Review of What Wakes the Bells by H.L. Reece: Enigmatic Atmospheres and Frustrating Clarity Gaps
When I first stumbled upon What Wakes the Bells by H.L. Reece, I was immediately drawn in by the promise of gothic fantasy—a blend of dark dreams and ancient magic that whispered tales of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. The cover, rich in hues and intricacies, beckoned me to explore the mysterious city of Vaiwyn, where bells could summon unspeakable evil. As a fantasy lover, I found myself eager to dive into this enchanting world, but oh boy, what a rollercoaster it turned out to be.
The premise is undeniably captivating. The city of Vaiwyn is safeguarded by Bell Keepers like Mina, who must prevent the Vesper Bells from tolling thirteen times. The lore surrounding the five saints, the most notable being The Lost Alchemist who exiled the darkness, holds a rich potential that could mesmerize any avid reader. However, as I turned the pages, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was running through a beautiful maze—haunted by enchanting atmospheres yet perpetually lost in its twists and turns.
Firstly, let’s rave about the atmosphere. Reece crafts a setting that is both ethereal and eerie, reminiscent of a dark academia dream. With descriptions that evoke iron chandeliers and sprawling staircases in Lyndell Hall, it feels like you’re walking through the fog-swirled streets of a fantasy version of Edinburgh or Prague. The magic system, while unique, unfortunately suffers from a lack of exposition. Characters with compelling backstories appear, only to be wrapped in layers of confusion. The intricacies of their motives and histories, particularly that of the antagonist Bane, leave much to be desired. It’s a shame because such depth could have added splendid richness to the narrative.
The writing itself has a lyrical quality that, while beautiful, sometimes dances around itself too much. The dialogue can be particularly ambiguous, making it tough to grasp the true meaning behind characters’ words. I found myself re-reading passages, questioning interpretations and struggling to align them with the lore provided. For instance, when the book mentions that Elora is “not tethered to this world,” it left me grappling with multiple meanings that muddied the waters rather than clarifying the stakes.
While I appreciate the intention to create suspense and mystery, there’s a fine line between intrigue and confusion. A well-executed magic system should be both imaginative and comprehensible, yet here it occasionally felt like a jigsaw puzzle where pieces are missing. It was frustrating enough to sap my enthusiasm for continued reading in parts, despite the immersive ambiance.
That said, the book shines in its potential. If atmospheric writing and fascinating concepts draw you in, What Wakes the Bells might still be worth exploring. However, I would go in armed with the understanding that a fair bit of patience may be required to navigate its convolutions.
Ultimately, if you’re a reader who thrives on captivating settings and is willing to overlook some narrative clarity for ambiance and mood, this might be the book for you. For those who crave structured worldbuilding and character motivations that resonate with clarity, perhaps a different adventure awaits. Personally, while this book sparked my imagination, the unresolved mysteries left me yearning for the clearer storytelling that this beautifully constructed world truly deserves.
Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel for the advanced copy!
Discover more about What Wakes the Bells on GoodReads >>