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The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker
What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Hidden in the dark heart of Victorian London, the Romanesque school was dreadfully imposing, a veritable fortress, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met its powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadows, of the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She saw simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gift. This arched stone doorway was a portal to a new life, to an education far from what could be had at a convent -- and it was an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death...
324 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
28 people are currently reading
3380 people want to read
About the author
Leanna Renee Hieber
66 books1,097 followersAuthor, actress, artist and playwright, Leanna received a BFA in Theatre, a focus in the Victorian Era and a scholarship to study in London. She adapted 19th Century literature for the stage and her one-act plays have been produced around the country. She is a 4 time Prism Award winner for excellence in Futuristic, Fantasy, or Paranormal Romance. Her debut novel, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, first in the "Strangely Beautiful" saga of Gothic Victorian Fantasy novels (Barnes & Noble Bestseller) won two 2010 Prism Awards (Best Fantasy, Best First Book) has been hailed by Tor Books as a "foundation work of Gaslamp Fantasy" and has been reissued in new, revised editions as STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL. The prequel, PERILOUS PROPHECY and the never before published MISS VIOLET AND THE GREAT WAR finish the quartet (Tor Books). DARKER STILL: A Novel of Magic Most Foul was named an Indie Next title by the American Book Association and a Scholastic book fair "Highly Recommended" title. All books in the Magic Most Foul trilogy are now available as is THE ETERNA FILES trilogy of Gaslamp Fantasy novels (Tor Books). Her new series with Kensington's new Rebel Base imprint, THE SPECTRAL CITY, a Gaslamp Fantasy / Supernatural Suspense became a # 1 Amazon bestseller in Gaslamp Fantasy, Steampunk and Metaphysical Fantasy as well as hitting the top ten across other platforms. The series continues with three novels. Her short fiction has been included in anthologies such as QUEEN VICTORIA'S BOOK OF SPELLS and the MAMMOTH BOOK OF GASLAMP ROMANCE. All her Victorian-set series feature crossover characters. A member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers, she is a proud co-founder of Lady Jane's Salon Reading Series in New York City. A member of Actors Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, Leanna works often in film and television on shows like Boardwalk Empire and Mysteries at the Museum, works as a ghost tour guide for Boroughs of the Dead tour company and creates unique neo-Victorian and Steampunk jewelry on Etsy. In 2018 Leanna wrote, developed and now tours a one woman show "By the Light of Tiffany: A Meeting with Clara Driscoll" about the talented 19th century artist. Visit http://leannareneehieber.com for free reads, writers' resources, interviews, videos and more, and follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/leannarenee and FB http://facebook.com/lrhieber.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
July 4, 2014
The title is a misnomer. I would have titled this
The Twistingly Tangential Tale of Miss Percy Parker
instead. Good lord, how this story wandered.
I'm going to be quoting a lot from this book in this review. The quotes are too priceless not to be used, and they give a pretty good impression of the entirety of the book and the writing...which is not a good thing. The writing tries too hard to be poetic and 19th century, and instead sounds like an author's flowery rendition instead of actual, believable prose and speech. The result is a laughable, melodramatic arrangement of prose that is even more absurd given the clichéd characters and the confoundingly confusing plot.
The story takes place in the Victorian Era and revolves around a group of six people who are summoned to meet each other through mysterious means. They each have special "strengths," for example, the Intuition, the Artist, the Heart (...by your powers combined, I am Captain Planet! Oops, wrong group of people). They see spirits, and are awaiting a foreseen Seventh power, that will either enhance them if they choose the correct person, or destroy them and the world if they choose wrongly. From then on, they begin working together, and two of them work together at the Athens Academy, an institution of enlightened learning that also accepts women, a fairly rare thing given the time period.
Twenty years later, a young woman comes to Athens Academy. She is an orphan, with "...deathly pale skin, the whole of her white as snow. Glasses shaded her pale eyes, which, through their glass, appeared almost violet." Persephone Parker is as Mary Sue as they come. She believes she is sooooooooo ugly and hideous, due to her appearance. Naturally, anyone with pale, flawless skin, a "fine-featured face," "pearlescent hair", and "opalescent eyes" has got to be hideous. Am I right? And me with my brown hair and eyes. It's a wonder that people look at me without turning to stone.
Percy is the special snowflake. The Chosen One. The Prophecied One. You see where this is going, right? As clearly as my palm is going to my forehead.
Percy still doesn't believe how pretty she is, even when heads turn at her entrance, no matter what she's repeatedly told...
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR REINFORCING YET ANOTHER STEREOTYPE THAT GIRLS ARE BAD IN THE MATHS AND SCIENCES. THIS FUCKING BOOK.
***Aside to the author: if you're going to have your main character be a language specialist who picks up any dialect at the drop of a pin, it's best not to have her make stupid grammatical errors in a simple language such as French. Even in French 101, we know better than to say "ma amie." It's mon amie.***
I cannot enjoy Percy's character. She's supposed to be the prophesied one, but she is so simple-minded. She does not act like someone who will bring about change. She does not act like someone who can inspire. She does not act like one who is remotely capable of anything besides breathing and eating. I didn't mention pooping, because this Mary Sue of a fluff certainly does not do anything so basic as taking a shit like the rest of us. I cannot believe Percy is supposed to be who is, and I find it completely reasonable that the other characters in the book have their doubts, as well.
Percy is also hopelessly infatuated with her teacher. Alexi Rychman is the professor, the love interest, the head honcho of this entire ultra-secretive. He's twice her age, not to mention her instructor. Her very, very personal instructor and tutor. In this day and age, we call that an abuse of power. And ugh, what a stereotype Mr. Rychman is...
Alexi is the rough, blunt, angry, dark Heathcliff of a man, resistant as all hell to the finer emotions, with whom Percy, that twit of a simpering schoolgirl inexplicably loves. And how she loves him, sighs over him, swoons over him...Alexi is her math teacher, and she's more obsessed with looking at him than focusing on her lessons: no wonder she's failing.
But that's enough of how much I despised the main characters. But wait, there's not just two characters. Noooooo. That would be too easy. We are introduced to six characters in the original group, and rest assured, we are constantly informed of them and their various enterprises. There's also your supporting cast of various girlfriends, ghosts, and a false Seventh. The massive cast, the minor investigative plots, the barely-controlled and infuriating student-teacher sexual tension all adds up to one thing: a massive headache for the reader.
I'm going to be quoting a lot from this book in this review. The quotes are too priceless not to be used, and they give a pretty good impression of the entirety of the book and the writing...which is not a good thing. The writing tries too hard to be poetic and 19th century, and instead sounds like an author's flowery rendition instead of actual, believable prose and speech. The result is a laughable, melodramatic arrangement of prose that is even more absurd given the clichéd characters and the confoundingly confusing plot.
The story takes place in the Victorian Era and revolves around a group of six people who are summoned to meet each other through mysterious means. They each have special "strengths," for example, the Intuition, the Artist, the Heart (...by your powers combined, I am Captain Planet! Oops, wrong group of people). They see spirits, and are awaiting a foreseen Seventh power, that will either enhance them if they choose the correct person, or destroy them and the world if they choose wrongly. From then on, they begin working together, and two of them work together at the Athens Academy, an institution of enlightened learning that also accepts women, a fairly rare thing given the time period.
Twenty years later, a young woman comes to Athens Academy. She is an orphan, with "...deathly pale skin, the whole of her white as snow. Glasses shaded her pale eyes, which, through their glass, appeared almost violet." Persephone Parker is as Mary Sue as they come. She believes she is sooooooooo ugly and hideous, due to her appearance. Naturally, anyone with pale, flawless skin, a "fine-featured face," "pearlescent hair", and "opalescent eyes" has got to be hideous. Am I right? And me with my brown hair and eyes. It's a wonder that people look at me without turning to stone.
Percy is the special snowflake. The Chosen One. The Prophecied One. You see where this is going, right? As clearly as my palm is going to my forehead.
Percy still doesn't believe how pretty she is, even when heads turn at her entrance, no matter what she's repeatedly told...
"...I think it is lovely, your face. You are like a doll—I do not know the name...one of those that break if you drop them."She also speaks any number of languages, except Mandarin (it's one of her weaker languages). She picks up languages easily, and even speaks Aramaic. Freaking Aramaic. But she's not altogether flawless, for example: she sucks at math.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR REINFORCING YET ANOTHER STEREOTYPE THAT GIRLS ARE BAD IN THE MATHS AND SCIENCES. THIS FUCKING BOOK.
***Aside to the author: if you're going to have your main character be a language specialist who picks up any dialect at the drop of a pin, it's best not to have her make stupid grammatical errors in a simple language such as French. Even in French 101, we know better than to say "ma amie." It's mon amie.***
I cannot enjoy Percy's character. She's supposed to be the prophesied one, but she is so simple-minded. She does not act like someone who will bring about change. She does not act like someone who can inspire. She does not act like one who is remotely capable of anything besides breathing and eating. I didn't mention pooping, because this Mary Sue of a fluff certainly does not do anything so basic as taking a shit like the rest of us. I cannot believe Percy is supposed to be who is, and I find it completely reasonable that the other characters in the book have their doubts, as well.
Percy is also hopelessly infatuated with her teacher. Alexi Rychman is the professor, the love interest, the head honcho of this entire ultra-secretive. He's twice her age, not to mention her instructor. Her very, very personal instructor and tutor. In this day and age, we call that an abuse of power. And ugh, what a stereotype Mr. Rychman is...
Lustrous dark hair hung loosely to broad shoulders. A few locks turned out in an unkempt manner contrary to the rest of his appearance, while a few strands clung to his noble, chiseled features—a long nose, high cheekbones, defined lips like a Grecian sculpture and impossibly dark eyes.Their relationship is quite limited, to the extent that he growls at her constantly in anger (yet is inexplicably attracted to this strange young woman half his age), and she simpers and blushes prettily in response.
“No need for apologies,” he replied. “I was the one asking the questions.”That pretty much sums up the entirety of their entire relationship.
“Thank you, sir.”
“And there’s no need to thank me!” the professor snapped.
“I’m sorry---Oh dear!” Percy murmured, biting her lip and yearning to retreat into her corset.
Alexi is the rough, blunt, angry, dark Heathcliff of a man, resistant as all hell to the finer emotions, with whom Percy, that twit of a simpering schoolgirl inexplicably loves. And how she loves him, sighs over him, swoons over him...Alexi is her math teacher, and she's more obsessed with looking at him than focusing on her lessons: no wonder she's failing.
Percy groaned. “Oh, that class remains my bane! I pay attention, take countless notes, but all I remember is the sound of Professor Rychman’s voice. Every syllable he speaks is like a hypnotic delicacy, like dark velvet. I try to grasp his explanations, but all I can see is how his robe sweeps as he moves, how his presence commands the room, how his brow furrows in thought, how his eyes blaze, how he calmly brushes a lock of dark hair from his noble face...'Did you hear that? That's the sound of me gagging. Percy makes Bella's mooning over Edward seem rational and reasonable.
But that's enough of how much I despised the main characters. But wait, there's not just two characters. Noooooo. That would be too easy. We are introduced to six characters in the original group, and rest assured, we are constantly informed of them and their various enterprises. There's also your supporting cast of various girlfriends, ghosts, and a false Seventh. The massive cast, the minor investigative plots, the barely-controlled and infuriating student-teacher sexual tension all adds up to one thing: a massive headache for the reader.
September 25, 2010
This is the only book of mine I'll ever rate, and while it won't be the best book I ever write, I'll remain particularly partial to it. After a decade-long journey to publication, my debut remains the book of my heart.
August 13, 2009
Cross genre books are a hard sell. And unless the author has the skill to pull it off, the book will not find a readership. When it comes to The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, this could have been a problem. This novel is a Victorian Gothic Paranormal Ghost filled tale with romance that both teens and adults can read. The sensuality is subdued enough to fit the time period of 1888 London, England. Emotions such as the yearnings of love and lust are meant to pushed way down. What Leanna Renee Hieber has done with her very unique character of Percy Parker is shown that these intense feelings of desire and the sense of belonging cannot be ignored. Percy is a very confused young woman deserving of love. And when she finds this love with the stoic, brooding and equally confused Professor Alexi Rychman, it is a wonderful, beautiful and sweet story.
