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A Castle in the Clouds
A Castle in the Clouds follows a girl as she navigates secrets, romance, and danger in an aging grand hotel.
Way up in the Swiss mountains, there's an old grand hotel steeped in tradition and faded splendor. Once a year, when the famous New Year's Eve Ball takes place and guests from all over the world arrive, excitement returns to the vast hallways.
Sophie, who works at the hotel as an intern, is busy making sure that everything goes according to plan. But unexpected problems keep arising, and some of the guests are not who they pretend to be. Very soon, Sophie finds herself right in the middle of a perilous adventure--and at risk of losing not only her job, but also her heart.
Way up in the Swiss mountains, there's an old grand hotel steeped in tradition and faded splendor. Once a year, when the famous New Year's Eve Ball takes place and guests from all over the world arrive, excitement returns to the vast hallways.
Sophie, who works at the hotel as an intern, is busy making sure that everything goes according to plan. But unexpected problems keep arising, and some of the guests are not who they pretend to be. Very soon, Sophie finds herself right in the middle of a perilous adventure--and at risk of losing not only her job, but also her heart.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2017
About the author
Kerstin Gier
53 books7,841 followersKerstin Gier is the bestselling author of the Ruby Red trilogy, as well as several popular novels for adults.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/kersti...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/kersti...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,517 reviews
November 16, 2021
Sobald man auch nur das Buch aufschlägt wird einem warm ums Herz. Kerstin Gier schreibt mit Liebe zum Detail, Humor in allen Lebenslagen und (was sie für mich am meisten auszeichnet) der Fähigkeit Lesern mit ihren Büchern ein zuhause zu bieten. Ich bin bei den Montroses zuhause, bei Liv und Mia Silber (und ihrem zauberhaften Kindermädchen) und jetzt bin ich es auch im Wolkenschloss.
Vielen Dank für diese tollen, besonderen, romantischen, abenteuerlichen, gemütlichen Stunden!!!
Vielen Dank für diese tollen, besonderen, romantischen, abenteuerlichen, gemütlichen Stunden!!!
January 27, 2020
This was a perfect winter read! The book is set in a beautiful hotel up in the Swiss Alps, while the main events take place between Christmas and New Year's Day, so I couldn't have asked for a more atmospheric YA book on this January morning.
Seventeen year old Sophie Spark is a high school dropout who is working as an intern in a luxury hotel. She is trying to find her own place in the world, however different it might be from her mother expectations and her friends' chosen lifepaths. Sophie is learning and trying out various jobs and tasks hotel staff do: she has been a chambermaid, learnt ins and outs of running the laundryroom equipment, worked as the hotel spa assistant and baby-sitter. Sophie's a lovely girl with her own particular brand of humour. She's always smiling (maybe a bit too much) and has even occasionally burst into a song in the laundry room. She also gives milkroll crumbs to seven little jackdaws who coo outside the window of her tiny room. Sophie's also very independent and doesn't give in to peer pressure.
Ben Monfort is the the son of one of the hotel owners and is also working there for free during his winter holidays. Ben still needs to figure out his feelings towards the old hotel. On one hand, he has grown up in it and has known most of the staff since he was a toddler. On the other hand, he feels he will never be free to make his own choices in life. If you are not a fan of love triangles, I've got bad news for you as not only Ben, but also another mysterious, but utterly gorgeous hotel guest falls in love with Sophie.
There is a huge cast of characters. Some of them are nice and warm-hearted (or rather that's what Sophie thinks) or...the opposite. Sophie might be a bit quick to judge people, but perhaps it is just the prerogative of her age to find out that not everybody is what they seem to be at a first glance.
Several hotel guests are not what they want other people to believe-there is a Russian oligarch travelling incognito, a PI following the trail of a criminal, a group of thieves, a famous writer... the list goes on. One of the guests pretends to be nice and meek, although deep down they are cruel and heartless, while another one who doesn't seem to have a kind bone in their body turns out to be not so bad.
There is money laundering, kidnapping and jewellery theft, so the book is action-packed, although there are also a few very romantic scenes, including several almost-kisses and a spellbinding waltz on the hotel roof.
Hotels have this special liminal quality that makes you believe anything can happen there, however strange, improbable or downright scary (picture Shining or even Psycho in your mind). You are also allowed to be anything you want (within reasonable limits) and that includes acting heroically to save somebody's life. I won't say more as I don't want to spoil the pleasure of reading this book.
Overall, entertaining, unusual. sentimental, A Castle in the Cluds has a lot to go for it. Not least, it has a cozy atmosphere, quirky characters, squeeky clean romance, and a feel-good-happy-ending.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Seventeen year old Sophie Spark is a high school dropout who is working as an intern in a luxury hotel. She is trying to find her own place in the world, however different it might be from her mother expectations and her friends' chosen lifepaths. Sophie is learning and trying out various jobs and tasks hotel staff do: she has been a chambermaid, learnt ins and outs of running the laundryroom equipment, worked as the hotel spa assistant and baby-sitter. Sophie's a lovely girl with her own particular brand of humour. She's always smiling (maybe a bit too much) and has even occasionally burst into a song in the laundry room. She also gives milkroll crumbs to seven little jackdaws who coo outside the window of her tiny room. Sophie's also very independent and doesn't give in to peer pressure.
Ben Monfort is the the son of one of the hotel owners and is also working there for free during his winter holidays. Ben still needs to figure out his feelings towards the old hotel. On one hand, he has grown up in it and has known most of the staff since he was a toddler. On the other hand, he feels he will never be free to make his own choices in life. If you are not a fan of love triangles, I've got bad news for you as not only Ben, but also another mysterious, but utterly gorgeous hotel guest falls in love with Sophie.
There is a huge cast of characters. Some of them are nice and warm-hearted (or rather that's what Sophie thinks) or...the opposite. Sophie might be a bit quick to judge people, but perhaps it is just the prerogative of her age to find out that not everybody is what they seem to be at a first glance.
Several hotel guests are not what they want other people to believe-there is a Russian oligarch travelling incognito, a PI following the trail of a criminal, a group of thieves, a famous writer... the list goes on. One of the guests pretends to be nice and meek, although deep down they are cruel and heartless, while another one who doesn't seem to have a kind bone in their body turns out to be not so bad.
There is money laundering, kidnapping and jewellery theft, so the book is action-packed, although there are also a few very romantic scenes, including several almost-kisses and a spellbinding waltz on the hotel roof.
Hotels have this special liminal quality that makes you believe anything can happen there, however strange, improbable or downright scary (picture Shining or even Psycho in your mind). You are also allowed to be anything you want (within reasonable limits) and that includes acting heroically to save somebody's life. I won't say more as I don't want to spoil the pleasure of reading this book.
Overall, entertaining, unusual. sentimental, A Castle in the Cluds has a lot to go for it. Not least, it has a cozy atmosphere, quirky characters, squeeky clean romance, and a feel-good-happy-ending.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 30, 2017
Pluspunkte für den tollen Humor der Autorin und die schöne Atmosphäre rund um das Wolkenschloss. Ich konnte beim Lesen direkt den Stil von Kerstin Gier wiedererkennen und habe mich direkt "zuhause gefühlt". Das WOlkenschloss ist wunderbar beschrieben und ich hatte das Gefühl, selbst dort zu sein. Auch die Charaktere waren toll, die Hotelgäste sehr abwechslungsreich und das Setting einfach wunderbar liebevoll gestaltet.
