What do you think?
Rate this book
Reincarnationist #6
The Collector of Dying Breaths
A lush and imaginative novel that crisscrosses time as a perfumer and a mythologist search for the fine line between potion and poison, poison and passion…and past and present.
Florence, Italy—1533: An orphan named René le Florentin is plucked from poverty to become Catherine de Medici’s perfumer. Traveling with the young duchessina from Italy to France, René brings with him a cache of secret documents from the monastery where he was trained: recipes for exotic fragrances and potent medicines—and a formula for an alchemic process said to have the potential to reanimate the dead. In France, René becomes not only the greatest perfumer in the country but the most dangerous, creating deadly poisons for his Queen to use against her rivals. But while mixing herbs and essences under the light of flickering candles, Rene doesn’t begin to imagine the tragic and personal consequences for which his lethal potions will be responsible.
Paris, France—The Present: A renowned mythologist, Jac L’Etoile, is trying to recover from personal heartache by throwing herself into her work, learns of the 16th century perfumer who may have been working on an elixir that would unlock the secret to immortality. She becomes obsessed with René le Florentin’s work—particularly when she discovers the dying breathes he had collected during his lifetime. Jac’s efforts put her in the path of her estranged lover, Griffin North, a linguist who has already begun translating René le Florentin’s mysterious formula. Together they confront an eccentric heiress in possession of a world-class art collection. A woman who has her own dark purpose for the elixir… a purpose for which she believes the ends will justify her deadly means. This mesmerizing gothic tale of passion and obsession crisscrosses time, zigzagging from the violent days of Catherine de Medici’s court to twenty-first century France. Fiery and lush, set against deep, wild forests and dimly lit chateaus, The Collector of Dying Breaths illuminates the true path to immortality: the legacies we leave behind.
Florence, Italy—1533: An orphan named René le Florentin is plucked from poverty to become Catherine de Medici’s perfumer. Traveling with the young duchessina from Italy to France, René brings with him a cache of secret documents from the monastery where he was trained: recipes for exotic fragrances and potent medicines—and a formula for an alchemic process said to have the potential to reanimate the dead. In France, René becomes not only the greatest perfumer in the country but the most dangerous, creating deadly poisons for his Queen to use against her rivals. But while mixing herbs and essences under the light of flickering candles, Rene doesn’t begin to imagine the tragic and personal consequences for which his lethal potions will be responsible.
Paris, France—The Present: A renowned mythologist, Jac L’Etoile, is trying to recover from personal heartache by throwing herself into her work, learns of the 16th century perfumer who may have been working on an elixir that would unlock the secret to immortality. She becomes obsessed with René le Florentin’s work—particularly when she discovers the dying breathes he had collected during his lifetime. Jac’s efforts put her in the path of her estranged lover, Griffin North, a linguist who has already begun translating René le Florentin’s mysterious formula. Together they confront an eccentric heiress in possession of a world-class art collection. A woman who has her own dark purpose for the elixir… a purpose for which she believes the ends will justify her deadly means. This mesmerizing gothic tale of passion and obsession crisscrosses time, zigzagging from the violent days of Catherine de Medici’s court to twenty-first century France. Fiery and lush, set against deep, wild forests and dimly lit chateaus, The Collector of Dying Breaths illuminates the true path to immortality: the legacies we leave behind.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published April 8, 2014
85 people are currently reading
4692 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Rose
90 books2,284 followersNew York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.
Her most recent novel, The Last Tiara, will be published Feb 2, 2021
Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the '80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com
The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose's novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization's co-president..
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 378 reviews
April 8, 2014
Part 16th century France and part present day France, this novel effectively weaves two time pieces together in such a clever way that I didn’t even notice it at times.
In present day France, Mythologist Jac L’Etoile discovers some works by Perfumer Rene le Florentin (16th century), and a collection of dying breaths. She believes that there may be an elixir that will bring about eternal life. It also appears that she is not alone in her quest to recover this mysterious elixir.
I found the science of perfuming to be quite interesting. I typically get migraines from strong smells and the descriptives in the book were so realistic that at times I did fear that just the thought of these scents were going to bring on a nasty migraine. This is meant as a compliment to how well the writing of this novel was.
I would definitely recommend this book to just about anyone, especially those who enjoy reading about historical fiction, suspense, reincarnation and a bit of mysticism.
Thanks to Netgalley and Atria books for the advanced copy to review!
In present day France, Mythologist Jac L’Etoile discovers some works by Perfumer Rene le Florentin (16th century), and a collection of dying breaths. She believes that there may be an elixir that will bring about eternal life. It also appears that she is not alone in her quest to recover this mysterious elixir.
I found the science of perfuming to be quite interesting. I typically get migraines from strong smells and the descriptives in the book were so realistic that at times I did fear that just the thought of these scents were going to bring on a nasty migraine. This is meant as a compliment to how well the writing of this novel was.
I would definitely recommend this book to just about anyone, especially those who enjoy reading about historical fiction, suspense, reincarnation and a bit of mysticism.
Thanks to Netgalley and Atria books for the advanced copy to review!
February 3, 2014
Interesting subject matter (the history of fragrances, the middle ages, Catherine de Medici). Captivating descriptions of place (why can’t I ever find a secret, hidden chamber?) But this is less historical fiction or suspense than pure romance novel. Lots of “flowing juices” in these pages, with characters right out of an afternoon Soap.
If the Collector of Dying Breaths was a perfume I imagine it would smell like a cross between damask rose, strawberry bubblegum and attar of unlaundered bed linen. (This was a Netgalley advance reading copy)
If the Collector of Dying Breaths was a perfume I imagine it would smell like a cross between damask rose, strawberry bubblegum and attar of unlaundered bed linen. (This was a Netgalley advance reading copy)
April 6, 2014
First off let me say that I usually don't give two stars (I noticed this book got very high ratings from others). However, I invested my time reading this book and found a lot of faults in it.
The premise of the story is to collect dying breaths from loved ones, preserve them in an elixir/potion and when the time is right use it to reincarnate them. Here's the first glitch to me. The main character, Jac can visit her past lives and past lives of others. OBVIOUSLY, this means that (in this story) people are reincarnated (sans elixir) so why do they have to collect breaths, etc. Plus, nobody really knows how to administer the breath.
Second, is a dropped storyline. The first third or so of the book the reader is led to believe that Jac is in danger. Apparently the Chinese mafia may want revenge on an accidental death her brother caused (all of this is mentioned and after researching I found there was a previous book). She is under police protection, she thinks she is being followed and then nothing. Storyline is never mentioned again.
Third, the story is redundant. If I had to again read that Malachi says "there are no coincidences" I was going to scream - or at least sigh in exasperation. At times I read a line and swore I'd already read it. And I had, in the paragraph before it. Jac repeatedly had the same thoughts and concerns - over and over again (see this is an example of redundancy). The book could have cut 50 or so pages and wouldn't have lost anything. And a thesaurus wouldn't be amiss. The author fell back on the same words over and over again. I thought of starting a drinking game - every time you read the word "sensual" or "accoutrement" - take a shot. And the storyline was too predictable. I figured out things as soon as I read them - how Robbie died, Bruger was a goner, Isabeau would be gifted with gloves and so on.
Fourth, I felt no connection between Jac and Griffin - they were like automatons together - dull as dish water. Perhaps this grand passion was more evident in the prior novel. But I just didn't get it.
Lastly, the ending was very Wizard of Ozzy - you had the power all along - there's no place like home...
The premise of the story is to collect dying breaths from loved ones, preserve them in an elixir/potion and when the time is right use it to reincarnate them. Here's the first glitch to me. The main character, Jac can visit her past lives and past lives of others. OBVIOUSLY, this means that (in this story) people are reincarnated (sans elixir) so why do they have to collect breaths, etc. Plus, nobody really knows how to administer the breath.
Second, is a dropped storyline. The first third or so of the book the reader is led to believe that Jac is in danger. Apparently the Chinese mafia may want revenge on an accidental death her brother caused (all of this is mentioned and after researching I found there was a previous book). She is under police protection, she thinks she is being followed and then nothing. Storyline is never mentioned again.
