A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier is a novel I knew I would enjoy from page one. This one has such a unique setting, and I loved the balance between upbeat and ominous events in the plot. The large cast of characters and the whimsical yet haunting atmosphere are also highlights. This is such an engaging read that those in search of a fresh contemporary will love.
Title: A Castle in the Clouds Author: Kerstin Gier
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery, Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Rating:
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.
Review: A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier
This book follows Sophie, an intern at the Castle in the Clouds hotel who is working over the holidays. We accompany her through her daily tasks and encounters from misadventures with the children staying at the hotel to more sinister twists. This story has both humour and mystery, and while it may be more slow-paced, I couldn’t put it down.
❀ A Large Cast of Characters
Because this is a very character-driven story, there is a large cast of characters. This can be difficult to execute, and normally I find books with too many characters difficult to keep track of. However, each of the characters in this book are unique, and I loved getting to know everyone at the hotel. Sophie is a smart main character, and reading her reactions to the unusual situations she finds herself in is entertaining. She is also relatable, as she is still trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life, and I loved her voice. But what I find really special about this book is the way the author captures the personalities of the children at the hotel. They are each realistic and distinct. Every character has their own quirks, which makes the reading experience even more engaging.
❀ Lovely Writing Style
Kerstin Gier has a lovely writing style–her words are entrancing. One of the highlights of the book is its atmosphere. This is such a unique setting, and I was happy to see it being done justice. The descriptions of the old hotel are charming and cozy, and they make for an immersive story. But later on, the fairytale atmosphere becomes spooky as the mystery picks up, and we get the sense that something in the hotel is off. Everything flows so nicely, and I was fully drawn into the story, which I have not experienced in a while.
❀ Immersive Atmosphere
A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier is a cozy yet thrilling story about a girl working in an old hotel. The large cast of characters is one of the book’s strengths, as each guest in the hotel has their own eccentricities. I also adored the writing style and the immersive atmosphere the author has created. This is such a perfect read to curl up with this winter, and I would definitely recommend it.
About Kerstin Gier
Kerstin Gier is the bestselling author of the Ruby Red trilogy, as well as several popular novels for adults.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
So glad to hear you liked it! The cover art is so fun, it’s a book I’d pick up to look at.
It really is super pretty, isn’t it?!
I loved reading your thoughts on her writing and the atmosphere she created. It sounds like a lovely read.
It is such a wonderful book! 🙂
Charming, entrancing, cozy…this seems something O would really love!
I think that you would love it, Sophie! 🙂
This sounds like a great book.
This was a cute story – I loved meeting all the characters!
It is super cute! 🙂
Humor and mystery combined is always a good match for me!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…2021 Nonfiction Reader Challenge
Same, Stephanie! 🙂
I was looking at this book when it first came out. Glad to see you enjoyed it so much! I never mind a big cast, and it sounds like Gier did a great job crafting each individual too.
Sam@wlabb recently posted…Isn’t It Romantic?
She did such a fantastic job with this one! 🙂
That looks like a book I would like. Thanks for the review.
Sounds interesting and I love the cover.
I’m a huge fan of this author! I feel like she’s not well-known enough. I loved her Ruby Red trilogy. Even bought the movie knowing it was in German, only to find out the DVD will not play on my DVD player. 🙁 Great review!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…Blog Tour Review: A Curse of Roses by Diana Pinguicha
I still need to try Ruby Red and I am even more excited for it! 🙂
This sounds so fun. I love a good character driven book.
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Keep It Together: Introducing My 2021 Planner!
This is one that I highly recommend! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one!
I feel like such a cover snob – the cover is cute, but I probably wouldn’t even notice it in a bookstore. Loved your review, will have to check out this author!
Ha! I think that you will enjoy it! 😉
Charming, entrancing, cozy…this seems something O would really love!
Dena Akbar recently posted…The Great Gatsby: Adapted by K. Woodman-Maynard
It is such a perfect book! 🙂
I am captivated by both the book cover and title! Sounds like a great read!
This book sounds like a really good read.
This story seems amazing! Hopefully I’ll get a chance to read soon!
The book sounds amazing. Love the cover!