My bad, but i hadn't realised that this was part of a series. So whilst this was an interesting read - and Knausgard is one heck of a writer - I always had a nagging feeling that maybe I should go back and read the first 2 books. But then again, no, life's too short and this was too long. Worthy, but a slog for me.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

I thoroughly enjoyed the prose in this book. The characters leapt out to me, and the overcast magical realism alongside the struggles of those in the town had me hooked. The subtle yet impactful blend of dark fantasy and an almost psychological thriller atmosphere was captivating. What is even more gripping is the richly developed compelling characters; from Tove to Line and Geir, this book has a beautiful, profound exploration of creativity, human connections and mortality. I would definitely recommend and am so honoured to have been given the chance to read it early.

There is no doubt that Knausgard can write - and here we have a whole raft of characters from an artist with psychosis, another contemplating a life without death, another attending a gig in a forest, presented in first person narrative which is gripping and believable, even set against a background of bizarre occurrences and murders and the star which appeared in the previous two novels in this series - as did some of the characters, although this can be read as a standalone work.

There are explorations of religion and science, magical realism alongside domestic detail. I feel I need to read this again to grasp it in its totality and fully appreciate both the prose and the thought.

With thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a review copy.

I’m not sure I entirely understood this novel but I absolutely loved it and am now going to go back and read the previous two books in the series. I also hope that this won’t be left as a trilogy but that there will be a fourth novel! I loved the changing perspectives and multiple points of view as the star appears in the sky and strange things begin happening in both the personal lives of the characters and in the state of Norway. I also loved trying to piece together who was who and how the stories interconnected with one another. I found it quite an unsettling read (but in a pleasurable way) and really enjoyed the explorations of religion, science and humankind’s relationships with one another, with the universe and with the supernatural/incomprehensible aspects of existence. I really recommend picking up this book. Do not be put off by its length as it read really quickly and I wish it had been 500 pages longer! I’m now off to order some more Knausgaard!

I need the fourth book. My goodness, this series of books has gotten under my skin like no other book in recent memory.
With this the third installment in his Morning Star collection, Knausgaard returns to many of the characters at the exact same point in time, I was enthralled to be back in their world. For me The Third Realm didn’t quite reach the heights of the previous two books whilst still being an excellent read. Dark, unsettling, thought provoking , clever and entertaining I don’t know where the author is bringing us with this but I’m fully on board.

Read this slowly, to reflect on the deeper messages and feelings.
The meaning of the star, deeper biblical meanings. * character studies.... totally unique .... definitely the best book yet and I can't wait for the final two books in this series

The Third Realm immerses readers in the intricate world of Tove, an artist grappling with psychosis, as we gain insight into her experiences through her unique perspective. This narrative is enriched by Syvert's contemplations on immortality and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the events in their town.

The story also introduces Line, a young woman drawn to a concert in a forest, and explores Gaute's struggle with personal issues, all against a backdrop of nightmares, rituals, investigations, and bizarre occurrences that plague the community. The narrative raises compelling questions: What happened to the metal band? When did the series of murders and strange events begin, and when did they cease? Syvert has a theory that invites further contemplation.

The diverse cast of characters, including familiar faces from previous instalments alongside new ones, share their stories through their perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. As someone with discerning tastes in first-person narratives, I found the characters' voices to be both gripping and engaging.

3.5/5.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

Four days to read the latest Karl Ove Knavel-Gäzer.

I would like them back, please.

How someone has won such renown writing such flat, affectless prose I'll never know.

It is a privilege to be the first to review The Third Realm on NetGalley,
This is the English translation/edition of the third instalment in Knausgaard’s Morning Star series, and fortunately it can be read as a stand alone book.
Tove is an artist suffering from psychosis. We are rewarded further hearing the events from her POV this time.
Syvert contemplates on immortality.
A young woman called Line finds herself in a gig in a forest.
Gaute’s dealing with personal issues.
Nightmares, rituals, investigations, bizarre incidents. The town is tormented.
What happened to the metal band? When did the murders/strange events start? When did they stop (Syvert has a theory)?
Other characters, some of whom appear in the previous books as well as new ones tell their stories from their perspectives.
As someone who is extremely picky when it comes to the first person POV, I found the characters’ voices gripping and engaging.
I appreciate the author’s My Struggle series however, his prose in the Morning Star and the Wolves of Eternity to be a wonderful fit for the series, and the style appeals to me with its balance between literary richness and minimalism.
Aside from the style, I love the magical realism, and light-dark themes in this series and especially in this book.
It gives me the TV show Dark and Mike Flanagan narrative vibes.
All in all, this is a 4.5 star read, and I highly recommend it.
Plot 4.5
Prose 4.75
Characterisation 4.25
Themes and concept 4.75
Structure 4.25
Mood 4.5