Third, the story is redundant. If I had to again read that Malachi says "there are no coincidences" I was going to scream - or at least sigh in exasperation. At times I read a line and swore I'd already read it. And I had, in the paragraph before it. Jac repeatedly had the same thoughts and concerns - over and over again (see this is an example of redundancy). The book could have cut 50 or so pages and wouldn't have lost anything. And a thesaurus wouldn't be amiss. The author fell back on the same words over and over again. I thought of starting a drinking game - every time you read the word "sensual" or "accoutrement" - take a shot. And the storyline was too predictable. I figured out things as soon as I read them - how Robbie died, Bruger was a goner, Isabeau would be gifted with gloves and so on.
Fourth, I felt no connection between Jac and Griffin - they were like automatons together - dull as dish water. Perhaps this grand passion was more evident in the prior novel. But I just didn't get it.
Lastly, the ending was very Wizard of Ozzy - you had the power all along - there's no place like home...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2014
This work floored me.
I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting. Having never read any of M.J. Rose's works before, I believe I assumed from the synopsis and the cover that it was just another Romance novel with historical undertones and a bit of adventure to add some meat to the story.
There were, of course, Romantic elements that took up some huge real estate in the plot, but more than Romance there was an idea of loss, of accepting yourself and all of your personal oddities, of believing in something bigger than this single reality , and of realizing that there's always hope. Always.
This book was filled with complicated emotions, confusion about personal identity and self, and fear of accepting the unbelievable. I was overwhelmed with a sense of grief for the main character for nearly the entire first half of the book. M.J. Rose was so easily able to capture that intense sense of loss that one feels when someone they love is no longer there. Having experienced the grief of losing a loved one, as many readers will also have experienced, I could easily recall all of those emotions that the author mentioned in very vivid detail. I ached with and for Jac.
As a reader who flips through numerous books every month I find it very refreshing to get a hold of a book that is "intelligent". There's depth to this book, and things to be learned. I know very little about perfuming and, whether or not every aspect mentioned about the processes was accurate, I felt like I had learned something. I was curious. Fascinated. I wanted to learn more! The imagery was so rich, especially regarding the smells. I utilize essential oils on a daily basis and the scents that were described in the pages of this book called up some powerful memories. It was more than just saying "It smelled like this", M.J. rose created this incredible WORLD made of scents that created feelings and colors and sounds and memory.
I do have to say that there were a few parts of the book that went a bit slow. Also, by the time I was 70% though with the book and STILL had no idea what was going on, I was a little perturbed. I wasn't expecting to have everything given away all of the sudden, but I kept waiting for hints to be dropped that would help solve some of the mystery or build the suspense, and it never seemed to happen. More and more questions were being asked without answers to any of the previous questions. It made me a little anxious to finish, which I admit may have taken away some of the joy of reading towards the end because I was so ready to discover what was truly going on.
I also found the sexual tensions between characters to be more of a focus in many cases than the love they shared. The love aspects that were the most compelling were the love between a brother and sister, and the love between a mentor and student. I definitely appreciated the romantic love aspects, but felt those fell short in relation to the others in a few instances.
This work was vibrant, vivid, and absolutely fantastic. My brain didn't feel dull after reading it, which is how my brain usually feels after a Romance novel. Actually, I wouldn't call this a Romance novel. There was so much more to it than just that. I appreciate how love was represented in many more forms than just its Romantic identity. Included in this work was a nod to the love we feel for family, friends, and self. It was all there, making me think about and better appreciate the love in my own life.
This was a very enjoyable work. I will read more of M.J. Rose, and I would recommend her to others.
I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting. Having never read any of M.J. Rose's works before, I believe I assumed from the synopsis and the cover that it was just another Romance novel with historical undertones and a bit of adventure to add some meat to the story.
There were, of course, Romantic elements that took up some huge real estate in the plot, but more than Romance there was an idea of loss, of accepting yourself and all of your personal oddities, of believing in something bigger than this single reality , and of realizing that there's always hope. Always.
This book was filled with complicated emotions, confusion about personal identity and self, and fear of accepting the unbelievable. I was overwhelmed with a sense of grief for the main character for nearly the entire first half of the book. M.J. Rose was so easily able to capture that intense sense of loss that one feels when someone they love is no longer there. Having experienced the grief of losing a loved one, as many readers will also have experienced, I could easily recall all of those emotions that the author mentioned in very vivid detail. I ached with and for Jac.
As a reader who flips through numerous books every month I find it very refreshing to get a hold of a book that is "intelligent". There's depth to this book, and things to be learned. I know very little about perfuming and, whether or not every aspect mentioned about the processes was accurate, I felt like I had learned something. I was curious. Fascinated. I wanted to learn more! The imagery was so rich, especially regarding the smells. I utilize essential oils on a daily basis and the scents that were described in the pages of this book called up some powerful memories. It was more than just saying "It smelled like this", M.J. rose created this incredible WORLD made of scents that created feelings and colors and sounds and memory.
I do have to say that there were a few parts of the book that went a bit slow. Also, by the time I was 70% though with the book and STILL had no idea what was going on, I was a little perturbed. I wasn't expecting to have everything given away all of the sudden, but I kept waiting for hints to be dropped that would help solve some of the mystery or build the suspense, and it never seemed to happen. More and more questions were being asked without answers to any of the previous questions. It made me a little anxious to finish, which I admit may have taken away some of the joy of reading towards the end because I was so ready to discover what was truly going on.
I also found the sexual tensions between characters to be more of a focus in many cases than the love they shared. The love aspects that were the most compelling were the love between a brother and sister, and the love between a mentor and student. I definitely appreciated the romantic love aspects, but felt those fell short in relation to the others in a few instances.
This work was vibrant, vivid, and absolutely fantastic. My brain didn't feel dull after reading it, which is how my brain usually feels after a Romance novel. Actually, I wouldn't call this a Romance novel. There was so much more to it than just that. I appreciate how love was represented in many more forms than just its Romantic identity. Included in this work was a nod to the love we feel for family, friends, and self. It was all there, making me think about and better appreciate the love in my own life.
This was a very enjoyable work. I will read more of M.J. Rose, and I would recommend her to others.
April 16, 2014
There is nothing inherently wrong with this book, I just didn't find enough interest in it to enjoy it. It lacked the suspense and a solid story that I like and left some holes that bothered me. Apparently there is an earlier story with some of the cast of characters that the story refers to. It's not a big deal but it rarely had significant bearing on the current story.
I found the characters to be shallow, under developed or just weird. Although the science and whatnot of 16th century alchemy and chemistry is well described, as well architecture and surroundings, the general story line tended toward a weak excuse to write a weird romance novel. For instance, based on one meeting with a woman who transforms his perfumes with her own body chemistry into a blooming garden, Rene seduces her immediately and falls hopelessly and passionately in love. Declared devotion forever based on a few shared minutes. Hot sex scene ensues then they don't see each other for many weeks.
See the rest of review: http://amusingreviews.blogspot.com/20...
I found the characters to be shallow, under developed or just weird. Although the science and whatnot of 16th century alchemy and chemistry is well described, as well architecture and surroundings, the general story line tended toward a weak excuse to write a weird romance novel. For instance, based on one meeting with a woman who transforms his perfumes with her own body chemistry into a blooming garden, Rene seduces her immediately and falls hopelessly and passionately in love. Declared devotion forever based on a few shared minutes. Hot sex scene ensues then they don't see each other for many weeks.
See the rest of review: http://amusingreviews.blogspot.com/20...
April 13, 2014
Book Info: Genre: Literary Suspense
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of the series, of gothic fiction, those interested in reincarnation theories
Book Available: In hardcover, Kindle, MP3 CD, and Audible formats
Trigger Warnings: Euthanasia, murder, suicide, torture, brother beating his sister with a whip
My Thoughts: M.J. Rose's latest Reincarnationist book is as beautifully evocative as previous entries into the series. Generally speaking, the Reincarnationist series is set up in two trilogies—books one through three, then books four through six—so this book concludes the Jac trilogy.
