 16, 2011
Oh my.
You know when you're looking for a book to read (or going through the ever-growing list) and nothing is satisfying that very particular literary craving you have at the moment?
Filter satisfied my craving, then left me ravenous for more. Good thing reading doesn't make one gain weight...
The perfect blend of historical fiction/gothic/romance/suspense, Filter had me from the first chapter and kept me hanging on (tightly) the entire ride. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED.
I will say...it needs some MAJOR copy editing. It was self-published and I know that comes with its own set of complications. However, it is riddled with grammatical and punctuation errors.
Keeping that in mind, it must be one fantastic bookf for me to push through the errors--I mentally correct people's grammar and find minor punctuation errors in novels obsessively aggravating....unless the book is just that good. And Filter was.
Book Letdown has set in. Need....more...now...
Read it.
You know when you're looking for a book to read (or going through the ever-growing list) and nothing is satisfying that very particular literary craving you have at the moment?
Filter satisfied my craving, then left me ravenous for more. Good thing reading doesn't make one gain weight...
The perfect blend of historical fiction/gothic/romance/suspense, Filter had me from the first chapter and kept me hanging on (tightly) the entire ride. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED.
I will say...it needs some MAJOR copy editing. It was self-published and I know that comes with its own set of complications. However, it is riddled with grammatical and punctuation errors.
Keeping that in mind, it must be one fantastic bookf for me to push through the errors--I mentally correct people's grammar and find minor punctuation errors in novels obsessively aggravating....unless the book is just that good. And Filter was.
Book Letdown has set in. Need....more...now...
Read it.
June 19, 2011
Amazing! This is the best book I have read in a long time. It is one of those books that I want so badly for my friends to read, just so I can discuss the plots, twists and potential theories with someone! It is so compelling and had my heart racing the whole time! There were times that I would stop to catch my breath after an incredible plot twist! This is a remarkably brilliant debut novel that is so uniquely written that it becomes nearly impossible to put it down. I am generally one of those people that can predict the twists and turns of a plot, yet this story kept me guessing until the last few pages. What was so remarkable about the book, was that it followed two characters from different centuries simultaneously. Initially, I was hesitant to read a book intertwining two plots at once, because it could potentially become confusing. The author flawlessly mixes these two components of the book and it becomes so suspenseful and unlike anything I have ever read before. The writing felt so true to the time period and I felt so attached to the characters of both stories. In a time when readers like myself are becoming bored with the same supernatural characters fashioned in a new way, this book was such a refreshing breath of fresh air. It is actually hard for me to review this book because I don't want to give anything away! All I can say is that it is brilliantly dark, and one of the most fascinating romances I have ever read! The description in the book is so vivid that I actually felt like I was watching a movie as I was reading it. I can't wait for the next in the series! Highly recommended!
July 13, 2011
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads giveaway.
Buy. This. Book.
It's a great read and a fascinating story. This was my first brush with this author but it certainly won't be my last.
Buy. This. Book.
It's a great read and a fascinating story. This was my first brush with this author but it certainly won't be my last.
August 8, 2013
First off I want to thank one of my friends for informing me about a sale on this book and also for pestering me to start this book as early as possible *laughs*. The truth is this book has been in my RADAR for a very long time and it took me even more time to track it down.
For those of you who have not already read it I recommend you read the GR synopsis before staring. It gives a pretty clear idea of what to expect without giving away too much. So from the synopsis you get that there are two characters. One in past and the other in present. Before anyone jumps into the Susanne Kearsley bandwagon I would like to add that they are two distinct characters and there is no reaching across time in the paranormal sense. Filter doesn't even fall into that category of books where you have the MC going into that attic and finding her great great grandmom's diary which gives her strength to persevere and fight against the odds. No Filter is one of those books that moves effortlessly through two different generations by finding a common link that connects them both and as in most cases it is a dark family secret. But the good thing about this book is it is something which keeps you guessing till the end.
As I have already mentioned earlier there are two characters in this book. One a frail girl whose story begins with the arrival of a strange boy in her neighborhood with notorious rumors following him all the way from Austria and the other is an orphan girl with no idea about her origin who is about to get the shock of her life. How does this two stories interconnect? One takes place in the past and the other in the future. Yet you get the feeling that both of them are part of something which is bigger than them. Something so powerful that it has followed them through generations. Now it is up to the newest and the last in the line to find the answer to a question that has been formed years before her birth. Something that has the power to shape her very existence. That is before her time runs out.