Minuspunkte gibts fr mich leider für die Story. Anfangs passiert nur sehr wenig, dann fehlte mir der rote Faden und am Ende ging es plötzlich viel zu schnell. Insgesamt war mir die Handlung viel zu ungleichmässig spannend und hat noch einiges an Verbesserungspotential.
Minuspunkte gibts fr mich leider für die Story. Anfangs passiert nur sehr wenig, dann fehlte mir der rote Faden und am Ende ging es plötzlich viel zu schnell. Insgesamt war mir die Handlung viel zu ungleichmässig spannend und hat noch einiges an Verbesserungspotential.
August 27, 2021
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3.25 stars
A Castle in the Clouds is the book equivalent of cotton candy. Fluffy, sickly sweet, and somewhat insubstantial. Nevertheless, with its Clue meets Scooby Doo story this latest novel by Kerstin Gier makes for an entertaining, if silly, read.
A Castle in the Clouds follows the misadventures of Sophie Spark, a high-school drop out who is working as an intern at a grand hotel in the Swiss mountains. The hotel is no longer considered the luxury location it used to be. Many finds its traditional decor to be outdated and the general lack of modernity to be a nuisance. Sophie however enjoys the atmosphere of the place and it is only when she is assigned the role of babysitter that she begins to feel discontented. In preparation of the Christmas holidays the owners have also hired a lot of additional staff which includes three girls who enjoy bullying and belittling Sophie. It is the arrival of two handsome boys (one of which happens to be son of one of the owner's) and some possibly mysterious guests that enliven Sophie's life.
We have oligarchs, missing diamonds, possible kidnappers, some possible spies, a best-selling author, a bodyguard, and a lot of secrets.
Sophie embarks on a Nancy Drew type of investigation which sees her spying on staff, guests, and trying her best to prevent any shenanigans from ruining the hotel's reputation and/or possibly risking both her job and life.
There was a fun mix of characters. Perhaps some of them should have been introduced at different times rather than bombarding with a lost list of names with no clear indication on who's-who. While some of them were definitely cartoonish, it was interesting to see that there were quite a few who were not quite what they seemed.
Sophie perhaps encountered a few too many mishaps in her 'investigation'. She was 'act first, think later' type of narrator. I appreciated the fact that she was a high-school drop out (in that so often YA books are all about the importance of high school and college) and that she was unsure on what exactly she wants to do in the future. She was naive, a bit clumsy, and fairly amusing.
The other teenage girls were....to be honest, I am a bit tired of this type of girl-on-girl hate. Only the quiet introverted teenage guest is nice to Sophie. Her new colleagues and the other rich American girls are awful. They are catty, coquettish, cruel, and vapid (really?!). There could have been a bit more variety in their personality and in their behaviour towards Sophie.
The two love interests were...okay. They were the least interesting characters in the story. They were good-looking and sort of nice to Sophie. To be honest, the romance felt very insta-lovey and this whole love triangle was unnecessary.
I also could have done without the creepy child with psychopathic tendencies (I forgot his name, but if you've read this you know who I mean). He was annoying and unrealistic.
The setting was the most interesting aspect of this book. Hotels have this 'holiday/unreal' quality that makes them the ideal locations of mysteries and romances. I liked reading about the staff and their routines. That this story takes place in the winter holidays adds a certain atmosphere to whole narrative.
The tone of this book was a bit weird in that it constantly switches from being rather juvenile to a more YA type of story. Still, for the most part I did enjoy the novel's humour and surprising self-awareness (there were even some metafictional moments).
All in all, in spite of its flaws A Castle in the Clouds makes for a cozy winter read.
Read more reviews on my blog / / / View all my reviews on Goodreads
3.25 stars
“One thing was for sure: This Christmas was going to be anything but boring.”
A Castle in the Clouds is the book equivalent of cotton candy. Fluffy, sickly sweet, and somewhat insubstantial. Nevertheless, with its Clue meets Scooby Doo story this latest novel by Kerstin Gier makes for an entertaining, if silly, read.
A Castle in the Clouds follows the misadventures of Sophie Spark, a high-school drop out who is working as an intern at a grand hotel in the Swiss mountains. The hotel is no longer considered the luxury location it used to be. Many finds its traditional decor to be outdated and the general lack of modernity to be a nuisance. Sophie however enjoys the atmosphere of the place and it is only when she is assigned the role of babysitter that she begins to feel discontented. In preparation of the Christmas holidays the owners have also hired a lot of additional staff which includes three girls who enjoy bullying and belittling Sophie. It is the arrival of two handsome boys (one of which happens to be son of one of the owner's) and some possibly mysterious guests that enliven Sophie's life.
We have oligarchs, missing diamonds, possible kidnappers, some possible spies, a best-selling author, a bodyguard, and a lot of secrets.
Sophie embarks on a Nancy Drew type of investigation which sees her spying on staff, guests, and trying her best to prevent any shenanigans from ruining the hotel's reputation and/or possibly risking both her job and life.
There was a fun mix of characters. Perhaps some of them should have been introduced at different times rather than bombarding with a lost list of names with no clear indication on who's-who. While some of them were definitely cartoonish, it was interesting to see that there were quite a few who were not quite what they seemed.
Sophie perhaps encountered a few too many mishaps in her 'investigation'. She was 'act first, think later' type of narrator. I appreciated the fact that she was a high-school drop out (in that so often YA books are all about the importance of high school and college) and that she was unsure on what exactly she wants to do in the future. She was naive, a bit clumsy, and fairly amusing.
The other teenage girls were....to be honest, I am a bit tired of this type of girl-on-girl hate. Only the quiet introverted teenage guest is nice to Sophie. Her new colleagues and the other rich American girls are awful. They are catty, coquettish, cruel, and vapid (really?!). There could have been a bit more variety in their personality and in their behaviour towards Sophie.
The two love interests were...okay. They were the least interesting characters in the story. They were good-looking and sort of nice to Sophie. To be honest, the romance felt very insta-lovey and this whole love triangle was unnecessary.
I also could have done without the creepy child with psychopathic tendencies (I forgot his name, but if you've read this you know who I mean). He was annoying and unrealistic.
The setting was the most interesting aspect of this book. Hotels have this 'holiday/unreal' quality that makes them the ideal locations of mysteries and romances. I liked reading about the staff and their routines. That this story takes place in the winter holidays adds a certain atmosphere to whole narrative.
The tone of this book was a bit weird in that it constantly switches from being rather juvenile to a more YA type of story. Still, for the most part I did enjoy the novel's humour and surprising self-awareness (there were even some metafictional moments).
All in all, in spite of its flaws A Castle in the Clouds makes for a cozy winter read.
Read more reviews on my blog / / / View all my reviews on Goodreads
July 6, 2023
Published in English as Castle in the Clouds.
17-year-old Fanni Funke (Sophie Spark in English) has decided to drop out of high school after a miserable repeat of 10th grade. Eager to get far far away from her parents' nagging, Fanni finds a job interning at the Château Janvier luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps, a.k.a the Castle in the Clouds. Full of old-timey charm and protocol, the protagonist often feels transported into an alternate reality populated by fairytale-like characters: human and animal alike.
