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The Shadow Behind the Stars
A girl’s dark destiny could cause the unraveling of the world in this spellbinding novel from the author of A Creature of Moonlight, which Kirkus Reviews called “cumulatively stunning” in a starred review.
Heed this warning, mortal: stay far away from the three sister Fates. For if they come to love you, they might bring about the end of the world…
Chloe is the youngest. Hers are the fingers that choose the wool, that shape the thread, that begin it. The sun smiles upon her. Men love her without knowing who she is. She has lived forever and will live forever more. She and her sisters have been on their isolated Greek island for centuries, longer than any mortal can remember. They spin, measure, and slice the countless golden threads of human life. They are the three Fates, and they have stayed separate for good reason: it is dangerous for them to become involved with the humans whose lives they shape.
So when a beautiful girl named Aglaia shows up on their doorstep, Chloe tries to make sure her sisters don’t become attached. But in seeking to protect them, Chloe discovers the dark power of Aglaia’s destiny. As her path unwinds, the three Fates find themselves pulled inextricably along—toward mortal pain, and mortal love, and a fate that could unravel the world.
Heed this warning, mortal: stay far away from the three sister Fates. For if they come to love you, they might bring about the end of the world…
Chloe is the youngest. Hers are the fingers that choose the wool, that shape the thread, that begin it. The sun smiles upon her. Men love her without knowing who she is. She has lived forever and will live forever more. She and her sisters have been on their isolated Greek island for centuries, longer than any mortal can remember. They spin, measure, and slice the countless golden threads of human life. They are the three Fates, and they have stayed separate for good reason: it is dangerous for them to become involved with the humans whose lives they shape.
So when a beautiful girl named Aglaia shows up on their doorstep, Chloe tries to make sure her sisters don’t become attached. But in seeking to protect them, Chloe discovers the dark power of Aglaia’s destiny. As her path unwinds, the three Fates find themselves pulled inextricably along—toward mortal pain, and mortal love, and a fate that could unravel the world.
256 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2015
7 people are currently reading
1746 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Hahn
4 books85 followersRebecca Hahn grew up in Iowa, attended college in Minnesota, and soon afterward moved to New York City, where she worked as an editorial assistant at a children’s book publisher and wrote her first novel, A Creature of Moonlight, on the side. Her fate has since drawn her westward, first to Minneapolis, and then to the San Francisco Bay area, where she currently resides.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 28, 2015
Arc provided by Atheneum Books For Young Readers through Edelweiss
Release Date: September 1st
Do you like Greek tragedies?
Like, I don't know, Antigone perhaps? *It's the only one I remember reading during college, okay?*
Because if you do like that more classical style, in which characters are just a means to tell a tale, you're going to love this! Really.
If not, well, though it up.
Look at this cover!
It's stunning: I absolutely love it.
As for the theme behind the story, great choice. As soon as I read "Fates", I knew I had to get my hands on it!
The Shadow Behind The Stars tries to be the equivalent of literary YA, and I only use the YA definition because the story is told through Chloe's voice _ who is the youngest (The Maiden) of the Three Fates.
Of course the "girl" is as old as time, but who is counting?
Truth is, and not downplaying the YA audience (on the contrary!), I think that this story would probably be better received by a different type of audience... the one who loves the literary works and who prefers a more "dry" type of story?
In case it isn't noticeable by now, I am really uncomfortable with writing this review:
I loved the author's first work (fantasy), and I would love nothing more than to praise this one to anyone who would listen.
But there are some things one hopes for certain in a YA book. Especially one labelled as fantasy as this one:
_ World building: nothing. There's absolutely nothing related to world building in this book, which ends up being explained by the fact of this trying to be an Allegory...
_ Adventure: no adventure in this book. No action. There's nothing in this book besides drama and people crafting and fishing.
Oh, and dying.
_ Romance: *snort*
You know how Greek tragedies start?
Yes, there's drama involved...
You know how they end?
Pretty much all in the same way, but with some bits of wisdom thrown our way -_-
(Everything and everyone is connected? Even when we don't want to admit that to ourselves?)
Well, there you have it: that's what happens in this story in a very metaphysical and philosophic kind of way.
The writing...
Well it has some good moments, but it tries too hard, and there's quite a few repetitions, so it ends up feeling a "little" forced.
I'm sure many readers will enjoy this book, it just wasn't my cup of tea, unlike what happened with the author's first book " A Creature of Moonlight", which ended up being one of my favourite books of 2014.
dnf
September 13, 2015i got an arc of this through edelweiss and i have been trying so hard to read this so i can review and i cannot get through it. i'm just not fan of the writing style.
August 2, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
The Shadow Behind the Stars by Rebecca Hahn
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
A girl’s dark destiny could cause the unraveling of the world in this spellbinding novel from the author of A Creature of Moonlight, which Kirkus Reviews called “cumulatively stunning” in a starred review.
Heed this warning, mortal: stay far away from the three sister Fates. For if they come to love you, they might bring about the end of the world…
Chloe is the youngest. Hers are the fingers that choose the wool, that shape the thread, that begin it. The sun smiles upon her. Men love her without knowing who she is. She has lived forever and will live forever more. She and her sisters have been on their isolated Greek island for centuries, longer than any mortal can remember. They spin, measure, and slice the countless golden threads of human life. They are the three Fates, and they have stayed separate for good reason: it is dangerous for them to become involved with the humans whose lives they shape.
So when a beautiful girl named Aglaia shows up on their doorstep, Chloe tries to make sure her sisters don’t become attached. But in seeking to protect them, Chloe discovers the dark power of Aglaia’s destiny. As her path unwinds, the three Fates find themselves pulled inextricably along—toward mortal pain, and mortal love, and a fate that could unravel the world.
What I Liked:
This book was... strange. It's one of those mystical, magical-realism-esque novels that don't seem to be going anywhere. The plot of this book didn't make sense to me, the story didn't make sense, and yet I couldn't pull myself away. I think I enjoyed the book, though I can't see myself going through it again, and I'm not sure I'd recommend it.
The Three Fates - Chloe, Serena, and Xinot - do not interact with mortals, do not live among mortal, do not interfere in the lives of mortals. They spin, mark, and cut threads. Chloe is the youngest, the one who looks like a young woman, the one whom men find irresistible. Serena is the middle-aged one, and she is the mothering type, though she will never have children of her own. Xinot is the elderly sister, the oldest one, the most intuitive. When Aglaia washes up on the sisters' island, Serena can't turn her away. But Aglaia has a dark future, and the Fates are now involved.
This book is told from Chloe's first-person point-of-view, although it's also told in second person, kind of. Chloe is telling "you mortals" a story, a story of why the Fates shouldn't interfere in the lives of humans. Chloe is NOT happy with Aglaia living with them. Serena is the one that allows it, and Xinot lets it be. Chloe has a strong will and is a bit more temperamental than the other two sisters. While it might seem like she doesn't care about Aglaia at first, she grows to care about her, just like the other sisters.