Percy Parker begins in 1867 with six young teens who have been called to protect London and perhaps the world from evil. A wondrous sight meets them. She is a goddess who brings forth a prophecy and especially connects with Alexi Rychman who will be the leader of this group that will be called the Guards of The Grand Work. These six youngsters, Rebecca, Elijah, Josephine, Michael, Jane and Alexi will be responsible in maintaining balance between this world and the one beyond. They must fight the Darkness from taking over and destroying all that is good. There is a seventh that will join their circle and must be chosen carefully because there will those who claims will be false ones. It is up to Alexi to find out who she is because this woman will be his one true love.
Twenty years after the goddess first appeared to the guard, the six have settled into a routine. Rebecca is the headmistress to the Athens Academy where many bright girls and boys attend. Alexi is a professor there who teaches math. Michael is now a Vicar, Josephine and Elijah carry on a secret affair. Over the past two decades they have fought the Darkness and won, but things are becoming more deadly. The Darkness is building strength and has found a possible way to destroy them. Not only has he created a specter knows as Jack the Ripper that is causing death and terror all over London, but one of his servants knows of a way to invade the guard. She will pretend to be a woman on the run who goes by the name of Lucille Linden, a very attractive and seductive woman who will make Alexi fall in love with her.
Around the time that London is going to hell in a hand basket, “a young woman the likes of which London had never seen” arrives. She is Miss Percy Parker, a bright eighteen year old who was raised in a convent, speaks many different languages and can see and hear ghosts. Percy is used to the strange looks that come her way because she is an albino. And because Percy has always been ostracized, she feels she is a freak of nature. Poor Percy may feel ugly, but her nature is one full of love and kindness. She wants to belong and to be accepted. If she can keep her visions that plague her night and day under control, then perhaps she can have a normal life.
When Percy becomes settled at the school, she does make a few friends. She also must attend math classes. Percy hates math with a passion. Numbers and equations do not make any sense to her. She will be in for quite the surprise because her reaction to one of her professors unlocks her deep passionate urges that have still been untapped. The moment Percy lays her eyes on Professor Rychman, she falls head long into love. Some would say this is a girlish crush because what can a young girl like Percy know about love? But something about Rychman calls out to her. She knows any future with the professor is useless because he is a much older dashing man.
Alexi doesn’t know what to make of Percy. He knows she hides under scarves and glasses because of her looks. He also knows she is horrible at mathematics. Alexi decides to tutor Miss Parker. Percy is on cloud nine even though she is a bit fearful of the Professor because he is demanding, cold and never smiles. As their tutoring sessions commence, Alexi and Percy get to know one another. Alexi wants Percy to accept herself, from her visions to her ability to see ghosts, to embrace how different and unique she is. Alexi doesn’t see Percy as the beast she thinks of herself as. He thinks of her as someone with so much to give to the world.
As Percy and Alexi build on a tentative friendship of sorts, one that goes beyond the simple teacher and student relationship, a storm is brewing. Everything Alexi has believed for close to twenty years is breaking down. All the signs point to Percy as being the seventh guard. But how can Alexi act on his feelings for Percy when there is Lucille who seems to embody everything the goddess told him?
Even though The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Percy Parker is heavy on mystical and supernatural action, the true enjoyment in reading boils down to the character of Percy. Leanna has written a wonderful character that shines from the inside out. Percy’s innocence and need for approval is wonderful to read. Even though Percy wants love, her quest is one we all have experienced at one time or another. Watching Percy moon over Alexi may seem silly, but it is endearing. I never truly understood what swooning was until Percy does it.
And what can I say about Alexi? I think I was as far gone over him as Percy was. My favorite scenes are the ones where Alexi tutors Percy in his office. There is a nice sense of closeness between these two. Alexi is not necessarily a tortured hero, but he is one who has so much responsibility to deal with. He broods wonderfully. Is it wrong of me to say I wanted him to keep brooding? And guess who Alexi reminds me of? If you have seen Richard Armitage play John Thornton in North and South, then you know what I mean. Richard would be perfect to envision as Alexi. I definitely did as I read.
The Strangely Beautiful Case of Miss Percy Parker is a bit lyrical and poetic in its telling. My imagination and senses were very much engaged. If you are in the mood for a book that is very different from your normal read, I recommend you give Percy Parker a go. Leanna Renee Hieber is one welcomed debut author this year who will bring so much to the publishing world for the years to come.
Percy Parker begins in 1867 with six young teens who have been called to protect London and perhaps the world from evil. A wondrous sight meets them. She is a goddess who brings forth a prophecy and especially connects with Alexi Rychman who will be the leader of this group that will be called the Guards of The Grand Work. These six youngsters, Rebecca, Elijah, Josephine, Michael, Jane and Alexi will be responsible in maintaining balance between this world and the one beyond. They must fight the Darkness from taking over and destroying all that is good. There is a seventh that will join their circle and must be chosen carefully because there will those who claims will be false ones. It is up to Alexi to find out who she is because this woman will be his one true love.
Twenty years after the goddess first appeared to the guard, the six have settled into a routine. Rebecca is the headmistress to the Athens Academy where many bright girls and boys attend. Alexi is a professor there who teaches math. Michael is now a Vicar, Josephine and Elijah carry on a secret affair. Over the past two decades they have fought the Darkness and won, but things are becoming more deadly. The Darkness is building strength and has found a possible way to destroy them. Not only has he created a specter knows as Jack the Ripper that is causing death and terror all over London, but one of his servants knows of a way to invade the guard. She will pretend to be a woman on the run who goes by the name of Lucille Linden, a very attractive and seductive woman who will make Alexi fall in love with her.
Around the time that London is going to hell in a hand basket, “a young woman the likes of which London had never seen” arrives. She is Miss Percy Parker, a bright eighteen year old who was raised in a convent, speaks many different languages and can see and hear ghosts. Percy is used to the strange looks that come her way because she is an albino. And because Percy has always been ostracized, she feels she is a freak of nature. Poor Percy may feel ugly, but her nature is one full of love and kindness. She wants to belong and to be accepted. If she can keep her visions that plague her night and day under control, then perhaps she can have a normal life.
When Percy becomes settled at the school, she does make a few friends. She also must attend math classes. Percy hates math with a passion. Numbers and equations do not make any sense to her. She will be in for quite the surprise because her reaction to one of her professors unlocks her deep passionate urges that have still been untapped. The moment Percy lays her eyes on Professor Rychman, she falls head long into love. Some would say this is a girlish crush because what can a young girl like Percy know about love? But something about Rychman calls out to her. She knows any future with the professor is useless because he is a much older dashing man.
Alexi doesn’t know what to make of Percy. He knows she hides under scarves and glasses because of her looks. He also knows she is horrible at mathematics. Alexi decides to tutor Miss Parker. Percy is on cloud nine even though she is a bit fearful of the Professor because he is demanding, cold and never smiles. As their tutoring sessions commence, Alexi and Percy get to know one another. Alexi wants Percy to accept herself, from her visions to her ability to see ghosts, to embrace how different and unique she is. Alexi doesn’t see Percy as the beast she thinks of herself as. He thinks of her as someone with so much to give to the world.
As Percy and Alexi build on a tentative friendship of sorts, one that goes beyond the simple teacher and student relationship, a storm is brewing. Everything Alexi has believed for close to twenty years is breaking down. All the signs point to Percy as being the seventh guard. But how can Alexi act on his feelings for Percy when there is Lucille who seems to embody everything the goddess told him?
Even though The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Percy Parker is heavy on mystical and supernatural action, the true enjoyment in reading boils down to the character of Percy. Leanna has written a wonderful character that shines from the inside out. Percy’s innocence and need for approval is wonderful to read. Even though Percy wants love, her quest is one we all have experienced at one time or another. Watching Percy moon over Alexi may seem silly, but it is endearing. I never truly understood what swooning was until Percy does it.
And what can I say about Alexi? I think I was as far gone over him as Percy was. My favorite scenes are the ones where Alexi tutors Percy in his office. There is a nice sense of closeness between these two. Alexi is not necessarily a tortured hero, but he is one who has so much responsibility to deal with. He broods wonderfully. Is it wrong of me to say I wanted him to keep brooding? And guess who Alexi reminds me of? If you have seen Richard Armitage play John Thornton in North and South, then you know what I mean. Richard would be perfect to envision as Alexi. I definitely did as I read.
The Strangely Beautiful Case of Miss Percy Parker is a bit lyrical and poetic in its telling. My imagination and senses were very much engaged. If you are in the mood for a book that is very different from your normal read, I recommend you give Percy Parker a go. Leanna Renee Hieber is one welcomed debut author this year who will bring so much to the publishing world for the years to come.
September 25, 2010
What a unique and interesting story! I don't read that many fantasy books, so this was a big departure for me. I liked it, but things that were new and interesting to me might be common in the genre. I'm just not familiar enough with it to say for certain.
I really liked getting to see so many different points of view. The main focus of the story was Alexia and his fated love, but we got to see a lot of the rest of his group of six. The dynamic between them seemed really genuine. They laughed together and had issues with each other, and they all liked to mock Alexi for his brooding ways. That was also a negative in their favor, but it still seemed real.
I loved the mythological focus. I am a total sucker for Greek mythology, and I love seeing new incorporations of it. I really like the way it was brought into play here. We slowly learned bits and pieces of what actually occurred to the goddess and her lover. I like that things weren't info dumped, but I do have to confess to shaking my book in frustration a few times because I didn't know what was going on.
I wavered between liking and disliking Percy throughout the book. I liked how real she felt. Her completely understandable insecurities dominated her life and made her timid and shy. She practically cringed whenever she was spoken to sharply. While I did appreciate how well her personality fit in relation to how people reacted to her, I also had a hard time feeling satisfied with her as a lead. She felt true to her age, actually she felt younger, and that really made the age difference more pronounced. I just had a hard time with how needy she was all the time. I was especially mad at her forgive and forget attitude at the end after someone cut their ties.
The style of this book took a little bit to get used to. Everyone was extremely emotive. It felt rather melodramatic and flowery most of the time. Every time I turned around someone was bursting into tears. I have never seen so many people cry so often. It was a small thing, but it made me roll my eyes every time I saw it.
In the beginning of the book I really liked the members of the group of six. Well, I always had a problem with Rebecca, I found her extremely selfish and hateful. But I liked the rest of them! Until they decided that they knew better than their leader and took steps to make sure they got their way. I was pleased that Alexi was cold to them, but I wish he hadn't have been such an idiot and went along with their plan at all.
While I liked the mythology and the idea of it, the group of friends irritated me to no end! I spent a large majority of the book wishing I could reach through the pages and strangle someone! I plan to read the second book shortly, but those people better stop being douches!
I really liked getting to see so many different points of view. The main focus of the story was Alexia and his fated love, but we got to see a lot of the rest of his group of six. The dynamic between them seemed really genuine. They laughed together and had issues with each other, and they all liked to mock Alexi for his brooding ways. That was also a negative in their favor, but it still seemed real.
I loved the mythological focus. I am a total sucker for Greek mythology, and I love seeing new incorporations of it. I really like the way it was brought into play here. We slowly learned bits and pieces of what actually occurred to the goddess and her lover. I like that things weren't info dumped, but I do have to confess to shaking my book in frustration a few times because I didn't know what was going on.
I wavered between liking and disliking Percy throughout the book. I liked how real she felt. Her completely understandable insecurities dominated her life and made her timid and shy. She practically cringed whenever she was spoken to sharply. While I did appreciate how well her personality fit in relation to how people reacted to her, I also had a hard time feeling satisfied with her as a lead. She felt true to her age, actually she felt younger, and that really made the age difference more pronounced. I just had a hard time with how needy she was all the time. I was especially mad at her forgive and forget attitude at the end after someone cut their ties.
The style of this book took a little bit to get used to. Everyone was extremely emotive. It felt rather melodramatic and flowery most of the time. Every time I turned around someone was bursting into tears. I have never seen so many people cry so often. It was a small thing, but it made me roll my eyes every time I saw it.