Gstaad Palace luxury hotel
I loved the episodic format of the first three quarters of the book. It sort of reminded me of The Grand Budapest Hotel 2014 movie, the parts where the young busboy tries to navigate aspects of his new job. To be fair, I can't really claim not to have found the last quarter exciting either, as I was earnestly rooting for the heroine to pull through. What I wasn't too keen on, was the very abrupt change in pacing and atmosphere. Without a gradual build-up of the atmosphere, it felt as if I had suddenly started a different book. One from the same series, but still.
Unexpectedly for me, I think that listening to the audible version actually improved my experience. Ilka Teichmüller's rendition of 9-year-old Don is top notch; which is probably why the little devil spawn ended up becoming my favourite character from the entire book. Sadly, the English narrator doesn't quite manage to capture the same precociously patronizing tone of voice.
My least favourite aspect of the book was the romantic triangle. It was completely gratuitous, meant to only highlight the protagonist's supposed smashing good looks, which for some reason only ping on the radar of the two most desirable guys. On the one hand, I really liked how her infatuation with Tristan was only present when she saw the guy, while her feelings for Ben remain constant, often spiralling out of control when he wasn't even present. Yet I can't help but wish for Tristan to have been a bit more constant in expressing his interest for Fanni, if for no other reason than to add some unpredictability to the romantic outcome.
Score: 3.45/5 stars
I was planning to insert somewhere yet another rant on Christmas-themed media, to try to reason away my second holiday-themed read this month, but then I somehow found myself rewatching Love Actually for the umpteenth time... sooo basically not only am I far from a fashionable rebel, but also an unapologetic Hugh Grant fan.
Long story short: I wasn't expecting too much, but the German narrator made it all a rather fun experience.
=========================
Book #19 of my "read at least 20 books in German" challenge.
17-year-old Fanni Funke (Sophie Spark in English) has decided to drop out of high school after a miserable repeat of 10th grade. Eager to get far far away from her parents' nagging, Fanni finds a job interning at the Château Janvier luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps, a.k.a the Castle in the Clouds. Full of old-timey charm and protocol, the protagonist often feels transported into an alternate reality populated by fairytale-like characters: human and animal alike.
Gstaad Palace luxury hotel
I loved the episodic format of the first three quarters of the book. It sort of reminded me of The Grand Budapest Hotel 2014 movie, the parts where the young busboy tries to navigate aspects of his new job. To be fair, I can't really claim not to have found the last quarter exciting either, as I was earnestly rooting for the heroine to pull through. What I wasn't too keen on, was the very abrupt change in pacing and atmosphere. Without a gradual build-up of the atmosphere, it felt as if I had suddenly started a different book. One from the same series, but still.
Unexpectedly for me, I think that listening to the audible version actually improved my experience. Ilka Teichmüller's rendition of 9-year-old Don is top notch; which is probably why the little devil spawn ended up becoming my favourite character from the entire book. Sadly, the English narrator doesn't quite manage to capture the same precociously patronizing tone of voice.
My least favourite aspect of the book was the romantic triangle. It was completely gratuitous, meant to only highlight the protagonist's supposed smashing good looks, which for some reason only ping on the radar of the two most desirable guys. On the one hand, I really liked how her infatuation with Tristan was only present when she saw the guy, while her feelings for Ben remain constant, often spiralling out of control when he wasn't even present. Yet I can't help but wish for Tristan to have been a bit more constant in expressing his interest for Fanni, if for no other reason than to add some unpredictability to the romantic outcome.
Score: 3.45/5 stars
I was planning to insert somewhere yet another rant on Christmas-themed media, to try to reason away my second holiday-themed read this month, but then I somehow found myself rewatching Love Actually for the umpteenth time... sooo basically not only am I far from a fashionable rebel, but also an unapologetic Hugh Grant fan.
Long story short: I wasn't expecting too much, but the German narrator made it all a rather fun experience.
=========================
Book #19 of my "read at least 20 books in German" challenge.
December 1, 2020
Let's be honest here..I bought this book because of the cover. The mint blue background (with a charming hotel the colors of Hansel and Gretels dream cottage) and a freakin adorable orange cat! I was sold. I didnt even read the description...🤫
If I had, I would have learned this is a story about a girl named Sophie Spark, who after dropping out of High School, goes to work as an intern at, Castle in the clouds. A hotel steeped in tradition and fantastical happenings.
The luxurious hotel located in the Swiss Alps is the center of this story. Literally, the entire story takes place in the hotel. Which is 😐...a bit boring. Yes, Kerstin Gier does give us cozy, atmospheric vibes (if this is what you're craving). However, all the fluff and pretty descriptions cant detract from the fact that the story is painfully slow, and unfortunately-boring.
I can get behind a story that is very YA safe, and is even considered a 'feel-good' read. What I can't do is a story about essentially nothing. Yes, the story had a mild love triangle, and a hotel mystery that was thrown in..but literally there was nothing intresting until page 290...so yeah, it was tough to finish.
...but since I paid for this with my hard earned cheddar! I read it. Will I ever read it again? nope. However, if you are wanting a very sweet, clean, easy cozy read with minimal thrills this can be for you. It just wasn't for me. I wish I loved it more. I wish I connected more with the story and the characters, but alas it was not meant to be.
2.7 🌟🌟🌟
If I had, I would have learned this is a story about a girl named Sophie Spark, who after dropping out of High School, goes to work as an intern at, Castle in the clouds. A hotel steeped in tradition and fantastical happenings.
The luxurious hotel located in the Swiss Alps is the center of this story. Literally, the entire story takes place in the hotel. Which is 😐...a bit boring. Yes, Kerstin Gier does give us cozy, atmospheric vibes (if this is what you're craving). However, all the fluff and pretty descriptions cant detract from the fact that the story is painfully slow, and unfortunately-boring.
I can get behind a story that is very YA safe, and is even considered a 'feel-good' read. What I can't do is a story about essentially nothing. Yes, the story had a mild love triangle, and a hotel mystery that was thrown in..but literally there was nothing intresting until page 290...so yeah, it was tough to finish.
...but since I paid for this with my hard earned cheddar! I read it. Will I ever read it again? nope. However, if you are wanting a very sweet, clean, easy cozy read with minimal thrills this can be for you. It just wasn't for me. I wish I loved it more. I wish I connected more with the story and the characters, but alas it was not meant to be.
2.7 🌟🌟🌟
December 20, 2022
A Castle in the Clouds a story about 17 year old Sophie Spark who after dropping out of high school decides to intern at a grand old hotel in the Swiss Alps called Castle in the Clouds. It’s the holiday season and the hotel is mostly a wonderful place to work. The view of the mountains, the beautiful hotel itself, the seven Hugo’s (birds called Jackdaws (which I have never heard of) that visit Sophie’s window sill each day), the staff (especially favorites like Mr. Rocher), and her new friendships with Ben & Tristan the 2 cutest boys at the hotel.
But there’s also a downside. There’s little Don Burkhardt Jr a nine year old demon child that scares her more than most adults. Hortensia and her crew, 3 other interns from Lausanne that seem to be making it their personal mission to mess with Sophie. And her boss and part owner of the hotel, Gordon Montfort (aka Grouchy Gordon) that has this particularly pronounced bulging forehead vein as whenever screams at her and most of the staff, which is whenever there is not a guest around.