As a YA Historical Novel I loved Filter. It has touched all the right notes of mystery and intrigue. However even I have to admit that I found the story short. The chapters could have been a little more longer and would have appreciated more insight into the characters. Although I did enjoy the author's writing style I have to admit at times I found it confusing. There were parts I had to re read just to understand who is talking to who and what exactly happened. That being said the book is a fresh treat to all those who are bored by what they serve as YA these days. The dark atmosphere is enchanting and the aura of suspense has one on tether hooks. An enjoyable read that should be given a chance
For those of you who have not already read it I recommend you read the GR synopsis before staring. It gives a pretty clear idea of what to expect without giving away too much. So from the synopsis you get that there are two characters. One in past and the other in present. Before anyone jumps into the Susanne Kearsley bandwagon I would like to add that they are two distinct characters and there is no reaching across time in the paranormal sense. Filter doesn't even fall into that category of books where you have the MC going into that attic and finding her great great grandmom's diary which gives her strength to persevere and fight against the odds. No Filter is one of those books that moves effortlessly through two different generations by finding a common link that connects them both and as in most cases it is a dark family secret. But the good thing about this book is it is something which keeps you guessing till the end.
As I have already mentioned earlier there are two characters in this book. One a frail girl whose story begins with the arrival of a strange boy in her neighborhood with notorious rumors following him all the way from Austria and the other is an orphan girl with no idea about her origin who is about to get the shock of her life. How does this two stories interconnect? One takes place in the past and the other in the future. Yet you get the feeling that both of them are part of something which is bigger than them. Something so powerful that it has followed them through generations. Now it is up to the newest and the last in the line to find the answer to a question that has been formed years before her birth. Something that has the power to shape her very existence. That is before her time runs out.
As a YA Historical Novel I loved Filter. It has touched all the right notes of mystery and intrigue. However even I have to admit that I found the story short. The chapters could have been a little more longer and would have appreciated more insight into the characters. Although I did enjoy the author's writing style I have to admit at times I found it confusing. There were parts I had to re read just to understand who is talking to who and what exactly happened. That being said the book is a fresh treat to all those who are bored by what they serve as YA these days. The dark atmosphere is enchanting and the aura of suspense has one on tether hooks. An enjoyable read that should be given a chance
June 16, 2011
BRILLIANT. It's been a while since I've read a book that was so compelling that even when I wasn't reading it (and trust me, every moment I could steal away and read, I was), it was still consuming my thoughts. There are so many young adult books out there that, while they're still entertaining, you know exactly what's going to happen from the first chapter or two in. This is certainly not true about Filter! It's not only unpredictable but it's very unlike anything else out right now.
I still have theories swimming in my head and I can't wait to learn more about The Von Strassenberg family and what the future holds for Raquel. I also look forward to finding out more about the delectable mystery of William. I feel like we've only barely scratched the surface of him and I'm so anxious to find out why he's so darn mysterious and what he's hiding. All these question marks make me happy especially when they come at the end of a first book in a saga because it leaves me salivating for more!
Perhaps the most interesting part of this novel is that it is essentially two stories in one alternating Chapters. One story is set in the 1800's and one in present day and yet it all comes together into ONE perfect puzzle leaving some of the most important pieces out until the very last couple pages. Absolutely brilliant!
I'd say there are many more great reads to come from Gwenn Wright after this excellent debut and I can't wait!
I still have theories swimming in my head and I can't wait to learn more about The Von Strassenberg family and what the future holds for Raquel. I also look forward to finding out more about the delectable mystery of William. I feel like we've only barely scratched the surface of him and I'm so anxious to find out why he's so darn mysterious and what he's hiding. All these question marks make me happy especially when they come at the end of a first book in a saga because it leaves me salivating for more!
Perhaps the most interesting part of this novel is that it is essentially two stories in one alternating Chapters. One story is set in the 1800's and one in present day and yet it all comes together into ONE perfect puzzle leaving some of the most important pieces out until the very last couple pages. Absolutely brilliant!
I'd say there are many more great reads to come from Gwenn Wright after this excellent debut and I can't wait!
June 25, 2011
Thank you, Gwenn, for the free copy through first reads!
Mature Content: Sensuality
Lexile: Not found
I have to admit...at one point in time I almost put this book down. The situation: Raquel, the heroine, is torn between the skinny, pasty boy and the buff, tanned boy who can't seem to keep his shirt on. Sound familiar? Thank goodness I am a bit of a stubborn reader and it takes a lot for me to abandon a book, or else I really would have missed out on a compelling story.
Told as two stories that are invariably intertwined, set in two different eras, Wright creates an engaging plot line in the present of a girl struggling to escape her impoverished situation and the love story in the past that will impact her life. We have only seen the tip of the iceberg of this collision at the close of this first installment. Be warned: we are left with more questions than answers and I was left with a profound lack of closure.
And unlike the heroine in the series alluded to before, I find Raquel to be a strong mix of toughness, independence, intelligence, and flaw-I liked her. I can't wait to find out what becomes of her and see the unraveling of this masterful web of family dynamics that spans, literally, 100 years.
