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bingley's review
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
(240401) I'm annoyed with myself, LMAO. Why'd I put myself through this again. What is it about this series that can frustrate me yet still feel 3% pulled to read it??
TLDR: this is pro-police propaganda wrapped in a thin varnish of Others magic.
The PROS and CONS of this spinoff are the same, if not exacerbated, as the PROS/CONS of the regular series.
-PROS: World-building is solid enough and mysterious enough to make me curious and want to stay in this story for longer. The Others characters are always a high point, they are the most interesting, partly bc they feel so real, as if I could meet them on the street, and they'd still retain their magic.
-CONS: plot developments (how characters react to certain plot points) and relationships btwn characters just either don't make sense or frustratingly shy away from established consequences. Inconsistent! AND the police are always portrayed as "good cops" like we're the good guys, here to "serve and protect" - grl, please.
I feel like Vicki is on the spectrum, I can totally see it. Her reactions, her words totally fit, a dash of neurospicy, if u will. But also REGARDLESS of that, she makes a few TSTL decisions sometimes!!
She's in a dangerous situation, and yet she still thinks "they wouldn't murder me, nahhh". Hello?? Miss! There is vast evidence to the contrary!
INCONSISTENT power description VS display!!! If the Others are really all that powerful and formidable, then they should have been able to punish the TCC adequately. Instead they're way too lenient, even when the TCC DO commit crimes, and they don't face any consequences. Ridiculous.
Hell, I can even think of a few: attempted burglary, breaking and entering, conspiracy and contempt, attempted murder, emotional abuse. All of these are proven, and yet Ilya is forced to accept that the human judge can't give any other punishment when ALL THOSE OPTIONS ARE RIGHT THERE.
POV: multi, third person
SPICE: not that kind of book, also no romance
FATPHOBIA: Vicki is struggling with body image, and if you want an empowered woman healing from a past abusive relationship who learns to embrace her body, this is NOT it. Even Author's tone of voice does not describe/view "plump" with any kindness or grace.
TLDR: this is pro-police propaganda wrapped in a thin varnish of Others magic.
The PROS and CONS of this spinoff are the same, if not exacerbated, as the PROS/CONS of the regular series.
-PROS: World-building is solid enough and mysterious enough to make me curious and want to stay in this story for longer. The Others characters are always a high point, they are the most interesting, partly bc they feel so real, as if I could meet them on the street, and they'd still retain their magic.
-CONS: plot developments (how characters react to certain plot points) and relationships btwn characters just either don't make sense or frustratingly shy away from established consequences. Inconsistent! AND the police are always portrayed as "good cops" like we're the good guys, here to "serve and protect" - grl, please.
I feel like Vicki is on the spectrum, I can totally see it. Her reactions, her words totally fit, a dash of neurospicy, if u will. But also REGARDLESS of that, she makes a few TSTL decisions sometimes!!
She's in a dangerous situation, and yet she still thinks "they wouldn't murder me, nahhh". Hello?? Miss! There is vast evidence to the contrary!
INCONSISTENT power description VS display!!! If the Others are really all that powerful and formidable, then they should have been able to punish the TCC adequately. Instead they're way too lenient, even when the TCC DO commit crimes, and they don't face any consequences. Ridiculous.
Hell, I can even think of a few: attempted burglary, breaking and entering, conspiracy and contempt, attempted murder, emotional abuse. All of these are proven, and yet Ilya is forced to accept that the human judge can't give any other punishment when ALL THOSE OPTIONS ARE RIGHT THERE.
POV: multi, third person
SPICE: not that kind of book, also no romance
FATPHOBIA: Vicki is struggling with body image, and if you want an empowered woman healing from a past abusive relationship who learns to embrace her body, this is NOT it. Even Author's tone of voice does not describe/view "plump" with any kindness or grace.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Fatphobia
brandilovesbooks's review
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I loved this book. I want to visit Sproing. Have you ever seen a quokka? Australian animals with adorable smiley faces. These animals live in Sproing. They are called Sproingers. I really wanted to live vicariously through a character cuddling one. (They never did.) The spoilers hop all over town getting carrots and treats from storekeepers. When something interesting happens, they make pyramids to look in windows. Squee!
Vicki, the female MC, is very easy to identify with. She has low self confidence and poor body image. She has scars from an emotionally abusive relationship. She defaults to humor in stressful situations. She is also incredibly kind and accepting. Even when she is afraid of the Others, she treats them with empathy and respect.
I laughed out loud often. I even had to read parts out loud to whoever was nearby so they could share my amusement.
I truly recommend this book. You could probably read Lake Silence without reading any of the other books in the series. The characters and the setting are new.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Body shaming, Death, Gore, Violence, Emotional abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
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