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And Clouds Passed Above
In a tale of mystery, there's a choice that reaches to a past that's been missing for a boy who sees a world of faraway tales and present secrets. Until now as a young man, he finds a task set before him by the enigmatic figure of his grandfather. On a journey that leads away from his small village on a quiet fiord, to forgotten routes high among mountain passes and their towering cities, across ancient desert lands and the lingering echoes of lost kingdoms, to a city in the clouds and its riddle for a few who are drawn within. And to many other wonderful and desolate places until his destination is at last reached on a hidden and secret island, in the completion of his grandfather's request.
Along this winding path he finds what things are within life – of fears and love, friendship and ambition, adventure and creativity, spirituality and darkness, sorrow and regret. And a choice, in a moment that comes to each. Reminiscent of a present-day fairytale, And Clouds Passed Above shares thematic similarities with magical realism and The Alchemist, 1Q84 and Life of Pi. Where each place is part of a choice in how to spend a life, and whether something else may lie beyond. With a contemplative pace, at its heart is the way the world seems as a child, the way each moment and experience has a feeling and texture, magic and mystery, and wondering if this might stay each day, waiting to be rediscovered.
(New revision/edition, September 2023)
Along this winding path he finds what things are within life – of fears and love, friendship and ambition, adventure and creativity, spirituality and darkness, sorrow and regret. And a choice, in a moment that comes to each. Reminiscent of a present-day fairytale, And Clouds Passed Above shares thematic similarities with magical realism and The Alchemist, 1Q84 and Life of Pi. Where each place is part of a choice in how to spend a life, and whether something else may lie beyond. With a contemplative pace, at its heart is the way the world seems as a child, the way each moment and experience has a feeling and texture, magic and mystery, and wondering if this might stay each day, waiting to be rediscovered.
(New revision/edition, September 2023)
- GenresFantasyMagical Realism
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2017
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 4, 2018
This book is, on the surface, a story of a young man, Jaan, that has lost his mother at an early age and has been raised by his uncle. His grandfather has maintained contact through letters and gifts. When Jaan turns eighteen, his grandfather sends him a final gift and asks him to journey to a remote island. It is an allegory about a young man’s journey to discover his identity. He benefits from mentorship along the way and attempts to find his internal compass. He encounters good and evil. He learns from his experiences. Jaan follows “the road less traveled” but wonders about the paths not taken. It is a story of decisions and ramifications, the difference between youth and age, and the journeys we make in life.
Overall, I liked it but also had several issues with it. This book has a fable-like quality about it. It exudes a quiet beauty and takes a bit of patience and reflection to read it. It is not fast-paced nor does it contain a significant amount of action. It contains beautifully descriptive language, probably a bit too much, and occasionally comes across a bit stilted and disjointed. Its message is indirect and will not be to everyone’s taste. If you enjoy lots of descriptive prose, magical realism, or books that offer deeper meanings, open to the reader’s individual interpretation, you may enjoy this book.
Above is my original review. Upon further reflection, I had these additional thoughts:
There is a ton of descriptive language, but oddly, it somehow fits the mood and tone of the book. It has an unpretentious dream-like quality to it. It's almost like an elder telling a story to a younger person about finding his path in life, about the meaning of it all. I think the author is somewhat inexperienced, and is not expressing himself succinctly. Perhaps this was intentional? I'm not sure, but I thought it could have been an amazingly profound novel with the right editor. I enjoyed it but thought it will take a discerning reader who is not in a hurry to fully enjoy it.
I received an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley in return for a candid review.
Overall, I liked it but also had several issues with it. This book has a fable-like quality about it. It exudes a quiet beauty and takes a bit of patience and reflection to read it. It is not fast-paced nor does it contain a significant amount of action. It contains beautifully descriptive language, probably a bit too much, and occasionally comes across a bit stilted and disjointed. Its message is indirect and will not be to everyone’s taste. If you enjoy lots of descriptive prose, magical realism, or books that offer deeper meanings, open to the reader’s individual interpretation, you may enjoy this book.
Above is my original review. Upon further reflection, I had these additional thoughts:
There is a ton of descriptive language, but oddly, it somehow fits the mood and tone of the book. It has an unpretentious dream-like quality to it. It's almost like an elder telling a story to a younger person about finding his path in life, about the meaning of it all. I think the author is somewhat inexperienced, and is not expressing himself succinctly. Perhaps this was intentional? I'm not sure, but I thought it could have been an amazingly profound novel with the right editor. I enjoyed it but thought it will take a discerning reader who is not in a hurry to fully enjoy it.