This book, like the The Book of Lost Fragrances and Seduction , deals with scents and sensualness with a lushness that is intoxicating. The scents are described so well I can almost smell them, and the few sex scenes are beautifully sensual without being crude.
The ideas raised on reincarnation are fascinating to me, and resonate strongly to me with a sense of truth. M.J. Rose appears to have done a great deal of research into theories of reincarnation, and it shows in this book. Like any book by this amazing author, I strongly recommend this latest. I do recommend starting at least with The Book of Lost Fragrances if you don't want to start all the way at the beginning of the series.
Series Information: The Reincarnationist series.
Book 1: The Reincarnationist ; I read in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 2: The Memorist ; I read in 2010, or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 3: The Hypnotist ; I listened to audiobook in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 4: The Book of Lost Fragrances ; read and reviewed March 2012. Review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 5: Seduction , review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 6: The Collector of Dying Breaths , Available April 8, 2014
If you like this author's style, you can also check out The Butterfield Institute series.
Prequel: Lip Service ; I read in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 1: The Halo Effect ; I read in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 2: The Delilah Complex ; I read in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 3: The Venus Fix ; I read in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Disclosure: I received an e-galley ARC from Atria Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: A lush and imaginative novel that crisscrosses time as a perfumer and a mythologist search for the fine line between potion and poison, poison and passion… and past and present.
Florence, Italy—1533: An orphan named René le Florentin is plucked from poverty to become Catherine de Medici’s perfumer. Traveling with the young duchessina from Italy to France, René brings with him a cache of secret documents from the monastery where he was trained: recipes for exotic fragrances and potent medicines—and a formula for an alchemic process said to have the potential to reanimate the dead. In France, René becomes not only the greatest perfumer in the country but the most dangerous, creating deadly poisons for his Queen to use against her rivals. But while mixing herbs and essences under the light of flickering candles, Rene doesn’t begin to imagine the tragic and personal consequences for which his lethal potions will be responsible.
Paris, France—The Present: A renowned mythologist, Jac L’Etoile, is trying to recover from personal heartache by throwing herself into her work, learns of the 16th century perfumer who may have been working on an elixir that would unlock the secret to immortality. She becomes obsessed with René le Florentin’s work—particularly when she discovers the dying breathes he had collected during his lifetime. Jac’s efforts put her in the path of her estranged lover, Griffin North, a linguist who has already begun translating René le Florentin’s mysterious formula. Together they confront an eccentric heiress in possession of a world-class art collection. A woman who has her own dark purpose for the elixir… a purpose for which she believes the ends will justify her deadly means. This mesmerizing gothic tale of passion and obsession crisscrosses time, zigzagging from the violent days of Catherine de Medici’s court to twenty-first century France. Fiery and lush, set against deep, wild forests and dimly lit chateaus, The Collector of Dying Breaths illuminates the true path to immortality: the legacies we leave behind.
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of the series, of gothic fiction, those interested in reincarnation theories
Book Available: In hardcover, Kindle, MP3 CD, and Audible formats
Trigger Warnings: Euthanasia, murder, suicide, torture, brother beating his sister with a whip
My Thoughts: M.J. Rose's latest Reincarnationist book is as beautifully evocative as previous entries into the series. Generally speaking, the Reincarnationist series is set up in two trilogies—books one through three, then books four through six—so this book concludes the Jac trilogy.
This book, like the The Book of Lost Fragrances and Seduction , deals with scents and sensualness with a lushness that is intoxicating. The scents are described so well I can almost smell them, and the few sex scenes are beautifully sensual without being crude.
The ideas raised on reincarnation are fascinating to me, and resonate strongly to me with a sense of truth. M.J. Rose appears to have done a great deal of research into theories of reincarnation, and it shows in this book. Like any book by this amazing author, I strongly recommend this latest. I do recommend starting at least with The Book of Lost Fragrances if you don't want to start all the way at the beginning of the series.
Series Information: The Reincarnationist series.
Book 1: The Reincarnationist ; I read in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 2: The Memorist ; I read in 2010, or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 3: The Hypnotist ; I listened to audiobook in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 4: The Book of Lost Fragrances ; read and reviewed March 2012. Review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 5: Seduction , review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 6: The Collector of Dying Breaths , Available April 8, 2014
If you like this author's style, you can also check out The Butterfield Institute series.
Prequel: Lip Service ; I read in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 1: The Halo Effect ; I read in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 2: The Delilah Complex ; I read in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Book 3: The Venus Fix ; I read in 2010 or 2011, but didn't review. 5 stars
Disclosure: I received an e-galley ARC from Atria Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: A lush and imaginative novel that crisscrosses time as a perfumer and a mythologist search for the fine line between potion and poison, poison and passion… and past and present.
Florence, Italy—1533: An orphan named René le Florentin is plucked from poverty to become Catherine de Medici’s perfumer. Traveling with the young duchessina from Italy to France, René brings with him a cache of secret documents from the monastery where he was trained: recipes for exotic fragrances and potent medicines—and a formula for an alchemic process said to have the potential to reanimate the dead. In France, René becomes not only the greatest perfumer in the country but the most dangerous, creating deadly poisons for his Queen to use against her rivals. But while mixing herbs and essences under the light of flickering candles, Rene doesn’t begin to imagine the tragic and personal consequences for which his lethal potions will be responsible.
Paris, France—The Present: A renowned mythologist, Jac L’Etoile, is trying to recover from personal heartache by throwing herself into her work, learns of the 16th century perfumer who may have been working on an elixir that would unlock the secret to immortality. She becomes obsessed with René le Florentin’s work—particularly when she discovers the dying breathes he had collected during his lifetime. Jac’s efforts put her in the path of her estranged lover, Griffin North, a linguist who has already begun translating René le Florentin’s mysterious formula. Together they confront an eccentric heiress in possession of a world-class art collection. A woman who has her own dark purpose for the elixir… a purpose for which she believes the ends will justify her deadly means. This mesmerizing gothic tale of passion and obsession crisscrosses time, zigzagging from the violent days of Catherine de Medici’s court to twenty-first century France. Fiery and lush, set against deep, wild forests and dimly lit chateaus, The Collector of Dying Breaths illuminates the true path to immortality: the legacies we leave behind.
November 23, 2018
This installment of the Reincarnationist series has us exploring the world of the Medicis, specifically Catherine, and the world of fragrance past and present.Revolving through 16th century France and the present,the reader is treated to a first class mystery and a rather explicit bodice ripping romance.
I found the history fascinating and the mystery was what I have come to expect from this author. Her entree into explicit romance was unexpected. I don't usually have much patience for juicy,(literally)explicit sex scenes. I'm willing to give this one a pass as the appetites in the story are very much part of the mystery. I'm just hoping it's not a trend.
I found the history fascinating and the mystery was what I have come to expect from this author. Her entree into explicit romance was unexpected. I don't usually have much patience for juicy,(literally)explicit sex scenes. I'm willing to give this one a pass as the appetites in the story are very much part of the mystery. I'm just hoping it's not a trend.
January 13, 2014
What a perfect blend of historical fiction, suspense, and a gothic and mystical tale. In this new installment in the reincarnationist series, MJ Rose has outdone herself. I have loved all her books in this series so far, with the last one being my least favorite (the part about seances and the devil did not work for me). I absolutely love the character of Jac, a mythologist, who has been the main character in the last three books, and her connection to perfume and perfume making. This book can easily be read as a stand alone book, because the author gives us enough background information to jump right into the story. For those who have read the other installments and have come to love Jac, this will be a welcome continuation of her story, and maybe the last one featuring Jac? The ending seems very much like closure to her story, so maybe the author will find a new main character for her next book, and I do hope that there will be a next one. In the previous books the focus was on Malachai, the eccentric Reincarnationst, and then the focus shifted to Jac, so I can see how a new main character might be introduced in the next book.