Aglaia's village was raided by soldiers, everyone murdered, the village burned. Aglaia survived, but the raiders wanted it so. Aglaia is filled with pain, and Serena puts a spell on her to erase her memories. But it doesn't erase the pain. Aglaia has something huge that will change the world, and the Fates are powerless to stop it. They are so powerful, yet so powerless.
The story is very short, yet very dense. If you skim something or flip too quickly, you might miss something vital. It is consuming, the kind of book that confuses the heck out of you, yet you can't look away. The writing is beautiful, lyrical, yet I was totally lost at times, but I couldn't not keep reading. The world is a fantasy, Greek-influenced one, but I couldn't get a firm grasp on it.
While I'm giving this book three stars, I liked the book. The story is SO intriguing (and I can't say much specifically because it gets spoilery really quickly), and the ending is strange but satisfying. I think. If I'm understand it correctly.
What I Did Not Like:
But therein lies my problem. This book is one of those gorgeously written book that are confusing as a Rubik's Cube (hush, Rubik's Cube solvers). A lot of fantasy novels that take on a magical realism feel are like this. They are lovely and flowy and pretty to read... but confusing. As a story, this one didn't have much structure, and didn't make sense.
How in the world did Aglaia end up by the Fates? Especially when we find out that the Fates are on an island which other humans live on (this isn't quite a spoiler, I promise). Why didn't she end up there? Why didn't the Fates throw her out? Why did they follow her, why did they stay? I can't say more without spoiling things, but trust me, things don't add up in this book. There is little plot structure. It's like someone is telling a tale but veers off in one direction and attempts to come back to the tale. Or something. The climax rolls around and then I'm even more confused.
The ending is also confusing, but I think I get it and I think I like it? I think there is some heavy symbolism, or maybe I'm reading into it too much. In any case, I think the ending could have been more clear. The whole story, really.
This book is REALLY short. There could easily have been another 100-125 pages in this book. Maybe that would have fleshed out the plot and padded the worldbuilding.
One thing that kind of bothered me - it is very OBVIOUSLY stated, both in the synopsis and in the book, that Chloe is the one that men fall for. Yet, there is NO romance in this book. None. Not even for Aglaia and some guy, or anyone. But especially not for Chloe. I was expecting it, because the author had a line in the beginning stating how men fell for Chloe all the time. Hello, foreshadowing? Likely unintentional, which is annoying!
Would I Recommend It:
I actually don't think I would recommend this book. It's interesting, but probably not worth the read. Initially, I was REALLY excited about it! Now I'm happy I read it, but not really singing its praises. If you have it, read it. If not, keep moving along!
Rating:
3 stars. Not terrible, but not amazing! But hey, it was super short, which almost makes me think I should reread it... almost. I can't quite wrap my head around this one.
The Shadow Behind the Stars by Rebecca Hahn
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
A girl’s dark destiny could cause the unraveling of the world in this spellbinding novel from the author of A Creature of Moonlight, which Kirkus Reviews called “cumulatively stunning” in a starred review.
Heed this warning, mortal: stay far away from the three sister Fates. For if they come to love you, they might bring about the end of the world…
Chloe is the youngest. Hers are the fingers that choose the wool, that shape the thread, that begin it. The sun smiles upon her. Men love her without knowing who she is. She has lived forever and will live forever more. She and her sisters have been on their isolated Greek island for centuries, longer than any mortal can remember. They spin, measure, and slice the countless golden threads of human life. They are the three Fates, and they have stayed separate for good reason: it is dangerous for them to become involved with the humans whose lives they shape.
So when a beautiful girl named Aglaia shows up on their doorstep, Chloe tries to make sure her sisters don’t become attached. But in seeking to protect them, Chloe discovers the dark power of Aglaia’s destiny. As her path unwinds, the three Fates find themselves pulled inextricably along—toward mortal pain, and mortal love, and a fate that could unravel the world.
What I Liked:
This book was... strange. It's one of those mystical, magical-realism-esque novels that don't seem to be going anywhere. The plot of this book didn't make sense to me, the story didn't make sense, and yet I couldn't pull myself away. I think I enjoyed the book, though I can't see myself going through it again, and I'm not sure I'd recommend it.
The Three Fates - Chloe, Serena, and Xinot - do not interact with mortals, do not live among mortal, do not interfere in the lives of mortals. They spin, mark, and cut threads. Chloe is the youngest, the one who looks like a young woman, the one whom men find irresistible. Serena is the middle-aged one, and she is the mothering type, though she will never have children of her own. Xinot is the elderly sister, the oldest one, the most intuitive. When Aglaia washes up on the sisters' island, Serena can't turn her away. But Aglaia has a dark future, and the Fates are now involved.
This book is told from Chloe's first-person point-of-view, although it's also told in second person, kind of. Chloe is telling "you mortals" a story, a story of why the Fates shouldn't interfere in the lives of humans. Chloe is NOT happy with Aglaia living with them. Serena is the one that allows it, and Xinot lets it be. Chloe has a strong will and is a bit more temperamental than the other two sisters. While it might seem like she doesn't care about Aglaia at first, she grows to care about her, just like the other sisters.
Aglaia's village was raided by soldiers, everyone murdered, the village burned. Aglaia survived, but the raiders wanted it so. Aglaia is filled with pain, and Serena puts a spell on her to erase her memories. But it doesn't erase the pain. Aglaia has something huge that will change the world, and the Fates are powerless to stop it. They are so powerful, yet so powerless.
The story is very short, yet very dense. If you skim something or flip too quickly, you might miss something vital. It is consuming, the kind of book that confuses the heck out of you, yet you can't look away. The writing is beautiful, lyrical, yet I was totally lost at times, but I couldn't not keep reading. The world is a fantasy, Greek-influenced one, but I couldn't get a firm grasp on it.
While I'm giving this book three stars, I liked the book. The story is SO intriguing (and I can't say much specifically because it gets spoilery really quickly), and the ending is strange but satisfying. I think. If I'm understand it correctly.
What I Did Not Like:
But therein lies my problem. This book is one of those gorgeously written book that are confusing as a Rubik's Cube (hush, Rubik's Cube solvers). A lot of fantasy novels that take on a magical realism feel are like this. They are lovely and flowy and pretty to read... but confusing. As a story, this one didn't have much structure, and didn't make sense.
How in the world did Aglaia end up by the Fates? Especially when we find out that the Fates are on an island which other humans live on (this isn't quite a spoiler, I promise). Why didn't she end up there? Why didn't the Fates throw her out? Why did they follow her, why did they stay? I can't say more without spoiling things, but trust me, things don't add up in this book. There is little plot structure. It's like someone is telling a tale but veers off in one direction and attempts to come back to the tale. Or something. The climax rolls around and then I'm even more confused.
The ending is also confusing, but I think I get it and I think I like it? I think there is some heavy symbolism, or maybe I'm reading into it too much. In any case, I think the ending could have been more clear. The whole story, really.
This book is REALLY short. There could easily have been another 100-125 pages in this book. Maybe that would have fleshed out the plot and padded the worldbuilding.