Sophie’s day’s are all about helping guests, working different shifts at the hotel that range from babysitting, laundry duty and spa assistance and most important of all keeping her job by staying off Grouchy Gordon’s radar.
On New Years Eve during the hotel’s elegant yearly ball Sophie’s duties become more than she bargained for. It turns out some of the guests are not who they appear to be and Sophie and the child in her care are in grave danger. She may lose not only her job but her life as well.
I have not had the best of luck with YA books this year and honestly only picked this up because it was one of the only Christmas books I could immediately check out and not have to put on hold.
And it worked out so well! I was pleasantly surprised by A Castle in the Clouds.
This was a fun, quick read. The pacing was great, I was invested in the story the whole time. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and getting to know the guests.
Some of my favorite parts included the especially terrifying Don Jr, the elusive Forbidden cat that seemed to outsmart Grouchy Gordon, and the few paranormal aspects that were thrown in.
Honestly the romance wasn’t my favorite part but the cute winter tale and the author’s humor saved the day.
Fun fact: A Castle in the Clouds was originally published in German in 2017 and then later translated into English and republished in 2020.
But there’s also a downside. There’s little Don Burkhardt Jr a nine year old demon child that scares her more than most adults. Hortensia and her crew, 3 other interns from Lausanne that seem to be making it their personal mission to mess with Sophie. And her boss and part owner of the hotel, Gordon Montfort (aka Grouchy Gordon) that has this particularly pronounced bulging forehead vein as whenever screams at her and most of the staff, which is whenever there is not a guest around.
Sophie’s day’s are all about helping guests, working different shifts at the hotel that range from babysitting, laundry duty and spa assistance and most important of all keeping her job by staying off Grouchy Gordon’s radar.
On New Years Eve during the hotel’s elegant yearly ball Sophie’s duties become more than she bargained for. It turns out some of the guests are not who they appear to be and Sophie and the child in her care are in grave danger. She may lose not only her job but her life as well.
I have not had the best of luck with YA books this year and honestly only picked this up because it was one of the only Christmas books I could immediately check out and not have to put on hold.
And it worked out so well! I was pleasantly surprised by A Castle in the Clouds.
This was a fun, quick read. The pacing was great, I was invested in the story the whole time. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and getting to know the guests.
Some of my favorite parts included the especially terrifying Don Jr, the elusive Forbidden cat that seemed to outsmart Grouchy Gordon, and the few paranormal aspects that were thrown in.
Honestly the romance wasn’t my favorite part but the cute winter tale and the author’s humor saved the day.
Fun fact: A Castle in the Clouds was originally published in German in 2017 and then later translated into English and republished in 2020.
December 6, 2017
Wolkenschloss konnte mich leider nicht ganz überzeugen (und so lang habe ich schon ewig nicht mehr an ein und demselben Buch herumkauen müssen). Der Schreibstil ist toll und einige Charaktere habe ich sehr liebgewonnen, doch weist die Story für mich leider zu viele Schwachstellen auf. Es dauert sehr lang, bis eine Handlung ins Rollen kommt, dann passiert das aber voller Wucht - bis dahin war die Lust, weiterzulesen sehr gering, während ich das Buch danach verschlungen habe. Geduld ist also gefragt. Das, was passiert, war mir an einigen Stellen zu abstrus und over the top, auch wenn die Geschichte alles in allem recht rund wirkt. Insgesamt bin ich ein wenig enttäuscht und vergebe 3,5 Sterne, dennoch werde ich sehr gern andere Werke von Kerstin Gier lesen, denn eines beweist sie in diesem Buch: Schreiben kann sie wunderbar.
December 29, 2022
Dieses Buch verbindet Weihnachten, Lovestory und Krimi und ich mochte es wirklich gern☃️❤️❄️🌲💎
Fairerweise muss ich zugeben, dass es ab und zu ein bisschen albern war, der Showdown etwas sehr gekürzt ausfiel (das war echt enttäuschend!) und auch das Ende war mir zu rund und perfekt.
Trotzdem hab ich großen Spaß beim Lesen gehabt und wurde in absolute Weihnachtsstimmung versetzt🥰
Fairerweise muss ich zugeben, dass es ab und zu ein bisschen albern war, der Showdown etwas sehr gekürzt ausfiel (das war echt enttäuschend!) und auch das Ende war mir zu rund und perfekt.
Trotzdem hab ich großen Spaß beim Lesen gehabt und wurde in absolute Weihnachtsstimmung versetzt🥰
April 18, 2020
Ahhhhh. I just loved, loved, loved this book so much.
Maybe it's not the best book to read in spring, it's definitely more of a winter book, but even like that, I enjoyed it immensely.
I am a big fan of Kerstin Gier, her Ruby Red series was among my favourites so seeing she decided to publish that made me so happy! I had some mixed feelings about picking this up as I see it has a few contradictory reviews but I am glad I did.
As a full disclaimer for the people reading it for the mystery: don't. It's quite easy to figure out whodunnit and what else and while it has about, let's say, 20 pages of mystery or so which are exciting, but that's it!
Read it if you want for its atmospheric, Disney-like quality. Imagine a castle deep in the mountains, covered in snow, where magic seems possible at every step. Take an ingenue protagonist, two cute boys, throw them in a place filled with peculiar characters and, voila! You have the perfect cosy, dreamy read. Fans of Grand Hotel Budapest will be able to encounter the same sizzling atmosphere they got to know and like in a young adult story, and I haven't found any book like this so far.
When I finished it, I felt so full of emotions, it had just the sweetest, fairytalish ending and, while everything seemed just a little be to perfect, it left me feeling fuzzy and entirely satisfied.
Maybe it's not the best book to read in spring, it's definitely more of a winter book, but even like that, I enjoyed it immensely.
I am a big fan of Kerstin Gier, her Ruby Red series was among my favourites so seeing she decided to publish that made me so happy! I had some mixed feelings about picking this up as I see it has a few contradictory reviews but I am glad I did.
As a full disclaimer for the people reading it for the mystery: don't. It's quite easy to figure out whodunnit and what else and while it has about, let's say, 20 pages of mystery or so which are exciting, but that's it!
Read it if you want for its atmospheric, Disney-like quality. Imagine a castle deep in the mountains, covered in snow, where magic seems possible at every step. Take an ingenue protagonist, two cute boys, throw them in a place filled with peculiar characters and, voila! You have the perfect cosy, dreamy read. Fans of Grand Hotel Budapest will be able to encounter the same sizzling atmosphere they got to know and like in a young adult story, and I haven't found any book like this so far.
When I finished it, I felt so full of emotions, it had just the sweetest, fairytalish ending and, while everything seemed just a little be to perfect, it left me feeling fuzzy and entirely satisfied.