I received an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley in return for a candid review.
October 9, 2023
Descriptive and beautiful language that immersed you in the time and place as the main character, Jaan, set about his journey which lasted throughout the book. While the landscape was intensely detailed, a lot of the 'action' was less descriptive leaving me to wonder what had actually taken place. But, such is life sometimes -- which was what this book was all about; choices on a journey that lead to an outcome while the world still continues to move forward.
Slow-paced, but filled with magical elements, adventure, and beautifully crafted scenes. It's one that will definitely force you to read a bit slower if you are one to consistently devour books (like me!).
Thank you to NetGalley, Seraene Publishing, and Thomas Van der Hof for an e-ARC of this book.
Slow-paced, but filled with magical elements, adventure, and beautifully crafted scenes. It's one that will definitely force you to read a bit slower if you are one to consistently devour books (like me!).
Thank you to NetGalley, Seraene Publishing, and Thomas Van der Hof for an e-ARC of this book.
November 13, 2019
Not really my type of book, i think i sort of had the wrong expetations diviing into this one. It was bits and pieces i liked, but not much to really get invested in the characters or story.
September 18, 2024
This story is of a young man Jaan, who has lost his mother at a very young age and has been raised by his uncle.
His grandfather contacts him through constant letters and gifts. When he turns eighteen his grandfather sends him a final gift and asks him to embark on a journey to a remote island.
This is all about a young man's journey to find his identity!
I liked the story, loved the descriptive style of writing.
If you enjoy magical realism,you will surely enjoy this one.
Thank you Netgalley for the Review copy
His grandfather contacts him through constant letters and gifts. When he turns eighteen his grandfather sends him a final gift and asks him to embark on a journey to a remote island.
This is all about a young man's journey to find his identity!
I liked the story, loved the descriptive style of writing.
If you enjoy magical realism,you will surely enjoy this one.
Thank you Netgalley for the Review copy
March 22, 2024
Beautiful writing and imagery however I found it a bit difficult to get into a first as it is quite slow paced. I do think I would like to give it a second read as I really do think the prose was so beautifully written.
Thank you for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Thank you for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!
July 12, 2023
I received this eARC courtesy of Netgalley and the author.
This would fall under the magical realism designation. The story takes place in the 1860s in Estonia.
Jaan is the MC. He's a nineteen year old soon to be on his way to the university. Jaan's family is made up of very enigmatic members. His mother disappeared when he was six, and he's been raised by his uncle. His grandfather is still present in Jaan's life despite being absent for the last thirteen years. The grandfather is described as an adventurer, and he travels all over the world. Every year for his birthday Jaan received both a letter and a surprising gift from his grandfather, until this last birthday. His grandfather writes that it will be the final letter since he's dying, and the final gift: a magical compass. He also asks that Jaan travel to a certain island without giving the reason. Jaan sets off on a meandering journey to fulfill this request.
I hadn't read a story set in Estonia before, so I was really looking forward to reading this. The premise sounded right up my alley, too. I have since come to the conclusion that this is the type of book that one either loves or hates; ironically, I think I'm kind of right smack between these two extremes.
There is so very little action and quite a lot of wandering by the MC. That can sometimes work for me if it's done well, though, so that wasn't exactly the problem. Perhaps it was the sometimes pointless wandering that bothered me. Or the heavily portentious vibes that really don't turn into anything of substance. That was frequent. After a bit, the perplexing behavior of other characters and the mild sense of foreboding ceased to make an impression. I began not to care, and that's never a good thing book-wise.
On to the delivery. This author can write. The language and descriptive imagery is lovely. Actually more than that, it can be beautiful. It's also exhausting! These gorgeous turns of phrase made up the bulk of the narrative. Sometimes there would be a very long paragraph chock full of them describing something ridiculously simple, when a sentence or two at the maximum would have sufficed. By the time I had waded through these heavily embroidered sentences down to the end of the paragraph, I'd forget the whole topic of the paragraph. I hope that makes sense. See a random paragraph below this review. If the writing is appealing, this may just work for you since the rest of the book is written in a similar fashion.