One thing that kind of bothered me - it is very OBVIOUSLY stated, both in the synopsis and in the book, that Chloe is the one that men fall for. Yet, there is NO romance in this book. None. Not even for Aglaia and some guy, or anyone. But especially not for Chloe. I was expecting it, because the author had a line in the beginning stating how men fell for Chloe all the time. Hello, foreshadowing? Likely unintentional, which is annoying!
Would I Recommend It:
I actually don't think I would recommend this book. It's interesting, but probably not worth the read. Initially, I was REALLY excited about it! Now I'm happy I read it, but not really singing its praises. If you have it, read it. If not, keep moving along!
Rating:
3 stars. Not terrible, but not amazing! But hey, it was super short, which almost makes me think I should reread it... almost. I can't quite wrap my head around this one.
Read
December 22, 2017I love the format of this book, how it's addressed to all of humanity. The language and metaphor is lovely and transfixing. The anguish comes through so powerfully. For me, it was especially poignant when reading about the cat, Monster.
September 4, 2015
Original Review found at: www.awesomebooknut.com
Rebecca Hahn has once again delivered an amazing book. I fell in love with Hahn’s writing when I read her other book A Creature of Moonlight. Again her writing is so beautiful, mystical, lyrical, Hahn is just a master at words and painting a picture so distinct and unique. This story is short but very deep which I loved. Plus I am just a sucker for mythology of just about any kind. I will ALWAYS read a book with mythology all wrapped in it.
Here she has spun a very unique story of the Fates. Where they are sisters yet they are not. They are bound to each other. The three Fates are three very different women who never interact with mortals. They do what they are known for: the spinning and cutting of threads to the human life. You’ve got Xinot who is the “elderly sister” or the oldest one, she is has a gift for discernment. Then we’ve got Serena who is “middle-aged” with the more mothering nature. Then we have Chloe-the youngest who is so beautiful that men want her.
I really liked that this author humanized them. Instead of having the Fates old, disgusting, and creepy. We have very gentle, strong, real characters that are relatable.
This story is told in the voice of Chloe-the youngest. It’s a story of a girl named Aglaia washes up in the hands of the fate sisters; and whose life has been utterly destroyed.
Aglaia’s village was destroyed by soldiers who murdered and burned her village, yet left her alive-on purpose. She is filled with so much pain that one of the sisters tries to ease her memories by putting a spell on her. However Aglaia has a dark future that the Fates are powerless to stop but become involved.
Overall I loved this book it was amazing just like her first and I would recommend it to anyone!
Sexual Content: mild
Violence: moderate (talk of the pain from a murdered and destroyed village)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild/none
Language: mild/none
Rebecca Hahn has once again delivered an amazing book. I fell in love with Hahn’s writing when I read her other book A Creature of Moonlight. Again her writing is so beautiful, mystical, lyrical, Hahn is just a master at words and painting a picture so distinct and unique. This story is short but very deep which I loved. Plus I am just a sucker for mythology of just about any kind. I will ALWAYS read a book with mythology all wrapped in it.
Here she has spun a very unique story of the Fates. Where they are sisters yet they are not. They are bound to each other. The three Fates are three very different women who never interact with mortals. They do what they are known for: the spinning and cutting of threads to the human life. You’ve got Xinot who is the “elderly sister” or the oldest one, she is has a gift for discernment. Then we’ve got Serena who is “middle-aged” with the more mothering nature. Then we have Chloe-the youngest who is so beautiful that men want her.
I really liked that this author humanized them. Instead of having the Fates old, disgusting, and creepy. We have very gentle, strong, real characters that are relatable.
This story is told in the voice of Chloe-the youngest. It’s a story of a girl named Aglaia washes up in the hands of the fate sisters; and whose life has been utterly destroyed.
Aglaia’s village was destroyed by soldiers who murdered and burned her village, yet left her alive-on purpose. She is filled with so much pain that one of the sisters tries to ease her memories by putting a spell on her. However Aglaia has a dark future that the Fates are powerless to stop but become involved.
Overall I loved this book it was amazing just like her first and I would recommend it to anyone!
Sexual Content: mild
Violence: moderate (talk of the pain from a murdered and destroyed village)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild/none
Language: mild/none
February 10, 2017
This book has the distinct honour of being the most boring YA novel I have ever read. It was written quite prettily; however, it seemed like the author really enjoyed reading her own writing, so she repeated the same sentiment several times in slightly different ways. This added numerous unnecessary paragraphs, pages, chapters, etc. The whole book was very slow-moving with little to no reward for slogging through way too much writing. I was brought back to my days in the Writing program slashing pages of beloved text that well-meaning writers had offered up to their peers because - guess what? - THEY JUST WEREN'T NECESSARY AND ADDED NOTHING TO THE STORY.
What could have been a magnificent premise (a novel from the point of view of one of the three Fates, Greek sister deities who spin and cut the threads that make up every human life) turned out to be incredibly slow, unpolished, and downright pretentious. It felt like a dream... but not a satisfying one, more like a frustrating dream where you can't move fast enough and nothing really makes sense. I don't see many people, especially teens or young adults, having the patience to sit through this book.
-Kelsey
What could have been a magnificent premise (a novel from the point of view of one of the three Fates, Greek sister deities who spin and cut the threads that make up every human life) turned out to be incredibly slow, unpolished, and downright pretentious. It felt like a dream... but not a satisfying one, more like a frustrating dream where you can't move fast enough and nothing really makes sense. I don't see many people, especially teens or young adults, having the patience to sit through this book.
-Kelsey
August 8, 2015
I don't need to sleep when I can just cry instead, right?
March 30, 2016
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**The Shadow Behind the Stars by Rebecca Hahn is a young adult mythology book unlike any other mythology story I have read in the young adult world. It read more like a traditional Greek tale. A fictionalized play of a Greek tragedy, and there was just something about that the academic and history nerd inside of me ate right up. I loved that this story was set in ancient Greece and that it had all the sorrowful tragic elements of traditional Greek myths. Of course, that meant for a more violent and slower pace of story telling, which to me equates to a more mature target audience. I think adults will love this story perhaps more than young adults.
The Shadow Behind the Stars is told from the point of view of the Fates. I have not read too many books from the three fate sisters point of view, so that was really interesting to me. It was a kinder and gentler fate than I was used to from tales. They knew they had to carry out their job, but they could just not help but get swept up in poor Aglaia's story and destiny. I really liked the dichotomy of voices in the this story. The book is told from the point of view of one of the Fates, but on the other hand, it is also very much Aglaia's tale. The interplay between narrator voice and main character played out really nicely. I am very impressed with Rebecca Hahn's writing.
