Title: ChimeBefore Briony’s stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family’s hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it’s become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.
Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He’s as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she’s extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn’t know.
Normally, after I’ve read a book, I sit down and write the review in a passionate rush. Whether I loved a book or frankly hated it, my fingers just itch like crazy to get all my feelings out at once. After reading Chime, I had a completely different experience. My mind just needed time to process. To allow the story to wash over me. Much like coffee, my brain needed a lil time to percolate. And while I still am not sure I am ready, I figure I better give it a go. Melodrama ftw. Let’s do this thing!
a description: There once was a girl named Briony who lived in the Swampsea where the Old Ones lived. And she could see them and they could see her. And she kept this a secret. She kept a lot of secrets; secrets about how her step-mother died; secrets about how her twin sister Rose became ill; witchy secrets that if told might kill her; secrets that were buried deep within her soul. There once was a girl named Briony, the wolf-girl, who met a boy with a lion’s smile who would make her feel again and maybe bring those secrets out.
a gushing review: First and foremost, Chime is a beautifully written novel. Each word picked for not only its meaning, but its sound. Each phrase carefully crafted to grab our attention, keep us hooked, move us, delight us. I’m failing here to describe the simple beauty of this novel, and I’m not sure one can completely understand unless they’ve read it. What struck me about this novel was the attention to detail. Ms. Billingsley makes each word count, creating a magic through her carefully crafted story that only a true wordsmith can accomplish.
This attention to detail; this dedication to a well told story gives this novel an amazing setting. Think Tim Burton’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow with its almost otherworldly feel and magical yet sinister setting. Ms. Billingsley invites us to enter a world where the Boogy Man is real and witches run wild.
Into this setting, each character is placed lovingly. Their pain, joy, and sorrow felt. Told in the first person, Briony shares with us her life, her misgivings, her hopes, her dreams, her heart, her sorrow. At first, one could view Briony as an emo whiner, yet as the story progresses and we weigh her actions against her inner turmoil, we find that she is a heroic protagonist who is trying to take care of those she loves, including herself. Eldric complements Briony completely and grows through the story, going from a carefree bad boy with a lion’s grin to a loving, protector willing to do anything to help those whom he adores.
And what of the plot? What of the story telling? It is seamless in my humble opinion, twisting and turning from point A to point Z in a satisfying way, the conflicts which arise are organic and the characters dealing with them in realistic ways. The mystery of this story churns just under the surface, presenting itself over time, and alerting the reader to the reality that all is not as it seems, and that our protagonist might not know fiction from non-fiction any more. While I was able to guess at a few of the “big reveals” it took me more than half the novel to even begin to understand what was going on, and even then I couldn’t grasp it all. Yet, it wasn’t a frustrated confusion, more of an enlightenment over time.
The ending of the novel left me wanting more and I am DYING to get my hands on the next book (*crosses fingers for a sequel*)!
To be honest, I am in love with this novel. I have nothing negative to share. It was the perfect book at the perfect time. One of those reads you find to be an absolute joy and are sad to put down. I highly recommend this novel.
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I've been dying to get a copy of this one, and after reading your review, I know I need it even more! Glad it was so amazing—sounds like I need to add this one to my Once Upon a Time challenge list!
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I preordered this one (though it just shipped yesterday) because when I saw the description I KNEW I HAD to have it! Then Lori told me she fell in love with the authors writing and the story was wonderful. And she said it reminded her of Laini Taylor's writing. Well, that sold me! Well, sold me more cause I'd already ordered it. I'm so so glad that you loved it too! If you haven't read Laini Taylor you may want to give her a try too. I can't say myself if the style is similar but it really sounds like it.
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Cutie,
I agree with you that the author has a way with words, but so far find the book confusing, maybe as confused as Briony is. Perhaps I'm supposed to be that way. I put the book down in frustation but if my trusted Bookworms give it a five then I'll pick it back up and read some more. The writing is superb. Almost like poetry.
Heather
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Great review, I can't wait to read this one! I just found your blog and I'm now following!
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This review has really encouraged me to go buy this book! If the book is half of what you say it is, then I am going to be pleased! Thanks for introducing me to a new author.
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You aren't the first person I've heard rave about this one. I may have to check it out. Thanks for the review!
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I must read this book soon! I'm hearing such great thinks about it! Fantastic review 🙂
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You could definitely add it to your Once Upon A Time Challenge! After reading about the challenge, I think it fits just perfectly. =)
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I have not read Laini Taylor (*sad face*) so I am not sure if it compares, however, I have taken a few creative writing and poetry classes (which of course makes me a literary expert *rolls eyes*) and I can testify that this novel is extremely poetic. Sometimes I find when author's try for this type of writing it comes off pompous, but this felt so natural to me. Honestly, this book is all about the sounds words make: slurp, splash, etc. It's truly hard to explain without reading, but it definitely keep me enthralled.
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"maybe as confused as Briony"
Your statement is the key. So often we assume when reading in the first person that the speaker is an authority, that they know what reality is. Chime challenges that believe and thusly challenges the reader to look beyond what Briony thinks to what reality is. It's an uncomfortable feeling, I completely understand your frustration. It will all make sense in the end, I pinkie swear!
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THANK YOU!! Your blog is super cute. I'm now following you. So there! hehehe
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I try to speak the truth, as I see it. I writing styles are something you like to explore, this is definitely a must read. It's a great story, but in my humble opinion, it's the way this book is written that makes it shine and worth reading. =) Can't wait to hear what you think!
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That doesn't surprise me. It's a fantastic book, for sure!
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Heck ya you must! Go. Read. NOW! hehehe I kid. I kid… sorta. *winks*
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