In the beginning of the book I really liked the members of the group of six. Well, I always had a problem with Rebecca, I found her extremely selfish and hateful. But I liked the rest of them! Until they decided that they knew better than their leader and took steps to make sure they got their way. I was pleased that Alexi was cold to them, but I wish he hadn't have been such an idiot and went along with their plan at all.
While I liked the mythology and the idea of it, the group of friends irritated me to no end! I spent a large majority of the book wishing I could reach through the pages and strangle someone! I plan to read the second book shortly, but those people better stop being douches!
December 28, 2009
There aren’t enough words the Internet Thesaurus dictionary can describe for how ‘in-hearts’ I am with The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. This book was a re-imagined homage to the Victorian romantics such as Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte mixed with the supernatural aspects of Sherlock Holmes. This book brought to life what is so often missing in contemporary romance, the ability to build romantic tension with nothing more than stolen glances and a poet’s heart. I was swept away, back to the times where a single touch of the hand was more deliciously erotic than any sexual act. I will say, it’s not easy to fulfill the appetite of contemporary readers who are used to the more physical interactions of the characters as a necessary form of romantic fulfillment. I cried, I laughed, and was strangely fulfilled, even though the biggest climax of the book was when they kiss. This brought me back to why I fell in love with romance in the first place.
I think we’ve all felt at some point in our lives a little awkward, needing to be accepted and the painful journey towards finding that acceptance. Miss Percy Parker is a character that is reminiscent of Jane Austen’s Persuasion and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. Timid, ghostly-looking, Percy Parker tugs at your heart with her quiet strength and resilience, who’s shyness and tender heart make the reader love her even more. Raised in a convent, Percy is accepted into the Athens School at the late age of 19. Excited and nervous to venture outside of her convent, Percy braves her new adventure with a quiet determination and steadfastness. Despite her ghostly looks, Percy desperately wants to fit in and finds herself thinking that she just can’t help feel that she is destined for something bigger. Something, extraordinary.
Mathematics Professor Alexi Rychman, is part of a prophecy. His life is not his own, he is part of a group of guardians that have been awaiting the 7th installment of their group, one who will save the world from the prophesied evil that was revealed to him as a young man. Alexi has lead an emotionless life, keeping all his feelings to nothing more than a cold politeness, he is on the brink of despair. He is getting older and has lost faith that his goddess will not return to him and reveal their 7th member. This 7th person is destined to be the woman he is fated to fall in love with, he just doesn’t know he’s already met her.
Enter Miss Percy Parker, gifted with languages, a lover of literature and wretched in mathematics and science, she is destined to die a painful, slow death of embarrassment from her regular tutoring sessions from the delicious Professor Rychman. She despises her ineptness and each day falls a bit deeper in love with the Professor.
If you are yearning for something more fulfilling than the what’s currently on your bookshevles, the odd, yet beautiful adventure of Miss Percy Parker is a romance not to be missed.
Rating 4 1/2 Stars
I think we’ve all felt at some point in our lives a little awkward, needing to be accepted and the painful journey towards finding that acceptance. Miss Percy Parker is a character that is reminiscent of Jane Austen’s Persuasion and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. Timid, ghostly-looking, Percy Parker tugs at your heart with her quiet strength and resilience, who’s shyness and tender heart make the reader love her even more. Raised in a convent, Percy is accepted into the Athens School at the late age of 19. Excited and nervous to venture outside of her convent, Percy braves her new adventure with a quiet determination and steadfastness. Despite her ghostly looks, Percy desperately wants to fit in and finds herself thinking that she just can’t help feel that she is destined for something bigger. Something, extraordinary.
Mathematics Professor Alexi Rychman, is part of a prophecy. His life is not his own, he is part of a group of guardians that have been awaiting the 7th installment of their group, one who will save the world from the prophesied evil that was revealed to him as a young man. Alexi has lead an emotionless life, keeping all his feelings to nothing more than a cold politeness, he is on the brink of despair. He is getting older and has lost faith that his goddess will not return to him and reveal their 7th member. This 7th person is destined to be the woman he is fated to fall in love with, he just doesn’t know he’s already met her.
Enter Miss Percy Parker, gifted with languages, a lover of literature and wretched in mathematics and science, she is destined to die a painful, slow death of embarrassment from her regular tutoring sessions from the delicious Professor Rychman. She despises her ineptness and each day falls a bit deeper in love with the Professor.
If you are yearning for something more fulfilling than the what’s currently on your bookshevles, the odd, yet beautiful adventure of Miss Percy Parker is a romance not to be missed.
Rating 4 1/2 Stars
August 17, 2010
I have come to the conclusion that my tastes are unlike anyone else’s because I can’t explain why a book that has received four to five stars from its readers got two stars from me. Am I not seeing something that they are? (I may as well admit (confess? dare I?) that I am no fan of Twilight either.) In the beginning of this book, six children of varying ages are somehow possessed by mythic beings known as The Guard who do The Grand Work (honestly, I’m not joking, that’s how it’s described) and there is a prophecy by this extremely beautiful woman (who has a thing for phoenixes as her lover was one (or was able to change into one)) that there will be a seventh among their ranks. And this seventh is going to be very important because it is only through her joining their ranks will the Guard be able to keep up their Grand Work (I’m only snickering a little bit). So far, so good.
I will also say that I like my heroines strong, feisty and bold. Or if not, I like them with grace and dignity and always a spine. Miss Percy Parker, who has so little colour in her cheeks and body that she might as well be a ghost, has no spine. She is spineless. I like her German friend better. Way better. Anyway, Miss Percy falls for Alexi, a man who is (although this is kept ambiguous) more than twice her age. He’s also her professor. Now I shall leave you to consider the appropriateness of that equation (him being a mathematics professor and Percy being a total dunce at it) and Alexi is unable to help himself but reciprocate her passion.
With me so far? Yeah? Good.
Okay, I won’t give the story away just in case you want to read this so let me move on to the reasons I found this entire book utterly ridiculous. No wait, before I do, I shall point out the nice bits because this book actually did have some plus points. The camaraderie between the Guard was quite well written and their bantering was amusing and spoke of a wit sharper than the book leads you to believe. I also thought the insertion of the Greek mythos was interesting. It was subtle but not really and you will totally know what the story is if you read the title with a careful eye.
This book is written in a gothic style, I understand that. It seeks to emulate the styles of Ann Radcliffe perhaps with a heroine who is all heaving bosom and quivering lips. I get that. But what deeply upsets me is the type of woman Percy turned out to be. She’s weak – timid is just a nice word for saying spineless. And she’s the perfect type for a victim mentality. Alexi throws (yes, throws) her out of his office and still ALL she wants to do is crawl back to him. She’s not just timid, she’s also accepting of whatever Alexi does to her and in fact, she says to him more than once that she “would do anything for you.”
Even when her supposed power saves the world and their asses in the end, the author takes away the brief power the female held making her “forget” what had happened or how she’d got there. She regains her senses and asks Alexi to save her, once again reinstating the old tradition of men being the ones with power. Even her brief shows of temper and spine are eclipsed by her overwhelming helplessness against the so-called Alexi.
I couldn’t believe a woman would write a heroine who is a shame to all other heroines out there. In fact, Bella seems awesome in comparison and I’m telling you, that’s something not done easily. Then there is the melodrama, excessive melodrama. The writing which is choked with trite emotions and cliches. The author finds it easier to lump all the Guard as one and instead of talking about them as individuals, refers to them as a group, making all their expressions and reactions uniform. This rings unrealistic and smacks of lazy writing.
Honestly, by the time I was at the climax of the novel, I was chuckling and not because the book was meant to be funny. I just couldn’t fathom anyone actually taking any of it seriously. You might feel that I am being needlessly harsh but these are my honest feelings. This book is for women and their progress in society, their fight to be respected and taken seriously what a weedkiller is for weeds.
I will also say that I like my heroines strong, feisty and bold. Or if not, I like them with grace and dignity and always a spine. Miss Percy Parker, who has so little colour in her cheeks and body that she might as well be a ghost, has no spine. She is spineless. I like her German friend better. Way better. Anyway, Miss Percy falls for Alexi, a man who is (although this is kept ambiguous) more than twice her age. He’s also her professor. Now I shall leave you to consider the appropriateness of that equation (him being a mathematics professor and Percy being a total dunce at it) and Alexi is unable to help himself but reciprocate her passion.
With me so far? Yeah? Good.
Okay, I won’t give the story away just in case you want to read this so let me move on to the reasons I found this entire book utterly ridiculous. No wait, before I do, I shall point out the nice bits because this book actually did have some plus points. The camaraderie between the Guard was quite well written and their bantering was amusing and spoke of a wit sharper than the book leads you to believe. I also thought the insertion of the Greek mythos was interesting. It was subtle but not really and you will totally know what the story is if you read the title with a careful eye.
This book is written in a gothic style, I understand that. It seeks to emulate the styles of Ann Radcliffe perhaps with a heroine who is all heaving bosom and quivering lips. I get that. But what deeply upsets me is the type of woman Percy turned out to be. She’s weak – timid is just a nice word for saying spineless. And she’s the perfect type for a victim mentality. Alexi throws (yes, throws) her out of his office and still ALL she wants to do is crawl back to him. She’s not just timid, she’s also accepting of whatever Alexi does to her and in fact, she says to him more than once that she “would do anything for you.”
Even when her supposed power saves the world and their asses in the end, the author takes away the brief power the female held making her “forget” what had happened or how she’d got there. She regains her senses and asks Alexi to save her, once again reinstating the old tradition of men being the ones with power. Even her brief shows of temper and spine are eclipsed by her overwhelming helplessness against the so-called Alexi.
I couldn’t believe a woman would write a heroine who is a shame to all other heroines out there. In fact, Bella seems awesome in comparison and I’m telling you, that’s something not done easily. Then there is the melodrama, excessive melodrama. The writing which is choked with trite emotions and cliches. The author finds it easier to lump all the Guard as one and instead of talking about them as individuals, refers to them as a group, making all their expressions and reactions uniform. This rings unrealistic and smacks of lazy writing.
Honestly, by the time I was at the climax of the novel, I was chuckling and not because the book was meant to be funny. I just couldn’t fathom anyone actually taking any of it seriously. You might feel that I am being needlessly harsh but these are my honest feelings. This book is for women and their progress in society, their fight to be respected and taken seriously what a weedkiller is for weeds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2011
Twilight for adults? I felt I'd scream if a had to read about the hero's good looks and rich voice one more time. And perhaps Ms Hieber should employ an editor or proof-reader to help her get her "thee"s and "thou"s right and find a balance between quaintly historic, badly done Irish brogue, and too modern for the timeline diction. And to keep her from calling a group of people "beloveds". GAAAAH! English is not my first language, but even I could see how bad the English was. And every time a German, French or Italian phrase was used, I was tempted to throw the book away then and there. Hey, the USofA are practically crawling with people who speak non-English languages fluently! How hard can it be to find somebody to check on phrases and keep an author from making three mistakes in a one-word sentence????
Badly written, badly edited, whiny heroine, whiny but always right hero, and altogether too many people you really wouldn't want to know. If the balance of the world rests on these people, as the book suggests, we're done for.
The best place for this book is in the paper recycling bin.
Badly written, badly edited, whiny heroine, whiny but always right hero, and altogether too many people you really wouldn't want to know. If the balance of the world rests on these people, as the book suggests, we're done for.
The best place for this book is in the paper recycling bin.
September 8, 2018
DNF at about 50%.
This is a perfectly enjoyable book, but there's just no real tension. The direction of the story is pretty obvious, and there's not much wondering about who the villains are or what they're up to. So while the characters are mostly charming, the atmosphere murky and moody, and the writing sharp and enjoyable, none of it has been holding my attention. Part of that is just the mind-frame I've been in during a very tense summer, and is no reflection at all on this story. But when I finished the second book I've read instead of picking this one back up, I decided it's time to give up. Sorry, book.
(Side musing: Did anyone else who's read this keep seeing Professor Alexi Rychman as Alan Rickman playing Professor Snape? Are those two names deliberately so similar?)