The Shadow Behind the Stars is not one of those books that you can gobble up in a quick afternoon. It has a slower pace and is meant to be savored. I don't often get to read books like this because of my limited reading time, I am drawn more towards instant gratification stories, but there is something really satisfying about digging into a book that forces you to slow down and really digest each page. If you are a fan of traditional greek mythology, you should really check out The Shadow Behind the Stars. It is a beautiful (and yes a little sad) tale. I will tell you one thing, I can't wait to read another book by Rebecca Hahn.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
The Shadow Behind the Stars is told from the point of view of the Fates. I have not read too many books from the three fate sisters point of view, so that was really interesting to me. It was a kinder and gentler fate than I was used to from tales. They knew they had to carry out their job, but they could just not help but get swept up in poor Aglaia's story and destiny. I really liked the dichotomy of voices in the this story. The book is told from the point of view of one of the Fates, but on the other hand, it is also very much Aglaia's tale. The interplay between narrator voice and main character played out really nicely. I am very impressed with Rebecca Hahn's writing.
The Shadow Behind the Stars is not one of those books that you can gobble up in a quick afternoon. It has a slower pace and is meant to be savored. I don't often get to read books like this because of my limited reading time, I am drawn more towards instant gratification stories, but there is something really satisfying about digging into a book that forces you to slow down and really digest each page. If you are a fan of traditional greek mythology, you should really check out The Shadow Behind the Stars. It is a beautiful (and yes a little sad) tale. I will tell you one thing, I can't wait to read another book by Rebecca Hahn.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
January 11, 2016
My name is Chloe, and I am the youngest.
Mine are the fingers that choose the wool, that shape the thread, that begin it. The sun smiles upon me. Men love me without knowing who I am. I have lived forever and will live forever more.
My sisters and I have been on our isolated island for centuries, longer than any mortal can remember. We spin, measure, and slice the countless golden threads of human lives.
We are the three Fates, and we have stayed separate for good reason: It is dangerous for us to become involved with the humans whose lives we shape. So when a beautiful girl named Aglaia shows up on our doorstep, I try to make sure my sisters don’t become attached. But in seeking to protect them, I discover the dark power of Aglaia’s destiny. As her path unwinds, my sisters and I find ourselves pulled inextricably along—toward mortal pain, mortal love, and a fate that could unravel the world.
3.5 it-was-good-but-I-didn't-like-the-writing-style stars
This book was different because I am new to the retelling genre because I have only read the lunar chronicles and splintered so far as of retellings and those one's that I have read turned out really well, this one not so much. The retellings of the three fates was interesting and I have not heard of this myth except a little bit about the Greek version and that's the only one I know, I don't know if there any other retelling of this myth or that is the only one and being not familiar with it, it was hard for me to connect to the characters and follow their story and it took me a long time to read it which usually doesn't happened. I have to say the story was interesting even though boring at times, I still felt drawn to it and like to see where it goes until the very end (which I didn't like also).
The plot of this story I thought was good and had me drawn to read this book and couldn't wait to try it out and read it. The main characters in this book were a little hard to get use too, the three fates even though they were sisters they all differs from age from an old women, to a middle age women, to a teenager, they work and spin your future, when you come to visit them to seek for help they only tell you what is meant to be told. They can not love you, they cannot be your friend, the only thing they can do is spin your future. If they do get to close to you, the world will never be the same again. After reading this book I want to find out more about this Myth and what's the real story behind this and how it's been passed down from generation to generation told from many different cultures and languages.
Overall this book has potential, some people may like it some people may not it's up to you to decide. I will try to read more books by her if she has anymore which I think she does.
Mine are the fingers that choose the wool, that shape the thread, that begin it. The sun smiles upon me. Men love me without knowing who I am. I have lived forever and will live forever more.
My sisters and I have been on our isolated island for centuries, longer than any mortal can remember. We spin, measure, and slice the countless golden threads of human lives.
We are the three Fates, and we have stayed separate for good reason: It is dangerous for us to become involved with the humans whose lives we shape. So when a beautiful girl named Aglaia shows up on our doorstep, I try to make sure my sisters don’t become attached. But in seeking to protect them, I discover the dark power of Aglaia’s destiny. As her path unwinds, my sisters and I find ourselves pulled inextricably along—toward mortal pain, mortal love, and a fate that could unravel the world.
3.5 it-was-good-but-I-didn't-like-the-writing-style stars
This book was different because I am new to the retelling genre because I have only read the lunar chronicles and splintered so far as of retellings and those one's that I have read turned out really well, this one not so much. The retellings of the three fates was interesting and I have not heard of this myth except a little bit about the Greek version and that's the only one I know, I don't know if there any other retelling of this myth or that is the only one and being not familiar with it, it was hard for me to connect to the characters and follow their story and it took me a long time to read it which usually doesn't happened. I have to say the story was interesting even though boring at times, I still felt drawn to it and like to see where it goes until the very end (which I didn't like also).
The plot of this story I thought was good and had me drawn to read this book and couldn't wait to try it out and read it. The main characters in this book were a little hard to get use too, the three fates even though they were sisters they all differs from age from an old women, to a middle age women, to a teenager, they work and spin your future, when you come to visit them to seek for help they only tell you what is meant to be told. They can not love you, they cannot be your friend, the only thing they can do is spin your future. If they do get to close to you, the world will never be the same again. After reading this book I want to find out more about this Myth and what's the real story behind this and how it's been passed down from generation to generation told from many different cultures and languages.
Overall this book has potential, some people may like it some people may not it's up to you to decide. I will try to read more books by her if she has anymore which I think she does.
September 2, 2015
This review was originally posted on About to Read. For Fairytale fashions, reads, and more visit abouttoread.com
***
If you’re into Greek mythology, this is a must read. 100,000% must read. It’s more of a traditional story than you normally find in YA. It’s set in ancient Greece and there is no attempt to work the Greek gods into our world. It is told from the perspective of one of the three fates and is just drenched in awesomeness.
From the very first chapter, I knew this book and I were going to get along. It had a very mature, wise-sounding narrator (not a huge surprise as that narrator is one of the Fates) and the language was really beautiful. I can’t complement the writing style enough!
The plot was pretty intriguing as well. We are following the story of one mortal, Aglaia, the Fates have taken a particular interest in. It was as heartbreaking and tragic as you’d expect. I really wanted to know what was going to happen to this girl, and so did the Fates even though they knew they couldn’t change whatever was destined.
The story also follows the Fates and the danger of them getting attached to mortals. The helplessness they feel at spinning threads that aren’t necessarily fair or deserved and the loneliness they sometimes feel, as they are a constant and the people they may care for inevitably die. I thought this part was fairly interesting, but I was much more interested in Aglaia’s story.
The Shadow Behind the Stars is beautifully written and definitely a must read for my fellow Greek mythology fans out there. I adored this one and am so hoping Hahn writes similar stories in the future.
***
If you’re into Greek mythology, this is a must read. 100,000% must read. It’s more of a traditional story than you normally find in YA. It’s set in ancient Greece and there is no attempt to work the Greek gods into our world. It is told from the perspective of one of the three fates and is just drenched in awesomeness.
From the very first chapter, I knew this book and I were going to get along. It had a very mature, wise-sounding narrator (not a huge surprise as that narrator is one of the Fates) and the language was really beautiful. I can’t complement the writing style enough!
The plot was pretty intriguing as well. We are following the story of one mortal, Aglaia, the Fates have taken a particular interest in. It was as heartbreaking and tragic as you’d expect. I really wanted to know what was going to happen to this girl, and so did the Fates even though they knew they couldn’t change whatever was destined.
