Another Faust is a Devilishly Decadent Read

Title:  Another Faust
Author(s) Daniel, Dina Nayeri
Format:  Audiobook
Narrator: Katherine Kellgren
Length:  10hrs. 58 mins.
Publisher:  Candlewick & Brilliance Audio
Rating: 5 Stars

One night, in cities all across Europe, five children vanish - only to appear, years later, at an exclusive New York party with a strange and
elegant governess. Rumor and mystery follow the Faust teenagers to the city’s most prestigious high school, where they soar to suspicious heights with the help of their benefactor’s extraordinary “gifts.”

But as the students claw their way up - reading minds, erasing scenes, stopping time, stealing power, seducing with artificial beauty - the side-effects of their own addictions. And as they make further deals with the devil, they uncover secrets more shocking than their most
unforgivable sins.


At once chilling and wickedly satirical, this contemporary reimagining of the Faustian bargain is a compelling tale of ambition, consequences, and ultimate redemption
-Goodreads


This is a very surprising and complex read.  Taking on a retelling of a story such as Faust is a challenge fraught with danger; but to accomplish such a feat with a fresh story that still manages to pay homage to the original work is simply mind-blowing. 


The Villain
One of the best things about this book is Madame Vileroy, the demon/governess.  She never really showed her true evil.  She was always just off of center stage, a dark shadow, a whispered voice, a gentle push in a less than wholesome direction.
She was always there, bargaining with each of her five charges, tempting them with hints of power and influence that seem to work to their advantage while really giving her power over them and indebting  them to her.
Her manipulation of the children is slow, with consequence and detriment to each over time.  This element is so subtle that readers are completely shocked by the time that they realize the amount of damage that has been done to and because of the Faust children.

The Mystery
The looming question of this read:  Who is Madame Vileroy?
This question  leads reads on a treasure hunt of sorts, full of clues dotted throughout the story.
The character and audience are allowed to arrive at the answer in the same moment, which only adds to the climax to this read and a showdown between a most unlikely person and Vileroy.


The Kids
The Faust children find themselves at a school for the elite of New York.  Thanks to Madame Vileroy, it appears that they have all they need to get ahead.  
Victoria-reading minds
Valentin-erasing scenes, manipulating or replaying them
Belle-influencing people through beauty
Christian-stealing power or ability
Bice-the ability to learn any language and stop time
These characters are written in such a way that you can't help being sympathetic to their plights even though you see them coming.
It is through reading them that readers are allowed to explore the question of "what price is too high"...for "success at any cost"?
This book is the first in the "Another" series.
Book 2: Another Pan
Book 3: Another Jekyll Another Hyde  

Audiobook Review
I am so happy to say that I experienced this book via audio with Katherine Kellgren narrating.
She did a stellar job with all of the voices and accents.  She made this story come alive and I hung on every word.
My Rating:



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