Mystery Romance Review: The Koldun Code by Sophie Masson

The Koldun Code by Sophie Masson (Trinity #1)

Egalley courtesy of Momentum

Synopsis from Goodreads
I am in a world deeply strange and strangely deep, a world as different from my old life as it’s possible to be, and it feels completely natural.

An unexpected encounter with a handsome stranger in a Russian wood changes the life of 22-year-old traveler Helen Clement forever, catapulting her into a high-stakes world of passion, danger, and mystery. Tested in ways she could never have imagined, she must keep her own integrity in a world where dark forces threaten and ruthlessness and betrayal haunt every day.

Set against a rising tide of magic and the paranormal in a modern Russia where the terrifying past continually leaks into the turbulent present, Trinity is a unique and gripping blend of conspiracy thriller, erotically charged romance and elements of the supernatural, laced with a murderous dose of company politics. With its roots deep in the fertile soil of Russian myth, legend, and history, it is also a fascinating glimpse into an extraordinary, distinctive country and amazingly rich culture.
Amazon kindle US/UK

6.5/10

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 For once, peeps, I had absolutely no complains about Russian-ness of this book apart from couple of minor mistakes and an overuse of patronymics. It was the rest of the plot I had issues with.



First of all, the shelving of this book under romance, sci-fi and fantasy along with the synopsis above is incredibly misleading. This is a pretty straightforward murder mystery with a few slight paranormal elements and a very straight laced (I'd personally question "erotically charged" description) romance. Boohoo! If I knew that beforehand I'd probably stay away as it's not really my staple food.

Secondly, the romance itself is sugary sweet. First love, soulmates and all that... and the ending is extremely unpleasant. It took me back to a similar situation which happened to my best friend weeks before her wedding and I had a horrid, sad flashback.  Sorry, it got a bit too personal.

Otherwise, it was a decent if not overly exciting read. The descriptions of the places, culture and food were lovely and very charming, the main characters both positive, nice people whom you truly wished well. There was a certain idealisation of Russia going on, but it can only be a step forward from bears drinking vodka and dancing on Red Square, right?

As to the mystery I might be jaded but I could see the villain from miles away and their revelation and motivations did nothing for me.

This was almost like a Christian romance/murder mystery, and while it wasn't for me I could appreciate the beauty of discovering a new, exciting culture for readers who do enjoy such combination of genres.

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Троица: Код Колдуна удивила меня и приятно и неприятно. С одной стороны, у меня не было претензий к русской части книги. Видно было, что автор хорошо изучила всё возможное, чтобы сделать Россию в глазах её главной героини - Хелен Клемент аутентичной. И за исключением пары мелких ошибок и перебора с использованием отчеств для большинства характеров книги, у меня  к Троице не было претензий.

С другой стороны, мама дорогая! Во первых, вместо романа, научной фантастики и фэнтэзи, это - мягкий детектив с незначительными паранормальными элементами. А назвать романтические отношения между главными  героями "насыщенными эротизмом" (согласно синопсису) - это вообще смехотворная идея. По большей части их отношения настолько притворно сладки, чисты и романтичны, что история напомнила мне христианский роман.

Однако не всё здесь плохо. Мне очень понравились описания культуры и еды, да и сами характеры были очень милыми. Ну да, Россия была идеализирована в глазах автора, но наверное это всё-таки лучше, чем очередной стереотип медведей, пьющих водку и танцующих на Красной Площади, правда ведь?

В общем, ничего экстраординарного, хреновая концовка и очень предсказуемый детектив. Читать можно, но советовать не могу, так как эта книга была не для меня.