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City of Dark Magic #2
City of Lost Dreams
In this action-packed sequel to City of Dark Magic, we find musicologist Sarah Weston in Vienna in search of a cure for her friend Pollina, who is now gravely ill and who may not have much time left. Meanwhile, Nicolas Pertusato, in London in search of an ancient alchemical cure for the girl, discovers an old enemy is one step ahead of him. In Prague, Prince Max tries to unravel the strange reappearance of a long dead saint while being pursued by a seductive red-headed historian with dark motives of her own.
In the city of Beethoven, Mozart, and Freud, Sarah becomes the target in a deadly web of intrigue that involves a scientist on the run, stolen art, seductive pastries, a few surprises from long-dead alchemists, a distractingly attractive horseman who’s more than a little bloodthirsty, and a trail of secrets and lies. But nothing will be more dangerous than the brilliant and vindictive villain who seeks to bend time itself. Sarah must travel deep into an ancient mystery to save the people she loves.
In the city of Beethoven, Mozart, and Freud, Sarah becomes the target in a deadly web of intrigue that involves a scientist on the run, stolen art, seductive pastries, a few surprises from long-dead alchemists, a distractingly attractive horseman who’s more than a little bloodthirsty, and a trail of secrets and lies. But nothing will be more dangerous than the brilliant and vindictive villain who seeks to bend time itself. Sarah must travel deep into an ancient mystery to save the people she loves.
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2013
96 people are currently reading
3476 people want to read
About the author
Magnus Flyte
2 books390 followersMagnus Flyte is a pseudonym for the writing duo of Meg Howrey and Christina Lynch. Howrey is a former dancer with the Joffrey II and the winner of an Ovation Award. She is the author of the novels The Cranes Dance and Blind Sight and lives in Los Angeles. Lynch is a television writer and former Milan correspondent for W Magazine. She lives near Sequoia National Park in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
October 13, 2013
I won this as an advanced reader from Goodreads. I read the first one in the series only recently, and I felt like someone completely different wrote this. Sarah's voice was pretty different from the first one and the entire story was less formal. However, it didn't really detract from the story at all. If anything, there was a more interesting mystery in this story and a more worthy reason for it: Sarah, Max, and Nico are trying to save Pollina's life. It takes Sarah to Prague and Vienna and Nico to different museums around Prague. Max isn't as much a presence in this book as in the last one, but he does have an interesting new girlfriend who plays a huge part in the story. Music also plays a very different role. This sequel is definitely worth reading; if anything, there was more adventure in it (and more mystery) than in the first one.
January 28, 2015
2.5 stars
This review is available on my blog
Am I the only who thinks that the sub-genre of magical realism was invented so that the more literary-minded authors could play within the realm of fantasy while avoiding getting hit with the dreaded "genre" label? Because really that's what magical realism is: fantasy light. It's a book that doesn't stray far from the recognizable modern world, and yet has elements that are unquestionably fantastic. And for all that the Good Reads users have shelved it as fantasy, if you go to find it in the bookstore, you'll find it on the fiction shelf, not fantasy which only emphasizes my point.
But I digress.
When I read City of Dark Magic I thought it was a good book, a little better than okay. There were parts that I liked and parts that I didn't, and while I enjoyed reading it, I never really got around to grabbing this one to take a look at it. If that book hadn't been the first book review I ever posted on this blog, I probably wouldn't have gotten back around to picking this up. But I did. And was it worth it?
Eh.
If I had to give a one word review, I'd probably go with uneven. For every good there is a bad and that's not what you want to see in any endeavor, really.
On the one hand, this book is genuinely fun to read: the authors (Flyte is a pseudonym for the pair of women behind the books) have a way with words that will bring a smile to your face. On the other hand, the chose to make their American university educated Italian doctor Speaka Like Mario. It's grating, to say the least. The authors go for multiple points of view, but pick up too many: some of the characters just don't enough page time to be worth spending time through their eyes and finally, there's a novel-within-a-novel that just drags the book to a screeching halt. Background and ambiance shouldn't come at the expense of killing momentum. Finally, they make the decision to have one character use the c-word, after pretty much not swearing the entire book. I don't mind that kind of language, but it didn't make sense for the character. Sarah was clearly having a Molly Weasley ("Not my daughter, you bitch") moment, but it's like the authors didn't feel that bitch wouldn't have enough punch. It would have.
Characters are also a mixed lot. Nico remains fun. Sarah and Max are at their best when they are together, but the authors conspire to keep them apart because the plot dictates that Max unknowingly date the mostly bland antagonist's minion and show up to have sex with said girlfriend. Sarah meanwhile shows no interest in a character to suddenly jump him for no clear reason. It's just odd. Kudos are to be given for a positively-portrayed transgender character, but as a whole, the characters are mostly flat. Pollina is very likable, but she's a 13 year old a) blind b) musical prodigy c) dying of an incurable disease that d) is practically an orphan because her dilettante parents have more important things to do that spend time with her. It's like the authors are daring you to not like her.
The story is fun, but definitely don't think about it too much because Science Doesn't Work That Way. Not book breaking, but if you have any knowledge of biology you'll probably side-eye it.
Like its predecessor, it's a fun enough read, but it just doesn't hold up. It took me two years to pick up the sequel. If a third book was written, it'd probably take as long to pick it up the next one. It's basically more of the same of the last book, for better or worse.
This review is available on my blog
Am I the only who thinks that the sub-genre of magical realism was invented so that the more literary-minded authors could play within the realm of fantasy while avoiding getting hit with the dreaded "genre" label? Because really that's what magical realism is: fantasy light. It's a book that doesn't stray far from the recognizable modern world, and yet has elements that are unquestionably fantastic. And for all that the Good Reads users have shelved it as fantasy, if you go to find it in the bookstore, you'll find it on the fiction shelf, not fantasy which only emphasizes my point.
But I digress.
When I read City of Dark Magic I thought it was a good book, a little better than okay. There were parts that I liked and parts that I didn't, and while I enjoyed reading it, I never really got around to grabbing this one to take a look at it. If that book hadn't been the first book review I ever posted on this blog, I probably wouldn't have gotten back around to picking this up. But I did. And was it worth it?
Eh.
If I had to give a one word review, I'd probably go with uneven. For every good there is a bad and that's not what you want to see in any endeavor, really.
On the one hand, this book is genuinely fun to read: the authors (Flyte is a pseudonym for the pair of women behind the books) have a way with words that will bring a smile to your face. On the other hand, the chose to make their American university educated Italian doctor Speaka Like Mario. It's grating, to say the least. The authors go for multiple points of view, but pick up too many: some of the characters just don't enough page time to be worth spending time through their eyes and finally, there's a novel-within-a-novel that just drags the book to a screeching halt. Background and ambiance shouldn't come at the expense of killing momentum. Finally, they make the decision to have one character use the c-word, after pretty much not swearing the entire book. I don't mind that kind of language, but it didn't make sense for the character. Sarah was clearly having a Molly Weasley ("Not my daughter, you bitch") moment, but it's like the authors didn't feel that bitch wouldn't have enough punch. It would have.