Mature Content: Sensuality
Lexile: Not found
I have to admit...at one point in time I almost put this book down. The situation: Raquel, the heroine, is torn between the skinny, pasty boy and the buff, tanned boy who can't seem to keep his shirt on. Sound familiar? Thank goodness I am a bit of a stubborn reader and it takes a lot for me to abandon a book, or else I really would have missed out on a compelling story.
Told as two stories that are invariably intertwined, set in two different eras, Wright creates an engaging plot line in the present of a girl struggling to escape her impoverished situation and the love story in the past that will impact her life. We have only seen the tip of the iceberg of this collision at the close of this first installment. Be warned: we are left with more questions than answers and I was left with a profound lack of closure.
And unlike the heroine in the series alluded to before, I find Raquel to be a strong mix of toughness, independence, intelligence, and flaw-I liked her. I can't wait to find out what becomes of her and see the unraveling of this masterful web of family dynamics that spans, literally, 100 years.
June 26, 2011
An absolutely wonderful book. I enjoyed every moment of reading this novel. The characters are will crafted and story line flows, even with switching back and forth between 1870's and 2010. This was a goodreads first reads win and I could not be any happier that I won this book to read. Hope this is the first of many books by Ms. Wright. I have definitely found another wonderful author to follow.
December 11, 2011
I am so glad I found out about the Goodreads site. Since I have finished Filter, I have recommended it to everyone! This book kept me on my toes the whole time. I love how it switches back from past to present and the ending isn't predictable. I was born and raised in Saint Louis. The descriptions and details made me feel like I was there! Congratulations Gwenn on this amazing book! I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
June 15, 2011
Oh. My. God. I didn't really know who Gwenn Wright was before reading this, but wow. This book was fantastic! When it first started out, based on the back I was thinking this must be some new vampire-crazed author, and slighty regretted the choice to read it. But NO. This book was great! I couldn't put it down, and even stayed up WAY past my bedtime last night finishing it.
June 27, 2011
Loved it! Well written, fast paced, and great storyline. I loved how it went back and forth between the timelines. I can't wait for the next book to come out so that I can see what happens next.
April 28, 2011
this book is beast!!!!! i love it so much. and so will you! its AWESOME!!!
June 23, 2011
This book is way more than the description even hints at. A storyline depicting two very different and yet the same teenager and living in two different centuries. While, I had an idea how they were connected, how the story played out was a pleasant surprise.
Our present day heroine is Rocky Evans. Her mother died during childbirth living her with the only man she knows as a father, even if he's the furthest thing from it. When a young lawyer finds her on the streets of Nashville claiming she's the girl they've been looking for, it's just enough to make the decision to leave. While waiting for the results of the DNA test, she gets a taste of the life that just might be hers. And if along the way, she learns a little bit about the love she's never really had, well what's the harm in that.
Our other point of view is Katherine. She lives in the late 1700's in St. Louis. Her family is wealthy, which of course means she lives a life of privilege. She's also considered weak and generally unhealthy, so she spends a lot of time in bed reading. She longs to have the life she reads in her books. When she meets Viktor, she finds a kindred spirit, although she finds him infuriating at first.
The story changes view points with each chapter, but it does so flawlessly. Rocky's story hints at a darker side but it's Katherine's story that truly takes over as the highlight of this book. I wasn't expecting it to be so dark and haunting. There are so many things going on inside of Viktor's home, that its worth discovering for yourself.
While I did find the book engaging, it was a little slow and drawn out in places. Rocky seems a little bit shallow for all she's gone through. But, maybe it's just the novelty of the new life presented to her and it will were off. There was also a lot of unanswered questions in Katherine's story. I'm hoping they will be addressed in the next installment!
Our present day heroine is Rocky Evans. Her mother died during childbirth living her with the only man she knows as a father, even if he's the furthest thing from it. When a young lawyer finds her on the streets of Nashville claiming she's the girl they've been looking for, it's just enough to make the decision to leave. While waiting for the results of the DNA test, she gets a taste of the life that just might be hers. And if along the way, she learns a little bit about the love she's never really had, well what's the harm in that.
Our other point of view is Katherine. She lives in the late 1700's in St. Louis. Her family is wealthy, which of course means she lives a life of privilege. She's also considered weak and generally unhealthy, so she spends a lot of time in bed reading. She longs to have the life she reads in her books. When she meets Viktor, she finds a kindred spirit, although she finds him infuriating at first.
The story changes view points with each chapter, but it does so flawlessly. Rocky's story hints at a darker side but it's Katherine's story that truly takes over as the highlight of this book. I wasn't expecting it to be so dark and haunting. There are so many things going on inside of Viktor's home, that its worth discovering for yourself.