But back to the story. It is really hard to say much without giving away too many spoilers. Jac is working on a formula for an alchemical elixir which she found in the book of Catherine de Medici's perfumer. The quest for ancient ingredients to recreate the elixir is fascinating, and by her side is her old lover, Griffin. We also learn more interesting details about perfume making, and I found it especially interesting to learn that ingredients would have smelled differently in the 1500s because of different environmental factors. The person she is creating this formula for is an eccentric collector, who is so obsessed with this quest that anything goes with her. The story alternates between 1500 Paris and the present, and the author has you turning pages in order to find out more. Jac uncovers the story of the perfumer through her past life memories and follows on the same path as the perfumer. There might even be a happy ending for her and Griffin on the horizon by breaking the pattern of their past lives in which Jac always caused Griffin's death.
As in all her other books, MJ Rose finds a good way to end this book, and the conclusion is very satisfying. I love the idea of reincarnation and memory tools, and the way she weaves this into the story without ever loosing focus on believability is very crafty. Her stories never become too unbelievable and she plays with the possibility that reincarnation and past life memories are possible without suggesting something outrageous that is hard to believe. I have read books by other authors before that had me wondering at the end about the unbelievable conclusion that ruined the whole book. This never happens here. She cleverly keeps the memory tools out of reach of Malachai's hands in the previous books, and in this book she found another way to solve the problem of ending the book by keeping it real. The reader does not have to strain to believe in something that is outrageous, but there is always the question of maybe, which is never answered. Well done.
Copy provided through NetGalley
But back to the story. It is really hard to say much without giving away too many spoilers. Jac is working on a formula for an alchemical elixir which she found in the book of Catherine de Medici's perfumer. The quest for ancient ingredients to recreate the elixir is fascinating, and by her side is her old lover, Griffin. We also learn more interesting details about perfume making, and I found it especially interesting to learn that ingredients would have smelled differently in the 1500s because of different environmental factors. The person she is creating this formula for is an eccentric collector, who is so obsessed with this quest that anything goes with her. The story alternates between 1500 Paris and the present, and the author has you turning pages in order to find out more. Jac uncovers the story of the perfumer through her past life memories and follows on the same path as the perfumer. There might even be a happy ending for her and Griffin on the horizon by breaking the pattern of their past lives in which Jac always caused Griffin's death.
As in all her other books, MJ Rose finds a good way to end this book, and the conclusion is very satisfying. I love the idea of reincarnation and memory tools, and the way she weaves this into the story without ever loosing focus on believability is very crafty. Her stories never become too unbelievable and she plays with the possibility that reincarnation and past life memories are possible without suggesting something outrageous that is hard to believe. I have read books by other authors before that had me wondering at the end about the unbelievable conclusion that ruined the whole book. This never happens here. She cleverly keeps the memory tools out of reach of Malachai's hands in the previous books, and in this book she found another way to solve the problem of ending the book by keeping it real. The reader does not have to strain to believe in something that is outrageous, but there is always the question of maybe, which is never answered. Well done.
Copy provided through NetGalley
January 28, 2014
Two luxurious tales revolve around each other, one in present day and one in 16th century France. They are different stories, but the same as the reincarnated souls from past lovers fulfill their destinies with another chance for love.
As both stories revolve around perfumers, the writing is infused with the scents of past and present - so descriptive you can almost smell them as they waft around you, seeping up straight through the pages. It even affected me, someone who has diminished olfactory senses. At first I found the descriptions of things I've never smelled to be frivolous and superfluous. But it grew on me, especially when one of the perfumers discovers his first true love through his essences, and uses them to seduce her - and himself.
I did not realize that this stand-alone novel is part of a series. I absolutely want to read the rest.
As both stories revolve around perfumers, the writing is infused with the scents of past and present - so descriptive you can almost smell them as they waft around you, seeping up straight through the pages. It even affected me, someone who has diminished olfactory senses. At first I found the descriptions of things I've never smelled to be frivolous and superfluous. But it grew on me, especially when one of the perfumers discovers his first true love through his essences, and uses them to seduce her - and himself.
"You are becoming a garden." I smiled as I next applied orange blossom to the other side of her neck. My finger lingered even longer as it made its way down the elegant column.
I did not realize that this stand-alone novel is part of a series. I absolutely want to read the rest.
April 7, 2019
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
M.J. Rose is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Her stories are wonderfully imagined and the lyrical quality of her prose is point blank beyond compare. Thematically heavy, they aren't what I'd term easy reading, but I assure you, they are more than worth the time one puts into them.
Now before I get too far ahead of myself, I'd like to offer a small disclaimer about the Reincarnationist series because I think it important to note that you can jump in pretty much anywhere. Readers need not be intimidated or wary of picking up whichever volume they find interesting so don’t worry if you haven't sampled Rose's earlier works.
The Collector of Dying Breaths, like Seduction, hits the ground running. I was hooked in the first few pages and only freed when I'd completed the final chapter. Utilizing familiar and relatable motifs, Rose's narrative takes readers on a complex emotional journey while exploring and elaborating the metaphysical concepts of reincarnation, past-life experience and shared memory. As with its predecessor, I had difficultly appreciating the characters as individuals, but I still relished the convoluted intrigues and intense affairs in which they are a part.
Most notable, however, is the fact-based and sensory detail Rose crafted within these pages. Rather than depict Jac and René as dabblers in some vague and ill-defined science, Rose renders a penetratingly perceptive portrait of the perfumer's profession. This attention to detail is what makes Rose's books for me. Not every reader will agree, but I find the depth and dimension of her meticulous research as intoxicating as the scents she portrays.
Brilliantly gothic and thought-provoking, The Collector of Dying Breaths is a powerfully vivid fiction that is both intelligent and entertaining.
M.J. Rose is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Her stories are wonderfully imagined and the lyrical quality of her prose is point blank beyond compare. Thematically heavy, they aren't what I'd term easy reading, but I assure you, they are more than worth the time one puts into them.
Now before I get too far ahead of myself, I'd like to offer a small disclaimer about the Reincarnationist series because I think it important to note that you can jump in pretty much anywhere. Readers need not be intimidated or wary of picking up whichever volume they find interesting so don’t worry if you haven't sampled Rose's earlier works.
The Collector of Dying Breaths, like Seduction, hits the ground running. I was hooked in the first few pages and only freed when I'd completed the final chapter. Utilizing familiar and relatable motifs, Rose's narrative takes readers on a complex emotional journey while exploring and elaborating the metaphysical concepts of reincarnation, past-life experience and shared memory. As with its predecessor, I had difficultly appreciating the characters as individuals, but I still relished the convoluted intrigues and intense affairs in which they are a part.
Most notable, however, is the fact-based and sensory detail Rose crafted within these pages. Rather than depict Jac and René as dabblers in some vague and ill-defined science, Rose renders a penetratingly perceptive portrait of the perfumer's profession. This attention to detail is what makes Rose's books for me. Not every reader will agree, but I find the depth and dimension of her meticulous research as intoxicating as the scents she portrays.
Brilliantly gothic and thought-provoking, The Collector of Dying Breaths is a powerfully vivid fiction that is both intelligent and entertaining.
March 25, 2015
This is my first book by MJ Rose. It had a lot of elements I enjoy, historical fiction, mansions and ruins, parallel stories, magic and the supernatural. Add in some reincarnation, romance, murder, a bit of erotic play, and you should have a bang up novel. I'm still trying to figure out what it was that didn't completely work for me. And although I know it sounds silly, it's the collection of dying breaths that I just couldn't buy. It was a bit far-fetched, and just didn't make sense to me. This book really had a lot of things going on. And while it was incredibly interesting in parts, it may have had just a bit too much going on.
Still and all...I enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Still and all...I enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
January 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this... historical fiction with a lil mystery thrown in creating a very good story!!! Didn't realize while I was reading this that it is part of a series... look forward to reading more by this author!!!
March 13, 2014
I reviewed this book for www.luxuryreading.com.