January 8, 2018
Ein wundervolles Buch, so harmonisch von der Atmosphäre her, immer spannend, obwohl es doch ziemlich gedauert hat, bis wirklich etwas Grundlegendes passierte. Aber das machte gar nichts, weil man sich im Wolkenschloss wie zuhause gefühlt hat. Die Leute dort, manche wundervoll, manche ärgerlich, manche nervtötend, aber die positiven und teilweise fast magischen Seiten überwogen einfach immer. Es war wundervoll. Ich hab die Zeit im Hotel wirklich sehr genossen und finde den Abschied nun etwas traurig. (:
February 18, 2022
Trochę gorsza niż Trylogia Czasu. Autorka ma fajne pomysły i uwielbiam jej humor. No i ten klimat - stary hotel z różnymi zakamarkami i intrygującymi pracownikami i gośćmi, gdzieś w zaśnieżonej Szwajcarii. Wszystko to tworzy taką baśniową atmosferę, zwłaszcza że akcja rozgrywa się około Bożego Narodzenia. Wszystko mi się tutaj podobało poza wątkiem miłosnym, był trochę mdły i drugi chłopak był znacznie bardziej interesujący.
June 7, 2019
Я занадто стара для таких книг😅
August 26, 2020
Böyle iyi bir yazardan böyle kötü bir kitap... Cık cık cık ... 😒 Son 100 sayfası hariç gerçekten oldukça sıkıcıydı. Bir çocuk kaçırma vakası bekliyorsunuz. Kitabın size vaat ettiği bu sözde. Alakası yok. Size verilen gereğinden fazla uzatılmış bir konu ile 300 küsür sayfa anlatılan otel ve müşterileri ile dolu işe yaramaz bir ton bilgi. Bana biraz sağdan soldan yemiş Agatha özentiliği gibi geldi. Söylemek istediğim o kadar şey var ki inanın yazmakla bitmez ama bu yorumu benim gibi kitabı merakla bekleyen birçok okura bilgi vermek adına tamamlayacağım.
•İlk olarak şunu yazara sormak isterim neden gizem konulu bir kitabın türünü fantastiğe sürüklemeye çalışıyorsun? Kitap öyle bir başladı ki kızın başına ne zaman kötü bir olay gelse otel buna tepki veriyordu, neden? Peki ya gizem dolu alakargalar?
•Peki gelelim Don karakterine. Bu çocuk neden vardı? Neden yani? Anlamsız, gereksiz. Yazarın şımarık ve yaşından büyük davranışlara sahip 9 yaşında bir çocuğu böyle bir kitaba atıp kaçması neden? Düşünelim.... Düşünüyorum... Hala düşünüyorum... Aaa evet buldum! Bir sebebi yoktu. 😌
•Bunun yanı sıra oluşturmaya çalıştığı bir aşk üçgeni var ki aman ama düşman başına! Açıklamak bile istemiyorum. Burayı geçiyorum üzgünüm.🙄
•Her şeyi geçtik diyelim kitabın içerisinde neden bu kadar çok KİŞİ vardı?! Peki bize acıyıp neden kitabın sonuna karakter dizini konulduğu en başta söylenmedi? Karakter dizininin anlatıldığı kaç sayfa vardı biliyor musunuz? Hani şu şudur bu budur denilen. Tam 9 (DOKUZ) sayfa! Bilmem anlatabildim mi...
Bütün kitap neden, neden, neden, neden soruları ile doluyken biz bu kitabı NEDEN okuyalım?🤷🏼♀️
Son olarak bu yazarın bu kitabı nasıl yazdığını çok merak ediyorum. Çünkü ben okurken fenalık geçiriyordum. Gerçekten bravo.
ÖNEMLİ NOT: Bir kez daha dış görünüş her şey değildir sözünün önemini anlamış oluyoruz.
•İlk olarak şunu yazara sormak isterim neden gizem konulu bir kitabın türünü fantastiğe sürüklemeye çalışıyorsun? Kitap öyle bir başladı ki kızın başına ne zaman kötü bir olay gelse otel buna tepki veriyordu, neden? Peki ya gizem dolu alakargalar?
•Peki gelelim Don karakterine. Bu çocuk neden vardı? Neden yani? Anlamsız, gereksiz. Yazarın şımarık ve yaşından büyük davranışlara sahip 9 yaşında bir çocuğu böyle bir kitaba atıp kaçması neden? Düşünelim.... Düşünüyorum... Hala düşünüyorum... Aaa evet buldum! Bir sebebi yoktu. 😌
•Bunun yanı sıra oluşturmaya çalıştığı bir aşk üçgeni var ki aman ama düşman başına! Açıklamak bile istemiyorum. Burayı geçiyorum üzgünüm.🙄
•Her şeyi geçtik diyelim kitabın içerisinde neden bu kadar çok KİŞİ vardı?! Peki bize acıyıp neden kitabın sonuna karakter dizini konulduğu en başta söylenmedi? Karakter dizininin anlatıldığı kaç sayfa vardı biliyor musunuz? Hani şu şudur bu budur denilen. Tam 9 (DOKUZ) sayfa! Bilmem anlatabildim mi...
Bütün kitap neden, neden, neden, neden soruları ile doluyken biz bu kitabı NEDEN okuyalım?🤷🏼♀️
Son olarak bu yazarın bu kitabı nasıl yazdığını çok merak ediyorum. Çünkü ben okurken fenalık geçiriyordum. Gerçekten bravo.
ÖNEMLİ NOT: Bir kez daha dış görünüş her şey değildir sözünün önemini anlamış oluyoruz.
December 28, 2019
Es hat sich wie jedes andere Buch von Kerstin Gier einfach und schnell lesen lassen. Die Charaktere waren allesamt goldig! Das Setting super und auch die weihnachtliche Stimmung kam nicht zu kurz! Nur leider hat es mir etwas an Story gefehlt. Da hatte ich etwas mehr erwartet.
April 11, 2019
Reread April 2019
Ich hatte einfach riesige Lust auf ein süßes, gemütliches Gier-Buch. Vor allem die Beschreibung der heimeligen, mit Kaminfeuer gewärmten Winkel und Ecken des im Schneegestöber versinkenden Wolkenschlosses hat es mir angetan. Ich glaube, in meiner ersten Rezension habe ich das Setting "zuckersüße Schneekugelwelt" genannt und das ist es wirklich. Trotz Frühling war das jetzt genau das Richtige für meine Stimmung.
Wieder 3,75 Sterne, weil süß und furchtbar angenehm zu hören, aber inhaltlich leider nicht wirklich stark.
Jänner/Februar 2018
3.75 Sterne
Wieder mal ein sehr süßes Jugendbuch von Kerstin Gier. Man bekommt, was man sich von Gier-Büchern schon erwartet: eine etwas naive, aber mutige Protagonistin, schrullige, aber liebenswerte Nebencharaktere und eine (großteils) kinder/jugendfreundliche Handlung.
Wie auch schon ihre anderen Bücher würde ich Wolkenschloss eher jüngeren Lesern empfehlen, die Handlung plätschert eher so dahin nur gegen Ende hin wird es ein bisschen spannender. Die verschiedenen Zufälle und die Auflösung sind zum Teil schon ein bisschen weit her geholt, aber wenn ich ein Kerstin Gier-Buch (mit diesem Cover!!) lese, dann erwarte ich mir auch keinen ausgefeilten Thriller oder Krimi, sondern ein bisschen kurzweilige und gemütliche Unterhaltung.
Wolkenschloss ist definitiv kein Page Turner, aber ich mag Giers Schreibstil einfach sehr gern. Ihre Bücher sind für mich Wohlfühllektüre und auch in der zuckersüßen Schneekugelwelt des Wolkenschlosses habe ich mir wieder sehr gerne eine kleine Auszeit vom richtigen Leben genommen.
