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mxxnreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sara11_reads's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. My pet peeve is YA characters who were obviously written to be (at least) 5 years older than they are in the book. I just can't suspend enough disbelief to believe that a 16-year old is the most sought after landscape architect in Paris, or that his 18 or 19 year brother owns and manages the most prestigious hotel in Paris. These are things that take time to learn and for reputations to form. It's like the author wrote the book and then a publisher said, "Hey, we want to market this as YA" so they chopped 5 years off everyone's age with no other changes.
Ignoring all the age stuff - this book has interesting diverse characters, the worldbuilding is well done and also diverse, and the heist trope is fun.
Ignoring all the age stuff - this book has interesting diverse characters, the worldbuilding is well done and also diverse, and the heist trope is fun.
ryann0312's review against another edition
4.0
4.75* I loved this book, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Six of Crows while reading it.
juller's review against another edition
3.0
This novel has kind of a DaVinci code/steam punk feel which also made me think of Six of Crows. Most of the characters have a flat feel, I just didn't feel like I got to know them very well. Seeing as how they are part of the main team, I would have liked to know a bit more about them. I liked the world building. This story definitely sets the stage for a sequel.
cristina_02's review against another edition
5.0
A YA mythological gem. I absolutely loved the characters, the plot, that CLIFFHANGER?!
The representation within these characters was done so well that it didn’t seem like a point the author chose to make, but to show how diversity can create such creative powerhouse friendship groups. The differing backgrounds of all the characters really illustrates the impact of racism and anti-semitism in a showing, not telling manner. Even more interestingly, Zofia’s portrait as a young autistic woman (not explicitly discussed but implied) is written quite believably and not condescendingly. It’s heartwarming to see how her friends make adjustments for it.
The interesting romantic tension between Severin and Laila is done very well (an entanglement of friends, lovers and enemies); Enrique’s attraction to Zofia and Hypnos is interesting to read, and the overall connection and banter between the characters is very entertaining to read.
The puzzles and intrigue is equally nicely done, and the magic system is introduced smoothly and effectively. A very nice blend of history and science. Can’t wait to see what the next instalment brings!
The representation within these characters was done so well that it didn’t seem like a point the author chose to make, but to show how diversity can create such creative powerhouse friendship groups. The differing backgrounds of all the characters really illustrates the impact of racism and anti-semitism in a showing, not telling manner. Even more interestingly, Zofia’s portrait as a young autistic woman (not explicitly discussed but implied) is written quite believably and not condescendingly. It’s heartwarming to see how her friends make adjustments for it.
The interesting romantic tension between Severin and Laila is done very well (an entanglement of friends, lovers and enemies); Enrique’s attraction to Zofia and Hypnos is interesting to read, and the overall connection and banter between the characters is very entertaining to read.
The puzzles and intrigue is equally nicely done, and the magic system is introduced smoothly and effectively. A very nice blend of history and science. Can’t wait to see what the next instalment brings!
aritrigupta's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars, if I am being honest.
First, the high points.
The writing is fluid, and the narration commendable. I am one of the few left in the YA fan world who still has not read Six of Crows, so I suppose that worked in my favour. However, books with heists and cocky leaders of heists is not uncommon, and this was not a novelty.
I must say, I loved all the characters. The author has tended to each of them with care, and they worked well as individuals and as a group.
Now, all that didnt work for me.
The convoluted story, and the heavy usage of symbolism from all possible cultures. I almost sighed at how pretentious the story felt at times. Despite how fast paced the narration is, I was not keen to pay attention on all parts of it, simply because there were too many parts to keep in mind. It took me quite some time to read it, although whenever I was back to it, I read it in chunks. I am still quite divisive on how I feel about it.
All said and done, I will probably not continue the series.
First, the high points.
The writing is fluid, and the narration commendable. I am one of the few left in the YA fan world who still has not read Six of Crows, so I suppose that worked in my favour. However, books with heists and cocky leaders of heists is not uncommon, and this was not a novelty.
I must say, I loved all the characters. The author has tended to each of them with care, and they worked well as individuals and as a group.
Now, all that didnt work for me.
The convoluted story, and the heavy usage of symbolism from all possible cultures. I almost sighed at how pretentious the story felt at times. Despite how fast paced the narration is, I was not keen to pay attention on all parts of it, simply because there were too many parts to keep in mind. It took me quite some time to read it, although whenever I was back to it, I read it in chunks. I am still quite divisive on how I feel about it.
All said and done, I will probably not continue the series.
secondhandpages's review against another edition
This was definitely not the review that I wanted to be writing. When I first got word of this novel, it sounded EXQUISITE! A fantastical treasure hunt filled with magic, shape shifting and special powers was music to my ears.
Unfortunately, the magic died there for me. There is no doubt that Chokshi's writing is lyrical, whimsical and beautiful. Sometimes, though, that seems to over take the story, leaving the actual story on the back burner and instead an endlessly poetic description of something in its place.
The bones of the story and the characters were interesting. Some of the powers that the characters had were very intriguing. and captivating. The world building was exceptional as well. The detail that Chokshi put into it impressive. From the magic system to the masks, the ranking systems and houses.
Everything about this book made me want to love it. Ultimately though, I did not finish the book. So many times I felt like I was reading in circles, and that pulled all of my focus from the actual story.
Chokshi's story is beautiful, her worlds are detailed, but her writing just isn't for me. I gave this one star for this reason.
Unfortunately, the magic died there for me. There is no doubt that Chokshi's writing is lyrical, whimsical and beautiful. Sometimes, though, that seems to over take the story, leaving the actual story on the back burner and instead an endlessly poetic description of something in its place.
The bones of the story and the characters were interesting. Some of the powers that the characters had were very intriguing. and captivating. The world building was exceptional as well. The detail that Chokshi put into it impressive. From the magic system to the masks, the ranking systems and houses.
Everything about this book made me want to love it. Ultimately though, I did not finish the book. So many times I felt like I was reading in circles, and that pulled all of my focus from the actual story.
Chokshi's story is beautiful, her worlds are detailed, but her writing just isn't for me. I gave this one star for this reason.
jayarna's review against another edition
3.0
I feel like there was way too much focus on the characters I didn't love and the ones I did love I think will go in a direction I didn't like. I also just didn't quite understand what was going on half the time? Like I feel like I'm missing something and I think that's probably just means but it caused a disconnect between me and the book. I do want to see how it all pans out though so I'm going to check out the next.
Also there's a love triangle in this that I totally want to be poly and I'm going to be annoyed if it isn't which most likely it won't :/
Also there's a love triangle in this that I totally want to be poly and I'm going to be annoyed if it isn't which most likely it won't :/