Characters are also a mixed lot. Nico remains fun. Sarah and Max are at their best when they are together, but the authors conspire to keep them apart because the plot dictates that Max unknowingly date the mostly bland antagonist's minion and show up to have sex with said girlfriend. Sarah meanwhile shows no interest in a character to suddenly jump him for no clear reason. It's just odd. Kudos are to be given for a positively-portrayed transgender character, but as a whole, the characters are mostly flat. Pollina is very likable, but she's a 13 year old a) blind b) musical prodigy c) dying of an incurable disease that d) is practically an orphan because her dilettante parents have more important things to do that spend time with her. It's like the authors are daring you to not like her.
The story is fun, but definitely don't think about it too much because Science Doesn't Work That Way. Not book breaking, but if you have any knowledge of biology you'll probably side-eye it.
Like its predecessor, it's a fun enough read, but it just doesn't hold up. It took me two years to pick up the sequel. If a third book was written, it'd probably take as long to pick it up the next one. It's basically more of the same of the last book, for better or worse.
February 18, 2015
I DON`T WANT IT TO END!
The story has ended...wow I can`t believe how easy I have become so attached to this.
Now, surely, I enjoyed the first book more than this. It was funnier and I loved the friends with benefits situation. This book was way darker. And while it was completely fascinating and swallowing, I would rather there were some moments to lighten the book a bit, you know. I got heart palpitations there!
I was delighfully bewildered from all the sudden POV changes and now that I read my updates, that`s all I really talk about. :P :D It helped me see the story in a DEPTH THAT IS HARD TO PULL OUT!
This duology is deffinitely a favourite for me. All of the characters are so appealing and the villians are so twisted and yet brilliant, that EVEN I (THE GIRL WITH THE "Favourite villian list" I SHOULD NOTE) loved to hate them. I just WISH SO HARD THAT IT DID NOT END SO SUDDENLY! I WANTED ONE MORE CHAPTER OF MAX AND SARAH! THAT WOULD`VE BEEN AMAZING!
I deffinitely recommend this to people who like alchemy, hilarious sex scenes, funny quotes, strong plots and exceptional characters. ALSO, HERE I READ ABOUT THE COOLEST TIME TRAVEL IMAGINABLE! THIS IS WAY BETTER THAN SUPERPOWERS!!! You just need to give the book a itsy-little-bitsy time to form it`s mystery, then you wont be able to put it down!
P.S. Nicolas Pertusatto is Tyrion Lannister. THE AWESOMNESS IS SO MUCH THAT I NEED SUNGLASSES! I love you, dearie!
----------------------
In this action-packed sequel to City of Dark Magic, we find musicologist Sarah Weston in Vienna...
LE SIGH. BEAUTIFUL CITY
...in search of a cure for her friend Pollina, who is now gravely ill and who may not have much time left.
YOU DONT TOUCH THIS CHILD OR I`LL GO FREAKING NUTS!
Meanwhile, Nicolas Pertusato, in London...
HELL YEAH!
in search of an ancient alchemical cure for the girl, discovers an old enemy is one step ahead of him.
Poor Nico. That doesn`t sound good.
In Prague, Prince Max...
PRAGUE AGAIN!!!
tries to unravel the strange reappearance of a long dead saint WHILE BEING PURSUED BY A SEDUCTIVE RED-HEADED HISTORIAN WITH DARK MOTIVES OF HER OWN.
WOW WOW WOW -
In the city of Beethoven, Mozart, and Freud, Sarah becomes the target in a deadly web of intrigue that involves a scientist on the run, stolen art, seductive pastries, a few surprises from long-dead alchemists, a distractingly attractive horseman who’s more than a little bloodthirsty, and a trail of secrets and lies.
IF IT`S LIKE SLEEPY HOLLOW, GIVE IT MY WAY!
But nothing will be more dangerous than the brilliant and vindictive villain who seeks to bend time itself.
DID SOMEONE JUST SAID "VILLAIN"???
Sarah must travel deep into an ancient mystery to save the people she loves.
...
Now that I`m a little less freaked out, it looks like we`re going to HAVE 4 SHIFITNG POINTS OF VIEW! I SO WANT TO SEE HOW IT WORKS OUT! THIS WILL BE JUST AS GOOD AS THE FIRST ONE, I CAN FEEL IT!!!
IF ONLY FREAKING SCHOOL AND HOMEWORK WEREN`T IN THE WAY...
The story has ended...wow I can`t believe how easy I have become so attached to this.
Now, surely, I enjoyed the first book more than this. It was funnier and I loved the friends with benefits situation. This book was way darker. And while it was completely fascinating and swallowing, I would rather there were some moments to lighten the book a bit, you know. I got heart palpitations there!
I was delighfully bewildered from all the sudden POV changes and now that I read my updates, that`s all I really talk about. :P :D It helped me see the story in a DEPTH THAT IS HARD TO PULL OUT!
This duology is deffinitely a favourite for me. All of the characters are so appealing and the villians are so twisted and yet brilliant, that EVEN I (THE GIRL WITH THE "Favourite villian list" I SHOULD NOTE) loved to hate them. I just WISH SO HARD THAT IT DID NOT END SO SUDDENLY! I WANTED ONE MORE CHAPTER OF MAX AND SARAH! THAT WOULD`VE BEEN AMAZING!
I deffinitely recommend this to people who like alchemy, hilarious sex scenes, funny quotes, strong plots and exceptional characters. ALSO, HERE I READ ABOUT THE COOLEST TIME TRAVEL IMAGINABLE! THIS IS WAY BETTER THAN SUPERPOWERS!!! You just need to give the book a itsy-little-bitsy time to form it`s mystery, then you wont be able to put it down!
P.S. Nicolas Pertusatto is Tyrion Lannister. THE AWESOMNESS IS SO MUCH THAT I NEED SUNGLASSES! I love you, dearie!
----------------------
In this action-packed sequel to City of Dark Magic, we find musicologist Sarah Weston in Vienna...
LE SIGH. BEAUTIFUL CITY
...in search of a cure for her friend Pollina, who is now gravely ill and who may not have much time left.
YOU DONT TOUCH THIS CHILD OR I`LL GO FREAKING NUTS!
Meanwhile, Nicolas Pertusato, in London...
HELL YEAH!
in search of an ancient alchemical cure for the girl, discovers an old enemy is one step ahead of him.
In Prague, Prince Max...
PRAGUE AGAIN!!!
tries to unravel the strange reappearance of a long dead saint WHILE BEING PURSUED BY A SEDUCTIVE RED-HEADED HISTORIAN WITH DARK MOTIVES OF HER OWN.
WOW WOW WOW -
In the city of Beethoven, Mozart, and Freud, Sarah becomes the target in a deadly web of intrigue that involves a scientist on the run, stolen art, seductive pastries, a few surprises from long-dead alchemists, a distractingly attractive horseman who’s more than a little bloodthirsty, and a trail of secrets and lies.
IF IT`S LIKE SLEEPY HOLLOW, GIVE IT MY WAY!
