I read a LOT, and I've never experienced this before. I hesitate to say that the prose sounds like poetry, because I don't like poetry, but that's the closest I can come to describing it.
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When you're reading these books, at times it's almost like the words just carry you along like a breeze. That sounds cheesy, but I don't know how else to describe it- the author has a talent I've never had the pleasure of coming across anywhere else before. These books would have rated five stars from me even without this added bonus, but they are worth the read for this experience alone. If I were forced to make a criticism, the only one I could come up with would be that I would have liked to have seen more of Valentine in the books.
His presence is felt often in the background, and he is possibly the most interesting character in the books, and when the brothers are interacting it is always entertaining, so I would have loved to have seen more of him. Really though, even that is more of a compliment than a criticism. Faye has and does it all: The setting is early 19th century antebellum New York City. I've read a bunch of scholarly studies on the era and region, and was absolutely blown-away by all the accurate details Faye managed to explore: It is my soul-city.
And I, as any reader probably, have often wondered what it would be like to have lived at some point past or future? And it's absolutely fascinating, especially if you love that time period or the City: The novel is not perfect: But, this language is almost too poetic: Also, the mystery itself is not the most compelling, and the ending, as these things tend to, tries to "twist" one too many times, just for the sake of novelty.
Still, highly enjoyed as a ticket to antebellum NYC! Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. This book was such a pleasant surprise. The author uses a language called "flash," which takes a bit of getting used to.
The Gods of Gotham (Gods of Gotham, book 1) by Lyndsay Faye
It's kind of like reading "A Clockwork Orange," which contained a made up language. Once you see the words used several times in context, you begin to feel comfortable with them and the reading goes faster. The characters are what make this book so fantastic. The central character, Timothy, is endearing and cunning at the same time.
He is a product of his time, which is pre-civil war New York. In many ways, the world he inhabits is very similar to ours in that the populace is being riled up against foreigners and there is a strong nationalistic fervor. Maybe that's one reason it hit so close to home for me. I also came to like Timothy's brother, Valentine, by the end of the book, although he is a nasty character overall. We come to see why, though, which makes him more sympathetic. I unreservedly recommend this book. Well-researched history of New York circa , immersing the reader in the colors and flavors and "feel" of New York City during the great Irish Immigration; the formation of the New York Police Department, whose officers sported a copper star; and the developing Fire Department, who faced frequent huge disaster with little but its own bravado.
We follow Timothy Wilder and his brother, Valentine, who were orphaned at a young age, as they struggle to survive and achieve in their American world.
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Valentine, the older brother, kept a watch out for Tim and later navigated him when he was a grown man through the raw and ugly world of politics in newly burgeoning New York City. New York was overwhelmed with the thousands of immigrants, poor, hungry, and desperate for any kind of work.
Social injustice was rampant.
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Through Valentine, a fireman and a prime mover in the political machinations of the day, Tim finds himself on the newly formed police force, wearing the copper star. The book begins with his description of of a crime for which he must write a report. The report will state facts only, but we, the readers, will get the whole story. The English language, always rich, coming from the pen of Lindsay Faye is richer still. It has a slightly different sound and quality. It is crisper; cleaner; so beautiful. She is an exceptional writer. I will definitely read her other books. See all reviews.
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English Choose a language for shopping. Not Enabled Screen Reader: Enabled Amazon Best Sellers Rank: Amazon Music Stream millions of songs. Amazon Advertising Find, attract, and engage customers. Amazon Drive Cloud storage from Amazon. Mar 15, Pages. Mar 15, Minutes. New York City forms its first police force. The great potato famine hits Ireland. These two events will change New York City forever… Timothy Wilde tends bar, saving every dollar in hopes of winning the girl of his dreams. But when his dreams are destroyed by a fire that devastates downtown Manhattan, he is left with little choice but to accept a job in the newly minted New York City Police Department.
Returning exhausted from his rounds one night, Tim collides with a girl no more than ten years old… covered in blood. She claims that dozens of bodies are buried in the forest north of Twenty-Third Street. These two seemingly disparate events will change New York City. Timothy Wilde tends bar near the Exchange, fantasizing about the day he has enough money to win the girl of his dreams. The title should be at least 4 characters long. Your display name should be at least 2 characters long. At Kobo, we try to ensure that published reviews do not contain rude or profane language, spoilers, or any of our reviewer's personal information.
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Buy the eBook Price: Available in Russia Shop from Russia to buy this item. New York City forms its first police force. The great potato famine hits Ireland. In this series Book 2. Ratings and Reviews 3 33 star ratings 3 reviews. Yes No Thanks for your feedback!
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This amazing novel is so well written that this reader can almost hear and smell 19th century New York. It is set at a time when the city was just setting up its first police force. Copper star, Timothy Wilde, is a completely believable character, with all the flaws and nobility of Everyman.
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The butchered bodies of children are being discovered and they are known to have worked in the brothels. Amidst the political turmoil and religious strife between the immigrant Irish and the "Nativists", Timothy must work quickly to solve the case. The story is fast-moving and dramatic, as well as an excellent police procedural mystery.
It filled all my needs for a book that grabbed my attention and held it to the end.