The story also follows the Fates and the danger of them getting attached to mortals. The helplessness they feel at spinning threads that aren’t necessarily fair or deserved and the loneliness they sometimes feel, as they are a constant and the people they may care for inevitably die. I thought this part was fairly interesting, but I was much more interested in Aglaia’s story.
The Shadow Behind the Stars is beautifully written and definitely a must read for my fellow Greek mythology fans out there. I adored this one and am so hoping Hahn writes similar stories in the future.
July 31, 2015
4.5 stars
I've always been interested in the fates, so when I saw the synopsis for this book, I was beyond excited. Annnnnnd a little trepidatious as well. Thankfully, it delivered.
I loved everything about this. I loved getting to see everything from the youngest sister's point of view. The three sisters are not family, but they are, and their dynamic was fascinating. I loved how things shifted once Aglaia came into the picture.
It is a bit of a slow burn. The sisters, by design, cannot interfere with the way things work, so it's a very sit back and watch approach. That does not mean that I was not captivated. My only complaint is that I wanted more. Yes, the ending was satisfying, but I could have easily read 100 more pages, even if it wasn't really needed.
**Huge thanks to Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I've always been interested in the fates, so when I saw the synopsis for this book, I was beyond excited. Annnnnnd a little trepidatious as well. Thankfully, it delivered.
I loved everything about this. I loved getting to see everything from the youngest sister's point of view. The three sisters are not family, but they are, and their dynamic was fascinating. I loved how things shifted once Aglaia came into the picture.
It is a bit of a slow burn. The sisters, by design, cannot interfere with the way things work, so it's a very sit back and watch approach. That does not mean that I was not captivated. My only complaint is that I wanted more. Yes, the ending was satisfying, but I could have easily read 100 more pages, even if it wasn't really needed.
**Huge thanks to Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
October 13, 2015
A little bizarre, tbh. Lovely, lovely turns of phrase and some poetic moments. But... the plot was so....? and the conclusion? The book traded clarity and story for prettiness.
July 11, 2017
Rating: 2.5 stars
Heed this warning, mortal: stay far away from the three sister Fates. For if they come to love you, they might bring about the end of the world.
Picking this book up at the library, I was excited to jump into my favorite theme- Greek fantasy -on the beach. I have loved Greek mythology since Mrs. Sadler's 6th-grade English class, and am always looking for related novels (Percy Jackson and Greek dramas, mainly). This intriguing little beauty about the three Fates caught my attention with its haunting cover and title. To be honest, I thought at first that this would be a light horror; thankfully, that was not the case.
A Beautiful Plot (of land): As I've mentioned, I LOVE GREEK MYTHOLOGY! So this tale, concerning the three Fates, was perfect for me. The book moved through three parts: the sisters' solitary island, their journey into the mortal world, and the destruction that came after. Each part moved smoothly through the plot. I loved the way the story played out, moved by the characters. However, at times the story (and book) dragged. I don't know why, because I wasn't bored or skimming or anything like that, but sometimes I just wanted the pages to fly faster. That fact certainly took a star from the rating.
The Stars: The characters were the stars of the book. They were all well developed, and each played a role in the outcome of the story- even those who the reader may first think unimportant becomes pivotal in the journey of the sisters. I mean, the sun itself was a character! The sisters themselves were mysterious and wonderful. Despite my enjoyment of reading about them, none of the characters were ones I could connect with. I just felt detached from the story. Maybe that was because of the very nature of the Greek inspiration and narrative, but it just didn't allow me to connect with any of the story. I didn't care about what happened to anyone outside the Fates, even though the Fates themselves were certainly involved and cared about the others in the story.
Lyrical, I Say!: The writing in this book was just magical. Hahn took her time with this book, and it shows. The book itself was so very quotable! I also loved how she showed the sisters as an entity through the text; the things they said together were italicized, which added to the mysteriousness of the story and writing. The novel itself was written from the narrative of Chloe, who had seen all these events happen already but was still speaking in first person present tense (90% of the time). It read like a Greek tale, which really added to the experience and made me appreciate Hahn all the more. Also, the writing is probably responsible for one of the stars in the rating.
"Who are you>" said Aglaia...Serena turned to Xinot; Xinot turned to me. I said, a whisper, not looking at her. "We are the shadow behind the stars."
Overall, all the bones of this book were the makings of something wonderful, and I enjoyed them. However, I just couldn't connect to the plot or characters enough to really enjoy it.
Heed this warning, mortal: stay far away from the three sister Fates. For if they come to love you, they might bring about the end of the world.
Picking this book up at the library, I was excited to jump into my favorite theme- Greek fantasy -on the beach. I have loved Greek mythology since Mrs. Sadler's 6th-grade English class, and am always looking for related novels (Percy Jackson and Greek dramas, mainly). This intriguing little beauty about the three Fates caught my attention with its haunting cover and title. To be honest, I thought at first that this would be a light horror; thankfully, that was not the case.
A Beautiful Plot (of land): As I've mentioned, I LOVE GREEK MYTHOLOGY! So this tale, concerning the three Fates, was perfect for me. The book moved through three parts: the sisters' solitary island, their journey into the mortal world, and the destruction that came after. Each part moved smoothly through the plot. I loved the way the story played out, moved by the characters. However, at times the story (and book) dragged. I don't know why, because I wasn't bored or skimming or anything like that, but sometimes I just wanted the pages to fly faster. That fact certainly took a star from the rating.
The Stars: The characters were the stars of the book. They were all well developed, and each played a role in the outcome of the story- even those who the reader may first think unimportant becomes pivotal in the journey of the sisters. I mean, the sun itself was a character! The sisters themselves were mysterious and wonderful. Despite my enjoyment of reading about them, none of the characters were ones I could connect with. I just felt detached from the story. Maybe that was because of the very nature of the Greek inspiration and narrative, but it just didn't allow me to connect with any of the story. I didn't care about what happened to anyone outside the Fates, even though the Fates themselves were certainly involved and cared about the others in the story.
Lyrical, I Say!: The writing in this book was just magical. Hahn took her time with this book, and it shows. The book itself was so very quotable! I also loved how she showed the sisters as an entity through the text; the things they said together were italicized, which added to the mysteriousness of the story and writing. The novel itself was written from the narrative of Chloe, who had seen all these events happen already but was still speaking in first person present tense (90% of the time). It read like a Greek tale, which really added to the experience and made me appreciate Hahn all the more. Also, the writing is probably responsible for one of the stars in the rating.
"Who are you>" said Aglaia...Serena turned to Xinot; Xinot turned to me. I said, a whisper, not looking at her. "We are the shadow behind the stars."
Overall, all the bones of this book were the makings of something wonderful, and I enjoyed them. However, I just couldn't connect to the plot or characters enough to really enjoy it.
June 22, 2023
I enjoyed this story about the 3 Fates and a point in which they get entangled with the mortal world. A bit jarring with the switch into 2nd person at times, but an overall enjoyable book!