While I did find the book engaging, it was a little slow and drawn out in places. Rocky seems a little bit shallow for all she's gone through. But, maybe it's just the novelty of the new life presented to her and it will were off. There was also a lot of unanswered questions in Katherine's story. I'm hoping they will be addressed in the next installment!
November 3, 2011
This is a book that is set both in the present and the past. It takes awhile for the story of the past to connect fully with the present, which intrieged me as a reader. I wanted to know the rest of the story. Some people have rated this as the subgenre "horror". I don't know if I would go that far, but some bad things do happen. This is a greatly written story, but not a happily ever after. The horrific parts could have been graphic, but they were handled quite tastefully. The reason I did like this book is because it was written beautifully. The author is clearly talented, and I imagine the more experience she gets in writing, the better it will become.
I recieved my copy as a gift as my aunt is friends with the author, but I give an honest review. I might have given the story three stars, but they writing was well done so I pushed it up to four. ( I enjoy writings who not only craft an excellent story, but have prose that is written well.)
I hope to read the next book! I am interested in finding out what comes next!
I recieved my copy as a gift as my aunt is friends with the author, but I give an honest review. I might have given the story three stars, but they writing was well done so I pushed it up to four. ( I enjoy writings who not only craft an excellent story, but have prose that is written well.)
I hope to read the next book! I am interested in finding out what comes next!
December 18, 2011
I found the first half a bit slow. Well written, and i was happy to keep reading, but nothing overly exciting happened. This could just be because i have a small baby and only got to read for 5 minutes here and there - maybe if id been able to just sit down for a few hours i would have gotten into it more. The last 30% of the book had me hooked tho. I stayed up til midnight to finish it (and that says something as sleep is very precious to me right now!). I had no idea the book would end up the way it did and the twist at the end has me dying to read the second book.
In particular, i love the characters in this book. They all seemed so "real" to me. Its also refreshing to read a romance where it isnt obvious who the lead character will end up with by the end of the book (a little frustrating too, but in a good way!)
In particular, i love the characters in this book. They all seemed so "real" to me. Its also refreshing to read a romance where it isnt obvious who the lead character will end up with by the end of the book (a little frustrating too, but in a good way!)
July 30, 2012
This was one of the very best books I have ever read. You may think I'm exaggerating, but you would be wrong. I believe I drew many puzzled stares when I finished this up at the airport last week and was visibly outraged that I had reached the end. This was an incredibly well-planned novel, and I am eagerly (but not patiently) awaiting Book 2 of The Von Strassenberg Saga. You will not be able to anticipate the next turn the story may take. You become emotionally invested in the protagonists. I read it in about 4 hours because it was painful to put it down. PLEASE read this because you will NOT regret it!!
September 6, 2013
I love it when I find an amazing indie published book. This is one of them. The author does such a good job of switching back & forth from the present to the past with each chapter, always leaving you in suspense. And what a cliff hanger ending! Going to download the second book ASAP!
I also have to say though, and maybe I'm missing something obvious, but I don't understand the title "Filter" for the book?
I also have to say though, and maybe I'm missing something obvious, but I don't understand the title "Filter" for the book?
June 2, 2012
Oh my, I loved this book!!!! Thank you Gwenn for writing such an amazing story!(I hope it's more than three books!;)) There was not one dull moment, not one moment to take a breath, I am so invested in each and every one of these characters lives. Look at all the 5-star reviews, this book is absolutely deserving of them. So many other people reviewed it more thoroughly, maybe someday I will...but right now I have to go buy the next book!!
July 7, 2013
I originally read this book when it first came out on my kindle, I love, love, LOVED it then and knew I would add it to my library. I finally ordered it along with the next 2 books in the saga. I re-read Filter and was just as intrigued and spell-bound as before!! I was really quite amazed that you really can't anticipate what will happen next, not even who the love interest will be. You must read to the last page, and when you get there go to the next book! You won't be disappointed!
December 11, 2013
I bought this book based on Amazon reviews (never a good idea) and realized within two pages that it was self-published. Unedited and poorly written.
I might give it another go since the Goodreads reviews are so glowing, but for now, one star.
I might give it another go since the Goodreads reviews are so glowing, but for now, one star.
May 19, 2011
It was very good, I'll be sure to link my review to my blog once I post a review there!
http://teensreads.blogspot.com/2011/0...
http://teensreads.blogspot.com/2011/0...
January 16, 2013
holy shit
August 26, 2011
Great read!
December 22, 2011
The writing seemed clunky and some of the conversations felt forced and awkward. I liked the story concept and the fact that I could read it in one sitting though.
August 15, 2013
3.5 stars really but I gave it 4 instead of 3 because it kept me entertained which is a major feat these days.
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