In MJ Rose's Reincarnationist series she introduces us to an unforgettable character named Jac L’Etoile, a woman from a long and illustrious line of French perfumers who has continually fought against her abilities to experience past life memories, her own as well as others, and who has spent her life trying to debunk the mysteries of the past in order to make sense of the mysteries surrounding her in the present. In The Collector of Dying Breaths, Jac will be forced to face her abilities head on and to trust in not only those abilities but in the people closest to her if she stands a change of finding some peace in a life that has been marred by tragedy.
When Jac’s life is turned upside down (once again) by the death of one of the people closest to her (no spoilers for those who know the series) she is thrust into contact with Melinoe Cypros, an eccentric and cunning heiress who wants Jac to decipher the work of the 16th century perfumer Rene le Florentin and use it to figure out the formula to reanimate a person’s dying breath. Taking on this project will also bring Jac’s one and only love, Griffin North, back into her life, a man she has loved not only in this life but in all others and whom she has caused the death of in each previous life. But agreeing to Melinoe’s terms brings Jac into the lair of a conniving, ruthless woman who will do anything to get what she wants. And what she wants might just cost Jac everything.
Weaved together with Jac’s story is that of Rene, the man who rose from nothing to become the perfumer to Catharine de Medici. This great honor comes with a heavy price, however, and Rene finds himself also creating poisons for his queen to use against her enemies and continuing his mentor’s work of discovering the secret to bringing back the dead. But their close and trusting bond is shattered when Rene falls in love with one of Catharine’s ladies in waiting and he discovers just how dangerous this Medici princess can be.
Reading a novel by MJ Rose is unlike anything else. The meticulous sensory descriptions work to transport the reader through time much as Jac experiences it and it is hard not to feel the joy, passion and pain of the characters. The depths of obsession experienced by both Catharine and Melinoe and the lengths they both will go to to get what they desire is quite frightening and adds a heavy dose of shock, terror and passion to the suspenseful plots. I have long hoped that Griffin and Jac would somehow come together and watching their connection unfold alongside Rene and his love pulls at the heartstrings. Combine all of this emotion with the detailed and immersive history and the reincarnation twist and what isn’t there to love?
My only complaint would be that the story ended too soon for me and, from the ending, I have a very sad feeling that this might conclude Jac’s story. I truly hope I am wrong because I, for one, want more.
In MJ Rose's Reincarnationist series she introduces us to an unforgettable character named Jac L’Etoile, a woman from a long and illustrious line of French perfumers who has continually fought against her abilities to experience past life memories, her own as well as others, and who has spent her life trying to debunk the mysteries of the past in order to make sense of the mysteries surrounding her in the present. In The Collector of Dying Breaths, Jac will be forced to face her abilities head on and to trust in not only those abilities but in the people closest to her if she stands a change of finding some peace in a life that has been marred by tragedy.
When Jac’s life is turned upside down (once again) by the death of one of the people closest to her (no spoilers for those who know the series) she is thrust into contact with Melinoe Cypros, an eccentric and cunning heiress who wants Jac to decipher the work of the 16th century perfumer Rene le Florentin and use it to figure out the formula to reanimate a person’s dying breath. Taking on this project will also bring Jac’s one and only love, Griffin North, back into her life, a man she has loved not only in this life but in all others and whom she has caused the death of in each previous life. But agreeing to Melinoe’s terms brings Jac into the lair of a conniving, ruthless woman who will do anything to get what she wants. And what she wants might just cost Jac everything.
Weaved together with Jac’s story is that of Rene, the man who rose from nothing to become the perfumer to Catharine de Medici. This great honor comes with a heavy price, however, and Rene finds himself also creating poisons for his queen to use against her enemies and continuing his mentor’s work of discovering the secret to bringing back the dead. But their close and trusting bond is shattered when Rene falls in love with one of Catharine’s ladies in waiting and he discovers just how dangerous this Medici princess can be.
Reading a novel by MJ Rose is unlike anything else. The meticulous sensory descriptions work to transport the reader through time much as Jac experiences it and it is hard not to feel the joy, passion and pain of the characters. The depths of obsession experienced by both Catharine and Melinoe and the lengths they both will go to to get what they desire is quite frightening and adds a heavy dose of shock, terror and passion to the suspenseful plots. I have long hoped that Griffin and Jac would somehow come together and watching their connection unfold alongside Rene and his love pulls at the heartstrings. Combine all of this emotion with the detailed and immersive history and the reincarnation twist and what isn’t there to love?
My only complaint would be that the story ended too soon for me and, from the ending, I have a very sad feeling that this might conclude Jac’s story. I truly hope I am wrong because I, for one, want more.
March 23, 2014
“The Collector of Dying Breaths” by M.J. Rose, published by Atria Books.
Category – Fiction/Literature Publication Date – April 08, 2014
Rene le Florentin is taken in by monks and becomes an apprentice of Dom Serapino, a monk who is an apothecary that sometimes delves into the mysterious. When Dom Serapino dies, aided by Rene, Rene is imprisoned. He is saved from death by Catherine
De Medici. Catherine, who is destined for the French court and becomes Queen, intends to use Rene and his knowledge of potions and poisons for her nefarious deeds. The story shifts from the 1500’s to the present day Jac L’Etoile’s brother Robbie who is a perfumer, who also delves into the mysterious, dies from an unknown illness. Jac discovers that he was working on an ancient art that was started by Dom Serapino and kept alive by Rene le Florentin. An art, that captured the last breath of an individual in a test tube that if mixed with an elixir would reincarnate the individual in another body.
The story shifts back and forth detailing Rene’s life with Catherine and his complicity in her attempt to control French politics. Rene falls in love with a lady-in-waiting who is a spy for Catherine. Catherine will not release him to marry Rene, and their life becomes a tragedy causing dire consequences in both their lives. Jac, in the present day, is recruited to continue her brother’s work in finding the elixir. This, too, leads to dire consequences as the cause of Robbie’s death is discovered and Jac becomes a pawn in a life or death situation.
Readers who like a gothic touch to their stories will find this very intriguing with a touch of history mixed in with suspense, romance, and betrayal.
Category – Fiction/Literature Publication Date – April 08, 2014
Rene le Florentin is taken in by monks and becomes an apprentice of Dom Serapino, a monk who is an apothecary that sometimes delves into the mysterious. When Dom Serapino dies, aided by Rene, Rene is imprisoned. He is saved from death by Catherine
De Medici. Catherine, who is destined for the French court and becomes Queen, intends to use Rene and his knowledge of potions and poisons for her nefarious deeds. The story shifts from the 1500’s to the present day Jac L’Etoile’s brother Robbie who is a perfumer, who also delves into the mysterious, dies from an unknown illness. Jac discovers that he was working on an ancient art that was started by Dom Serapino and kept alive by Rene le Florentin. An art, that captured the last breath of an individual in a test tube that if mixed with an elixir would reincarnate the individual in another body.
The story shifts back and forth detailing Rene’s life with Catherine and his complicity in her attempt to control French politics. Rene falls in love with a lady-in-waiting who is a spy for Catherine. Catherine will not release him to marry Rene, and their life becomes a tragedy causing dire consequences in both their lives. Jac, in the present day, is recruited to continue her brother’s work in finding the elixir. This, too, leads to dire consequences as the cause of Robbie’s death is discovered and Jac becomes a pawn in a life or death situation.
Readers who like a gothic touch to their stories will find this very intriguing with a touch of history mixed in with suspense, romance, and betrayal.
March 18, 2014
4.5 stars.
I have been a fan of M.J. Rose since I read Seduction last year, so naturally I wanted to review this one when it came out! While I thought Seduction was wonderful, I enjoyed this one ten times more!
What I loved most about this novel was that it had a lot more romance in it. Not just for Jac but for Rene as well. Their love stories were intertwined throughout the novel which made the romance of the novel more powerful and sensual for me. The love story is what won me over in this installment.
As in the previous novel, I still can’t quite warm up to Jac’s overall character. There is some connection that I am missing with her and I don’t quite know what it is.
Perhaps because she is so stubborn when it comes to accepting her reincarnation abilities…..not sure but there is something about her that I can’t quite identify with which is the only reason that I gave this book 4.5 stars instead of 5.
