Upon reading the first look for this book I had really high expectations, it seemed like a book I would really enjoy yet I was somewhat adamant as to how much I would like this book and to whether the rest of the novel would be as good as the first look. I can confirm that the rest of the novel is even better than the first look and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. The writing style is to the point yet exquisite and I found it really easy to imagine the Icelandic setting and the many others that are presented in this novel. I was gripped by the plot which I knew I would be from reading the blurb and overall I really did enjoy this book. I have never read anything by this author before and I will definitely be checking out more of their work. If you like a murder mystery and historical fiction this is the book for you.
The only thing stopping this book from getting 5/5 stars is the cover, it is a little bit lack-lustre for me, I know it is supposed to convey the bleakness of the Icelandic setting, but if I were to see this book in a shop I probably wouldn't pick it up due to this, as much as readers hate to admit it we do sometimes judge a book by its cover and for me it just doesn't do it. BUT with books, it is not about the cover and it is about the story, and the story is absolutely phenomenal. I highly recommend it!
The only thing stopping this book from getting 5/5 stars is the cover, it is a little bit lack-lustre for me, I know it is supposed to convey the bleakness of the Icelandic setting, but if I were to see this book in a shop I probably wouldn't pick it up due to this, as much as readers hate to admit it we do sometimes judge a book by its cover and for me it just doesn't do it. BUT with books, it is not about the cover and it is about the story, and the story is absolutely phenomenal. I highly recommend it!