This is a perfectly enjoyable book, but there's just no real tension. The direction of the story is pretty obvious, and there's not much wondering about who the villains are or what they're up to. So while the characters are mostly charming, the atmosphere murky and moody, and the writing sharp and enjoyable, none of it has been holding my attention. Part of that is just the mind-frame I've been in during a very tense summer, and is no reflection at all on this story. But when I finished the second book I've read instead of picking this one back up, I decided it's time to give up. Sorry, book.
(Side musing: Did anyone else who's read this keep seeing Professor Alexi Rychman as Alan Rickman playing Professor Snape? Are those two names deliberately so similar?)
August 23, 2009
"The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker" is one of the strangest 'romances' I've read in a long time. Author Leanna Renee Hieber has penned a tale worthy of the title 'gothic' and just about as understandable.
Miss Percy Parker is an albino. Abandoned as an infant on the steps of a convent in Victorian times, she grew up with only ghosts as friends. When she arrives to the Athens school in London, she is ever hopeful of finding a purpose for her life and equally fearful of the jibes and scorn of those who fear anything and anyone different. She's quickly taken by her dark and mysteriously handsome mathematics professor and dreams that he might not find her hideous.
Alexi is part of the Guard of six who are in search of their seventh as foretold to them when they were young teenagers. Each was granted a gift that helps them fight evil spirits and lay them to rest. Alexi is their leader and especially anxious for the arrival of their seventh as he feels that she will be his love. But the prophecy revealed to them also foretold of a trap and a traitor...and now, not one but two women have appeared that may fulfill their prophecy...and Alexi and his guard must make the right choice or doom humanity to the demonic force that is the Ripper.
A strange amalgam of history (the Ripper), gothic romance (G-rated, if that), and lore (Persephone and Hades)--I confess that the mixture was rough-going for me. Portents and omens and prophecies (oh, my) that were lain out without much explanation and only partially explained later in the plot. I'm sure there are many readers who will enjoy a modern version of the classic gothic paranormal...but I'm not one. I found the writing, while true to form, stilted and difficult to follow. I was actually relieved to finish and a bit disappointed with the ending even though I won't give it away. Like a true gothic, the ending isn't happy for everyone and some readers may find that a letdown. On the plus side, an albino as a heroine is unusual, even though she often (in my opinion) acted like a ninny.
Miss Percy Parker is an albino. Abandoned as an infant on the steps of a convent in Victorian times, she grew up with only ghosts as friends. When she arrives to the Athens school in London, she is ever hopeful of finding a purpose for her life and equally fearful of the jibes and scorn of those who fear anything and anyone different. She's quickly taken by her dark and mysteriously handsome mathematics professor and dreams that he might not find her hideous.
Alexi is part of the Guard of six who are in search of their seventh as foretold to them when they were young teenagers. Each was granted a gift that helps them fight evil spirits and lay them to rest. Alexi is their leader and especially anxious for the arrival of their seventh as he feels that she will be his love. But the prophecy revealed to them also foretold of a trap and a traitor...and now, not one but two women have appeared that may fulfill their prophecy...and Alexi and his guard must make the right choice or doom humanity to the demonic force that is the Ripper.
A strange amalgam of history (the Ripper), gothic romance (G-rated, if that), and lore (Persephone and Hades)--I confess that the mixture was rough-going for me. Portents and omens and prophecies (oh, my) that were lain out without much explanation and only partially explained later in the plot. I'm sure there are many readers who will enjoy a modern version of the classic gothic paranormal...but I'm not one. I found the writing, while true to form, stilted and difficult to follow. I was actually relieved to finish and a bit disappointed with the ending even though I won't give it away. Like a true gothic, the ending isn't happy for everyone and some readers may find that a letdown. On the plus side, an albino as a heroine is unusual, even though she often (in my opinion) acted like a ninny.
December 3, 2009
This book is very VERY similar to another book I just read, "The Haunting Of Alaizabel Cray." Can't help comparing them. I enjoyed them both, although I liked this one a tad more.
Both are set in alterna-Victorian universes, very Gothic in tone. Seems to be a popular cross-genre lately, having just finished "Soulless" and "The Magicians and..." er something or other, check my reading list.
I though the lore in this book was rich (although sometimes a bit confusing), and I was rooting for the main characters. This book seems to be aimed towards a more adult crowd than "Alaizabel", so perhaps my preference could be explained by that. The romance was engrossing, interesting main character (who's an albino!) and I was kept up very late finishing it.
Recommended!
Both are set in alterna-Victorian universes, very Gothic in tone. Seems to be a popular cross-genre lately, having just finished "Soulless" and "The Magicians and..." er something or other, check my reading list.
I though the lore in this book was rich (although sometimes a bit confusing), and I was rooting for the main characters. This book seems to be aimed towards a more adult crowd than "Alaizabel", so perhaps my preference could be explained by that. The romance was engrossing, interesting main character (who's an albino!) and I was kept up very late finishing it.
Recommended!
July 28, 2010
I am not sure what to say that won't sound trite. I loved this book. Utterly loved it. It was a beautiful, lyrical, haunting tale that was remarkably well told. I don't think I have ever read anything quite like it. The weaving and layering of mythological elements was done so skillfully... with little things that were just mentioned early on becoming heralds of significant things later.
Parts of it were quite harrowing - about 60 pages or so from the end I was positively drowning with anxiety - but in the end it was just magnificent.
I am so glad that I have the second book sitting right here, because I am diving in immediately. I can't wait to see where the story goes!
Parts of it were quite harrowing - about 60 pages or so from the end I was positively drowning with anxiety - but in the end it was just magnificent.
I am so glad that I have the second book sitting right here, because I am diving in immediately. I can't wait to see where the story goes!
August 14, 2010
I must be getting soft. The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker doesn't really deserve four stars, but I liked it. (It was a free download from Barnes & Noble.) It's lovely and smooshy. It has really nice ghosts and a girl who can talk to them. The girl saves the world, of course. Sometimes, you just need to read something NICE.
February 9, 2010
I'm not exactly sure what star rating to give to this book; three stars seems at once too generous and not generous enough. Perhaps it would help to simplify and break my review down into what I like and what I don't like about the book.
What I Like: The gothic spin on a traditional Victorian London setting. The dark, gloomy and terrifying atmosphere of classic gothic storytelling fits perfectly with this book, whose story takes place in the year 1888, the year of Jack the Ripper. I also liked the interpretation of the ancient tale of Persephone and her abduction by Hades, which forms the backbone of the book's storyline.
What I Don't Like: The author's repeated use of 'regal' and 'noble' to describe the appearance of Professor Alexi Rychman. 'Regal brow', 'noble face', 'regal this', 'noble that', ad infinitum, ad nauseum. Enough already, we get it, he's a handsome dude! I know Ms. Hieber is emulating the traditional gothic guidelines in describing her hero, but one or two 'nobles' or 'regals', combined with the futher descriptions of the character swooping, stalking, pacing and prowling, is quite enough for us to understand he is the hero, in all his brooding, mysterious, tormented, waiting-to-be-saved-by-his-one-true-love glory. Ease up on the descriptors and move on! I also quite dislike the book's subject, Miss Percy Parker herself. She has been raised in a convent, where modesty and self-effacement is all that, but her mewling, whining, whimpering, cowering, cringing, apologetic, servile attitude is so far beyond modesty, it creeps into the sado-masochistic realm ("please, hurt me, for I deserve no better"). Yeesh! Annoyance is not a strong enough word to describe the feeling her behavior engenders in me. We, as readers, are given to understand that the lack of self-confidence in Percy comes from her unique appearance when instead she is merely falling prey to the tired cliche of a Beautiful Heroine Unaware of Her Beauty. Her continual assumption that her snow-white hair, milk-pale skin, and near-colorless eyes brings nothing but revulsion to people grates on the nerves and, frankly, made me want to smack her. I know the Victorian era was several decades before the "Let Your Freak Flag Fly" movement was popular, but, still... Woman up and grow a backbone already! When she finally does grow a backbone, it comes so late in the tale and it's such a half-hearted attempt at confidence that it doesn't seem worth the effort. Lastly, the density of the other characters as regards to Percy and her role in the story was so frustrating, I came close to throwing the book at the wall. Despite many clues, one of which the equivalent of a ginormous neon sign, as to Percy's importance, the characters' heads remained firmly up their arses. Ostensibly, this was to create a dramatic denouement at the finale of the book, but their behavior was so unbelievable that instead of a gasp of surprise and empathy at the reveal, I blurted out "Well, duh! That's what happens when you have your heads up your butts." It was a ham-handed approach to creating dramatic tension.
However, despite all these failings, I felt a strange (strangely beautiful?) compulsion to keep turning the page. It was the kind one feels when watching a train wreck, the horrified fascination which comes when one knows something will end badly but has to watch anyway.
What I Like: The gothic spin on a traditional Victorian London setting. The dark, gloomy and terrifying atmosphere of classic gothic storytelling fits perfectly with this book, whose story takes place in the year 1888, the year of Jack the Ripper. I also liked the interpretation of the ancient tale of Persephone and her abduction by Hades, which forms the backbone of the book's storyline.
What I Don't Like: The author's repeated use of 'regal' and 'noble' to describe the appearance of Professor Alexi Rychman. 'Regal brow', 'noble face', 'regal this', 'noble that', ad infinitum, ad nauseum. Enough already, we get it, he's a handsome dude! I know Ms. Hieber is emulating the traditional gothic guidelines in describing her hero, but one or two 'nobles' or 'regals', combined with the futher descriptions of the character swooping, stalking, pacing and prowling, is quite enough for us to understand he is the hero, in all his brooding, mysterious, tormented, waiting-to-be-saved-by-his-one-true-love glory. Ease up on the descriptors and move on! I also quite dislike the book's subject, Miss Percy Parker herself. She has been raised in a convent, where modesty and self-effacement is all that, but her mewling, whining, whimpering, cowering, cringing, apologetic, servile attitude is so far beyond modesty, it creeps into the sado-masochistic realm ("please, hurt me, for I deserve no better"). Yeesh! Annoyance is not a strong enough word to describe the feeling her behavior engenders in me. We, as readers, are given to understand that the lack of self-confidence in Percy comes from her unique appearance when instead she is merely falling prey to the tired cliche of a Beautiful Heroine Unaware of Her Beauty. Her continual assumption that her snow-white hair, milk-pale skin, and near-colorless eyes brings nothing but revulsion to people grates on the nerves and, frankly, made me want to smack her. I know the Victorian era was several decades before the "Let Your Freak Flag Fly" movement was popular, but, still... Woman up and grow a backbone already! When she finally does grow a backbone, it comes so late in the tale and it's such a half-hearted attempt at confidence that it doesn't seem worth the effort. Lastly, the density of the other characters as regards to Percy and her role in the story was so frustrating, I came close to throwing the book at the wall. Despite many clues, one of which the equivalent of a ginormous neon sign, as to Percy's importance, the characters' heads remained firmly up their arses. Ostensibly, this was to create a dramatic denouement at the finale of the book, but their behavior was so unbelievable that instead of a gasp of surprise and empathy at the reveal, I blurted out "Well, duh! That's what happens when you have your heads up your butts." It was a ham-handed approach to creating dramatic tension.
However, despite all these failings, I felt a strange (strangely beautiful?) compulsion to keep turning the page. It was the kind one feels when watching a train wreck, the horrified fascination which comes when one knows something will end badly but has to watch anyway.
January 21, 2011
Leanna Renee Hieber has created a fantastic and spellbinding adventure in THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE MISS PERCY PARKER. Her writing is positively captivating. She creates a lovely and believable glimpse into a genteel Victorian-era London plagued by ghosts.
The foggy streets of London are lit by gas lamps and the hope of the The Guard to find the missing piece of their group, Prophecy. Ghosts have always haunted the living, but in this world, they can be deadly. It is the responsibility of The Guard to turn these ghosts away, and make the city safe for those who cannot see the dangers of the specters.