The perfume industry is so fascinating to me after reading this series now. To explore the history of perfume and scent through the ages and then to add in the use of scent as a kind of catalyst for past life regression is a wonderfully different combination in literature and I absolutely love how Rose uses it to her advantage in this series!
As a side note, I totally wish I could smell all the scents in this novel! I want to know what all the different mixtures smell like. I wish we had a little scratch and sniff sticker somewhere in the novel after each and ever scent talked about!
See my full review here
I have been a fan of M.J. Rose since I read Seduction last year, so naturally I wanted to review this one when it came out! While I thought Seduction was wonderful, I enjoyed this one ten times more!
What I loved most about this novel was that it had a lot more romance in it. Not just for Jac but for Rene as well. Their love stories were intertwined throughout the novel which made the romance of the novel more powerful and sensual for me. The love story is what won me over in this installment.
As in the previous novel, I still can’t quite warm up to Jac’s overall character. There is some connection that I am missing with her and I don’t quite know what it is.
Perhaps because she is so stubborn when it comes to accepting her reincarnation abilities…..not sure but there is something about her that I can’t quite identify with which is the only reason that I gave this book 4.5 stars instead of 5.
The perfume industry is so fascinating to me after reading this series now. To explore the history of perfume and scent through the ages and then to add in the use of scent as a kind of catalyst for past life regression is a wonderfully different combination in literature and I absolutely love how Rose uses it to her advantage in this series!
As a side note, I totally wish I could smell all the scents in this novel! I want to know what all the different mixtures smell like. I wish we had a little scratch and sniff sticker somewhere in the novel after each and ever scent talked about!
See my full review here
March 7, 2014
There were many things about this book that made me really like it. Jac was a very well drawn character with a compassionate nature and an interesting background. From the beginning, her compassion for those she cared about made me feel close to her and want to keep learning more about her life.
That being said, this book was not as historical as I expected after reading the blurb. There is a lot of historical reference in it, and it does bounce back and forth between time periods, but much of the story is a romance set in the present day. This did not make me unhappy with the overall story, but it was much different than what I had expected. I liked the chemistry between the main character and her love interest and enjoyed the settings in this story as well.
I was impressed by how fluid the writing was much of the time, although I did feel the story changed course and lagged a bit in some spots. It was never boring, but on occasion I thought there was some overkill going on with all of the descriptions.
If you are a dedicated fan of historical/contemporary cross overs, this would be a good book to add to your personal collection. I am happy I had the chance to read it, even if it wasn't what I had thought.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher and provided by Netgalley.
That being said, this book was not as historical as I expected after reading the blurb. There is a lot of historical reference in it, and it does bounce back and forth between time periods, but much of the story is a romance set in the present day. This did not make me unhappy with the overall story, but it was much different than what I had expected. I liked the chemistry between the main character and her love interest and enjoyed the settings in this story as well.
I was impressed by how fluid the writing was much of the time, although I did feel the story changed course and lagged a bit in some spots. It was never boring, but on occasion I thought there was some overkill going on with all of the descriptions.
If you are a dedicated fan of historical/contemporary cross overs, this would be a good book to add to your personal collection. I am happy I had the chance to read it, even if it wasn't what I had thought.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher and provided by Netgalley.
January 9, 2014
The Collector of Dying Breaths by M.J. Rose is a absolutely wonderful book!
This story has everything a good book needs - there is love, sensuality, grief, secrecy, murder, theft, madness, different time periods, historically famous people, magic, dreadful end and happy end.
Once again Jac has her visions and she discovers secrets that would be otherwise undiscovered for forever. She also has to find it in her to finally believe that her souls past does not define her present and she has every right to feel loved and not to thread the unhappy ending she has seen in her visions.
This story reminded to me so much the book Perfume: The Story of a Murdererand the movie that was made based to the book - the perfumes, the apprentice, the search for the ultimate solution ... while reading The Collector of Dying Breath I saw in my minds eye the movie Perfume :).
It was just superb experience! Wonderful book!
This story has everything a good book needs - there is love, sensuality, grief, secrecy, murder, theft, madness, different time periods, historically famous people, magic, dreadful end and happy end.
Once again Jac has her visions and she discovers secrets that would be otherwise undiscovered for forever. She also has to find it in her to finally believe that her souls past does not define her present and she has every right to feel loved and not to thread the unhappy ending she has seen in her visions.
This story reminded to me so much the book Perfume: The Story of a Murdererand the movie that was made based to the book - the perfumes, the apprentice, the search for the ultimate solution ... while reading The Collector of Dying Breath I saw in my minds eye the movie Perfume :).
It was just superb experience! Wonderful book!
January 29, 2014
I began this journey with Jac L'Etoile in Seduction and I admit it was a bit difficult getting into the rhythm of the way the book is put together. The historical perspectives were very much like Jac's memory lurches and were a bit disconcerting. I've read several books in the series culminating in Collector of Dying Breaths. I wondered how M. J. Rose would incorporate perfumes and reincarnation into the story and now I know.
Jac's brother is dying from some unknown disease and he's going quickly, so quickly he does not have the time necessary to tell Jac everything she needs to know to carry on his work before he is gone. Robbie wants Jac to finish his work discovering the combination of fragrances to complete the project and infused the collection of dying breaths so they can be used to reanimate the men and women whose last breaths were caught. Knowing she must also work with Griffin is difficult enough, but the memory lurches remind Jac why she has distanced herself from Griffin. If the memory lurches are the result of her relationship with Griffin, she will once again cause his death. She cannot have that on her hands.
Jac's life is far from tranquil or uncomplicated and have always been since the memory lurches began. She is close to realizing what she experiences are past life memories of hers and others' lives. That is something she is reluctant to believe, that souls can come together again and again in new bodies with the same agendas and fates. That is what makes this series complicated and a bit redundant. After all this time, Jac should be ready to accept what she already knows: reincarnation is a fact and she has a gift not a curse.
Collector of Dying Breaths is set along the same lines that M. J. Rose began this series with and the memory lurches have become less disconcerting at least to this reader. Rose's ability to recreate the past and make it believable and fascinating is wonderful. Translating that information through Jac's abilities has ben a little rough around the edges and yet that lurch is part of the charm of the series and of Jac's stubbon refusal to embrace her abilities.
The one part of Collector of Dying Breaths that makes me sad is that it seems this series is now ended with the resolution of Jac's fears and the realization of long held hopes. Time moves on and even stubborn Jac must embrace the future, especially after yet another near death experience.
The manner in which Rose weaves the threads of reincarnation and Buddhist teachings throughout the series is masterful and the characters are memorable, even those that exist for more than a few sentences or pages. Rose writes rich and wonderful characters with complexity and texture that ooze reality. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems and clues are salted at just the right places to keep readers turning pages and moving through the web of deception and discovery.
I do not doubt that someone once tried to capture the dying breath in order to find a way to bring the dead back to life or that perfumes were part of that alchemical reaction in some distant past. I also do not doubt that Rose has yet more fascinating stories to tell and characters to reveal that will send this reader plunging into the worlds and stories she concocts. I have enjoyed many of Rose's series in the past and look forward to many more in the future. Collector of Dying Breaths is one of my favorites, not because of the resolution of so many conflicts, but because of the way in which Jac L'Etoile has grown and adapted to a world set on shaking ground. I'd give this one 4/5 stars but only because I think Jac should have embraced her talents long before now and because Nostradamus played such a small part in this tale, especially since he created a fragrance of sorts that was said to have protected against the Black Plague, which was rampaging through Europe at the time the Florentine perfumer was working out his alchemical tool for reincarnation. Brava!
February 17, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars - Compelling, fascinating, historical fiction with a supernatural element and a theme centering on the subject of reincarnation.
This conclusion to the trilogy featuring mythbuster and perfumer Jac L’Etoile brings closure to a very entertaining series, but I must say that I'm sad to see it end. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of life and times in the 1500s from the point of view of René le Florentine and learning about the machinations of Catherine de Medici and her court in France. In addition, I learned quite a bit about the art of perfumery (and poisoning) then and now.
