String Diaries Paperback – January 6, 2015

My sister-in-law recommended this book to me, and although it’s probably not something I’d have picked up on my own, I’m grateful to her.In a nutshell, it’s about a monster that’s been stalking this one family since the 18th century. Because it’s set across multiple time periods, it has this epic feel to it, which I appreciated. It’s also loaded with symbolism. Most of which went right over my head (me being a relatively literal person most of the time), but I “got” enough of it to realise there’s lots I probably didn’t “get”.The editing is fantastic. Flawless. In fact, it reminded me of one of my biggest bugbears in modern fiction: the use of the word “alright”. I hate it because “alright is not all right”.And I’ve had arguments about it with fellow authors, readers, and editors, because it’s so common... but it only seem to be self-published books and YA books that use it. And this book is neither, so I feel nicely vindicated, and will continue to rail against the evilness that is “alright”.I don’t doubt that this book will go down as a literary classic, and they’ll be teaching it in English Literature classes at High School and University level in fifty or a hundred years’ time. It really is that good. And that important.Having said that, it can be difficult to follow at times, because of the multiple timelines all running simultaneously. And sometimes the language and symbolism got a bit too “flowery” for me, or overly descriptive, and I zoned out, flipping pages on autopilot. Once I snapped back to reality, though, I always knew where I was and what was happening.This is a fine example of Urban Fantasy... but to call it Urban Fantasy is probably cheapening it, doing it a disservice. Magical Realism, then? Hmm, maybe, but I wouldn’t call what happens in it “magic”, exactly. Horror? There are certainly some elements of horror in this story, but it’s far too complex a story to label it like that.I don’t KNOW what it is. And I guess that’s true of all good books - they defy classification. Until one day they’re old enough and important enough that we just call them “classics”.

What drives this book in my opinion is the constant chase between characters and the antagonist Jakab. He is a ruthless “bad man” in this book but for some reason you want to hear his story. As other reviewers have pointed out there are multiple time frames to the story that the author travels back to. I did not find that an issue at all. Without giving things away I just found the whole concept that Jakob had special abilities that outsiders never could recognize and his warped sense of time. If you are looking for a historical action story with lots of twists this is a great pick.What was a little complicated to track were some of the Hungarian terms and what those characters at times meant to the story.A great overall read!

This is a very enjoyable, balanced and riveting book, well-written and works on many levels. Jones takes us deep into the past, an unfamiliar world of legend unfolding with just enough detail to make it feel solid and compelling, while also staying close to the actions and characters that keep the central story moving along across the centuries.It's a fast read, very consistently paced, scenes and locations are sketched and sculpted into plausible detail but again there is a consistent focus on the action and story line, somewhat of a cinematic feel but solidly literary, the prose is nicely crafted, not spare but nor is it too lofty.The gradual revelation of the villain's backstory, character and compulsions will keep your pulse pounding, the story is chronologically interwoven and just complex enough, but consistently built on a solid foundation of events that seem plausible and satisfying.

The main reason I decided to get this book was because I heard that shapeshifting had featured prominently in it. Since this isn't something I read in a lot of books, so I was rather excited by this prospect. There wasn't quite as much shapeshifting as I would have liked, but there was enough to keep my interest.In general, the book started off really great and I was amazed at how quickly I was flying through the chapters. But part way through the book new characters started being introduced. Said characters were really unnecessary to the story as it was being told, so that took me out of the story.But the thing that really bothered me was the blatant sequel mongering at the end. I would have had more respect for the book had they killed the main character off at the end. But a deus ex machina had to be added, and it's one that I pretty much called.And, given that I hear there is a sequel coming, I would not be surprised if the villain ended up not dying. If there is anything that I've learned in my years of watching soap operas, it's that if there is no body, the person isn't really dead. This book pretty much ignored the villain at the end, and after everything, I would have thought the main character would make sure he was dead. Since we didn't verify that, he's got to still be alive.The one thing I have hope for is that the villain gets a bit more fleshed out, and maybe has a bit more story in general in the sequel.Overall, I liked the book ok, and I'll probably read the sequel. But I was disappointed in the lack of shapeshifting. And the ending lacked impact for me.

They say everyone has at least one good book in them. Lets hope Stephen Lloyd jones has at least another. Because if the next is half as good as this one, then put me down for it......Brought it to read on holiday, I could not put it down. Fantastic from the first paragraph to the last.Several different seemingly separate stories in different timelines that slowly and intriguingly intertwine to an enthralling climax.I read it in three days, gave it to my wife and she loved it to........

I read this book quite a while ago but would definitely recommend it! I was unsure at first on reading it, as I am in my teens and many of the reviews seemed to suggest it was for older readers, but I am so glad that I did. The book is unique and intriguing, I loved the way the plot is told across three different times and perspectives. It really allows you to see how events and the characters came to be how there were, keeping you gripped throughout! Ive read a lot of books but this is definitely up there with the most unique:D

I was gripped and intrigued right from the first chapter and could not put the book down. I found Simon Lloyd Jones's style of writing very easy to read and flow. Loved the supernatural thriller story and enjoyed the characters. It flittered from three different times but came together in the end. I think this was the writers first published novel? A great achievement, I will definitely recommend this book.

A fantastic bit of escapism.Unique characters and events beautifully described and woven together over a century and half and across Europe.If you like a fast-paced story, full of action, adventure and occasional smart misdirection, then try this book.You are dropped right into a mystery, which then resolves itself through a clever use of jumps across time and locations to reveal key secrets and regular chapter cliffhangers.A bit Cornwell, a bit Patterson, a bit King and a fair bit Herbert (judging from the author's photo ;)), it is a well recommended popcorn thriller.

I heard about this book on the Simon Mayo show and as my son is a friend of the author. I thought i would give it a go. A good read from page one to the end, you do have to concentrate as the story goes from past to present. You are with the current day characters willing them on the find peace. To say too much would spoil the plot.