Ich hatte einfach riesige Lust auf ein süßes, gemütliches Gier-Buch. Vor allem die Beschreibung der heimeligen, mit Kaminfeuer gewärmten Winkel und Ecken des im Schneegestöber versinkenden Wolkenschlosses hat es mir angetan. Ich glaube, in meiner ersten Rezension habe ich das Setting "zuckersüße Schneekugelwelt" genannt und das ist es wirklich. Trotz Frühling war das jetzt genau das Richtige für meine Stimmung.
Wieder 3,75 Sterne, weil süß und furchtbar angenehm zu hören, aber inhaltlich leider nicht wirklich stark.
Jänner/Februar 2018
3.75 Sterne
Wieder mal ein sehr süßes Jugendbuch von Kerstin Gier. Man bekommt, was man sich von Gier-Büchern schon erwartet: eine etwas naive, aber mutige Protagonistin, schrullige, aber liebenswerte Nebencharaktere und eine (großteils) kinder/jugendfreundliche Handlung.
Wie auch schon ihre anderen Bücher würde ich Wolkenschloss eher jüngeren Lesern empfehlen, die Handlung plätschert eher so dahin nur gegen Ende hin wird es ein bisschen spannender. Die verschiedenen Zufälle und die Auflösung sind zum Teil schon ein bisschen weit her geholt, aber wenn ich ein Kerstin Gier-Buch (mit diesem Cover!!) lese, dann erwarte ich mir auch keinen ausgefeilten Thriller oder Krimi, sondern ein bisschen kurzweilige und gemütliche Unterhaltung.
Wolkenschloss ist definitiv kein Page Turner, aber ich mag Giers Schreibstil einfach sehr gern. Ihre Bücher sind für mich Wohlfühllektüre und auch in der zuckersüßen Schneekugelwelt des Wolkenschlosses habe ich mir wieder sehr gerne eine kleine Auszeit vom richtigen Leben genommen.
January 1, 2021
Juhu! Noch in 2020 beendet 🥂 Leider fand ich das Buch weniger gut als die Edelstein- und Silbertrilogie. Es hat gedauert, bis es etwas an Fahrt aufgenommen hat und Fanny war so naiv. Aber es war im Großen und Ganzen ganz nett.
January 22, 2018
Obwohl ich zuletzt immer wieder von den Jugendbüchern von Kerstin Gier enttäuscht wurde, gehört sie nach wie vor zu meinen liebsten Autorinnen, sodass ich auch ihrem neuesten Werk "Wolkenschloss" gerne eine Chance gegeben habe. Leider war ich am Ende dann doch wieder einmal enttäuscht, sodass ich von den Jugendbüchern der Autorin wohl erst einmal Abstand nehmen werde.
Zwar muss man sagen, dass Kerstin Gier definitiv schreiben kann und in die Geschichte sehr viele interessante Ideen verarbeitet hat. Das Problem ist jedoch, dass mir die Umsetzung leider nur wenig gefallen hat, da ich im Laufe der Geschichte immer auf etwas gewartet habe, was einfach nicht eingetroffen ist. Die Figuren sind zwar an sich gut ausgearbeitet und man lernt sie auch ausreichend kennen, allerdings konnte ich sie leider dennoch nichts ins Herz schließen. Das wohl größte Problem, das die Geschichte allerdings hat, ist, dass diese nicht wirklich einen roten Faden besitzt, sich häufig holprig liest und letztendlich einfach nichts passiert. Zwar muss man sagen, dass gegen Ende doch noch einmal eine Schippe draufgelegt wurde, allerdings kam dies meiner Meinung nach deutlich zu spät.
Die Idee mit dem Wolkenschloss ist an sich eine tolle Idee, jedoch scheiterte es an der Umsetzung. Fanny ist als Protagonistin und Praktikantin im Wolkenschloss zwar sympathisch, allerdings auch furchtbar langweilig. Gleichzeitig fand ich die Liebesgeschichte alles andere als gelungen, da ich sie weder authentisch fand, noch sonderlich ernst nehmen konnte.
Wunderschön ist dagegen wieder einmal die Gestaltung des Covers und des Buches, an dem man sich gar nicht satt genug sehen kann. Auch die Kurzbeschreibung weiß zu überzeugen, von daher ist es gleich doppelt so schade, dass die Geschichte für mich einfach nicht funktionieren wollte.
Kurz gesagt: So sehr ich Kerstin Gier auch mag, so wenig konnte mich ihr neuestes Werk "Wolkenschloss" überzeugen, da die Geschichte viel zu häufig nur vor sich hinplätschert, zu viele Längen besitzt und die Figuren leider durchweg langweilig sind. Sehr schade, Kerstin Gier kann es definitiv besser.
Zwar muss man sagen, dass Kerstin Gier definitiv schreiben kann und in die Geschichte sehr viele interessante Ideen verarbeitet hat. Das Problem ist jedoch, dass mir die Umsetzung leider nur wenig gefallen hat, da ich im Laufe der Geschichte immer auf etwas gewartet habe, was einfach nicht eingetroffen ist. Die Figuren sind zwar an sich gut ausgearbeitet und man lernt sie auch ausreichend kennen, allerdings konnte ich sie leider dennoch nichts ins Herz schließen. Das wohl größte Problem, das die Geschichte allerdings hat, ist, dass diese nicht wirklich einen roten Faden besitzt, sich häufig holprig liest und letztendlich einfach nichts passiert. Zwar muss man sagen, dass gegen Ende doch noch einmal eine Schippe draufgelegt wurde, allerdings kam dies meiner Meinung nach deutlich zu spät.
Die Idee mit dem Wolkenschloss ist an sich eine tolle Idee, jedoch scheiterte es an der Umsetzung. Fanny ist als Protagonistin und Praktikantin im Wolkenschloss zwar sympathisch, allerdings auch furchtbar langweilig. Gleichzeitig fand ich die Liebesgeschichte alles andere als gelungen, da ich sie weder authentisch fand, noch sonderlich ernst nehmen konnte.
Wunderschön ist dagegen wieder einmal die Gestaltung des Covers und des Buches, an dem man sich gar nicht satt genug sehen kann. Auch die Kurzbeschreibung weiß zu überzeugen, von daher ist es gleich doppelt so schade, dass die Geschichte für mich einfach nicht funktionieren wollte.
Kurz gesagt: So sehr ich Kerstin Gier auch mag, so wenig konnte mich ihr neuestes Werk "Wolkenschloss" überzeugen, da die Geschichte viel zu häufig nur vor sich hinplätschert, zu viele Längen besitzt und die Figuren leider durchweg langweilig sind. Sehr schade, Kerstin Gier kann es definitiv besser.
October 5, 2021
I have some mixed feelings with this one. Because I did have fun and enjoy this book over all! It was definitely an easy comfort read for me. It had a very cosy winter atmosphere and i loved that!
But the plot to this kept changing different directions. It was kind of written like a diary in the sense that you were seeing her life from day to day. Nothing very interesting happens and You don't understand the point or plot of the book until the last 75 pages of the book when it becomes clear that this is meant to be a mystery. Even though at the beginning it feels like its meant to be a (mild) love triangle romance book. And it is! But the mystery aspect came completely out of no where. I guess it felt a tad messy? But by that same token, that's what made it a mindless fun read. And I did really enjoy it. Like I said, this was very much a comfort read for me. So... Ugh! I don't know how I feel about it lol I still adored it. But the plot was kind of every where. Please tell me that I'm not the only one the noticed this and/or feels the same way?