Though I do not believe in reincarnation or ghosts, I do firmly believe in the concept of the soul -- however I have not yet decided what I personally feel happens to it when a person dies. This novel provides so much for discussion and I think book groups would love talking about all three of the novels because of the many controversial and thought-provoking philosophies. Each reader might think, if only for a moment...what if? And, how much of the supernatural could be real? Do we really understand all that IS in the world and space we occupy?
I'll be recommending it. I loved the whole 3-book series. Would love seeing this as a movie! I would suggest that the series be read in order as the character of Jac develops over the course of her exploits and that is what makes the apparent end to her story all the more satisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the ARC ebook! I'd love to own a set of hardcovers as the artwork is beautiful on the dust jackets -- evokes the whole mood of each book! I have no clue which was my favorite of the three!
#1 The Book of Lost Fragrances
#2 Seduction: A Novel of Suspense
#3 The Collector of Dying Breaths
This conclusion to the trilogy featuring mythbuster and perfumer Jac L’Etoile brings closure to a very entertaining series, but I must say that I'm sad to see it end. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of life and times in the 1500s from the point of view of René le Florentine and learning about the machinations of Catherine de Medici and her court in France. In addition, I learned quite a bit about the art of perfumery (and poisoning) then and now.
Though I do not believe in reincarnation or ghosts, I do firmly believe in the concept of the soul -- however I have not yet decided what I personally feel happens to it when a person dies. This novel provides so much for discussion and I think book groups would love talking about all three of the novels because of the many controversial and thought-provoking philosophies. Each reader might think, if only for a moment...what if? And, how much of the supernatural could be real? Do we really understand all that IS in the world and space we occupy?
I'll be recommending it. I loved the whole 3-book series. Would love seeing this as a movie! I would suggest that the series be read in order as the character of Jac develops over the course of her exploits and that is what makes the apparent end to her story all the more satisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the ARC ebook! I'd love to own a set of hardcovers as the artwork is beautiful on the dust jackets -- evokes the whole mood of each book! I have no clue which was my favorite of the three!
#1 The Book of Lost Fragrances
#2 Seduction: A Novel of Suspense
#3 The Collector of Dying Breaths
March 21, 2014
Do you believe in the idea of reincarnation and of the ability to reanimate someone using their last breath? You don't need to in order to read this book, but I am sure you would find it even more fascinating if you did. As it is, I need to suspend belief on lots of the things that drive the characters and that happen in the book but, in this case, it didn't hamper my enjoyment of the book. That isn't always the case as I have a bit of an up and down reaction to M J Rose's books. The last book in this series that I reviewed was Seduction (the fifth book) having not read The Book of Lost Fragrances and I really think that I would have enjoyed it more had I read in order.
This book is the sixth book in the Reincarnationist series, but I would argue that there are two linked trilogies that form the series. To get the most out of this book I think it definitely helps to have read at least The Book of Lost Fragrances and Seduction because the modern day storyline tracks through these three books.
Let's start with that modern day story. This book picks up two years after the last book. Jac L'Etoile is in Paris, mourning the loss of an incredibly important person in her life. I don't want to say who because even the death happens right at the beginning of the book, it is a character from the previous two books. I will say that I was quite upset that this character had been killed off, but we did get to witness some additional appearances in ghostly and paranormal forms. Jac is invited to recommence working on a project which has an eccentric but very wealthy woman trying to achieve the seemingly impossible - to reanimate a body after death.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2014...
May 15, 2014
In 1500’s France, René le Florentine becomes perfumer to Catherine de Medici after she saves him after he’s been accused of murder. But being a royal perfumer isn’t his sole passion, it’s trying to capture person’s dying breath to make an elixir that will bring person back to life.
At present-day France Jac promises her dying brother to continue his work trying to figure out the dying breath mystery that he was doing for a wealthy couple. Even as Jac starts to have suspicions about the couple, she can’t leave the project that her brother was working on.
I haven’t read the previous books in the series, or any of author’s books, but this could be read as stand alone just fine.
I found the perfume making world much more interesting than I thought I would. There was lots of telling how it was made and some of it just flew over my head, but it was really interesting.
I loved René’s story and loved seeing how he grew and how he ended up doing some things he didn’t wan’t to do. He stayed loyal to the queen through everything and I was so sad to see where it led him and what it cost him.
It took more growing into Jac and I’m not sure why but I just didn’t feel that kind of connection with her that I felt with René. I don’t know if it would have been different if I had read the previous books and known her better. Her issues with Griffin was starting to annoy me but I felt like there’s something I don’t know about them.
I loved seeing how Jac’s and Rene’s lives were connected as well as their love lives.
I really liked this book and I’m sure to read the other books in the series too!
At present-day France Jac promises her dying brother to continue his work trying to figure out the dying breath mystery that he was doing for a wealthy couple. Even as Jac starts to have suspicions about the couple, she can’t leave the project that her brother was working on.
I haven’t read the previous books in the series, or any of author’s books, but this could be read as stand alone just fine.
I found the perfume making world much more interesting than I thought I would. There was lots of telling how it was made and some of it just flew over my head, but it was really interesting.
I loved René’s story and loved seeing how he grew and how he ended up doing some things he didn’t wan’t to do. He stayed loyal to the queen through everything and I was so sad to see where it led him and what it cost him.
It took more growing into Jac and I’m not sure why but I just didn’t feel that kind of connection with her that I felt with René. I don’t know if it would have been different if I had read the previous books and known her better. Her issues with Griffin was starting to annoy me but I felt like there’s something I don’t know about them.
I loved seeing how Jac’s and Rene’s lives were connected as well as their love lives.
I really liked this book and I’m sure to read the other books in the series too!
August 13, 2016
The Collector of Dying Breaths is a wonderful book of intrigue, sensuality and deadly passion. This totally mesmerized me and I couldn’t put it down. I was caught in its fire and I couldn’t put it down.
In the beginning, Jac is in denial and pain. She isn’t able to accept her abilities or her life. However, by trying to fulfill her brother’s experiments she is able to finally accept who she is and not live her life in fear. She has found her passion again and it is a deep and sensual passion. Her connection with Griffin is incredibly passionate and romantic. It is timeless.
Rene is an excellent and moving character. I love the scents he seemed to create. Ms. Rose’s description of each fragrance seemed to real and vivid. Each fragrance brought so much passion!
Now, Melinoe is a great villainous character. She is obsessive and broken. Her live revolves around her collections and her obsession to remain with them. She cares not for people; only her prized possessions. Her brother, Serge, knows of her character and still remains by her side. Their life is so tragic; beginning, middle and end.
The Collector of Dying Deaths is a must read for any true romantic. It is full of love, hate, obsession and finally fulfillment. It is to die for. I will end with my favorite line of the book:
The secret, which is not so secret after all, is that people who we love live in our hearts, in the beat of our blood.
In the beginning, Jac is in denial and pain. She isn’t able to accept her abilities or her life. However, by trying to fulfill her brother’s experiments she is able to finally accept who she is and not live her life in fear. She has found her passion again and it is a deep and sensual passion. Her connection with Griffin is incredibly passionate and romantic. It is timeless.
Rene is an excellent and moving character. I love the scents he seemed to create. Ms. Rose’s description of each fragrance seemed to real and vivid. Each fragrance brought so much passion!
Now, Melinoe is a great villainous character. She is obsessive and broken. Her live revolves around her collections and her obsession to remain with them. She cares not for people; only her prized possessions. Her brother, Serge, knows of her character and still remains by her side. Their life is so tragic; beginning, middle and end.
The Collector of Dying Deaths is a must read for any true romantic. It is full of love, hate, obsession and finally fulfillment. It is to die for. I will end with my favorite line of the book:
The secret, which is not so secret after all, is that people who we love live in our hearts, in the beat of our blood.
August 22, 2014
The title of this book caught my eye. A collector of dying breaths? Hmmm. Then the book jacket reinforced my urge to check out this book. The book shifts, chapter to chapter, from the 16th century to the 21st century and back again. One story is about the perfumer to Catherine de Medici, the other is about a modern day perfumer in Paris. There's intrigue and suspense here and you could tell there'd be some action between forces for good and forces for evil. Imagine capturing someone's dying breath in a bottle and then bringing them back to life in another body in a future time?