When they were children, it was prophesized that another would join The Guard later, and she would be the one to complete their circle of power. Professor Alexi Rychman, the leader of The Guard, feels he will know who it is somehow, some way, but also knows that there will be traps and pitfalls along the way. When two extraordinary women—Miss Persephone Parker and Miss Lucille Linden—both become potential candidates for the part of Prophecy, The Guard must discover which of these ladies is truly the missing piece of their group, or risk the end of the world as we know it.
This is a truly lovely paranormal romance. Percy Parker bears resemblance to a ghost in that her skin is ashen pale, her hair snow white, and her eyes a strangely luminous blue. During this era, it was not uncommon for an outsider to be abhorred for looking or acting differently than society expected, and that is made quite clear in how Percy constantly covers herself up. Alexi is the first person who has ever demanded that she not cover up before him—and she adores him for that (amongst other things). Their growing admiration of and desire for each other is a joy to watch unfold.
This book is not about Boobs and Explosions™ so don’t go into it expecting it to be full of that type of action. Instead what you see are subtle power struggles, unrequited love, and a delicate, magical touch at world building that will leave you dreaming of a chance at finding your own Alexi someday. To be sure, there is drama and intrigue, magic and action, but it is not done with the flamboyantly heavy hand of most paranormal novels.
Overall, this book was beautifully done, and I’m very much looking forward to reading the next in the series!
The foggy streets of London are lit by gas lamps and the hope of the The Guard to find the missing piece of their group, Prophecy. Ghosts have always haunted the living, but in this world, they can be deadly. It is the responsibility of The Guard to turn these ghosts away, and make the city safe for those who cannot see the dangers of the specters.
When they were children, it was prophesized that another would join The Guard later, and she would be the one to complete their circle of power. Professor Alexi Rychman, the leader of The Guard, feels he will know who it is somehow, some way, but also knows that there will be traps and pitfalls along the way. When two extraordinary women—Miss Persephone Parker and Miss Lucille Linden—both become potential candidates for the part of Prophecy, The Guard must discover which of these ladies is truly the missing piece of their group, or risk the end of the world as we know it.
This is a truly lovely paranormal romance. Percy Parker bears resemblance to a ghost in that her skin is ashen pale, her hair snow white, and her eyes a strangely luminous blue. During this era, it was not uncommon for an outsider to be abhorred for looking or acting differently than society expected, and that is made quite clear in how Percy constantly covers herself up. Alexi is the first person who has ever demanded that she not cover up before him—and she adores him for that (amongst other things). Their growing admiration of and desire for each other is a joy to watch unfold.
This book is not about Boobs and Explosions™ so don’t go into it expecting it to be full of that type of action. Instead what you see are subtle power struggles, unrequited love, and a delicate, magical touch at world building that will leave you dreaming of a chance at finding your own Alexi someday. To be sure, there is drama and intrigue, magic and action, but it is not done with the flamboyantly heavy hand of most paranormal novels.
Overall, this book was beautifully done, and I’m very much looking forward to reading the next in the series!
August 26, 2009
Truly a strangely beautiful tale.
I couldn't put the book down and read it in one day. I squee'd at the end of it.
Love, honor, betrayal, confusion, myth and passion are all themes in this book.
We follow Percy, who is an outsider in both worlds, and the Guard who is set upon this Earth to protect the innocent. Their paths intermingle and wind together and at the heart of this story is love and trusting one's own heart.
Percy is the beautiful ugly duckling and Alexi is the tortured brooding Gothic hero. Perfect opposites of each other and both see something in the other that completes them. Is it fate or can love transcend even that?
The author delightfully borrows from "Beauty and the Beast", Greek Myths and "The Little Mermaid" (you'll see what I mean when you meet a character who is excellent with disguise ala the Sea Witch) and weaves them all together with history, mystery and romance.
It's a must read.
I couldn't put the book down and read it in one day. I squee'd at the end of it.
Love, honor, betrayal, confusion, myth and passion are all themes in this book.
We follow Percy, who is an outsider in both worlds, and the Guard who is set upon this Earth to protect the innocent. Their paths intermingle and wind together and at the heart of this story is love and trusting one's own heart.
Percy is the beautiful ugly duckling and Alexi is the tortured brooding Gothic hero. Perfect opposites of each other and both see something in the other that completes them. Is it fate or can love transcend even that?
The author delightfully borrows from "Beauty and the Beast", Greek Myths and "The Little Mermaid" (you'll see what I mean when you meet a character who is excellent with disguise ala the Sea Witch) and weaves them all together with history, mystery and romance.
It's a must read.
October 12, 2009
This book has made the rounds and no mistake. I started seeing early reviews awhile back and read a few delightful interviews with Leanna Renee Hieber and found myself intrigued to read her first novel--THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER. I was, therefore, tickled to receive a copy for review from Ms. Hieber and quickly set about settling in. I knew it was a Gothic paranormal mystery of sorts, featuring (among other things) a group of loyal comrades, a private London academy, a bit of magic, an albino, and a swoon-worthy broody professor a la Richard Armitage in North and South. *moment of silence for the awesomeness of The Armitage* And that was the extent of my pre-reading knowledge. That and the fact that I loved the cover with its simple yet moody, midnight blue and its slightly off-kilter, scripty title.
Miss Percy Parker is about to embark on an adventure, albeit a much larger one than she imagines. Leaving the convent--the only home she's ever known--and dipping her toes in the deep waters that are the Athens Academy in London, Percy is as timid as a church mouse. But with good reason. All her life she's hidden her face and skin from the outside world. Wrapped in layers of linen, eyes shielded behind smoky spectacles, this sixteen-year-old albino woman can speak language upon language and quote Shakespeare all the day long, yet she shudders at the thought of exposing her face to the world so certain is she it will be judged repulsive and unworthy. Still. She dares to hope her career at Athens Academy will be a new start. When she meets her intimidating mathematics Professor Alexi Rychman, it certainly feels like the start of something new. She's just not at all sure what that something might be. In the meantime, Professor Rychman has little time for noticing strange young women watching him with haunted eyes. He is supremely busy combing the dirty streets of London for the legendary Ripper--a nightmarish monster who has long been terrorizing the city's lost and lonely. Along with his five companions--the members of The Guard--Alexi is determined to eradicate the Ripper and at last unlock the key to their mysterious past and ancient past.
I loved describing this charming little book to everyone who asked me what I was reading that week. I'd start with the title and when I got that little mouthful out and still met with blank stares, I'd launch into the, "Well, it's a Victorian mystery and a Gothic romance and it's definitely a paranormal, with a little mythology thrown in for good measure." Hard to categorize, but easy to love is THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER. It took me about 100 pages to really get a feel for the characters. But, once I hit that 100 page mark, things suddenly got intensely fun. I loved the prologue with its swirling spirits and the back story of how the six members of The Guard originally filled their callings. But I'll admit I spent the early part of the book worried about Percy. She was so very timid. So very prone to swooning and thinking herself unworthy or any notice or care. I am not often drawn to such passive heroines and I wanted to like her as much as I liked the complicated world Ms. Hieber created and the strong personalities surrounding Percy in the guise of Alexi and his powerful companions. But every time I thought I might lose my interest in Percy, she asserted herself in some small, but important way so that my interest was piqued once more and I kept on reading. An example:
Then, as I said, all the various elements of the story coalesced in a key scene where Alexi is tutoring Percy and we were off to the races. From there on out I was behind her and I knew, just as Alexi was to find out, just how important this young woman was and how he shouldn't let her go. In this tale there is much of murder and mayhem, love and longing, overwrought emotion and ultimate evil. As well as one exquisitely beautiful scene of dancing in an empty corridor that will charm the pants right off of you. I had a lovely time reading it and recommend it for anyone who loves all things Victorian, Gothic, mythological, and sweet, for THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER is all of these things.
Miss Percy Parker is about to embark on an adventure, albeit a much larger one than she imagines. Leaving the convent--the only home she's ever known--and dipping her toes in the deep waters that are the Athens Academy in London, Percy is as timid as a church mouse. But with good reason. All her life she's hidden her face and skin from the outside world. Wrapped in layers of linen, eyes shielded behind smoky spectacles, this sixteen-year-old albino woman can speak language upon language and quote Shakespeare all the day long, yet she shudders at the thought of exposing her face to the world so certain is she it will be judged repulsive and unworthy. Still. She dares to hope her career at Athens Academy will be a new start. When she meets her intimidating mathematics Professor Alexi Rychman, it certainly feels like the start of something new. She's just not at all sure what that something might be. In the meantime, Professor Rychman has little time for noticing strange young women watching him with haunted eyes. He is supremely busy combing the dirty streets of London for the legendary Ripper--a nightmarish monster who has long been terrorizing the city's lost and lonely. Along with his five companions--the members of The Guard--Alexi is determined to eradicate the Ripper and at last unlock the key to their mysterious past and ancient past.
I loved describing this charming little book to everyone who asked me what I was reading that week. I'd start with the title and when I got that little mouthful out and still met with blank stares, I'd launch into the, "Well, it's a Victorian mystery and a Gothic romance and it's definitely a paranormal, with a little mythology thrown in for good measure." Hard to categorize, but easy to love is THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER. It took me about 100 pages to really get a feel for the characters. But, once I hit that 100 page mark, things suddenly got intensely fun. I loved the prologue with its swirling spirits and the back story of how the six members of The Guard originally filled their callings. But I'll admit I spent the early part of the book worried about Percy. She was so very timid. So very prone to swooning and thinking herself unworthy or any notice or care. I am not often drawn to such passive heroines and I wanted to like her as much as I liked the complicated world Ms. Hieber created and the strong personalities surrounding Percy in the guise of Alexi and his powerful companions. But every time I thought I might lose my interest in Percy, she asserted herself in some small, but important way so that my interest was piqued once more and I kept on reading. An example:
"Have I rattled you so very much?" he pressed, his voice like faraway thunder.
She paused. Then, in a moment of fleeting bravery she removed her glasses and stared into his eyes. "Always."
The professor almost smiled.
"Finally, you are honest with me."
She was quick to reply. "I've never been dishonest."
"Be of good cheer, faint heart, you are too easily hurt," he chided.
"My heart is fortified with passions, Professor; it is my confidence that is too easily undone."
Then, as I said, all the various elements of the story coalesced in a key scene where Alexi is tutoring Percy and we were off to the races. From there on out I was behind her and I knew, just as Alexi was to find out, just how important this young woman was and how he shouldn't let her go. In this tale there is much of murder and mayhem, love and longing, overwrought emotion and ultimate evil. As well as one exquisitely beautiful scene of dancing in an empty corridor that will charm the pants right off of you. I had a lovely time reading it and recommend it for anyone who loves all things Victorian, Gothic, mythological, and sweet, for THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER is all of these things.
April 22, 2010
Strangely Beautiful by Leanna Renee Hieber is full of rich writing that will grip onto your imagination and throw you into a story so fast that you will think you're in the late 1800s. I never wanted to put this book down when I was reading, I just wanted more. More ghosts, more Percy, more Alexi! I am so in love with this plot, atmosphere - Talk about being smitten with steampunk.
It all begins with the destiny of six children. The six are now The Guard, a specially formed team with extraordinary gifts. Fast forward some years and we get to see these six get their hands dirty. They police troublesome spirits and perform exorcisms while looking for their seventh. The seventh is their balance, the one that will help aid them and they will need her aid desperately.
Alexi Rychman, the Guard's leader, has been searching to fulfill the prophecy since the fateful day a goddess gave them their destiny. Though the others don't believe so, he knows the seventh will not only be their balance, but the love of his life. He is looking for signs every where and can't find a definite answer... It gets tricky when the enemy throws out their best weapon, a false prophet. A beautiful woman who shines all signs except for one. Will he pick the wrong girl to fulfill prophecy and watch all that the Guard has accomplished spiral out of control?
Miss Percy Parker, a beautiful, young, ghostly white girl finds herself thrown into the path of the guard. I loved the visuals Leanna gives for Percy- so white that she is sometimes mistaken for a ghost. So insecure of her pale flesh that she ensures that it is always kept hidden. She can see and communicate with ghosts, speaking to them in any language. Not only that, but Alexi is drawn to this enthralling woman that beholds the name of his goddess. Is Percy the distraction the enemy has set at the forefront to destroy the Guards chance to settle the final score? After all, we can't see that final sign... the door to the other side.
