Series: Hibiscus Daughter #1
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Rating: out of 5 stars
Goodreads
All the women in Iris and Malina’s family have the unique magical ability or “gleam” to manipulate beauty. Iris sees flowers as fractals and turns her kaleidoscope visions into glasswork, while Malina interprets moods as music. But their mother has strict rules to keep their gifts a secret, even in their secluded sea-side town. Iris and Malina are not allowed to share their magic with anyone, and above all, they are forbidden from falling in love.If I had to sum up this book in one word, I would pick magical. From the very beginning until the very end, this book swept me away. I found myself mesmerized by the the lovely prose, which was so rich and lush. Popović didn't just describe this world, she put it in Technicolor for me. Through all the descriptions, I fell in love with Montenegro. The sounds, the sights, the food was set out for me, and I wanted to sample it all. Most of the books I read are set in the US, a few in western Europe, and it was kind of nice to travel outside of my norm.
But when their mother is mysteriously attacked, the sisters will have to unearth the truth behind the quiet lives their mother has built for them. They will discover a wicked curse that haunts their family line—but will they find that the very magic that bonds them together is destined to tear them apart forever?
And we have witches! I have a soft spot for witches, and really found this coven to be quite interesting. I have to warn you, a lot of the details are kept close to the vest for a good part of the book, but it is all eventually explained. I just enjoyed the rest of the tale as I patiently awaited more information, and I thought it was worth the wait.
Aside from the magic, we had a story of relationships. This book examines the complexities of the relationships that exist between sisters, mother and daughters, friends and lovers. It was very captivating to be an observer of the interactions between these pairs, and to see their relationships grow and change.
There's a mystery too! Malina and Iris take it upon themselves to find out who attacked their mother and why. As they are trying to solve that mystery, they uncover a lot of hidden details regarding their mother and themselves, which force them to confront certain things as what they discover many of their truths were lies.
This was a magical and beautiful journey. I will be counting down the days until the next book is released, and I look forward to many more stories from Popović.
**I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
Have you ever visited or would you like to visit Montenegro?
Let us know in the comments!
I didn't know what this book was about but it sounds like something I would enjoy reading. I love books that focus on relationships and their complexities. Glad you enjoyed this one! :)
ReplyDeleteSome seriously complicated relationships, and those are the parts I devoured (contemporary reader here). I did think the magic was cool. The idea of manipulating beauty, and I think there is some interesting ways you can interpret it with respect to women and society as well.
DeleteMagic, witches and a mystery - you got me with those. I have this one but I might have to bump it up now!
ReplyDeleteThe writing was exquisite and bits were revealed in a way that kept make me wanting more.
DeleteWhoa - for the first time you are reading a book I've never heard of and a book that doesn't sound like it's for me. Is this a one-time thing, or are our reading tastes growing apart? Stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteJen Ryland
My heart is breaking, but I am sure we will converge again soon. I am a lover of all things contemporary, but I am willing to stretch my wings with sometimes. 😙
DeleteInteresting review, Sam! I have this book on my Goodreads shelves, and can't WAIT to read it!! Well, it won't be long now....it actually releases tomorrow!!! YAAAAAAY!!!
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that pulled me in was that LUSCIOUS cover! In fact I even featured it in one of my "Shelf Candy Saturday" posts. Then I read the plot, and I KNEW I had to get this book and read it! ABSOLUTELY!!
Thanks for the insightful thoughts!! Have a good one!! <3 :)
The covet is stunning and totally matches the beauty of the writing. I hope you love it!!!
DeleteI love that we both reviewed this one today! LOL. I absolutely loved the coven of witches in thisThey were probably my favorite part, and I can't wait to see more of them!
ReplyDeleteI know! Great minds and all. The coven was made up of some really interesting women, and the powers were fabulous.
DeleteThis has piqued my interest a bit. I do love witches and magic!
ReplyDeleteI loved the "scenery", the complex relationships, and the gorgeous writing so much. The overall story was great too. It was a winner for me.
DeleteI didn't realise this book was set somewhere different so to know it's not the typical US setting is brilliant. I will read for that reason alone. To learn that it's also a magical read is brilliant. I adore witches magic so this sounds like my kind of book. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? I am usually reading a book set in the US or Western Europe, so I really liked that we had a different setting. I am poor and the only way I am seeing the world is in books these days. This book had lovely descriptions of the surrounding, the food, and the people. Popović did a great job immersing me in the setting of this book.
DeleteThis sounds like it will be fantastic! Great review, Sam! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a lush and sweeping story that definitely captured my interest.
DeleteThis book sounds amazing! You really had me with magic :)
ReplyDeleteI am a fool for cool magic as well.
DeleteThis story sounds so good. I would love to read this. I am so glad to see you loved it. I am adding this to my TBR. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my debut author picks, and I am was really glad I found it, because I totally fell in love with this book.
DeleteLovely review, Sam. :) I have never read a book set in Montenegro (what a unique setting!), but I adore when authors transport you and immerse you in the sights, smells and sounds of it all. I hope that I also like this one too, I've had my eye on it for a while.
ReplyDeleteCass @ Words on Paper
Since I read contemporaries mostly written by Americans, most of the books I read are set in the US, so I also loved the setting, and Popović did a great job making it part of the story.
DeleteWonderful review Sam, and I especially like what you said about the relationships in this book.
ReplyDeleteThis book is chock full of relationships, many of which are quite complicated. I loved digging into them and seeing the characters come to some realizations regarding their relationships
DeleteYay! Glad you enjoyed this one. I love the cover for this one and it does sound like it’s gonna be a gorgeous read. Happy that this one does live up to the hype–can’t wait to get to it. Great review :D
ReplyDeleteI definitely had cover love for this one, and the beauty if the story matched its cover
DeleteThis books sounds great. I love the magic idea as well as a book the explores different types of relationships. Great review!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely some original magic in this one, and we get to see it being used in a battle too
DeleteSounds like Popovic really made the story and setting come alive. I love when an author can do that! And I know it's wrong to judge a book by its cover, but my first thought was, with a cover like that how can you go wrong? LOL
ReplyDeleteI was totally all about the cover and loved being able to travel to Montenegro while reading this book
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