But nothing will be more dangerous than the brilliant and vindictive villain who seeks to bend time itself.
DID SOMEONE JUST SAID "VILLAIN"???
Sarah must travel deep into an ancient mystery to save the people she loves.
...
Now that I`m a little less freaked out, it looks like we`re going to HAVE 4 SHIFITNG POINTS OF VIEW! I SO WANT TO SEE HOW IT WORKS OUT! THIS WILL BE JUST AS GOOD AS THE FIRST ONE, I CAN FEEL IT!!!
IF ONLY FREAKING SCHOOL AND HOMEWORK WEREN`T IN THE WAY...
December 5, 2013
City of Lost Dreams, like its predecessor, City of Dark Magic, is great big entertaining fun. Although I find the conceit of the imaginary author a bit silly, it's hard to argue with time travel, immortal dwarves, alchemical hallucinogens, and Viennese pastries (yes, I do pay attention to the food in the books I read). Throw in a mystery and Vienna with all its musical history and splendor and this is a book to devour and enjoy.
Second books (like sophomore year) are hard to get right, especially when the first one is good, but I actually liked this one better than the first. For one thing, Sarah is a lot more capable in this book. I loved the fact that she didn't need a man to rescue her - the help is nice, but it's good to see her doing some serious ass-kicking. The world building that was established at a high pace in City of Dark Magic (at times it reminded me of a madcap thirties comedy) is well and truly in place allowing the authors to focus on characterization and plot and they've done well with this.
The mystery is high-stakes - can our heroes save Pollina before it's too late? Along the way we're treated to resurrected saints and the mysteries of alchemy as it dovetails with modern biological sciences. There's plenty of mystery and adventure with pitch perfect pacing and did I mention the pastries? If you're looking for something fun to read this is the book for you.
Second books (like sophomore year) are hard to get right, especially when the first one is good, but I actually liked this one better than the first. For one thing, Sarah is a lot more capable in this book. I loved the fact that she didn't need a man to rescue her - the help is nice, but it's good to see her doing some serious ass-kicking. The world building that was established at a high pace in City of Dark Magic (at times it reminded me of a madcap thirties comedy) is well and truly in place allowing the authors to focus on characterization and plot and they've done well with this.
The mystery is high-stakes - can our heroes save Pollina before it's too late? Along the way we're treated to resurrected saints and the mysteries of alchemy as it dovetails with modern biological sciences. There's plenty of mystery and adventure with pitch perfect pacing and did I mention the pastries? If you're looking for something fun to read this is the book for you.
July 9, 2013
Ok, I'll come clean. This series is fun, possibly addictive. The sequel is different, but it's still a great smart-girl-slightly-smutty-beach-read.
June 10, 2023
Genre(s): Dark Academia, Fantasy, Mystery, Contemporary, Historical
Setting: Prague, Vienna
POV: Multiple points of view, primarily third person narration, brief interludes of first person
Tropes: Time travel, dual timelines, a romantic subplot
Dates Read: May 19-22 2023
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased so long ago I can’t remember 🙂
Summary:
After falling in love with a Czech Prince in a wild summer love affair that saw her “meet” her idol Beethoven thanks to an alchemical drug that let her see through time Sarah left everyone she loved behind to go back to her job as a musicologist in Boston. Now she’s called back to Prague to help her Prince (who has a new girlfriend) and their 400 year old immortal friend Nico find a cure for their friend, and ostensible ward, the blind teenage piano prodigy Pollina, who is dying. The search for this cure will send Sarah all around Austria but will centre on Vienna. Nico meanwhile will journey to London before joining her there. Magic, mystery, and alchemical fuelled trips through history and time are all going to be necessary to help Sarah save the day, and maybe win back her Prince.
What I liked:
I love how the books in this duology bend and blend genres. There are elements of magical realism, straight-up fantasy, and even scifi. It’s contemporary and historical at the same time; there is mystery, but also romance. It is a melting pot, but it all works together well instead of feeling fragmented and dissonant. My favourite thing about this book though was the setting; Magnus Flyte writes Vienna so beautifully and so well that I can really put myself there (I’ve always wanted to go to Vienna but I want to even more after reading this). You really get a sense of place and scale from the way Vienna is described especially through the blend of contemporary and historical timelines which are the signature of this series. I also like the very organic way they introduced a trans side character.
What I disliked:
I didn’t like how little time we got to spend with Sarah and Max together. The entire first book their relationship was a key focus and by the end, they’d decided to live together. By the time this book picks up, they are broken up and he has ostensibly moved on. But they spend 95% of the book pining for each other and regretting breaking up. Because this isn’t a romance novel and the romance isn’t a central element I don’t think I need a spoiler warning to say I am annoyed by the incredibly rushed and unsatisfying third-act reunion we got given the lack of interaction throughout the entire story. There was more development in Sarah’s relationship with Nico than there was in her relationship with Max. But also, given how central Pollina and her illness are to the plot of the narrative we spend surprisingly little time with her. There is a sad scene with her dog though and I hate a tragic scene with a dog. I am far too tender-hearted.
Read this book if:
- You like genre-defying books that span multiple timelines
- You are a fan of music history and/or alchemy
- Like fantastical elements in your mystery novels
Setting: Prague, Vienna
POV: Multiple points of view, primarily third person narration, brief interludes of first person
Tropes: Time travel, dual timelines, a romantic subplot
Dates Read: May 19-22 2023
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased so long ago I can’t remember 🙂
Summary:
After falling in love with a Czech Prince in a wild summer love affair that saw her “meet” her idol Beethoven thanks to an alchemical drug that let her see through time Sarah left everyone she loved behind to go back to her job as a musicologist in Boston. Now she’s called back to Prague to help her Prince (who has a new girlfriend) and their 400 year old immortal friend Nico find a cure for their friend, and ostensible ward, the blind teenage piano prodigy Pollina, who is dying. The search for this cure will send Sarah all around Austria but will centre on Vienna. Nico meanwhile will journey to London before joining her there. Magic, mystery, and alchemical fuelled trips through history and time are all going to be necessary to help Sarah save the day, and maybe win back her Prince.
What I liked:
I love how the books in this duology bend and blend genres. There are elements of magical realism, straight-up fantasy, and even scifi. It’s contemporary and historical at the same time; there is mystery, but also romance. It is a melting pot, but it all works together well instead of feeling fragmented and dissonant. My favourite thing about this book though was the setting; Magnus Flyte writes Vienna so beautifully and so well that I can really put myself there (I’ve always wanted to go to Vienna but I want to even more after reading this). You really get a sense of place and scale from the way Vienna is described especially through the blend of contemporary and historical timelines which are the signature of this series. I also like the very organic way they introduced a trans side character.