"Not a large wooden crate, its sides nailed shut and covered with faded stamps from faraway places. Nor a perfectly square box that was painted bright red and adorned in every space with the sweeping lines of strange characters. But instead it was just a simple package , that might otherwise contain a catalogue for his uncle, or a spare part for their farming tools. Yet it was more mysterious for its plainness because he knew it was from his grandfather. Jaan’s eyes traced the writing on its surface and saw the lines of his name, and he then looked to his uncle, whose gaze patiently met his. Looking away, he saw the garden through the broad windows and how it was touched with the evening’s umber light. And he thought once more about this house, high among the ancient trees of the fiord, which had been the center of his life. It had been built long ago by his grandfather’s father, and it was full of turning, climbing corridors and narrow stairs, in views that peeked out from oddly shaped windows. It seemed built for a child, with so many corners and hidden spaces that included an interior door which didn’t open, and an alcove that hid a secret entrance to a back corridor. And still another passage that opened with a latch beneath the second stairs, and descended to a cellar that once held wine and spirits in an era when these had been forbidden . It was a wealth of these memories that filled the familiar places within a multitude that were again present, across so many past birthdays and his grandfather’s presents, all of which had been opened at this table."
This would fall under the magical realism designation. The story takes place in the 1860s in Estonia.
Jaan is the MC. He's a nineteen year old soon to be on his way to the university. Jaan's family is made up of very enigmatic members. His mother disappeared when he was six, and he's been raised by his uncle. His grandfather is still present in Jaan's life despite being absent for the last thirteen years. The grandfather is described as an adventurer, and he travels all over the world. Every year for his birthday Jaan received both a letter and a surprising gift from his grandfather, until this last birthday. His grandfather writes that it will be the final letter since he's dying, and the final gift: a magical compass. He also asks that Jaan travel to a certain island without giving the reason. Jaan sets off on a meandering journey to fulfill this request.
I hadn't read a story set in Estonia before, so I was really looking forward to reading this. The premise sounded right up my alley, too. I have since come to the conclusion that this is the type of book that one either loves or hates; ironically, I think I'm kind of right smack between these two extremes.
There is so very little action and quite a lot of wandering by the MC. That can sometimes work for me if it's done well, though, so that wasn't exactly the problem. Perhaps it was the sometimes pointless wandering that bothered me. Or the heavily portentious vibes that really don't turn into anything of substance. That was frequent. After a bit, the perplexing behavior of other characters and the mild sense of foreboding ceased to make an impression. I began not to care, and that's never a good thing book-wise.
On to the delivery. This author can write. The language and descriptive imagery is lovely. Actually more than that, it can be beautiful. It's also exhausting! These gorgeous turns of phrase made up the bulk of the narrative. Sometimes there would be a very long paragraph chock full of them describing something ridiculously simple, when a sentence or two at the maximum would have sufficed. By the time I had waded through these heavily embroidered sentences down to the end of the paragraph, I'd forget the whole topic of the paragraph. I hope that makes sense. See a random paragraph below this review. If the writing is appealing, this may just work for you since the rest of the book is written in a similar fashion.
"Not a large wooden crate, its sides nailed shut and covered with faded stamps from faraway places. Nor a perfectly square box that was painted bright red and adorned in every space with the sweeping lines of strange characters. But instead it was just a simple package , that might otherwise contain a catalogue for his uncle, or a spare part for their farming tools. Yet it was more mysterious for its plainness because he knew it was from his grandfather. Jaan’s eyes traced the writing on its surface and saw the lines of his name, and he then looked to his uncle, whose gaze patiently met his. Looking away, he saw the garden through the broad windows and how it was touched with the evening’s umber light. And he thought once more about this house, high among the ancient trees of the fiord, which had been the center of his life. It had been built long ago by his grandfather’s father, and it was full of turning, climbing corridors and narrow stairs, in views that peeked out from oddly shaped windows. It seemed built for a child, with so many corners and hidden spaces that included an interior door which didn’t open, and an alcove that hid a secret entrance to a back corridor. And still another passage that opened with a latch beneath the second stairs, and descended to a cellar that once held wine and spirits in an era when these had been forbidden . It was a wealth of these memories that filled the familiar places within a multitude that were again present, across so many past birthdays and his grandfather’s presents, all of which had been opened at this table."
September 29, 2023
This book is about a young boy who receives a letter and a compass from his grandfather asking him to go on an adventure. In this journey, he goes through many experiences and meets people that help him understand what it is that's important in life and that every good and bad experience is necessary for us to be who we are as individuals.
I didn't know that it had a little fantasy in it, and that was a surprise in some parts, because I was not getting what was going on.