This story is so wonderfully told, the details are beautiful. I was enamored with the story... such an enjoyable Victorian romance with action, mystery and a captivating cast of characters. I was on pins and needles with the Guard, I wanted to yell through the pages, 'You're making the wrong decision! NO!' I love when I get into books like that. I have done the book an injustice with my review, I highly suggest everyone that is into romance or steampunk pick up this book! And while you're at it... go head and get the second one too. The second in the series comes out next week- April 27th! Yay!
It all begins with the destiny of six children. The six are now The Guard, a specially formed team with extraordinary gifts. Fast forward some years and we get to see these six get their hands dirty. They police troublesome spirits and perform exorcisms while looking for their seventh. The seventh is their balance, the one that will help aid them and they will need her aid desperately.
Alexi Rychman, the Guard's leader, has been searching to fulfill the prophecy since the fateful day a goddess gave them their destiny. Though the others don't believe so, he knows the seventh will not only be their balance, but the love of his life. He is looking for signs every where and can't find a definite answer... It gets tricky when the enemy throws out their best weapon, a false prophet. A beautiful woman who shines all signs except for one. Will he pick the wrong girl to fulfill prophecy and watch all that the Guard has accomplished spiral out of control?
Miss Percy Parker, a beautiful, young, ghostly white girl finds herself thrown into the path of the guard. I loved the visuals Leanna gives for Percy- so white that she is sometimes mistaken for a ghost. So insecure of her pale flesh that she ensures that it is always kept hidden. She can see and communicate with ghosts, speaking to them in any language. Not only that, but Alexi is drawn to this enthralling woman that beholds the name of his goddess. Is Percy the distraction the enemy has set at the forefront to destroy the Guards chance to settle the final score? After all, we can't see that final sign... the door to the other side.
This story is so wonderfully told, the details are beautiful. I was enamored with the story... such an enjoyable Victorian romance with action, mystery and a captivating cast of characters. I was on pins and needles with the Guard, I wanted to yell through the pages, 'You're making the wrong decision! NO!' I love when I get into books like that. I have done the book an injustice with my review, I highly suggest everyone that is into romance or steampunk pick up this book! And while you're at it... go head and get the second one too. The second in the series comes out next week- April 27th! Yay!
July 30, 2010
One of the Best Books I've Read
Every so often, you find a book that really knocks your socks off. If I could, I would give The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber 100 stars. There are no superlatives too great to describe this well-written, exciting historical romantic fantasy.
With a skillful touch, Ms. Hieber weaves ancient Greek myths into a breathtaking tale of creatures from Hell who terrorize Victorian London. The Guardians, humans endowed with supernatural powers, contain the hell-spawn, but at a terrible price to themselves. Romance abounds in the unrequited love of several of the Guardians for each other. Into this seething mix comes Miss Percy Parker, who, with her snow-white skin and hair, has been an outcast all her young life.
I won't tell you what "Percy" is short for, because that would give part of the story away, and I hate spoilers. But Miss Parker is an ancient myth reborn to bring to a final end the life and death struggle between Heaven and Hell. The battle comes in the next volume, as well as the conclusion of the story of Percy and Alexi, the leader of the Guardians.
I love authors who can write pictures with words, and Ms. Hieber is one of the best. She infuses the story with layers of description and emotion that sweep you along at a breakneck pace to the explosive finale. I hope she has tons of success. She deserves it.
Every so often, you find a book that really knocks your socks off. If I could, I would give The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber 100 stars. There are no superlatives too great to describe this well-written, exciting historical romantic fantasy.
With a skillful touch, Ms. Hieber weaves ancient Greek myths into a breathtaking tale of creatures from Hell who terrorize Victorian London. The Guardians, humans endowed with supernatural powers, contain the hell-spawn, but at a terrible price to themselves. Romance abounds in the unrequited love of several of the Guardians for each other. Into this seething mix comes Miss Percy Parker, who, with her snow-white skin and hair, has been an outcast all her young life.
I won't tell you what "Percy" is short for, because that would give part of the story away, and I hate spoilers. But Miss Parker is an ancient myth reborn to bring to a final end the life and death struggle between Heaven and Hell. The battle comes in the next volume, as well as the conclusion of the story of Percy and Alexi, the leader of the Guardians.
I love authors who can write pictures with words, and Ms. Hieber is one of the best. She infuses the story with layers of description and emotion that sweep you along at a breakneck pace to the explosive finale. I hope she has tons of success. She deserves it.
June 15, 2010
This first book in the series had me captured pretty quickly. You can tell that Leanna Hieber has done her homework as the book really does capture the essence of those 18th century romantic novels. In fact the prose was quite poetic. She was also able to fully introduce the paranormal aspects within the book while keeping to the time period. Persephone Parker is true to her name and what happens within the book keeps pretty true to the mythical story. There are a few twists and turns within to make it it's own mythology to be explored and learned, but just enough left over to keep it honest. Alexi makes a great counterpart for Percy. I love that you also get to see a bit into his heart in this voyage as well. The other characters consisting of the guard do not play a big role within this book, but yet they play an important one. I knew they would play a bigger part as the saga moves on in the stories.
I give this book 5 stars and really don't want to say much more about the book. Reading it is it's own reward! Those looking for a true romance really need to look no further and pick up this book. Those looking for a great PNR also need to look no further. This one is it. It is full of romance of a time gone by with lots of mystery in the paranormal added to it.
I give this book 5 stars and really don't want to say much more about the book. Reading it is it's own reward! Those looking for a true romance really need to look no further and pick up this book. Those looking for a great PNR also need to look no further. This one is it. It is full of romance of a time gone by with lots of mystery in the paranormal added to it.
March 31, 2010
Ugh. Could not finish. When it takes me over two months to get through 56 pages? There is a problem.
Hated Percy. HATED HER. Get over yourself. Seriously. Two words: Mary Sue.
Don't care for romances with such a huge age discrepancy between hero and heroine. Vomit.
The prose was beautiful but difficult to get through at times. This is not the kind of book where I want to be re-reading passages simply to make sure I understood what the author was trying to say.
Not interested in the mythology, thought the exorcism was ridiculous and had no interest in any of the characters in the book.
Do NOT recommend. To anyone. Ever.
Hated Percy. HATED HER. Get over yourself. Seriously. Two words: Mary Sue.
Don't care for romances with such a huge age discrepancy between hero and heroine. Vomit.
The prose was beautiful but difficult to get through at times. This is not the kind of book where I want to be re-reading passages simply to make sure I understood what the author was trying to say.
Not interested in the mythology, thought the exorcism was ridiculous and had no interest in any of the characters in the book.
Do NOT recommend. To anyone. Ever.
April 4, 2010
Never has a title so conveyed the essence of a book, like The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. Long and to the point, the title is exact in it's representation of the novel, because it is a strangely beautiful tale. The novel is a Victorian era paranormal, with all the tid-bits that keeps us para junkies begging for more. A must-read for paranormal and/or historical fans, Strangely Beautiful is a perfect blend of Victorian style writing, hauntingly, dark paranormal aspects and sugary romance.
Read
May 13, 2018Everything I'd heard about this book made me think I'd love it. A mysterious school and a possibly magical heroine, an alternate Victorian London, all manner of intrigue afoot. The novel certainly contains all of these things, but it's written in a wordy and oddly distant style that made it very hard for me to really get into the story. I kept picking this up and putting it down for a while, before ultimately realizing that I just couldn't make myself care about the book very much.
November 21, 2015
I have had this book on my to be read list forever, not sure why I never got around to reading it. I bought it for my Kindle when I first got my Kindle (along with a million other books) so it kind of got lost in the shuffle. It was beautifully written, engaging, and romantic. It does have a gothic overtone to it and I ended up absolutely adoring it.
Six kids are given powers and a task, to guard humanity against the ghosts and darkness that haunt it...they are known as The Guard. Their leader is Alexi and he is given power over spiritual blue fire. There is a prophecy that in their hour of need the Guards will gain a seventh member; she will be lost and need protection but will also save humanity.
Many years have passed since the Guard have been given their powers. Miss Percy Parker is excited to arrive at Athens Academy. She was an orphan raised at a nunnery but deeply desired more schooling and a profession. Percy is looking forward to higher education and is determined to be the perfect pupil. Of course all that is put in jeopardy when she meets Professor Alexi; there is something about him Percy finds very distracting and the visions she occasionally has hit her all the more frequently in his presence.
While Percy tries to unravel the secrets of her history and of the effect Alexi has on her; the Guard is desperate to find their seventh as more and more violent hauntings plague London.
I really loved this book, it is beautifully written and blends together a lot of interesting elements of fantasy, history, and mythology. The book is set in Victorian London during the Jack the Ripper crisis. In this alternate London ghosts are real and it is the Guards’ duty to protect humanity from them and make sure the public is fairly ignorant about it all. That is pretty much the world, there isn’t a ton of world building outside of that.
Aside from the historical setting there is also some mythology in here; you should be able to guess how greek mythology ties in with the story given Persephone’s name. This mythology was blended into the historical setting in a creative and well done way.
What really drives the story are the characters. I loved the Guard and how each Guard member represents an aspect of the Goddess who gave them their powers. The lead guard, Alexi, is of course the most interesting and compelling of them all. He has that whole dark, brooding, mysterious and noble persona going on..which I will admit I am a sucker for. He also has a darkly witty sense of humor which I loved.
I also enjoyed Percy as a character; in the beginning of the book she’s comes off as a bit naive and ignorant but she definitely grew more backbone as the story continued. I ended up enjoying watching her grow as she grew more confident and daring. The chemistry between her and Alexi is amazingly well done and very engaging. There are some beautifully written scenes between the two that will take your breath away.
The writing is very lush, descriptive, and flows nicely. It was a book that was enjoyable and easy to read. It’s a good balance of plot, mystery, action, paranormal, and romance. I will admit this is a pretty romance heavy story; there are a few times where the story takes a pause so that Alexi and Percy can have a romantic scene together. However, I never felt like the romance overrode the interesting storyline. The story is fairly predictable but I still really enjoyed the path we took to get to that ending.
Overall this was a beautifully written story that did an excellent job of blending history, mythology, and supernatural elements. The story has a very gothic/Victorian feel to it and I enjoyed it a lot. The characters are really what drive the story and I loved them all. There is quite a bit of romance in here that was incredibly well done; it never took over the story but was definitely a driver. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fantasy with some supernatural elements and romance.
Six kids are given powers and a task, to guard humanity against the ghosts and darkness that haunt it...they are known as The Guard. Their leader is Alexi and he is given power over spiritual blue fire. There is a prophecy that in their hour of need the Guards will gain a seventh member; she will be lost and need protection but will also save humanity.
Many years have passed since the Guard have been given their powers. Miss Percy Parker is excited to arrive at Athens Academy. She was an orphan raised at a nunnery but deeply desired more schooling and a profession. Percy is looking forward to higher education and is determined to be the perfect pupil. Of course all that is put in jeopardy when she meets Professor Alexi; there is something about him Percy finds very distracting and the visions she occasionally has hit her all the more frequently in his presence.
While Percy tries to unravel the secrets of her history and of the effect Alexi has on her; the Guard is desperate to find their seventh as more and more violent hauntings plague London.
I really loved this book, it is beautifully written and blends together a lot of interesting elements of fantasy, history, and mythology. The book is set in Victorian London during the Jack the Ripper crisis. In this alternate London ghosts are real and it is the Guards’ duty to protect humanity from them and make sure the public is fairly ignorant about it all. That is pretty much the world, there isn’t a ton of world building outside of that.
Aside from the historical setting there is also some mythology in here; you should be able to guess how greek mythology ties in with the story given Persephone’s name. This mythology was blended into the historical setting in a creative and well done way.
What really drives the story are the characters. I loved the Guard and how each Guard member represents an aspect of the Goddess who gave them their powers. The lead guard, Alexi, is of course the most interesting and compelling of them all. He has that whole dark, brooding, mysterious and noble persona going on..which I will admit I am a sucker for. He also has a darkly witty sense of humor which I loved.
