Reviews

3.75 stars

I didn't know this was by Axie Oh at first. I read XOXO before this book and enjoyed it, but it's fair to say this is a complete 180 in terms of tone and plot.

Generally, this book is inoffensive. Not bad by any means, but not particularly innovative or fun. It does sprinkle in different aspects of mythology with folktales and a vague afterlife system, making the world feel whimsical. The main character was bland-not beautiful and not skilled, but passionate, outspoken, and loyal to her family... just like 80% of other YA protagonists nowadays. Her soul is literally a magpie fluttering around, and when her soul is stolen upon entering "the underworld," she appropriately loses her voice. Very smooth and not at all an on-the-nose characterization.

Shin is a great love interest and very endearing. Unfortunately, I don't think the other side characters, including Shin's brothers/guards and

Spoiler

Mina's family

receive enough characterization. Maybe it's just the length of the book, which felt quite short. That's... generally a good sign. I mean, by the third chapter, Mina's has already sacrificed herself in place of her sister-in-law. The book is gripping, but the ending just feels rushed. The climax and resolution happen in the last 10% of the book. Absolutely, I can see how this would be suitable for a younger audience. Fast-paced with a love interest, chatty protagonist, and dragons!! :o It just didn't feel like anything special to me, especially since I've grown used to more fleshed out worlds, deep characters with different motivations, and complicated plots.

anyway, give it a read if you want. it'll probably only take an hour or two of your time

pilealady's review against another edition

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5.0

“Nothing extraordinary is ever done out of reason or logic, but because it's the only way for your soul to breathe.”

An extraordinary tale full of life and longing that it’s a force to be reckon with when considering the connection between duty and love.

picklegal's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

lindascupoftea's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful sad fast-paced

5.0

kitaysnt's review against another edition

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4.0

i actually enjoyed reading this … even though i agree that the pace is so rushed, there’s barely any character development and everything happened so suddenly without any introduction, i still found it fun. i felt like it got better and better at the end (the ending has the most intense feeling for me). it's a very light read, its storyline is so fresh it kept me from dropping the book. i think this might be perfect for people who are in need of a basic YA fantasy.

andromeda_729's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

rilynn's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring 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? No

5.0

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