But the plot to this kept changing different directions. It was kind of written like a diary in the sense that you were seeing her life from day to day. Nothing very interesting happens and You don't understand the point or plot of the book until the last 75 pages of the book when it becomes clear that this is meant to be a mystery. Even though at the beginning it feels like its meant to be a (mild) love triangle romance book. And it is! But the mystery aspect came completely out of no where. I guess it felt a tad messy? But by that same token, that's what made it a mindless fun read. And I did really enjoy it. Like I said, this was very much a comfort read for me. So... Ugh! I don't know how I feel about it lol I still adored it. But the plot was kind of every where. Please tell me that I'm not the only one the noticed this and/or feels the same way?
April 11, 2018
Dieses Buch zu bewerten ist unheimlich schwierig. Kerstin Gier gehört zu meinen Lieblingsautoren, weshalb ich schon mit sehr hohen Erwartungen ins Wolkenschloss eingezogen bin. Diese hohen Erwartungen kann die Geschichte um Fanny beinahe erfüllen, aber leider nur in der zweiten Hälfte, vor allem gegen Ende.
Die ersten 200 Stein plätschern so vor sich hin, man lernt das Hotel kennen (malerischer Ort, da wäre sogar ich für einen Urlaub in den Bergen zu haben) und auch die Angestellten und Gäste, mehr passiert leider nicht. Es passiert rein gar nichts. Außer, dass sich bei mir schon ein gewisser Verdacht aufbaute, der zum Schluss bestätigt werden sollte. Dieser Teil ist zwar gut geschrieben, aber laaangweilig. Zudem mir hier die Hauptfigur noch nicht wirklich sympathisch war. Kleine Highlight sind hier (wie auch später) Szenen mit meinen Lieblingsfiguren, den heimlichen Stars des Buches: Die Hugos und die verbotene Katze. 2,5 von 5 Sternen.
Gegen Ende wird das Buch richtig gut, die Handlung nimmt nach einer endlosen Einleitung endlich Fahrt auf und man fiebert richtig mit. Auch wenn man (wie ich) geahnt hat, wer hier tatsächlich Böses will und es einen nicht im geringsten überrascht. Vielleicht hätte die Geschichte mich in die Irre führen können, wenn im ersten Teil etwas weniger über Gäste und Angestellte verraten worden wäre. Aber egal. In diesem Teil des Buches habe ich dann tatsächlich begonnen, Fanny ins herz zu schließen. Der zweiten Hälfte kann ich getrost 4,5 von Sternen geben, was im Schnitt 3,5 Sterne für dieses Buch ergeben würde, wenn ich mich nicht verrechnet habe.
Die ersten 200 Stein plätschern so vor sich hin, man lernt das Hotel kennen (malerischer Ort, da wäre sogar ich für einen Urlaub in den Bergen zu haben) und auch die Angestellten und Gäste, mehr passiert leider nicht. Es passiert rein gar nichts. Außer, dass sich bei mir schon ein gewisser Verdacht aufbaute, der zum Schluss bestätigt werden sollte. Dieser Teil ist zwar gut geschrieben, aber laaangweilig. Zudem mir hier die Hauptfigur noch nicht wirklich sympathisch war. Kleine Highlight sind hier (wie auch später) Szenen mit meinen Lieblingsfiguren, den heimlichen Stars des Buches: Die Hugos und die verbotene Katze. 2,5 von 5 Sternen.
Gegen Ende wird das Buch richtig gut, die Handlung nimmt nach einer endlosen Einleitung endlich Fahrt auf und man fiebert richtig mit. Auch wenn man (wie ich) geahnt hat, wer hier tatsächlich Böses will und es einen nicht im geringsten überrascht. Vielleicht hätte die Geschichte mich in die Irre führen können, wenn im ersten Teil etwas weniger über Gäste und Angestellte verraten worden wäre. Aber egal. In diesem Teil des Buches habe ich dann tatsächlich begonnen, Fanny ins herz zu schließen. Der zweiten Hälfte kann ich getrost 4,5 von Sternen geben, was im Schnitt 3,5 Sterne für dieses Buch ergeben würde, wenn ich mich nicht verrechnet habe.
June 21, 2018
2,5*
Also ganz ehrlich? Dieses Buch ist wirklich zunächst echt langweilig, da die ganze Zeit nichts passiert außer üblichem Alltagsdrama. Die Charaktere sind alle gut ausgearbeitet, doch die Anzahl macht, trotz vorhandem Personenregister, welches ich erst am Ende fand, alles sehr unübersichtlich.
Das Setting ist gut und Giers Schreibstil ist einfach so schön wie immer. Die Spannung lässt leider bis zum Ende auf sich warten.
Eine Geschichte für Zwischendurch, die dafür aber auch irgendwie wieder zu lang ist. Dennoch nichts was ich großartig empfehlen kann.
Also ganz ehrlich? Dieses Buch ist wirklich zunächst echt langweilig, da die ganze Zeit nichts passiert außer üblichem Alltagsdrama. Die Charaktere sind alle gut ausgearbeitet, doch die Anzahl macht, trotz vorhandem Personenregister, welches ich erst am Ende fand, alles sehr unübersichtlich.
Das Setting ist gut und Giers Schreibstil ist einfach so schön wie immer. Die Spannung lässt leider bis zum Ende auf sich warten.
Eine Geschichte für Zwischendurch, die dafür aber auch irgendwie wieder zu lang ist. Dennoch nichts was ich großartig empfehlen kann.
December 26, 2023
Zu Weihnachten ist Wolkenschloss ein absolutes Muss. Es war so schön wieder ins Wolkenschloss zurückkehren zu können.
Reread Nummer 4 und ich liebe es immer noch.
Reread Nummer 5 and it's still fucking amazing!
Reread Nummer 4 und ich liebe es immer noch.
Reread Nummer 5 and it's still fucking amazing!
December 28, 2023
Typisch Kerstin Gier. Warmherziger Schreibstil, liebenswerte Charaktere, spannende Geschichte. Ich würde am liebsten jetzt sofort in dieses Hotel einchecken.
Einziger Kritikpunkt: Es war mir zu wenig Magie. Gier streut immer wieder Hinweise ein, dass das alles doch nicht so zufällig ist, oder das Personal nicht menschlich ist, aber die große Enthüllung bleibt leider aus.
Einziger Kritikpunkt: Es war mir zu wenig Magie. Gier streut immer wieder Hinweise ein, dass das alles doch nicht so zufällig ist, oder das Personal nicht menschlich ist, aber die große Enthüllung bleibt leider aus.
January 23, 2018
Das Buch wartet mit einem wunderschönen Mädchencover auf... Wie alle Kerstin Gier-Jugendbücher echt ein Highlight.
Aber auch in der Story schafft es Kerstin Gier, eine tolle Atmosphäre in den idyllischen Schweizer Bergen zu zaubern. Man hat sofort das Gefühl von knirschendem weißen Schnee unter den Füßen und einem majestätischen Bau hoch oben auf einer Anhöhe.