So far, so good. I was entertained the moment I started reading. It may not be time travel, but with a reincarnation theme woven throughout, it was almost a supernatural time travel read. Likeable characters, interesting plot.
So why 3 stars instead of 4? Too many love scenes! Many would disagree with me, but I felt the plot and the story were so good I wanted more of that and less romance. (More action, more dialog, less smooching.) Still, that's not a big complaint. I'm not sure I was entirely satisfied with the ending. The dying breaths left me a little puzzled.
I would be interested in reading more from this author. It seemed like her characters had a back story to them that I was unaware of and must be characters in other books of M. J. Rose's.
So far, so good. I was entertained the moment I started reading. It may not be time travel, but with a reincarnation theme woven throughout, it was almost a supernatural time travel read. Likeable characters, interesting plot.
So why 3 stars instead of 4? Too many love scenes! Many would disagree with me, but I felt the plot and the story were so good I wanted more of that and less romance. (More action, more dialog, less smooching.) Still, that's not a big complaint. I'm not sure I was entirely satisfied with the ending. The dying breaths left me a little puzzled.
I would be interested in reading more from this author. It seemed like her characters had a back story to them that I was unaware of and must be characters in other books of M. J. Rose's.
April 13, 2014
Another wonderful read from M. J. Rose. I really enjoy all the books from this series. This book does feature Jac from L'Etoile from Seduction and The Book of Lost Fragrances. If you have not read either of these books that is ok as the author does a nice job of making this book allowable to be read as a stand alone novel.
This series is my favorite time travel period series. M. J. can really make both the past and present as equally interesting. However this time it was the past that I was the most intrigued by. Just wished that more of the focus was spent on the past and Rene. He was a big part of the present and his story was muted.
I felt that Jac with her remorse for her brother was not as strong as she has been in the past. Plus, I understand her grief for her brother but after a while I grew tried of her and wanted her to snap out of her dark cloud. Ok so maybe I am stretching it a bit here as it did not go on that long but you get the picture. The easy flow from past to present was great. Don't let the size of these books deceive you as they are quick reads. As I read more about these books and the fragrances, I want to go and check out how to make one of my own. I have to say that this book is probably one of my top favorites in this series.
This series is my favorite time travel period series. M. J. can really make both the past and present as equally interesting. However this time it was the past that I was the most intrigued by. Just wished that more of the focus was spent on the past and Rene. He was a big part of the present and his story was muted.
I felt that Jac with her remorse for her brother was not as strong as she has been in the past. Plus, I understand her grief for her brother but after a while I grew tried of her and wanted her to snap out of her dark cloud. Ok so maybe I am stretching it a bit here as it did not go on that long but you get the picture. The easy flow from past to present was great. Don't let the size of these books deceive you as they are quick reads. As I read more about these books and the fragrances, I want to go and check out how to make one of my own. I have to say that this book is probably one of my top favorites in this series.
May 2, 2014
As THE COLLETOR OF DYING BREATHS by MJ Rose opens Jac’s brother is dying and no medical expert can figure out why. The last of her living family, as she watches her brother waste away, she begins to wonder if perhaps he has been poisoned.
Jac faces her loneliness at the loss of her brother and best friend, but faces the truth that her loneliness has ever been her constant companion. She turned away the only man she ever loved, and is unable to connect truly with anyone or anything, save for her work. Her brother’s death, and his haunting of her afterwards, makes her realize that it is her own life that she must learn to connect with. She must find the road that will allow her to live fully, as her brother did.
As she begins a quest to finish her brother’s final project, THE COLLECTOR OF DYING BREATHS becomes a journey though time as Jac realizes that she is tied to the work both in the present, and in the past. Joining forces with the love of her life, Jac delves into the past intrigues of Catherine de Medici’s court. A novel of suspense, murder and love renewed, THE COLLECTOR OF DYING BRETHS will keep the reader riveted until the last page. A wonderful novel.
Jac faces her loneliness at the loss of her brother and best friend, but faces the truth that her loneliness has ever been her constant companion. She turned away the only man she ever loved, and is unable to connect truly with anyone or anything, save for her work. Her brother’s death, and his haunting of her afterwards, makes her realize that it is her own life that she must learn to connect with. She must find the road that will allow her to live fully, as her brother did.
As she begins a quest to finish her brother’s final project, THE COLLECTOR OF DYING BREATHS becomes a journey though time as Jac realizes that she is tied to the work both in the present, and in the past. Joining forces with the love of her life, Jac delves into the past intrigues of Catherine de Medici’s court. A novel of suspense, murder and love renewed, THE COLLECTOR OF DYING BRETHS will keep the reader riveted until the last page. A wonderful novel.
March 26, 2014
I'd read Seduction last year, and quite enjoyed it, so I was delighted to be able to get The Collector of Dying Breaths ahead of time. And it didn't disappoint at all. In fact, I think I enjoyed it more. The intrigue of the court of Catherine de'Medici, and the present-day mystery of Jac's strange employers, combined to make a novel that kept me reading intently. If I hadn't had to sleep, and work, I'd likely have inhaled it in a single (rather long) sitting.
Jac's brother Robbie has died, and she's sucked into the orbit of a very troubling, obsessive woman named Melinoe, who is determined to discover the secret of immortality, of the dying breaths. Jac accepts, and once she arrives at the chateau, she begins to see the life of the perfumer René. In some ways, seeing René's life is like knowing the ending to a movie, but still being on the edge of your seat with horror and anticipation.
I think this is my favourite of M.J.'s books so far. The mix of French royalty and history, and the gripping suspense, kept me anxious and reading as much as I could.
Jac's brother Robbie has died, and she's sucked into the orbit of a very troubling, obsessive woman named Melinoe, who is determined to discover the secret of immortality, of the dying breaths. Jac accepts, and once she arrives at the chateau, she begins to see the life of the perfumer René. In some ways, seeing René's life is like knowing the ending to a movie, but still being on the edge of your seat with horror and anticipation.
I think this is my favourite of M.J.'s books so far. The mix of French royalty and history, and the gripping suspense, kept me anxious and reading as much as I could.
April 22, 2014
Having read and enjoyed some of this author's previous books in her Reincarnationist series, I anticipated this novel (#6) with great eagerness. Unfortunately, I was hugely disappointed. This book had great potential, given the rich and intriguing historical back story; however, the book felt poorly executed and never developed into the captivating tale I was hoping for. Instead, it was a struggle simply to finish. I know some readers have loved this book, but sadly it just wasn't for me.
Our full review can be found on the blog: http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
Our full review can be found on the blog: http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
June 20, 2014
I received this book free from Net Galley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!!!
I really tried to get into this book. I have heard so many good things about M.J. Rose, but apparently, this was not the book to start reading.
There was way too much blatant sex going on in this book and I found myself skipping more pages than reading them.
Obviously, this is not my genre and my review should not be taken as anything against this author. I will maybe try reading one of her other books.
I really tried to get into this book. I have heard so many good things about M.J. Rose, but apparently, this was not the book to start reading.
There was way too much blatant sex going on in this book and I found myself skipping more pages than reading them.
Obviously, this is not my genre and my review should not be taken as anything against this author. I will maybe try reading one of her other books.
May 3, 2014
Some parts of this story were very good, the descriptions of scents particularly. Unfortunately, many parts just seemed so far fetched, it was difficult to determine if this was supposed to be supernatural, fantasy, mystery or an attempt to somehow be erotic. It isn't a book I can pass on to my mother!! That said, the author did a nice job going from past to present with the story and characters, but I just felt like something was lacking thru the entire story.
April 24, 2014
I have not read other books by M.J. Rose but this book was really well written. It held my interest and I couldn't put it down. It bounces between the 1500's and present day smoothly. There is passion, intrigue, mystery, murder, revenge….in the court of Catherine de Medici and in modern France. I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 378 reviews