I also enjoyed Percy as a character; in the beginning of the book she’s comes off as a bit naive and ignorant but she definitely grew more backbone as the story continued. I ended up enjoying watching her grow as she grew more confident and daring. The chemistry between her and Alexi is amazingly well done and very engaging. There are some beautifully written scenes between the two that will take your breath away.
The writing is very lush, descriptive, and flows nicely. It was a book that was enjoyable and easy to read. It’s a good balance of plot, mystery, action, paranormal, and romance. I will admit this is a pretty romance heavy story; there are a few times where the story takes a pause so that Alexi and Percy can have a romantic scene together. However, I never felt like the romance overrode the interesting storyline. The story is fairly predictable but I still really enjoyed the path we took to get to that ending.
Overall this was a beautifully written story that did an excellent job of blending history, mythology, and supernatural elements. The story has a very gothic/Victorian feel to it and I enjoyed it a lot. The characters are really what drive the story and I loved them all. There is quite a bit of romance in here that was incredibly well done; it never took over the story but was definitely a driver. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fantasy with some supernatural elements and romance.
May 9, 2010
I have mixed feeling about this book. Parts of it were very interesting, but then parts of it were downright annoying.
I loved the 'idea' of the story. Six pre-teens in Victorian England are possessed by some ancient spirits, and grow into the Guard. A group who help control spirits with their different gifts, and protect the world against evil. At the same time, they are waiting for a Prophecy to come to pass that will allow a seventh to join their ranks. At first glance it looks like a straight-up paranormal ghost story kind of plot, but there is a very cool twist. These ancient spirits inhabiting the Guard are somehow tied to Greek mythology. Toward the middle of the book you find out that it revolves around the tale of Persephone, the goddess who ate the pomegranate seeds while in Hades' realm. It also involves the Phoenix, fallen angels, and lots of other stuff you would not necessarily think of when it comes to Greek myths. Very cool.
Now let me tell you why it didn't 'WOW' me. Alexi and Percy are supposedly these star-crossed reincarnated lovers, but I never felt any passion between them. Both characters felt flat. Especially, Alexi. I seriously couldn't see what was so great about him. He was probably the least likable character in the bunch, in fact. No. I take that back. Percy was the worst character. She was a pity-party all by herself. Oh no, she would never ask for pity...poor brave little soul...but her inner monologue demanded it, all the same. She was like one of the people who says they're fine, but then they give you that pitiful look that says they want you to cancel your plans for the evening and watch Terms of Endearment with them on Lifetime...again...while they cry about their dumb-ass boyfriend who cheated on them...again.
Also, I still don't understand where the author was going with the whole skin color thing. Wait, let me explain. Evidently, Percy has such deathly white skin, strange light eyes, and super white/blond hair, that people mistake her for a ghost. Huh? Yeah. Why? It is kind of explained in the end as being a result of the goddess possessing her body at birth...or something. Anyway, as a result of her frightful appearance she spends a lot of the book bemoaning the fact that she will never be loved, and wrapping herself in scarves and gloves. Oh, and she wears glasses to hide her hideous eyeballs. Ugh. Maybe this is why I couldn't muster up any feeling for her and Alexi. It seemed like she was so desperate for someone to love her, that any tiny bit of attention Alexi showed her was like giving water to someone who's dehydrated. Slurp, slurp. "Oh, Alexi..." Slurp, slurp. Ick. It got progressively worse as the book wore on. Her obsessive need for Alexi practically screamed 'WIERDO ALERT!'. Plus, not to be mean, but she was a wimp! She fainted, got fevers, her knees buckled, she blushed, and she sobbed...all through the book. I like my heroines to have a little kick-ass in them, and Percy definitely did not fit the bill. However, at the end of the book she did manage to stomp on some serious bad-guys, so maybe there is hope for this series after all. I really do like the underlying story because I think has serious potential, and I can't help but give it points for originality. So, I think I'm going to try the next book out before I decide whether or not to give this series the boot.
I loved the 'idea' of the story. Six pre-teens in Victorian England are possessed by some ancient spirits, and grow into the Guard. A group who help control spirits with their different gifts, and protect the world against evil. At the same time, they are waiting for a Prophecy to come to pass that will allow a seventh to join their ranks. At first glance it looks like a straight-up paranormal ghost story kind of plot, but there is a very cool twist. These ancient spirits inhabiting the Guard are somehow tied to Greek mythology. Toward the middle of the book you find out that it revolves around the tale of Persephone, the goddess who ate the pomegranate seeds while in Hades' realm. It also involves the Phoenix, fallen angels, and lots of other stuff you would not necessarily think of when it comes to Greek myths. Very cool.
Now let me tell you why it didn't 'WOW' me. Alexi and Percy are supposedly these star-crossed reincarnated lovers, but I never felt any passion between them. Both characters felt flat. Especially, Alexi. I seriously couldn't see what was so great about him. He was probably the least likable character in the bunch, in fact. No. I take that back. Percy was the worst character. She was a pity-party all by herself. Oh no, she would never ask for pity...poor brave little soul...but her inner monologue demanded it, all the same. She was like one of the people who says they're fine, but then they give you that pitiful look that says they want you to cancel your plans for the evening and watch Terms of Endearment with them on Lifetime...again...while they cry about their dumb-ass boyfriend who cheated on them...again.
Also, I still don't understand where the author was going with the whole skin color thing. Wait, let me explain. Evidently, Percy has such deathly white skin, strange light eyes, and super white/blond hair, that people mistake her for a ghost. Huh? Yeah. Why? It is kind of explained in the end as being a result of the goddess possessing her body at birth...or something. Anyway, as a result of her frightful appearance she spends a lot of the book bemoaning the fact that she will never be loved, and wrapping herself in scarves and gloves. Oh, and she wears glasses to hide her hideous eyeballs. Ugh. Maybe this is why I couldn't muster up any feeling for her and Alexi. It seemed like she was so desperate for someone to love her, that any tiny bit of attention Alexi showed her was like giving water to someone who's dehydrated. Slurp, slurp. "Oh, Alexi..." Slurp, slurp. Ick. It got progressively worse as the book wore on. Her obsessive need for Alexi practically screamed 'WIERDO ALERT!'. Plus, not to be mean, but she was a wimp! She fainted, got fevers, her knees buckled, she blushed, and she sobbed...all through the book. I like my heroines to have a little kick-ass in them, and Percy definitely did not fit the bill. However, at the end of the book she did manage to stomp on some serious bad-guys, so maybe there is hope for this series after all. I really do like the underlying story because I think has serious potential, and I can't help but give it points for originality. So, I think I'm going to try the next book out before I decide whether or not to give this series the boot.
October 12, 2011
Oh gods this was such a bad audio book. I think the narrator (Rena Durham) might actually win an award for worst reader ever. Her voices were fair, but her reading of everything else was horrid. She would read like this:
I will read this book
as if it were a poem
only giving you five or six
words or so at a
time. Having no regard for
punctuation. Actually, I might
even create some of my.
Own putting periods in where
they should not.
Be.
It was as if Ms. Durham had never actually read the book before. Or had never heard a real book read aloud. Her reading was so painful to listen to that I spent most of the time criticizing her instead of loosing myself in the story.
So let's move onto the story. There are huge holes in her story line and awkward character development. The first part of the story feels more like a dungeons and dragons game, especially when the characters are sitting around in a tavern waiting for their next adventure to begin. Heck, they even *FIT* some of the D&D character classes and alignments. It's really annoying.
I could nitpick the book to death but I'm not. I'll leave you to read it yourself and decide. The bottom line is that because the narrator was so bad, I may have judged the book more harshly then I would have had I read it myself. So for those of you pondering reading it, just don't listen to it and I bet you'll enjoy it more for what it is: cross genre fluff without anything too deep or compelling to relate to. Good luck.
I will read this book
as if it were a poem
only giving you five or six
words or so at a
time. Having no regard for
punctuation. Actually, I might
even create some of my.
Own putting periods in where
they should not.
Be.
It was as if Ms. Durham had never actually read the book before. Or had never heard a real book read aloud. Her reading was so painful to listen to that I spent most of the time criticizing her instead of loosing myself in the story.
So let's move onto the story. There are huge holes in her story line and awkward character development. The first part of the story feels more like a dungeons and dragons game, especially when the characters are sitting around in a tavern waiting for their next adventure to begin. Heck, they even *FIT* some of the D&D character classes and alignments. It's really annoying.
I could nitpick the book to death but I'm not. I'll leave you to read it yourself and decide. The bottom line is that because the narrator was so bad, I may have judged the book more harshly then I would have had I read it myself. So for those of you pondering reading it, just don't listen to it and I bet you'll enjoy it more for what it is: cross genre fluff without anything too deep or compelling to relate to. Good luck.
July 31, 2016
I won a book! I won the newly released two-books-in-one "Strangely Beautiful," but I don't see that listed on GR and I don't feel like adding it so I'll just review each separately.
This was billed as "steam punk romance" but it wasn't steam punk at all, it was paranormal Victorian fantasy romance. It was also very good, one of the best paranormal romances I've read, and certainly the best book I've ever won.
I'm on vacation and typing this on my phone, so I'll keep it short for now.
The paranormal elements were very well-done, not too over the top, no alpha-male-mates that I hate, but yes to the fated lovers bit. Alexi was dark and brooding and Heathcliff-like, and Percy was a pale (albino) waif with a steel spine. They do go a bit out of character once they admit their attraction to each other, which is why this is four stars and not five. The evil temptress was nicely evil and tempting. Supporting characters were interesting.
This was billed as "steam punk romance" but it wasn't steam punk at all, it was paranormal Victorian fantasy romance. It was also very good, one of the best paranormal romances I've read, and certainly the best book I've ever won.
I'm on vacation and typing this on my phone, so I'll keep it short for now.
The paranormal elements were very well-done, not too over the top, no alpha-male-mates that I hate, but yes to the fated lovers bit. Alexi was dark and brooding and Heathcliff-like, and Percy was a pale (albino) waif with a steel spine. They do go a bit out of character once they admit their attraction to each other, which is why this is four stars and not five. The evil temptress was nicely evil and tempting. Supporting characters were interesting.
February 14, 2016
This book is beautifully written. Her descriptions are lovely and rich. The story moves along well and is quite exciting! If you love a good historical/sci-fi book, this is it! If you're not into sci-fi, but love a great story, give this book a go. It does not disappoint!!
January 27, 2025
What in the purple prose, “not like other girls”, age gap romance nonsense did I just read?
March 31, 2010
Six were called to soothe the spirits, six were called to protect the humans, and to them will come a seventh, the Balance. The Healer, The Intuition, The Artist, The Heart, The Memory, The Power...... all await the Balance yet to come......
Alexi Rychman has been looking for the fulfillment of the Prophecy for two long decades, and as yet, his Goddess has not returned. There is to be signs of her arrival, and London is thick with them, but not the most important of all....The portal to the other side, the doorway has yet to appear.
Rebecca Thompson, Headmistress of the Athens Academy has long sought the attention of Alexi, dear friend and confidante. But to no avail, he only has eyes for his reluctant mistress, their missing Goddess. The Grand Work has become a replacement for love and desire. Her heart is squirreled away, begging for release. All the Guard, all six have dedicated their lives to the Grand Work, but when is enough enough?
Miss Percy Parker, the ghostly visage of a young woman, sometimes mistaken for the spirits that dance on the Earth arrives at Athens from the Reverend Mother's care, hoping to find a place to belong. Before long, Alexi finds himself drawn to this ghost girl, Persephone, holding the name of his long ago Goddess. But can this wisp of a girl, a see through visage of a woman, be his Goddess returned?