This book was a bit difficult for me as I struggled to get through it, because it can be very descriptive and the author often repeats many many times the same references in the landscapes and the same vocabulary, for exemple:
"Jaan had climbed down into the darkness and he stood now alone in the blackness" - Chapter 6.
"He walked slowly along the warm sands, beyond the shaded palms beside the pale lagoon whose surface flowed with a mercury-like smoothness" - Chapter 10
Besides the addition of an adjective before every piece of landscape, often the words "narrow", "shadows", "darkness", "brightness", were used to describe different parts of the view, and sometimes I thought the scenery was all the same because of that repetition. I don't know how many times I read "the narrow stairs" or "the narrow path", or "the way ahead"...
But, at the same time, it had great writing and teachings about life, like:
"...maybe it was not more than to live, and that this might touch another, and be made meaningful for this." - Chapter 7
Sometimes it seemed that it was written by two different people, if that makes sense.
Definitely not a book to read in a hurry, as it can be a bit "heavy" and it needs to be "digested".
I didn't know that it had a little fantasy in it, and that was a surprise in some parts, because I was not getting what was going on.
This book was a bit difficult for me as I struggled to get through it, because it can be very descriptive and the author often repeats many many times the same references in the landscapes and the same vocabulary, for exemple:
"Jaan had climbed down into the darkness and he stood now alone in the blackness" - Chapter 6.
"He walked slowly along the warm sands, beyond the shaded palms beside the pale lagoon whose surface flowed with a mercury-like smoothness" - Chapter 10
Besides the addition of an adjective before every piece of landscape, often the words "narrow", "shadows", "darkness", "brightness", were used to describe different parts of the view, and sometimes I thought the scenery was all the same because of that repetition. I don't know how many times I read "the narrow stairs" or "the narrow path", or "the way ahead"...
But, at the same time, it had great writing and teachings about life, like:
"...maybe it was not more than to live, and that this might touch another, and be made meaningful for this." - Chapter 7
Sometimes it seemed that it was written by two different people, if that makes sense.
Definitely not a book to read in a hurry, as it can be a bit "heavy" and it needs to be "digested".
July 8, 2023
And Clouds Passed Above is a super atmospheric read which really does venture down a path of emotions.
After receiving a letter on his 18th birthday from his late grandfather, Jaan is tasked with a quest to journey to the island Osaze, then further ahead to Isérna. Throughout this expedition, Jaan embarks on a remarkable odyssey, traversing expansive deserts and scaling forgotten mountains. Along the way, he encounters a path adorned with love, friendship, and thrilling escapades, yet it also exposes him to shadows of sorrow, anguish, and darkness.
I really loved the world-building, and enjoyed the characters, however, I didnt feel as immeresed in it as I first hoped. I don't know why, but I found it really hard to get through this one. I often found myself putting it down, then picking it up and only reading a few pages, and not really being 100% invested in it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the e-copy in return for an honest review.
After receiving a letter on his 18th birthday from his late grandfather, Jaan is tasked with a quest to journey to the island Osaze, then further ahead to Isérna. Throughout this expedition, Jaan embarks on a remarkable odyssey, traversing expansive deserts and scaling forgotten mountains. Along the way, he encounters a path adorned with love, friendship, and thrilling escapades, yet it also exposes him to shadows of sorrow, anguish, and darkness.
I really loved the world-building, and enjoyed the characters, however, I didnt feel as immeresed in it as I first hoped. I don't know why, but I found it really hard to get through this one. I often found myself putting it down, then picking it up and only reading a few pages, and not really being 100% invested in it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the e-copy in return for an honest review.
December 27, 2023
This arc was graciously given by NetGalley for an honest review.
This book was a doozie and unfortunately one I could not finish. The writing style seemed overly templatized in the beginning, following the same sentence format over and over which made it daunting. Once the story moved a bit, settings changed and dialogue was introduced, it became easier, flowed florally with beautiful imagery. However, it never really hooked me. And after days of reading with no advancement in the story (kindle literally only advanced 6% after dozens and dozens of pages), it began to feel forced and something I wasn't eager to read. I'd love to see the movie adaptation of this book, and feel the characters and settings really lend itself to a ton of options for plot. Thanks for the arc and the opportunity but this wasn't one for me.