September 10, 2015
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
Heed this warning, mortal: stay away from the three sister Fates. For if they come to love you, they might bring about the end of the wold ...
The Shadow Behind the Stars is pure magic! The story of Chloe and her sister Fates reveals a tale of love and loss, of beauty and tragedy as they follow in the footsteps a mortal girl who will forever changed these immortals as they learn the very brilliance and heartache it is to be human.
The setting of The Shadow Behind the Stars takes place predominantly on a Greek island, one that is shrouded away from mortal eyes, where the three sister Fates dwell. There, maiden Chloe spins the threads of destiny while motherly Serena measures and elder Xinot places the final cut. Time shifts here in and out like an endless wave. Until, a mortal girl appears and changes everything.
The story unfolds with a plot that is delicate and drama-rich in tone. The writing poetic. Told through Chloe’s voice who is the youngest Fate, it is a story that revolves around the non-human and indifferent qualities that most of us have alway perceived the mythic Fates to have. Rebecca Hahn gives readers a different tale. What if these immortal goddesses who were thought at one time to be in charge of the fabric of human destiny, were somehow irrevocably changed by a mere mortal girl? One who makes them question their existence and purpose. A single girl who threatens to disrupt the nature of their seemingly passivity to one of passion, pain and all the brilliance of human nature.
There's drama, touches of Greek mythology and fantasy, with a focus on the bond that builds between the sister Fates and Aglaia. The story poses the question: Can Aglaia, a simple girl struck by tragedy, change the very course of destiny? The author, Rebecca Hahn, answers it with a brilliant and stunning story.
March 5, 2016
I thought this story was going to grab me. I *wanted* to be grabbed! It's told from the point of view of the youngest of the three Fates as they meddle in the life of one mortal. The idea of the three sisters impartially spinning, measuring, and cutting each person's thread is fascinating to me, and I feel like an author could do so much with it. Hahn did do a lot with it, it just wasn't for me.
You learn early on that something the Fates do will cause the world to end, but I, at least, very soon stopped caring about it. It's like when your drama llama neighbor drops a bunch of hints trying to get you to ask them about what's wrong, and the more hints they drop the more determined you become not to ask them. A sampling:
It was hard to get worked up about it. Things clearly worked out since the narrator was able to tell us the story, and I spent most of the time wishing the narrator would just get on with telling the story.
You learn early on that something the Fates do will cause the world to end, but I, at least, very soon stopped caring about it. It's like when your drama llama neighbor drops a bunch of hints trying to get you to ask them about what's wrong, and the more hints they drop the more determined you become not to ask them. A sampling:
"We should have known better that first afternoon, when the girl showed up on our doorstep" p. 4
"I should have known better. Hadn't there been enough warnings?" p.54
"I have not told you much of him yet; it hasn't been important to our story. But the thread is unwinding now toward the world's end, and you will need to know this soon enough. So I will need to speak of it, much as it hurts me to say it. There will be more hurting later; I will think of this as practice." p.81
"We knew that she was happy. It should have been enough to send us back to our island. We should have left her there to her happiness, and we should never have bothered her again." p.150
It was hard to get worked up about it. Things clearly worked out since the narrator was able to tell us the story, and I spent most of the time wishing the narrator would just get on with telling the story.
August 27, 2015
3.5 stars
May 22, 2017
This book is like two of my favorite books had a baby--Mitch Albom's The Time Keeper meets Catherynne Valente's Palimpsest. The writing transported me to the world of the 3 sisters of fate. I've always been partial to Greek myths, but this book took me on a true journey. The fable style of the writing makes the story feels ancient, but in a good way. I enjoyed every second I spent with this novel. The book is a beautiful piece of art and I will treasure it on my bookshelves for decades to come.
March 30, 2017
While I thought the lesson taught within this book was interesting, the way the book was written with so much embellishment and description, just was not for me. Every feeling, emotion, and thought was accompanied by a paragraph of stuff I ended up skimming. I'm sure some people would appreciate the effort to create a mythical ambiance, but I prefer less of that for more plot and character development.
August 30, 2015
Review to come. Although, there's not much to tell because I have no idea what this book even means. I think I may have been a little too eager to read it. Arrgh!
*Update* Originally posted over at my blog
My first thought after finishing this book was, What the heck did I just read?. Seriously, I can’t even comprehend what happened. I finally came to the conclusion that I missed the message because I was trying too hard to figure out everything else. The writing is great, actually. It’s the story itself that made my eyes cross. I don’t get it and I’m sorry to disappoint, because this just isn’t my thing.
I’m a fan of literary fiction more than any other genre. Maybe because I started reading it at a young age, I don’t know. This book is definitely literary, though the format is what I can’t comprehend. There’s some prose for sure, but the other forms are lost to me. This didn’t feel very fantasy-like, which is what drew me to want it so badly. And, of course, the mythology comes into play. This book is about the Sisters of Fate. Now, that in itself is an attention grabber. Only, everything wasn’t what I thought going in, and by the end I was so disappointed. By the middle, I figured there is some kind of hidden meaning to this story. However, I absolutely refused to start over just to try and figure it out. I’m all for moral lessons, and it’s such a shame that I just did not get this book.
The sisters in this story are: Chloe, Serena, and Xinot. They are destiny. What happens when one unexpected mortal washes up on their island? Serena, the middle sister, decides to act as mother hen and soon everything changes. Aglaia has just lost everything. Her home, family, purpose- gone. So it’s right to say that since these sisters are fate, then Aglaia’s appearance is no coincidence. It was weird reading this, just let me tell you. Because I did not understand what the flip happened between Serena and Aglaia! One minute the girl was seeking refuge, and the next she’s all glassy-eyed at Serena’s feet. See, the sisters don’t acquaint with mortals. They have no need to step in on mortal affairs. Chloe, who is narrating this confusing-as-all-heck story, wants no part of what is happening with her sister and this mortal girl. Surely, she will be the end of them all!Xinot is the more dismayed of the three sisters, so she would just rather humor Serena and hope for the best. Serena was meant to erase the girl’s memory but fate had other plans, and the three sisters are defenseless against whatever Aglaia’a future is.
By the end of this book, I still couldn’t figure it out, and I’m not about to get a headache trying to do so now. If you read this book, clue me in on what it means. I can’t tell you how annoyed I am right now, even 4 days after finishing this book. I want to recommend it, simply for my own curiosity. I want to see who else gets this because I don’t. The writing is absolutely the best thing about this book, and it kept me reading to the end. It’s not a long winded fantasy tale, just some excellent writing – which I love. You know how you read poetry, and you are lost with it’s meaning? This was like that for me; I just can’t comprehend the meaning behind this belles-lettres! Maybe I’m out of my league with this, who knows. Just because of my rating and review, don’t throw this one out. It may be the best book that you’ve ever read. It just isn’t my thing. If someone could enlighten me, I’d be forever grateful.
*Update* Originally posted over at my blog
My first thought after finishing this book was, What the heck did I just read?. Seriously, I can’t even comprehend what happened. I finally came to the conclusion that I missed the message because I was trying too hard to figure out everything else. The writing is great, actually. It’s the story itself that made my eyes cross. I don’t get it and I’m sorry to disappoint, because this just isn’t my thing.