What I disliked:
I didn’t like how little time we got to spend with Sarah and Max together. The entire first book their relationship was a key focus and by the end, they’d decided to live together. By the time this book picks up, they are broken up and he has ostensibly moved on. But they spend 95% of the book pining for each other and regretting breaking up. Because this isn’t a romance novel and the romance isn’t a central element I don’t think I need a spoiler warning to say I am annoyed by the incredibly rushed and unsatisfying third-act reunion we got given the lack of interaction throughout the entire story. There was more development in Sarah’s relationship with Nico than there was in her relationship with Max. But also, given how central Pollina and her illness are to the plot of the narrative we spend surprisingly little time with her. There is a sad scene with her dog though and I hate a tragic scene with a dog. I am far too tender-hearted.
Read this book if:
- You like genre-defying books that span multiple timelines
- You are a fan of music history and/or alchemy
- Like fantastical elements in your mystery novels
October 24, 2019
Just like the first book, this one beautifully orchestrated. I was quite taken with Sarah and Max and was thrilled to have them back, but their development together was almost nonexistent. With each character following their separate paths, you continued to wonder if they would get back together before the end came. As the last fifty pages of the book being the most heartwrenching part of the whole series, the ending brought the most complicated yet wondrous ending. The writing style continued to be on point, with the past and present blurring the lines of reality, which was a great support to such a unique tale. The bittersweet ending to this one of a kind series was the best way for it to close, reminding us all that our dreams will lead us in the direction we are meant to go.
December 28, 2018
Moving back and forth between Prague and Vienna, Sarah Weston, Nico, Pollina, and Max (and various new characters) are searching for a way to make Pols well.
Alchemy again plays a major role as Sarah looks for a missing woman, who just may have the answer. But at what cost?
Fantasy and reality blend in Vienna, the city of lost dreams.
This is the second book in the duology, and although it could be read as a stand-alone, there would be quite a bit that might not make as much sense.
Alchemy again plays a major role as Sarah looks for a missing woman, who just may have the answer. But at what cost?
Fantasy and reality blend in Vienna, the city of lost dreams.
This is the second book in the duology, and although it could be read as a stand-alone, there would be quite a bit that might not make as much sense.
August 24, 2025
It wasn’t until about halfway through that the action picked up to the point I was invested. I wish it hadn’t taken so long.
I loved Elizabeth Weston’s novel excerpts and the other POVs we dabbled in throughout the story.
I’m not entirely sure even the magic of the ending all lined up for me, but it was cool nonetheless. I wanted more of a resolution to Sarah and Max’s romance though!
I loved Elizabeth Weston’s novel excerpts and the other POVs we dabbled in throughout the story.
I’m not entirely sure even the magic of the ending all lined up for me, but it was cool nonetheless. I wanted more of a resolution to Sarah and Max’s romance though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2020
Spent most of my time reading this trying to figure out who people were and what was going on. Last 1/3 of the book was the best. This felt like it was written by a different person than the first.
Reading challenge 2020: a book you are prompted to read because of something you read in 2019 (city of dark magic)
Reading challenge 2020: a book you are prompted to read because of something you read in 2019 (city of dark magic)
January 16, 2019
Usually the second in the series lets you down...
This one did not! Absolutely fabulous!
This one did not! Absolutely fabulous!
December 24, 2017
This was the second book in a two book series. I have to admit that I did like the first book better. This was a great continuation of the characters I came to know in the first book. I was originally drawn to the first book because it mentioned time travel. I use that term loosely because I don't know if you can call seeing the past time travel. However it was great to know what happened to the characters and the novel presents some really interesting ideas about music and alchemy. Overall a fun read and I would enjoy reading more in this series if they make them.
December 8, 2013
'City of Lost Dreams' is a unique and enchanting novel - it's completely unlike anything I've read before (aside from the first book in the series). The story once again focuses on our leading lady Sarah Weston, a music expert from Boston who is on a mission to get young Pollina into a drug trial for her serious illness. We are reacquainted with several characters from the first book - Prince Max, Pollina, Nicolas Pertusato, and others. Once again, Vienna holds mysterious secrets from the past and twisting adventures around every corner for our characters. While Sarah is hunting for a medical cure for Pollina, Nicolas begins searching for an ancient alchemical cure - and is surprised to find that a very old enemy is attempting the same thing, and appears to be steps ahead of him on his quest. Meanwhile, Prince Max is trying to piece together the reappearance of a saint who died centuries ago and keeping an eye on a pretty historian who has her own secret agenda.
Although this is the second book in the series, it was a completely enchanting and fascinating blend of genres that I immediately fell back in love with the moment I began to read. There is so much going on during this book - murders, mystery, intrigue, mayhem, romance, time travel, alchemy and espionage to name a few - that it sucks you in from the first words and doesn't let go until far after the final word is read. The characters continued to be very interesting and distinct - and I really loved getting to know them each a little more. I felt that they were a great cast of personalities for the book and were incredibly flawed and realistic. I loved getting to know more about the main character, Sarah. She's brilliant and fiercely independent, yet she's devoted to her friends and will do just about anything to learn the truth. Yet she wasn't on a pedestal - she definitely had flaws and character traits that made her feel very real. The same goes with the other major characters in the book.
Speaking of the plot - I don't even know how to describe or explain it. The authors paint such an incredibly vivid and beautiful depiction of both Vienna and Prague that it was easy to immerse myself into the setting and the story within seconds of reading. This series contains some of the best writing I've ever come across. The descriptions are so intricately detailed and vividly imagined that the story comes alive before your eyes. There's really no other way to explain it. There are several story lines that happen at once in the book, all of which are some sort of mystery waiting to be untangled, and all seem to fit together in some way that doesn't show itself to the reader until the end. The main thread of the story is once again magical and breathtaking in it's entirety. I was fully enamored by the way the story was told, the story itself, the cast of characters, and the subject matter that was talked about. All of it intertwined to make an unbelievably compelling novel that will continue resonate with me for a long time to come. Like the first book in the series, it's one of those books that you feel you must re-read over and over in order to pick up on small details you missed before and also just to lose yourself in its pages again. In summary, this is one of the most imaginative and amazing books (and series) that I've ever read. It breaks any genre boundaries and opens the reader up to endless possibilities. I'm already impatiently waiting for the next book in the series to come out so I can find out what mysteries and journeys our characters will stumble into next. Very Highly recommended for fans of all genres - especially those who enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, and mysteries. If you haven't started this series yet, do it NOW!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Although this is the second book in the series, it was a completely enchanting and fascinating blend of genres that I immediately fell back in love with the moment I began to read. There is so much going on during this book - murders, mystery, intrigue, mayhem, romance, time travel, alchemy and espionage to name a few - that it sucks you in from the first words and doesn't let go until far after the final word is read. The characters continued to be very interesting and distinct - and I really loved getting to know them each a little more. I felt that they were a great cast of personalities for the book and were incredibly flawed and realistic. I loved getting to know more about the main character, Sarah. She's brilliant and fiercely independent, yet she's devoted to her friends and will do just about anything to learn the truth. Yet she wasn't on a pedestal - she definitely had flaws and character traits that made her feel very real. The same goes with the other major characters in the book.