Fanny ist nach anfänglichen Anlaufschwierigkeiten auch gar nicht so nervig als 17-jährige Protagonistin und die Kopf-auf-Tisch-Momente hielten sich für mich echt in Grenzen. Auch die Storyline war abwechslungsreich und bis zum Schluss hat man nicht alle Raffinessen der Handlung durchdrungen und wurde neben einigen Offensichtlichkeiten trotzdem überrascht.
Für mich hätte aber Roman Monfort es echt noch schlechter treffen dürfen 🙊
Aber auch in der Story schafft es Kerstin Gier, eine tolle Atmosphäre in den idyllischen Schweizer Bergen zu zaubern. Man hat sofort das Gefühl von knirschendem weißen Schnee unter den Füßen und einem majestätischen Bau hoch oben auf einer Anhöhe.
Fanny ist nach anfänglichen Anlaufschwierigkeiten auch gar nicht so nervig als 17-jährige Protagonistin und die Kopf-auf-Tisch-Momente hielten sich für mich echt in Grenzen. Auch die Storyline war abwechslungsreich und bis zum Schluss hat man nicht alle Raffinessen der Handlung durchdrungen und wurde neben einigen Offensichtlichkeiten trotzdem überrascht.
Für mich hätte aber Roman Monfort es echt noch schlechter treffen dürfen 🙊
February 21, 2018
So, das war es also, mein erstes Buch von Kerstin Gier. Leider hat mich die Geschichte überhaupt nicht mitgenommen und ich bin erleichtert, dass es jetzt vorbei ist.
Lange wurde in dem Buch noch beschrieben. Da dies gut gemacht war, gibt es auch einen Stern mehr.
Leider sind es immer noch 'nur' 3 Sterne. Das liegt daran, dass ich weder mit der Geschichte noch mit dem Großteil der Charaktere warm geworden bin. Fanny kam mir teilweise einfach zu naiv und pubertär rüber.
Lange wurde in dem Buch noch beschrieben. Da dies gut gemacht war, gibt es auch einen Stern mehr.
Leider sind es immer noch 'nur' 3 Sterne. Das liegt daran, dass ich weder mit der Geschichte noch mit dem Großteil der Charaktere warm geworden bin. Fanny kam mir teilweise einfach zu naiv und pubertär rüber.
February 25, 2022
kerstin gier remains one of my favourite authors ever—she's seriously so underrated!
though i didn't love this novel as much as her precious stones trilogy (my all-time fave) and silver trilogy (another series i enjoyed), a castle in the clouds nonetheless featured gier's trademark knack for writing: witty, relatable protagonists (always the perfect blend of self-doubting, self-deprecating, and self-possessed); romances i root for; and an absolutely endearing cast of characters.
though i didn't love this novel as much as her precious stones trilogy (my all-time fave) and silver trilogy (another series i enjoyed), a castle in the clouds nonetheless featured gier's trademark knack for writing: witty, relatable protagonists (always the perfect blend of self-doubting, self-deprecating, and self-possessed); romances i root for; and an absolutely endearing cast of characters.
December 25, 2023
I have read the authors ya series a couple of years ago and remember loving the Ruby Red series so I had to pick up her latest ya standalone sooner or later especially after seeing her at the book fair last year. This was such a quick and fun read - definitely how I expected a Kerstin Gier book to be. Now I have to admit that starting a book set in the middle of winter with snowy landscapes and the anticipation of christmas was probably not my best idea since it's June but I enjoyed it anyway! I loved the hotel and not only it's guests (I can't and don't believe Don is a kid, guys) but also the staff members. And, Fanny was an extremely likeable female main character! I wasn't a fan of "the romance" but Kerstin Gier's humour amuses me every single time. A nice and entertaining standalone! 🌨️🏰🐦
January 7, 2020
This is a book I requested in my flurry of trying to read as many holiday reads before the holidays as I could take. I didn't get to this one but since it's set up to New Year's Eve and a bit beyond it still works. Also this is translated YA, which I don't see all that often. (Apparently some know the author from a time travel historical romance series, this seems more contemporary.)
Overall a feel-good read set in a Swiss mountain luxury hotel, with balls and mystery cats and snowstorms and afternoon tea. Sophie is an intern who moves between roles as chambermaid, spa receptionist, childcare, and other duties as assigned. She stumbles into awkward situations like money laundering, jewel heists, kidnapping, and more.
It comes out at the end of January from Henry Holt Books - I had a copy through Edelweiss.
Overall a feel-good read set in a Swiss mountain luxury hotel, with balls and mystery cats and snowstorms and afternoon tea. Sophie is an intern who moves between roles as chambermaid, spa receptionist, childcare, and other duties as assigned. She stumbles into awkward situations like money laundering, jewel heists, kidnapping, and more.
It comes out at the end of January from Henry Holt Books - I had a copy through Edelweiss.
September 6, 2018
Ein typisches Kerstin Gier-Buch. Die Atmosphäre war richtig schön und dazu Kerstin Giers typischen Schreibstil und Humor, bei dem ich mich einfach sofort super wohl fühle.
Die Charaktere waren toll und sehr abwechslungsreich und das Setting war richtig harmonisch.
Die Handlung hingegen hat etwas zu wünschen übrig gelassen. Am Anfang passiert kaum etwas und am Ende geht dann alles Schlag auf Schlag. Das hätte mich wahrscheinlich mehr gestört, wenn ich es vor dem Lesen nicht schon von einigen Seiten so gehört hätte und mich darauf einstellen konnte.
Dank der tollen Atmosphäre und dem Humor hat mich die fehlende Handlung am Anfang auch eigentlich überhaupt nicht gestört, aber am Schluss war es mir dann tatsächlich etwas zu viel.
Die Charaktere waren toll und sehr abwechslungsreich und das Setting war richtig harmonisch.
Die Handlung hingegen hat etwas zu wünschen übrig gelassen. Am Anfang passiert kaum etwas und am Ende geht dann alles Schlag auf Schlag. Das hätte mich wahrscheinlich mehr gestört, wenn ich es vor dem Lesen nicht schon von einigen Seiten so gehört hätte und mich darauf einstellen konnte.
Dank der tollen Atmosphäre und dem Humor hat mich die fehlende Handlung am Anfang auch eigentlich überhaupt nicht gestört, aber am Schluss war es mir dann tatsächlich etwas zu viel.
May 8, 2018
Leider eine große Enttäuschung. Ich mag Kerstin Giers Schreibstil, aber das war es leider auch schon :(
Die Geschichte ist über lange Zeit einfach nur langweilig und man weiß nicht wo es hingehen soll. Danach wird es haarströubend unrealistisch und einfach nur albern. Die Protagonistin wird mir auch mehr und mehr unsympathisch und warum die anderen aus dem Buch sie mögen und so loben ist mir nicht begreiflich. Es sind sehr knappe 2 Sterne!
Die Geschichte ist über lange Zeit einfach nur langweilig und man weiß nicht wo es hingehen soll. Danach wird es haarströubend unrealistisch und einfach nur albern. Die Protagonistin wird mir auch mehr und mehr unsympathisch und warum die anderen aus dem Buch sie mögen und so loben ist mir nicht begreiflich. Es sind sehr knappe 2 Sterne!
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