I’m a fan of literary fiction more than any other genre. Maybe because I started reading it at a young age, I don’t know. This book is definitely literary, though the format is what I can’t comprehend. There’s some prose for sure, but the other forms are lost to me. This didn’t feel very fantasy-like, which is what drew me to want it so badly. And, of course, the mythology comes into play. This book is about the Sisters of Fate. Now, that in itself is an attention grabber. Only, everything wasn’t what I thought going in, and by the end I was so disappointed. By the middle, I figured there is some kind of hidden meaning to this story. However, I absolutely refused to start over just to try and figure it out. I’m all for moral lessons, and it’s such a shame that I just did not get this book.
The sisters in this story are: Chloe, Serena, and Xinot. They are destiny. What happens when one unexpected mortal washes up on their island? Serena, the middle sister, decides to act as mother hen and soon everything changes. Aglaia has just lost everything. Her home, family, purpose- gone. So it’s right to say that since these sisters are fate, then Aglaia’s appearance is no coincidence. It was weird reading this, just let me tell you. Because I did not understand what the flip happened between Serena and Aglaia! One minute the girl was seeking refuge, and the next she’s all glassy-eyed at Serena’s feet. See, the sisters don’t acquaint with mortals. They have no need to step in on mortal affairs. Chloe, who is narrating this confusing-as-all-heck story, wants no part of what is happening with her sister and this mortal girl. Surely, she will be the end of them all!Xinot is the more dismayed of the three sisters, so she would just rather humor Serena and hope for the best. Serena was meant to erase the girl’s memory but fate had other plans, and the three sisters are defenseless against whatever Aglaia’a future is.
By the end of this book, I still couldn’t figure it out, and I’m not about to get a headache trying to do so now. If you read this book, clue me in on what it means. I can’t tell you how annoyed I am right now, even 4 days after finishing this book. I want to recommend it, simply for my own curiosity. I want to see who else gets this because I don’t. The writing is absolutely the best thing about this book, and it kept me reading to the end. It’s not a long winded fantasy tale, just some excellent writing – which I love. You know how you read poetry, and you are lost with it’s meaning? This was like that for me; I just can’t comprehend the meaning behind this belles-lettres! Maybe I’m out of my league with this, who knows. Just because of my rating and review, don’t throw this one out. It may be the best book that you’ve ever read. It just isn’t my thing. If someone could enlighten me, I’d be forever grateful.
September 1, 2015
Chloe is the youngest of the Three Fates. Chloe spins the wool and gives it to her sister Serena, who measures the yarn. Serena holds the yarn to the appropriate length of a life, and the oldest sister, Xinot, takes her shears out of her pocket and cuts it. Together they hold the fate of the world in their hands.
Chloe is the narrator of The Shadow Behind the Stars and the book begins like this:
"THIS IS A STORY ABOUT THE END OF THE WORLD. It is a lesson for you, mortal, so listen well to my words. Shiver and become them. When you sleep, dream of them. When you blink, see us sisters spinning, measuring, slicing in the darkness behind your lids. Know us. Fear us. Heed my warning, mortal: Stay far away from us."
From the first page, I knew I would like this book and love the writing style. I love it when a narrator speaks to me personally and I adore retellings of Greek Myths.
When a young woman arrives to their secluded island just barely beyond girlhood, with a tale of unspeakable tragedy, Serena takes notice and spins a spell to lesson her pain. Chloe immediately recognizes that Aglaia is a threat to their way of life and they should not be sharing a meal or living with a mortal. Chloe has plans to get rid of Aglaia by drowning her in the lake but cannot go through with it, as each day they took the boat out, Chloe learns a little more of Aglaia's story and comes to care for her well being. Aglaia has a destiny and the Three Fates are wrapped up in the threads of it.
I am a fiber artist so I really enjoyed the spinning and weaving and needle work in the book. My fingers were itching to create. The story itself moves quickly and has some surprises and twists and turns to keep the pages turning. Full of elements of philosophy, the Shadow Behind the Stars is a creative retelling of an old classic story.
Here is one of my favorite quotes:
"Oh, you mortals, with your desperate prayers, with your terrible fates. You all want something from us--you all think there must be an easier way, a shortcut through the harder parts of life. There is no shortcut. There never is anything we can give you. You must live the life you have; it's all any of us can do."
So dear mortal, I wonder how long is your thread?
How many books will you read in your life time?
It is entirely possible that by reading this review the Three Fates are whispering in your ear and telling you to read this book and to look for The Shadow Behind the Stars.
Chloe is the narrator of The Shadow Behind the Stars and the book begins like this:
"THIS IS A STORY ABOUT THE END OF THE WORLD. It is a lesson for you, mortal, so listen well to my words. Shiver and become them. When you sleep, dream of them. When you blink, see us sisters spinning, measuring, slicing in the darkness behind your lids. Know us. Fear us. Heed my warning, mortal: Stay far away from us."
From the first page, I knew I would like this book and love the writing style. I love it when a narrator speaks to me personally and I adore retellings of Greek Myths.
When a young woman arrives to their secluded island just barely beyond girlhood, with a tale of unspeakable tragedy, Serena takes notice and spins a spell to lesson her pain. Chloe immediately recognizes that Aglaia is a threat to their way of life and they should not be sharing a meal or living with a mortal. Chloe has plans to get rid of Aglaia by drowning her in the lake but cannot go through with it, as each day they took the boat out, Chloe learns a little more of Aglaia's story and comes to care for her well being. Aglaia has a destiny and the Three Fates are wrapped up in the threads of it.
I am a fiber artist so I really enjoyed the spinning and weaving and needle work in the book. My fingers were itching to create. The story itself moves quickly and has some surprises and twists and turns to keep the pages turning. Full of elements of philosophy, the Shadow Behind the Stars is a creative retelling of an old classic story.
Here is one of my favorite quotes:
"Oh, you mortals, with your desperate prayers, with your terrible fates. You all want something from us--you all think there must be an easier way, a shortcut through the harder parts of life. There is no shortcut. There never is anything we can give you. You must live the life you have; it's all any of us can do."
So dear mortal, I wonder how long is your thread?
How many books will you read in your life time?
It is entirely possible that by reading this review the Three Fates are whispering in your ear and telling you to read this book and to look for The Shadow Behind the Stars.
December 7, 2015
This book is a different breed all together.
When I finished, I wanted to cry. Really cry.
The story moves along with a rhythm, and you don't realize you're involved in it until you are almost done. There really is no dramatic climax (well, kind of, when it's the end of the world), but with the way the book is written, you feel like you are riding a current rather than reading a book.
It's beautifully written. Rebecca Hahn writes like Destefano in Wither; the words are melodic and sing to you. The metaphors are creative and the personification is used to make the reader feel so connected to the universe. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book, but the cover was so stunning that I took a chance. And I am glad I did.