Speaking of the plot - I don't even know how to describe or explain it. The authors paint such an incredibly vivid and beautiful depiction of both Vienna and Prague that it was easy to immerse myself into the setting and the story within seconds of reading. This series contains some of the best writing I've ever come across. The descriptions are so intricately detailed and vividly imagined that the story comes alive before your eyes. There's really no other way to explain it. There are several story lines that happen at once in the book, all of which are some sort of mystery waiting to be untangled, and all seem to fit together in some way that doesn't show itself to the reader until the end. The main thread of the story is once again magical and breathtaking in it's entirety. I was fully enamored by the way the story was told, the story itself, the cast of characters, and the subject matter that was talked about. All of it intertwined to make an unbelievably compelling novel that will continue resonate with me for a long time to come. Like the first book in the series, it's one of those books that you feel you must re-read over and over in order to pick up on small details you missed before and also just to lose yourself in its pages again. In summary, this is one of the most imaginative and amazing books (and series) that I've ever read. It breaks any genre boundaries and opens the reader up to endless possibilities. I'm already impatiently waiting for the next book in the series to come out so I can find out what mysteries and journeys our characters will stumble into next. Very Highly recommended for fans of all genres - especially those who enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, and mysteries. If you haven't started this series yet, do it NOW!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2022
'City of Dreams' picks up where 'City of Dark Magic' left off and follows Sarah Weston as she heads to Vienna to meet with a doctor who may be able to treat her friend Pollina's rare genetic problem. Once she lands in Vienna, a cloak and dagger drama ensues involving a book of cures, eccentric intellectuals, Austrian aristocracy, and classical music. A new alchemical adventure awaits Sarah who is reunited with Nico, Max, and their beloved friend Westonia. Time travel, 16th century healers, portals, and magic compose an overture of deadly passion in a city full of intrigue and mystery.
I really like this duology for its originality and esoteric storylines. It has a little bit of everything in the historical fantasy and dark academia genres. It's a very unusual story that is at times weird but wildly suspenseful. I enjoy reading about European cities that are not featured in fantasy fiction very often- Prague and Vienna, and given their interesting occult histories, they are the perfect moody backdrops for a supernatural story. My only criticism with this book is that there were too many loose ends. Many of my burning questions were not answered and the adventure outshined the ending. All of the fascinating individual parts were inconclusive which was disappointing because there were some really intriguing things the story was exploring.
I don't think there will be a third book which is a shame because there is a lot of potential for yet another alchemical adventure, one that would hopefully explain and answer all of the questions I have.
I really like this duology for its originality and esoteric storylines. It has a little bit of everything in the historical fantasy and dark academia genres. It's a very unusual story that is at times weird but wildly suspenseful. I enjoy reading about European cities that are not featured in fantasy fiction very often- Prague and Vienna, and given their interesting occult histories, they are the perfect moody backdrops for a supernatural story. My only criticism with this book is that there were too many loose ends. Many of my burning questions were not answered and the adventure outshined the ending. All of the fascinating individual parts were inconclusive which was disappointing because there were some really intriguing things the story was exploring.
I don't think there will be a third book which is a shame because there is a lot of potential for yet another alchemical adventure, one that would hopefully explain and answer all of the questions I have.
December 30, 2013
After the first Magnus Flyte novel, you would think I had known better than to read the second while visiting my boyfriend. "Okay if I stay up and read while you go to sleep for work tomorrow? Love you!"
The follow up to City of Dark Magic was just as exciting as the original. Picking up some time after City of Dark Magic leaves off, City of Lost Dreams brings back the characters that I loved the most from the original. Sarah, Max, Nico and Pols. It brings back the drug Westonia and the mysteries of the past that still need to be resolved.
I loved falling back in with these characters and my heart broke when I realized that Pols was not doing well with her illness. I wanted so desperately for Sarah and Nico and Max to find the answers to fix her, whether it be through alchemy or modern medicine. I was intrigued by the new characters and the roles that they played in the mysteries of the story, especially Harriet.
Just when I thought I had figured everything in this story out, there were a few plot twists that I certainly did not expect. Perhaps I should have figured them out on my own, but I was so intrigued by what happened next that I barely realized the details that had been left hanging.
I loved reading this book. And if you loved reading City of Dark Magic, I think you will love it too.
The follow up to City of Dark Magic was just as exciting as the original. Picking up some time after City of Dark Magic leaves off, City of Lost Dreams brings back the characters that I loved the most from the original. Sarah, Max, Nico and Pols. It brings back the drug Westonia and the mysteries of the past that still need to be resolved.
I loved falling back in with these characters and my heart broke when I realized that Pols was not doing well with her illness. I wanted so desperately for Sarah and Nico and Max to find the answers to fix her, whether it be through alchemy or modern medicine. I was intrigued by the new characters and the roles that they played in the mysteries of the story, especially Harriet.
Just when I thought I had figured everything in this story out, there were a few plot twists that I certainly did not expect. Perhaps I should have figured them out on my own, but I was so intrigued by what happened next that I barely realized the details that had been left hanging.
I loved reading this book. And if you loved reading City of Dark Magic, I think you will love it too.
September 5, 2014
The Magnus Flyte series is a PURE delight. It's like the modern-day equivalent of The Princess Bride, packed with something for everyone - romance, history, adventure, suspense, sex (like, whoa), hilarity, and amusing characters (even the villains are enjoyable). Plus, talk about smart: It's incredible, how much history, science, and music they managed to pack into this book, and in ways that were never boring (WARNING: If you're the type who often likes to fall down the Wikipedia rabbit hole of research, this book is going to be your Kryptonite). I loved every page of both this book and its predecessor, City of Dark Magic.
March 5, 2014
Read an advanced copy, so I think part of my confusion was formatting issues - but I didn't think this one flowed as well, or explained as much as City of Dark Magic. Still a must read to fans of the first, but I am left with questions.
January 18, 2015
Great escapist fare - and that's what it's all about for me! This book is a sequel to City of Dark Magic. The authors, Meg Howrey and Christina Lynch, who write under the pseudonym, Magnus Flyte, must have such a great time writing these books! I do hope there is a third.
March 20, 2014
Just like with the first, I loved this book. Mystery, adventure, romance, fantasy, history, cultures, science... genre bending and still maintaining a clear flight path. So enjoyable.
January 3, 2016
I absolutely adore Magnus Flyte. Both books are fabulous!!!
April 7, 2018
After finishing the book, I realized two things. An encore is sometimes unnecessary and I appreciate history more than I think.
Let’s start at the beginning. The book follows the rag tag unlikely group of Sarah, a musicologist, Pollina, a blind virtuoso, Nico, an immortal dwarf, and Max , who happens to be a prince.
In the story, Pollina falls fatally ill while Sarah and crew embark on a quest to cure her. I wasn’t thrilled at the story description, but I loved the first book so dearly, it warranted a read.
What works is the time travelling aspects from the first book. The writers have a knack for getting me there; from lush descriptions of long ago Europe, it’s quite the feat that with each hit of the time travelling drug Westonia, I was taken back.
What worked were several moments of memorable imagery. I loved the image of Beethoven playing with a shard of light. So simple, and yet so powerful. I also loved the bits of history sprinkled throughout. As someone who barely passed art history, I was enjoying myself very much.