This book was a doozie and unfortunately one I could not finish. The writing style seemed overly templatized in the beginning, following the same sentence format over and over which made it daunting. Once the story moved a bit, settings changed and dialogue was introduced, it became easier, flowed florally with beautiful imagery. However, it never really hooked me. And after days of reading with no advancement in the story (kindle literally only advanced 6% after dozens and dozens of pages), it began to feel forced and something I wasn't eager to read. I'd love to see the movie adaptation of this book, and feel the characters and settings really lend itself to a ton of options for plot. Thanks for the arc and the opportunity but this wasn't one for me.
July 13, 2023
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC, this is an honest review*
DNF at 47%
So… this wasn’t for me. I was really intrigued by the synopsis, but it was not what I had expected, at all.
My main gripe with this story was how little I connected with the main character. I never really got a clear idea of his thoughts or feelings. The author seemed too focused on describing the scenery or telling the history of the city he visits. So it almost felt underwritten and overwritten.
I also just got bored. Nothing was really happening, just going around talking to different people in the city, hearing them info dump etc.
This could have been great. Some of the ideas, scenery, and characters were interesting. But I needed more, especially from the main character.
DNF at 47%
So… this wasn’t for me. I was really intrigued by the synopsis, but it was not what I had expected, at all.
My main gripe with this story was how little I connected with the main character. I never really got a clear idea of his thoughts or feelings. The author seemed too focused on describing the scenery or telling the history of the city he visits. So it almost felt underwritten and overwritten.
I also just got bored. Nothing was really happening, just going around talking to different people in the city, hearing them info dump etc.
This could have been great. Some of the ideas, scenery, and characters were interesting. But I needed more, especially from the main character.
July 31, 2023
I received this book as an advanced reader copy.
I had a hard time getting through some parts of this book. I wanted to love it because the language was so beautiful and flowery but it felt like the whole point of the book was more to have beautiful flowery language than to have a good plot a lot of the times. And it was hard, at times, to relate to the main character's motive because the long, descriptive passages got in the way.
Overall, I liked the basic premise of the young man on an adventure to find himself and discover his world for himself. Just be aware that the poetry of the language may be a detractor if you are like me.
I had a hard time getting through some parts of this book. I wanted to love it because the language was so beautiful and flowery but it felt like the whole point of the book was more to have beautiful flowery language than to have a good plot a lot of the times. And it was hard, at times, to relate to the main character's motive because the long, descriptive passages got in the way.
Overall, I liked the basic premise of the young man on an adventure to find himself and discover his world for himself. Just be aware that the poetry of the language may be a detractor if you are like me.
November 18, 2023
I really love the cover of the book and was super interested after reading the blurb but the book kind of left me a bit disappointed. It does give off some of the fairytale vibes it was advertised with but I wished for more. The writing style is ok. It's also very slow paced. And I had the same issues with this book as I have with LOTR, the scenery is described in such a detail that it dragged forever. But I liked that it felt like the grandfather was telling the story.
August 25, 2023
This isn’t my usual type of book but I couldn’t help but enjoy this read. This epic adventure and bountiful world has me enthralled and invested. I think the author paint a beautiful world and your left rooting for the mc.
December 22, 2023
This book just wasn’t for me, I like the synopsis of the story but while reading I found myself bored nothing exciting was happening.
Blog for more.
Blog for more.
December 28, 2023
Kind of neat?? But confusing and not very gripping.
March 30, 2024
I wanted to love this book it was descriptive and the writing is incredible but I just wasn’t grabbed by the story! I would still highly recommend this book as maybe it was me!
September 18, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley to review this book. I really love the cover photo of this book. It is very simple yet so eye-catching. I was intrigued into reading it because of it.
The writing skills of the author is really good. It has been written in such a captivating way that creates a very vivid atmosphere. It explores themes such as destiny, creativity, faith and choice. This book is a skillful blend of Fantasy, Sci-fi, and spirituality which really makes it a very unique story. The character development of Jaan is really interesting to read and the book is full of action and adventure.
I will definitely recommend this book to people who enjoy books that challenge their imagination.
#AndCloudsPassedAbove #NetGalley
The writing skills of the author is really good. It has been written in such a captivating way that creates a very vivid atmosphere. It explores themes such as destiny, creativity, faith and choice. This book is a skillful blend of Fantasy, Sci-fi, and spirituality which really makes it a very unique story. The character development of Jaan is really interesting to read and the book is full of action and adventure.
I will definitely recommend this book to people who enjoy books that challenge their imagination.
#AndCloudsPassedAbove #NetGalley
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