I don't think this book is for everyone. It's not an adventure...there's a lot of watching and going with the flow of the words...it's almost poetry. Three Fates tell us a story about a girl, Aglaia, (I hate the name, too) and her impact on their lives. It's almost like a moral story. It's a stand alone and very personal: Chloe, the narrator, is speaking to you, and only you. I honestly felt she was telling me the story as a conversation, but with more importance behind her words.
I won't spoil it for others: you'll either love it or hate it. It's not an in-betweener.
But I loved it.
It's going to hold a special place in my heart and remind me that life has pain, but without pain there is no pleasure, without darkness there is no light.
When I finished, I wanted to cry. Really cry.
The story moves along with a rhythm, and you don't realize you're involved in it until you are almost done. There really is no dramatic climax (well, kind of, when it's the end of the world), but with the way the book is written, you feel like you are riding a current rather than reading a book.
It's beautifully written. Rebecca Hahn writes like Destefano in Wither; the words are melodic and sing to you. The metaphors are creative and the personification is used to make the reader feel so connected to the universe. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book, but the cover was so stunning that I took a chance. And I am glad I did.
I don't think this book is for everyone. It's not an adventure...there's a lot of watching and going with the flow of the words...it's almost poetry. Three Fates tell us a story about a girl, Aglaia, (I hate the name, too) and her impact on their lives. It's almost like a moral story. It's a stand alone and very personal: Chloe, the narrator, is speaking to you, and only you. I honestly felt she was telling me the story as a conversation, but with more importance behind her words.
I won't spoil it for others: you'll either love it or hate it. It's not an in-betweener.
But I loved it.
It's going to hold a special place in my heart and remind me that life has pain, but without pain there is no pleasure, without darkness there is no light.
December 4, 2021
I just finished reading this book for the second time, and honestly I can't even find the words to describe how good this book was.
I just. Can't.
It was so. Fricking. Deep. I don't know how it's possible not to like this book. It was so intriguing.
The fact that it was about the 3 fates was interesting enough for me. And then everything else...
It just got more complex as the plot deepened. And I really liked the way Chloe narrated. The sisters' whole relationship was fascinating, honestly.
They are powerful, but they can't, truly can't, interfere. No matter how much they want to. Because it would ruin the world. Which they basically did.
That ending, though 😥. I'm blanking on how to spell Calagia (was that it?), but I feel so bad for her.
I liked how she was able to grow a friendship with the fates, but alas. She had her own life to fulfill, however difficult.
I probably could rant about how amazing this book was for far longer. All I can think of to say now is: it had me thinking about it long after I finished reading.
Highly recommended.
Includes themes of what it means to be human. Yes, it will include struggle, but our threads burn far brighter than we realize. Plus, the fates see our lives, and they care :). Too much, even.
I just. Can't.
It was so. Fricking. Deep. I don't know how it's possible not to like this book. It was so intriguing.
The fact that it was about the 3 fates was interesting enough for me. And then everything else...
It just got more complex as the plot deepened. And I really liked the way Chloe narrated. The sisters' whole relationship was fascinating, honestly.
They are powerful, but they can't, truly can't, interfere. No matter how much they want to. Because it would ruin the world. Which they basically did.
That ending, though 😥. I'm blanking on how to spell Calagia (was that it?), but I feel so bad for her.
I liked how she was able to grow a friendship with the fates, but alas. She had her own life to fulfill, however difficult.
I probably could rant about how amazing this book was for far longer. All I can think of to say now is: it had me thinking about it long after I finished reading.
Highly recommended.
Includes themes of what it means to be human. Yes, it will include struggle, but our threads burn far brighter than we realize. Plus, the fates see our lives, and they care :). Too much, even.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2015
I honestly shouldn't have read other reviewer's reviews because it makes me wonder what book they read. I think maybe part of the problem here is that this isn't a typical YA novel. It's slow and meditative and poetically written, rather than full of romance and/or action. There is love here, but it is familial love. There is death and heartache and revenge and the end of the world, but told through the eyes of a character trying very hard to keep herself apart from the world, and so the telling can feel detached and uncaring. At its heart, though, this is a book about loss and grief and the ends someone might go to to bring someone back. It is a tale told through a veil of grief and loss and heartache, so it is a tale that feels told through fog or a layer of cotton batting, with all its colors muted and edges blunted. Perhaps those reviewers who found it "slow" and "boring" are lucky enough to have not yet experienced grief and so have a difficult time contextualizing the pace and feeling of this novel. Because it may be slow (for a reason), but it is definitely not boring.
November 1, 2015
I *loved* this book, and not just because I am friends with the author. I love books that push up against the edges of how things are or must be and push back with metaphors and characters. In this book, the Fates live isolated on an island, trying not to get entwined with the complexities of the human lives whose destinies they spin; but of course, they cannot be isolated forever. They struggle with questions of the dangers of love, whether forgetting can be safer, and their own power--whether they can really be powerful when they cannot choose what they are doing. This book also delves into the real traumas that so many women and girls face that are unfortunately grossly underrepresented in literature for kids and young adults. As a bonus, it has four main characters who are all women, and no love stories. Also, I love Greek mythology.
Truly this book is brilliant. Buy it for all the teen and tween girls you know. And for the adults who love YA literature.
Truly this book is brilliant. Buy it for all the teen and tween girls you know. And for the adults who love YA literature.
September 5, 2023
First of all this isn't a teen book, so what was that marketing team doing?
Not that it's *inappropriate* for teens, or that teens wouldn't like it, or that it's inaccessible for them, but the themes and the writing are much more mature than I'd expect from a teen book.
This book is quiet, but powerful. It's about the Fates, literally, but also about fate. Female pain. Motherhood. Love. Anger. Revenge, and loss. The meaning of it all, the point of suffering.
It starts kind of slow, but I flew through the last third of it in one hour.
y'all are sleeping on this one, honestly. Ignore the corny ass cover, and give it a try, especially fans of Madeleine Miller and Jennifer Saint. (And weirdly fans of the Good Place...not the funny parts but the sad, poignant parts.)
Not that it's *inappropriate* for teens, or that teens wouldn't like it, or that it's inaccessible for them, but the themes and the writing are much more mature than I'd expect from a teen book.
This book is quiet, but powerful. It's about the Fates, literally, but also about fate. Female pain. Motherhood. Love. Anger. Revenge, and loss. The meaning of it all, the point of suffering.
It starts kind of slow, but I flew through the last third of it in one hour.
y'all are sleeping on this one, honestly. Ignore the corny ass cover, and give it a try, especially fans of Madeleine Miller and Jennifer Saint. (And weirdly fans of the Good Place...not the funny parts but the sad, poignant parts.)
Read
January 9, 2016Still great storytelling. Review to come.
Want to read
July 12, 2015This sounds like it might be interesting, and also like it might waste a perfect chance for lesbians (or, if the "mortal love" is not Chloe falling for Aglaia I will cry)
July 28, 2017
Not at all what I was expecting. And though the writing was glorious, the story was just too unrealistic, unbelievable and ugh. Review to come.
October 3, 2015
Go read this book. It's amazing.
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