What also worked was the gorgeous setting. You could not do any better than Vienna and it made me long to return to Europe. After reading this, the pull is strong.
What did not work is the end of the book. Probably one of the wonkier third acts I’ve read in recent memory. Even for a fictional time travelling fantasy, it really went off the rails at the end. There is a long sequence where notes are being associated to imagery during the conclusion which fell completely flat for me. This scene dragged on and was so full of “then this happened, and this happened and then this next fantastical thing happened ...” It really toppled the delicate balancing act between reality and fantasy and seemed misplaced.
Circling back to my first point, I loved the first book City of Dark Magic so much. I hadn’t experienced anything quite like it and was elated about returning to this world. After finishing, I feel somewhat cheated. The journey started off promising enough, yet at the end I was left with a merely passable experience.
Let’s start at the beginning. The book follows the rag tag unlikely group of Sarah, a musicologist, Pollina, a blind virtuoso, Nico, an immortal dwarf, and Max , who happens to be a prince.
In the story, Pollina falls fatally ill while Sarah and crew embark on a quest to cure her. I wasn’t thrilled at the story description, but I loved the first book so dearly, it warranted a read.
What works is the time travelling aspects from the first book. The writers have a knack for getting me there; from lush descriptions of long ago Europe, it’s quite the feat that with each hit of the time travelling drug Westonia, I was taken back.
What worked were several moments of memorable imagery. I loved the image of Beethoven playing with a shard of light. So simple, and yet so powerful. I also loved the bits of history sprinkled throughout. As someone who barely passed art history, I was enjoying myself very much.
What also worked was the gorgeous setting. You could not do any better than Vienna and it made me long to return to Europe. After reading this, the pull is strong.
What did not work is the end of the book. Probably one of the wonkier third acts I’ve read in recent memory. Even for a fictional time travelling fantasy, it really went off the rails at the end. There is a long sequence where notes are being associated to imagery during the conclusion which fell completely flat for me. This scene dragged on and was so full of “then this happened, and this happened and then this next fantastical thing happened ...” It really toppled the delicate balancing act between reality and fantasy and seemed misplaced.
Circling back to my first point, I loved the first book City of Dark Magic so much. I hadn’t experienced anything quite like it and was elated about returning to this world. After finishing, I feel somewhat cheated. The journey started off promising enough, yet at the end I was left with a merely passable experience.
November 22, 2013
3.5 Stars
There are many things I really liked but also quite a few things that annoyed me
Review:
This left me quite divided. There were aspects in this novel I totally adore and others that simply pissed me off, to put it bluntly. I felt the same about the first novel, by the way.
I think this is very cleverly constructed, but I also felt that it's lacking at times. After reading this, I wanted to know who Magnus Flyte was more than anything else. Because for starters, he got so much right when it comes to describing music and the feeling Prague or Vienna evokes. But on the other hand, he also got so much wrong when it comes to Vienna especially. I was convinced that he didn't live in Vienna or Prague at the end of this. He had to live in the USA in my mind. I also felt he had to have some background in music or possibly history...
Well, I was not so wrong on some level. But Magnus Flyte is a pseudonym for the writing duo of Meg Howrey and Christina Lynch.
The plot, just like in City of Dark Magic is fun. It takes you on a wild goose chaise through history and two fabulous European cities (Prague and Vienna) and end with a mythical fantasy big bash at the end.
I enjoy the murder mysteries this time as much as the last time. And it took me a while to guess who the perpetrator was.
The character building is fabulous for some character and extremely cliche for others.
About a third into this book I suddenly realised that a source of irritation was Sara. I really don't like Sara. I didn't particularly fancy her in the first book, but in this, she downright annoyed me. I found her so opinionated. So ignorant on one level. Then when it comes to her talking music- just wow! it's one of my favorite parts of the book.
I wasn't a fan of Max either, but I didn't mind him. He is a bit all over the place and terribly clueless- quite frankly a bit of a twat. But he didn't annoy me.
Both of them where a bit cliche American actually. Which is one of the things that made me wonder who the author really is. I found it hard to reconcile their obvious great education and good intellects with their totally immature and insensitive behavior. The most annoying bit is definitely their love lives. Who could be that removed of their feelings and so very objective about their sex life?
I think Nico put it just right;
"Did you see Sarah in Vienna?" "Of course." "How is she?" "Same as you,"said Nico. "Tall and stupid"
Nico was my favorite character- he is the flamboyant good hearted fun portion of the book. And added sever really interesting thoughts to the mix.
Pols is simply beautiful. I think she was the most convincing and most moving character. I believed what drove her but also understood her fears and feelings. Amazingly and inspiring written character.
The world building is so very well done! The mix of fantasy and history so cleverly blended, that I had to think hard if certain characters actually existed. In fact I did google Elizabeth Weston, since I had never heard of her. And yes, she did live in Prague in the 16th century and was the stepdaughter of Kelly. I am definitely going to look for her poetry.
I love how Howrey and Lynch brought a historical era back to life. It was one of my favorite bit in the first book. But while the first book was mainly focused on Beethoven. This book went even further in added different historical times and quite a few more characters to the story. It's done so well, not only are many of the historical facts well research and really accurate. Flyte managed to paint moments in time so well that they felt real and tangible.
The prose is witty and beautiful at times.
"No eggs should cost that much unless they came with the actual chickens and a handsome farmer who would rub your feet while you ate."
But also the prose was one of my biggest issues in the book.
While in Austria there were many German sentences and terms added, which I really didn't like. First it kind disrupted the flow.
"After Sarah had explained to the polizei what she was doing in the lab and the officers had holstered their guns, an officer had been dispatched to collect Alessandro from the platz."
By the way I speak fluently German, being born in Switzerland. So it wasn't the fact that I did feel i missed something. I just didn't like how it changed the pace. Then and even worse. There were terrible grammatical faults in the German. I hope these will be corrected in the published issue. Because honestly they were atrocious! We talking basic German grammar. Like "mein lieber Pferd"instead of "mein liebes Pferd"
I found Alessandro's English really annoying, the guys graduated at a good American university. Is supposedly a brain and a half. But cant speak basic English? REALLY? I found that not only hard to believe, I found his English so lacking I wanted to take a red marker to it. Honestly, many people take up English as a second language and most of them are capable within a few short month to form decent sentences. Especially if they study or live in English speaking countries.
While I am at it. I found that while some parts of Vienna were so adequately described others were totally off the marker. No Austrian would claim not to understand German- they do speak German. A Swiss on the other hand could have reacted like that.... well, we don't really speak German. We speak Swiss which is basically Aleman.
While I loved the way that Prague was described - in both books. I think they got Austria a wee bit wrong. But not that wrong that any one other than someone who spent their childhood in the neighborhood would pick up on it. But that slightly too cliche description of Austria, was what made me think- Flyte was possibly never there. And if he was only as a tourist. Which lead me to investigate the authors.
