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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very much meh. I was so excited for this but ended up dnfing halfway then picking it back up hoping it got better But it didn’t? Didnt Like the characters, the plot and the atmosphere were the only things I really enjoyed. Couldnt tell you anything about the world or any of the politics. But really, it was overall a bit boring…
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So this is my fourth book by this author, and I noticed that with each passing book, she goes less into her magic system and worldbuilding, and more into other things. Which I guess works for some people. I don't mind that the magic is kind of unexplained or flimsy. And I like that her worldbuilding based on our own with a magical twist.
But, what I do mind, is that the whole cast of characters in this is insufferable. I thought the motive of the plot twist was kind of dumb, the ending felt rushed, and the good-ones were good and the bad-ones were bad, just plain, and no consequences almost at all.
I did like the overall plot, a quest for the source of magic and a murder mystery are pretty interesting, but my annoyance with the characters made this bad 3'25/5
But, what I do mind, is that the whole cast of characters in this is insufferable. I thought the motive of the plot twist was kind of dumb, the ending felt rushed, and the good-ones were good and the bad-ones were bad, just plain, and no consequences almost at all.
I did like the overall plot, a quest for the source of magic and a murder mystery are pretty interesting, but my annoyance with the characters made this bad 3'25/5
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I don't know. The vibes and potential were there but something wasn't right. I felt like world building was chaotic. I understand that it's hard to write a standalone fantasy, but eg. Blood over bright haven worked. This didn't.
I also really didn't like anyone except Sylvia. Lorelei was just cold and I couldn't bring myself to symphony with her. The ending was like ??? and I get everyone who criticise the colonialism thing in this book.
It was all just too much - dark academia, murder mystery, magic, folklore, sapphic academic rivals to lovers. Maybe the author should have chosen more simple narrative.
Also, it wasn't badly written, I definitely read worse. And I really hope that the advocacy for colonialism and oppressed person (Lorelei) just making peace with oppression because hey, it could be worse! was unintentional is only a result of lack of understanding and thinking about this story. If not, then YIKES!
I also really didn't like anyone except Sylvia. Lorelei was just cold and I couldn't bring myself to symphony with her. The ending was like ??? and I get everyone who criticise the colonialism thing in this book.
It was all just too much - dark academia, murder mystery, magic, folklore, sapphic academic rivals to lovers. Maybe the author should have chosen more simple narrative.
Also, it wasn't badly written, I definitely read worse. And I really hope that the advocacy for colonialism and oppressed person (Lorelei) just making peace with oppression because hey, it could be worse! was unintentional is only a result of lack of understanding and thinking about this story. If not, then YIKES!
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
could've been such a good lesbian story but why did they support and work for the colonizer??
finally an enemies to lovers that earns it but please i would love a map of fake germany
Gorgeously written, dark and haunting, romantic, at times. But why in the world are the main characters not trying to overthrow the colonizer? but wait, not just that, also helping him???
This book justified Lorelei actively rooting out sedition for tenuously held power over lands that were conquered by some guy because rebellion = war and assimilating = peace, maybe with some violence but ignore that part. Hmmm. The politics are no better at the end of the book vs the beginning for the Yeva who are racially segregated and used as scapegoats when it's convenient. Just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
This book justified Lorelei actively rooting out sedition for tenuously held power over lands that were conquered by some guy because rebellion = war and assimilating = peace, maybe with some violence but ignore that part. Hmmm. The politics are no better at the end of the book vs the beginning for the Yeva who are racially segregated and used as scapegoats when it's convenient. Just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No