OVERVIEW
This book is difficult to explain and categorize. It is like the Cotton Malone Series by Steve Berry meets the Robert Langdon Series by Dan Brown on steroids. It is full of clues, ciphers, and puzzles - OH MY!
The premise was fantastic, but the execution was lacking in the puzzle-solving sections. The puzzle-solving and use of different methods including a cipher disk made my head spin and were difficult to follow. This may be the author's method to make us understand what Arizona must endure day after day. Food for thought!
I ultimately enjoyed the book without fully understanding the specifics of puzzle-solving. But, I did figure out a few clues before the protagonist did which was fun!
I especially loved the main character of Arizona. The character is so interesting and unique that I would love to read a series about her.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing is strong with many creative references to other famous pieces of literature and poetry. That was beautifully done.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The character development was strong. The main characters are: Arizona (a bright and quirky neurodivergent seventeen-year-old), Lily (Arizona's new friend), and Mojo (Arizona's boxer).
The secondary characters are: Arizona's mom and dad, the bad guys, and the good guys. (Being vague to avoid spoilers). Italian soldiers, the other Jewish captives, and the local villagers.
The tertiary character is the confluence of Death Valley, the greater Las Vegas area, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
There were only a handful of throw-away characters.
Storyline: 3.0 stars
The story is about Arizona whose father dies in a motorcycle accident. Arizona and her mother travel to his favorite places to spread part of his ashes. When they visit the ghost town of Bodie, California, Arizona's mother is kidnapped. Arizona is forced to solve a series of complicated ciphers for the kidnappers in exchange for her mother.
The puzzles take Arizona all over California and part of Nevada. She must visit historic sites and remote locations to find clues. Arizona uses the clues from the visits and detailed research to solve the puzzles.
The puzzles were way above my knowledge base so the storyline was sometimes difficult to follow. This was the only part of the book I had issues with. I probably need it explained so simply that a preschooler would understand!
The locations were: California and Nevada
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
I enjoyed how this book of puzzles, ciphers, and clues was wrapped up so beautifully.
I want to visit the California locations mentioned in the book, especially Lone Pine and Bodie. Unfortunately, the locations are somewhat remote, but would be worth a nice road trip. I'm inspired!
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Nicely done!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
STRONG recommend
NetGalley eARC/eBOOK
The Language of the Birds by K.A. Merson
392 pages
Ballantine Books
FUTURE release date: 5/13/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNING: Death of a parent, violence, gun violence, kidnapping, incarceration, cursing
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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