The best part about this novel is the thoughts that I was left with afterwards. In my opinion if a book does manage to reach you, make you think about it, inspires interesting in other topics... that's certainly a good book. And City of Lost Dreams certainly has left me with many things that I've been pondering for the last few days. Immortality, history, medicine, alchemy, love, muscic, healing, Phillipine Welser and their connections are just a few of them.
"This is how it goes," Nico said, softly. "This is the worst part. When you love someone." "Don't say it," said Sarah. "I don't want to you to say it." "The price of love is loss."
"The modern idea that one particular formula should work for multiple bodies isn't medicine, it's commerce."
An interesting book that fuses several genre expertly. It brings history back to life in a very unique way. Will inspire music lover and make you think about health, love and life.
ARC was provided by Publishers through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
There are many things I really liked but also quite a few things that annoyed me
Review:
This left me quite divided. There were aspects in this novel I totally adore and others that simply pissed me off, to put it bluntly. I felt the same about the first novel, by the way.
I think this is very cleverly constructed, but I also felt that it's lacking at times. After reading this, I wanted to know who Magnus Flyte was more than anything else. Because for starters, he got so much right when it comes to describing music and the feeling Prague or Vienna evokes. But on the other hand, he also got so much wrong when it comes to Vienna especially. I was convinced that he didn't live in Vienna or Prague at the end of this. He had to live in the USA in my mind. I also felt he had to have some background in music or possibly history...
Well, I was not so wrong on some level. But Magnus Flyte is a pseudonym for the writing duo of Meg Howrey and Christina Lynch.
The plot, just like in City of Dark Magic is fun. It takes you on a wild goose chaise through history and two fabulous European cities (Prague and Vienna) and end with a mythical fantasy big bash at the end.
I enjoy the murder mysteries this time as much as the last time. And it took me a while to guess who the perpetrator was.
The character building is fabulous for some character and extremely cliche for others.
About a third into this book I suddenly realised that a source of irritation was Sara. I really don't like Sara. I didn't particularly fancy her in the first book, but in this, she downright annoyed me. I found her so opinionated. So ignorant on one level. Then when it comes to her talking music- just wow! it's one of my favorite parts of the book.
I wasn't a fan of Max either, but I didn't mind him. He is a bit all over the place and terribly clueless- quite frankly a bit of a twat. But he didn't annoy me.
Both of them where a bit cliche American actually. Which is one of the things that made me wonder who the author really is. I found it hard to reconcile their obvious great education and good intellects with their totally immature and insensitive behavior. The most annoying bit is definitely their love lives. Who could be that removed of their feelings and so very objective about their sex life?
I think Nico put it just right;
"Did you see Sarah in Vienna?" "Of course." "How is she?" "Same as you,"said Nico. "Tall and stupid"
Nico was my favorite character- he is the flamboyant good hearted fun portion of the book. And added sever really interesting thoughts to the mix.
Pols is simply beautiful. I think she was the most convincing and most moving character. I believed what drove her but also understood her fears and feelings. Amazingly and inspiring written character.
The world building is so very well done! The mix of fantasy and history so cleverly blended, that I had to think hard if certain characters actually existed. In fact I did google Elizabeth Weston, since I had never heard of her. And yes, she did live in Prague in the 16th century and was the stepdaughter of Kelly. I am definitely going to look for her poetry.
I love how Howrey and Lynch brought a historical era back to life. It was one of my favorite bit in the first book. But while the first book was mainly focused on Beethoven. This book went even further in added different historical times and quite a few more characters to the story. It's done so well, not only are many of the historical facts well research and really accurate. Flyte managed to paint moments in time so well that they felt real and tangible.
The prose is witty and beautiful at times.
"No eggs should cost that much unless they came with the actual chickens and a handsome farmer who would rub your feet while you ate."
But also the prose was one of my biggest issues in the book.
While in Austria there were many German sentences and terms added, which I really didn't like. First it kind disrupted the flow.
"After Sarah had explained to the polizei what she was doing in the lab and the officers had holstered their guns, an officer had been dispatched to collect Alessandro from the platz."
By the way I speak fluently German, being born in Switzerland. So it wasn't the fact that I did feel i missed something. I just didn't like how it changed the pace. Then and even worse. There were terrible grammatical faults in the German. I hope these will be corrected in the published issue. Because honestly they were atrocious! We talking basic German grammar. Like "mein lieber Pferd"instead of "mein liebes Pferd"
I found Alessandro's English really annoying, the guys graduated at a good American university. Is supposedly a brain and a half. But cant speak basic English? REALLY? I found that not only hard to believe, I found his English so lacking I wanted to take a red marker to it. Honestly, many people take up English as a second language and most of them are capable within a few short month to form decent sentences. Especially if they study or live in English speaking countries.
While I am at it. I found that while some parts of Vienna were so adequately described others were totally off the marker. No Austrian would claim not to understand German- they do speak German. A Swiss on the other hand could have reacted like that.... well, we don't really speak German. We speak Swiss which is basically Aleman.
While I loved the way that Prague was described - in both books. I think they got Austria a wee bit wrong. But not that wrong that any one other than someone who spent their childhood in the neighborhood would pick up on it. But that slightly too cliche description of Austria, was what made me think- Flyte was possibly never there. And if he was only as a tourist. Which lead me to investigate the authors.
The best part about this novel is the thoughts that I was left with afterwards. In my opinion if a book does manage to reach you, make you think about it, inspires interesting in other topics... that's certainly a good book. And City of Lost Dreams certainly has left me with many things that I've been pondering for the last few days. Immortality, history, medicine, alchemy, love, muscic, healing, Phillipine Welser and their connections are just a few of them.
"This is how it goes," Nico said, softly. "This is the worst part. When you love someone." "Don't say it," said Sarah. "I don't want to you to say it." "The price of love is loss."
"The modern idea that one particular formula should work for multiple bodies isn't medicine, it's commerce."
An interesting book that fuses several genre expertly. It brings history back to life in a very unique way. Will inspire music lover and make you think about health, love and life.
ARC was provided by Publishers through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
May 31, 2017
Like a typical sequel, this book is not as good as the first. The villains aren't as as good, and the book lacks the madcap humor of book 1; here the emphasis is on death and decay. The young prodigy who does not want to die, and the two immortals who do. Definitely a downer!
Here, industrial espionage has replaced Cold War espionage, which is just not the same. the villain is more remote, a modern-day pharmaceutical giant (they make such perfect villains, after all) after the formula for eternal life.
There is only a weak attempt at humor in poking fun at Austrians' excessive pride, conservatism and love of their past, conveniently forgetting the anti-Semitic part.
Not much romance here, either, at least not for Sarah. I hope this means there will be a book 3! She is still in love with Max and vice versa. While waiting for Sarah, Max has filled the void with another love interest, a Brit with a plummy Oxbridge accent and an history reenactment TV show. Meh. Definitely not at the same level as the 2 villainesses in book 1.
The concept of time as another dimension is still a theme here (see my review of book 1), which redeems the book for me, but not enough. I hope there is a book 3, and that it is set back in Prague.
