What Wakes the Bells: A Frustratingly Beautiful Journey
When I stumbled across “What Wakes the Bells” by K.E. Thomas, I felt an undeniable pull toward its promise of gothic fantasy and intrigue. The book’s premise—centering around mystical bells that safeguard a city from impending evil—set my imagination alight. However, dear readers, while the vibes were absolutely immaculate, my experience with this story turned out to be a mixed bag of enchantment and frustration.
Set against the backdrop of Vaiwyn, a city crafted by the Saints, the narrative centers around Mina Strauss, who is tasked with ensuring the Vesper Bells never toll for that dreaded thirteenth time. Oh, how could a fantasy lover resist? The atmosphere is a delightful blend of dark academia, reminiscent of the haunting streets of Edinburgh and Prague. Imagine iron chandeliers glimmering in candlelight and staircases that whisper secrets of the past—gorgeous visuals that almost compelled me to overlook the book’s shortcomings.
Yet, there lies the rub. The sheer lack of clear explanation for the world’s magic systems, character motivations, and the intriguing lore surrounding the saints left me disoriented. While I was entranced by the vivid imagery and unique setting, I found myself sifting through complex dialogue only to be left with more questions than answers. Take, for instance, the character of Elora, the Lost Alchemist. At points, I was left scratching my head, unsure if her absence meant she had simply died or if she had transcended to another existence. This sort of ambiguity isn’t necessarily a bad thing in storytelling, but here it felt more confusing than intoxicating.
Every time a piece of lore was revealed, I grabbed my metaphorical magnifying glass and prepared to engage—only to find myself rereading passages, trying to extract meaning buried under layers of vague narrative. This, I believe, is crucial in the fantasy genre where clarity plays a vital role in world-building. It’s like being in a maze where the walls keep shifting; one moment you’re enthralled, the next you’re lost without a map, drowning in your thoughts.
Yet, even with these frustrations, it’s hard not to admire Thomas’ imaginative writing and the evocative atmosphere she crafted. Moments of beauty punctuated the narrative, highlighting glimpses of what could’ve been if the character arcs were as developed as the setting. Lines about the Vesper Bells resonated deeply with me, embodying the heavy burden of duty juxtaposed against the looming threat of darkness.
While I understand that some readers relish ambiguity and layers of complexity, I found my experience to be hindered by it. It takes a certain finesse to balance mystery and clarity in storytelling, and unfortunately, I felt “What Wakes the Bells” tilted too heavily toward the former.
In conclusion, “What Wakes the Bells” will appeal to those who relish atmospheric fiction and have a penchant for intricate world-building. However, for readers like me who thrive on clarity, the experience may prove to be a bit disheartening. Despite my frustrations, I appreciate the beauty of the journey Thomas laid out for us, as it remains a testament to the thriving imagination that can spark discussions about what makes a fantasy tome truly resonate. If anything, this book may serve as a lively conversation starter for fellow fantasy buffs grappling with the balance of storytelling elements.
So, if you’re ready to dive into a richly imagined world full of ethereal charm and intricate magic, give this book a try—just prepare yourself for the occasional head-scratching moment along the way. Thank you to Netgalley and Feiwel for the advance copy; I’m glad to have had the opportunity to explore this beautifully crafted yet perplexing tale!
Discover more about What Wakes the Bells on GoodReads >>