The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker is a mythical journey of the lightness of being, a Gothic Victorian romance wonderfully told with beautiful words and detail, the voicing excellent. I fell in love with the storytelling and the characters, each for their own reason. The story starts with the calling of the guard. Six young people are possessed as the Guard, to learn the truth, wait for a sign, prevent the unthinkable; Hades' reign on Earth. Without the six, the seventh would be lost or the foretold story claims. The seventh is the fulfillment of the Prophecy on Earth. The seventh is the return of the Goddess stolen by Hades, her Phoenix lover burned to dust and the Muses scattered. Alexi, our masterful hero, must find the missing Goddess, but he has so little to go on, mysterious missives. The one thing he does know is that with the finding of the Goddess, his true love will be returned to him. Percy Parker, our wistful heroine, is like the Earthbound ghosts that seek her guidance and counsel. She has always been different, but it's always been the ghostly shade of her skin and eyes that have held her apart, making her different. The one thing that neither Alexi or Percy knows is that others roam the Earth release from the bowels of Hades in search of the missing Goddess, and her ultimate destruction, and with her, the Balance that holds the Earth, Good versus Evil for domination.
Strangely Beautiful is a strangely wonderful retelling of the Greek mythology of old. The Goddess Persephone and her lover, The Phoenix, torn apart and put asunder by the wrath of Hades, God of the Underworld along with the evilness of the Gorgon, the serpent headed she-demon sent by her Master to destroy the Balance, and effectively, the Goddess. Strangely Beautiful retells the story with new twists and turns capturing the wonderment, the emotions, and dread of the unknown. More than once I cried for poor Percy and more than once I wanted to shake the Guard, especially Rebecca who was blinded by what she wanted to see and have instead of what was before her eyes. But it was such a long hard journey to take for all of the Guard, that I had to forgive her, and the other Guards, too long searching for what could not be found. Strangely Beautiful pulls at the emotions of the reader, struck deep to their core. I was left wanting more, needing to see the further journey. I highly recommend this book to lovers of romance, paranormal, urban fantasy, those who love mythology and fantasy. Strangely Beautiful is another book that has gained a spot on my keeper shelf to be re-read again and again. As soon as I finished the story, I was immediately drawn back to read it once more through, yes, the story was that good. The best description is a bewitching story in an alluring rendition. With each reading, something new will be found and that's what makes it special. If you haven't begun to follow Persephone's journey, now is the time to let your adventure begin. Book Two, The Darkly Luminous Fight For Persephone Parker will be released April 27, 2010. Watch for it, as well as the next two books in the series yet to come.
Alexi Rychman has been looking for the fulfillment of the Prophecy for two long decades, and as yet, his Goddess has not returned. There is to be signs of her arrival, and London is thick with them, but not the most important of all....The portal to the other side, the doorway has yet to appear.
Rebecca Thompson, Headmistress of the Athens Academy has long sought the attention of Alexi, dear friend and confidante. But to no avail, he only has eyes for his reluctant mistress, their missing Goddess. The Grand Work has become a replacement for love and desire. Her heart is squirreled away, begging for release. All the Guard, all six have dedicated their lives to the Grand Work, but when is enough enough?
Miss Percy Parker, the ghostly visage of a young woman, sometimes mistaken for the spirits that dance on the Earth arrives at Athens from the Reverend Mother's care, hoping to find a place to belong. Before long, Alexi finds himself drawn to this ghost girl, Persephone, holding the name of his long ago Goddess. But can this wisp of a girl, a see through visage of a woman, be his Goddess returned?
The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker is a mythical journey of the lightness of being, a Gothic Victorian romance wonderfully told with beautiful words and detail, the voicing excellent. I fell in love with the storytelling and the characters, each for their own reason. The story starts with the calling of the guard. Six young people are possessed as the Guard, to learn the truth, wait for a sign, prevent the unthinkable; Hades' reign on Earth. Without the six, the seventh would be lost or the foretold story claims. The seventh is the fulfillment of the Prophecy on Earth. The seventh is the return of the Goddess stolen by Hades, her Phoenix lover burned to dust and the Muses scattered. Alexi, our masterful hero, must find the missing Goddess, but he has so little to go on, mysterious missives. The one thing he does know is that with the finding of the Goddess, his true love will be returned to him. Percy Parker, our wistful heroine, is like the Earthbound ghosts that seek her guidance and counsel. She has always been different, but it's always been the ghostly shade of her skin and eyes that have held her apart, making her different. The one thing that neither Alexi or Percy knows is that others roam the Earth release from the bowels of Hades in search of the missing Goddess, and her ultimate destruction, and with her, the Balance that holds the Earth, Good versus Evil for domination.
Strangely Beautiful is a strangely wonderful retelling of the Greek mythology of old. The Goddess Persephone and her lover, The Phoenix, torn apart and put asunder by the wrath of Hades, God of the Underworld along with the evilness of the Gorgon, the serpent headed she-demon sent by her Master to destroy the Balance, and effectively, the Goddess. Strangely Beautiful retells the story with new twists and turns capturing the wonderment, the emotions, and dread of the unknown. More than once I cried for poor Percy and more than once I wanted to shake the Guard, especially Rebecca who was blinded by what she wanted to see and have instead of what was before her eyes. But it was such a long hard journey to take for all of the Guard, that I had to forgive her, and the other Guards, too long searching for what could not be found. Strangely Beautiful pulls at the emotions of the reader, struck deep to their core. I was left wanting more, needing to see the further journey. I highly recommend this book to lovers of romance, paranormal, urban fantasy, those who love mythology and fantasy. Strangely Beautiful is another book that has gained a spot on my keeper shelf to be re-read again and again. As soon as I finished the story, I was immediately drawn back to read it once more through, yes, the story was that good. The best description is a bewitching story in an alluring rendition. With each reading, something new will be found and that's what makes it special. If you haven't begun to follow Persephone's journey, now is the time to let your adventure begin. Book Two, The Darkly Luminous Fight For Persephone Parker will be released April 27, 2010. Watch for it, as well as the next two books in the series yet to come.
August 25, 2009
http://janicu.livejournal.com/82736.html
I've been eying this book ever since I saw the title; it just WINS. And after seeing the cover (which I really like - simple and atmospheric) and learning that the story was a little steampunk, my little book-I-must-get radar was beeping like mad. If you look around, this book is getting a lot of buzz, so I wasn't the only one. I asked for this book right away when Dorchester asked me if there was anything I was interested in reading. I mean, really. This review is for the ARC copy that Dorchester sent me.
The Premise: The heroine, Miss Percy Parker, is an albino who can talk to ghosts. Proficient in many languages, and aware that she's very strange looking to others, timid Percy has just enrolled in Athens Academy in London. Meanwhile, her Headmistress Rebecca Thompson and mathematics teacher Professor Alexi Rychman belong to a group of six who have been battling supernatural creatures in the streets of Victorian London. They've long awaited for the seventh, a woman that Professor Rychman believes is destined to be his true love, but Prophecy urges them to be cautious. Could Miss Percy be the seventh?
Read excerpts of the book here
My Thoughts: When I first started reading this book, I was struck by the Gothic atmosphere. The worldbuilding seemed interwoven with the way the book was written. There's an old fashioned formality to the language and dialogue which goes with the tale of ghosts and demons in Victorian London. I could see things taking place in dark, somber colors like blues and blacks, with Percy as a pale exception. Against this backdrop, the supernatural aspects - the ghosts, the frightening Ripper, and the Guard battling creatures on the cobblestone streets, had a perfect home. The way Greek myth was also added to the story was cherry on top of a lovely pie.
The first people that we meet are the Guard. The six people, three men, three women, who were each chosen by otherworldly spirits to defend the world against Hell. Their first meeting is as young teens, when they are each summoned together. Besides Rebecca and Alexi who become faculty as Athens Academy, there's Michael, Elijah,Josephine, and Jane. Each has their own set of skills, which Alexi as their leader.
Because this is primarily a romance, the focus was mostly on Percy and Professor Rychman. The characters of each of the Guard are quickly, but deftly sketched. While there is a lot of good natured camaraderie in the group, there are tensions such as unrequited love and differences in interpreting the Prophecy that add depth to the relationships.
Of the main two characters, Percy is the timid schoolgirl, a nineteen year old who haunts the halls of Athena Academy, unsure of herself because of people's reactions to her looks. In contrast the dark, tall (and somewhat cranky) Professor Rychman is an imposing and confident figure. I loved Professor Rychman's character, but then I've always been fond of slightly acerbic people. I've read that the author modeled him on Alan Rickman, and I could see the similarities. It was easy for me to see Percy's attraction to her Professor, less easy for me to see what the Professor saw in Percy - she was so meek, and in comparison to the Professor, her feelings made her seem very young. In that regard, the romance felt off for me, but otherwise I did enjoy the way it slowly unfolded and the problems it hit along the way.
The language is often very dramatic, which seems to go along with the Gothic aspect. At times the grand gestures made me aware I was reading fiction - I often could imagine certain scenes as if they were being played out in a theater, but it matched the Gothic Romance feel of the book.
Overall: Very good. The story is unique: a mix of historical, steampunk, paranormal and gothic romance. It's the originality that really had me and made it a keeper, with clever twists on Greek mythology and Jack the Ripper. The only quibbles I had were with things in keeping with the sense of gothic romance and drama throughout the book.
I've been eying this book ever since I saw the title; it just WINS. And after seeing the cover (which I really like - simple and atmospheric) and learning that the story was a little steampunk, my little book-I-must-get radar was beeping like mad. If you look around, this book is getting a lot of buzz, so I wasn't the only one. I asked for this book right away when Dorchester asked me if there was anything I was interested in reading. I mean, really. This review is for the ARC copy that Dorchester sent me.
The Premise: The heroine, Miss Percy Parker, is an albino who can talk to ghosts. Proficient in many languages, and aware that she's very strange looking to others, timid Percy has just enrolled in Athens Academy in London. Meanwhile, her Headmistress Rebecca Thompson and mathematics teacher Professor Alexi Rychman belong to a group of six who have been battling supernatural creatures in the streets of Victorian London. They've long awaited for the seventh, a woman that Professor Rychman believes is destined to be his true love, but Prophecy urges them to be cautious. Could Miss Percy be the seventh?
Read excerpts of the book here
My Thoughts: When I first started reading this book, I was struck by the Gothic atmosphere. The worldbuilding seemed interwoven with the way the book was written. There's an old fashioned formality to the language and dialogue which goes with the tale of ghosts and demons in Victorian London. I could see things taking place in dark, somber colors like blues and blacks, with Percy as a pale exception. Against this backdrop, the supernatural aspects - the ghosts, the frightening Ripper, and the Guard battling creatures on the cobblestone streets, had a perfect home. The way Greek myth was also added to the story was cherry on top of a lovely pie.
The first people that we meet are the Guard. The six people, three men, three women, who were each chosen by otherworldly spirits to defend the world against Hell. Their first meeting is as young teens, when they are each summoned together. Besides Rebecca and Alexi who become faculty as Athens Academy, there's Michael, Elijah,Josephine, and Jane. Each has their own set of skills, which Alexi as their leader.
Because this is primarily a romance, the focus was mostly on Percy and Professor Rychman. The characters of each of the Guard are quickly, but deftly sketched. While there is a lot of good natured camaraderie in the group, there are tensions such as unrequited love and differences in interpreting the Prophecy that add depth to the relationships.
Of the main two characters, Percy is the timid schoolgirl, a nineteen year old who haunts the halls of Athena Academy, unsure of herself because of people's reactions to her looks. In contrast the dark, tall (and somewhat cranky) Professor Rychman is an imposing and confident figure. I loved Professor Rychman's character, but then I've always been fond of slightly acerbic people. I've read that the author modeled him on Alan Rickman, and I could see the similarities. It was easy for me to see Percy's attraction to her Professor, less easy for me to see what the Professor saw in Percy - she was so meek, and in comparison to the Professor, her feelings made her seem very young. In that regard, the romance felt off for me, but otherwise I did enjoy the way it slowly unfolded and the problems it hit along the way.
The language is often very dramatic, which seems to go along with the Gothic aspect. At times the grand gestures made me aware I was reading fiction - I often could imagine certain scenes as if they were being played out in a theater, but it matched the Gothic Romance feel of the book.
Overall: Very good. The story is unique: a mix of historical, steampunk, paranormal and gothic romance. It's the originality that really had me and made it a keeper, with clever twists on Greek mythology and Jack the Ripper. The only quibbles I had were with things in keeping with the sense of gothic romance and drama throughout the book.
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