Here, industrial espionage has replaced Cold War espionage, which is just not the same. the villain is more remote, a modern-day pharmaceutical giant (they make such perfect villains, after all) after the formula for eternal life.
There is only a weak attempt at humor in poking fun at Austrians' excessive pride, conservatism and love of their past, conveniently forgetting the anti-Semitic part.
Not much romance here, either, at least not for Sarah. I hope this means there will be a book 3! She is still in love with Max and vice versa. While waiting for Sarah, Max has filled the void with another love interest, a Brit with a plummy Oxbridge accent and an history reenactment TV show. Meh. Definitely not at the same level as the 2 villainesses in book 1.
The concept of time as another dimension is still a theme here (see my review of book 1), which redeems the book for me, but not enough. I hope there is a book 3, and that it is set back in Prague.
July 1, 2018
This series is pretty dang fun! I ran across them randomly at one of my favorite local used book shops and am glad I snagged them. There's all sorts of lovely intrigue and strange happenings, and wonderful cities that I loved visiting, even if just on the page. Sarah was an interesting character--one whom I could identify with on certain things (especially on the academic side of things), but there were a few one-offs that I struggled with. Her background was portrayed as very humble, but it didn't seem to play out well in her character, and I did wonder a few times at some of her...exploits. Maybe I'm a prude, but I kinda went 'uhhh, okay...?' at a few encounters that seemed a little over-the-top ;) Anyhow, I did enjoy learning more about Beethoven and Prague, as well as Vienna. I always love a little fun information. The science in the book itself was...sketchy at best, but done in a way that I was at least able to ignore the parts that were more silly that science. Anyhow, overall, a good book series that I really enjoyed. Honestly, if there were another in the series I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat!
June 11, 2021
This book is a delight to read: the characters are tart and eccentric and fun to experience and the story itself is original, blending alchemy, a little magic, music, romance and some old-fashioned, mustache-twirling villainy to drive this story along. Well written, with interesting background on famous musicians and other historical figures, this story takes ahold of your imagination and does not let go until the very end. Modern and historical Vienna provide a luscious and somewhat scandalous background for the characters, who are on various quests. Sarah, protagonist, is searching for a cure for her student, Pollina, a musical genius; Nicco is searching for death and release from unwanted immortality of 400 years; Max searches for the Golden Fleece, Bettina searches for a cure for her sick daughter and all the characters search for love and self-fulfillment. This book will take your mind from any troubles. Second in the series.
October 1, 2022
I wish I could give this series more stars. I find it beyond delicious as it stimulates so many parts of my brain and my imagination. On the most obvious level this is a fictional fantasy novel that features primary and secondary characters who are experts in their fields. My hope is that there is a modicum of earnestness in the authors' research as I walk away feeling smarter and infinitely more equipped for a cocktail party in Prague and Vienna. Each page spouts fascinating tidbits on European history, chemistry, music, art, physics, time travel, and eternal life. What makes this series exceptional for me is the absurdity, the weirdness, and the absolute fun of it all. It is not a clean novel, thank the goddess and it is certainly not above having fun. I am so in love.
My first run through this series was a reading, the second was a listen with Audiobook. Both are HIGHLY recommended.
My first run through this series was a reading, the second was a listen with Audiobook. Both are HIGHLY recommended.
January 27, 2017
I don't know if it was me, or what, but I just couldn't get into this book. I loved the first and was so glad that the second was at my library. Well, I'm really glad it was at the library because I didn't have to pay for it. I read about the first 70 pages and I just didn't care about anything that was going on. I mean, I wanted them to save Pols but that was about it. I like Max and Sarah better when they are together, which they aren't for the first half of this book. So, I basically skipped two hundred pages and read the last 70 pages, and I'm glad to say there is a happy ending, which is why I gave it two stars. But I didn't really have any desire to go back and read the middle section.
July 18, 2018
3.5 stars
I liked the first book - City of Dark Magic - much better. While this is still a fantastically written book, with core characters I really like, I found it to be disjointed and confusing. All of the new Austrian characters - Gottfried, Gerhard - weren't around long enough to influence the story, and their roles and identities were confusing because their characters had a specific yet minor role in the plot itself. In general I didn't really like the Vienna storyline, and found this plotline to be less entertaining than in the first book.
But - don't get me wrong. I still love "Magnus Flyte" and the kooky, historical, Europe- and century-jumping plotline, characters and alchemical mysteries. I would read a next installment (if any), but the first book was much stronger.
I liked the first book - City of Dark Magic - much better. While this is still a fantastically written book, with core characters I really like, I found it to be disjointed and confusing. All of the new Austrian characters - Gottfried, Gerhard - weren't around long enough to influence the story, and their roles and identities were confusing because their characters had a specific yet minor role in the plot itself. In general I didn't really like the Vienna storyline, and found this plotline to be less entertaining than in the first book.
But - don't get me wrong. I still love "Magnus Flyte" and the kooky, historical, Europe- and century-jumping plotline, characters and alchemical mysteries. I would read a next installment (if any), but the first book was much stronger.
September 9, 2019
I loved this novel even more than I did the first one.
In this book, Sarah Weston is in Vienna, attempting to help her young friend Pollina. Nico, Max, Oksana, Jose, and Alessandro are all back as well. Even Beethoven returns! However, this book is quite different from the first.
As with City of Dark Magic, the city is beautifully described. There is time travel, the drug Westonia, lots of secrets, alchemy, history, music, and fascinating secondary characters, much like the first book.
This one, though, moves more quickly and has more of a sense of urgency. There is a life on the line, and that adds to the depth and the pace. But there is also humor and cultural tidbits.
The book has a satisfying ending, but I still hope the authors will write a third book.
In this book, Sarah Weston is in Vienna, attempting to help her young friend Pollina. Nico, Max, Oksana, Jose, and Alessandro are all back as well. Even Beethoven returns! However, this book is quite different from the first.
As with City of Dark Magic, the city is beautifully described. There is time travel, the drug Westonia, lots of secrets, alchemy, history, music, and fascinating secondary characters, much like the first book.
This one, though, moves more quickly and has more of a sense of urgency. There is a life on the line, and that adds to the depth and the pace. But there is also humor and cultural tidbits.
The book has a satisfying ending, but I still hope the authors will write a third book.
February 1, 2021
Although not quite as enchanting as the first book, this story was still a worthy sequel. It contained the same fascinating characters of Sarah, Max, Nico, and Pollina, along with a new adversary. Music is magic in lands rich in its history, and Mozart and Beethoven inspire the present-day character.
In this sequel, Sarah learns that her young friend Pollina, a blind musical prodigy who suffers from health issues, is growing worse. Sarah is determined to seek a cure, no matter where or when she needs to go. Her quest turns dangerous, with several near misses, and she must trust the magic of the music she loves to guide her to the answer she is seeking.
In this sequel, Sarah learns that her young friend Pollina, a blind musical prodigy who suffers from health issues, is growing worse. Sarah is determined to seek a cure, no matter where or when she needs to go. Her quest turns dangerous, with several near misses, and she must trust the magic of the music she loves to guide her to the answer she is seeking.
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