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blancha's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.5
mileycoop07's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hjalmar's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
goose_ism's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this book as a short fun read. The premise is wonderful, as are the characters and world building in general. It’s vague yet structured in much the way that so many of those excellent fantasy books from the 80s and 90s were (think Robin Hobbs, Tamara Pierce..). The only things that were lost on me were the age difference and suddenness of the relationships, as well as the strange nature of “getting to know” each other the characters go through
empyrealmelody's review against another edition
3.0
Ceony is a spunky, intelligent girl. I found her character likable, genuine, and relatable. I was curious to see what a "paper magician" was and was amused to find out that it was basically a person who specialized in enchanted origami. Until I kept reading. Clearly there was more to this concept and I commend Holmberg for his creativity and imagination. While I enjoyed the book immensely and will definitely be reading the second installment, I admit that the plot and characters could have been better developed. I'm hoping that the issues I had in this first book will be resolved in the next installments.
*Spoilers*
I liked the book but I had some major issues with it:
-Her adventure in Thane's heart was strange to picture. I kept wondering how she got in there and how was that was physically possible (then I had to remind myself that this is fiction and to just go with it).
-I enjoyed learning about Thane through his memories, but I felt we learned too much about him way too quickly through this one means. I wish that we could have gradually learned more about Thane, seeing his character slowly unravel through what he does in the book versus flashback after flashback.
-Lira wasn't developed at all. As the main villain, I'd really like to know why she turned and how she became to be so evil. This book basically said: She's pretty. She and Thane were in love. They married. She disappeared. She came back a couple times. Now, she's really evil and killing people. She's also jealous over a 19 yr. old girl who's known her ex-husband for about a month. Okay. How did she get this way?!
-Lastly, I hate how Holmberg threw in the whole Ceony falling in love Thane bit. I was down for a romance the moment they mentioned how young he was and hinted that he was an attractive man. But she spends one night traversing through his heart (his heart, guys. MEMORIES and hopes and doubts) and she's falling in love? She hasn't had enough experience knowing him directly. in PERSON.This was too soon. Badly done.
So really- I enjoyed the book but those were some major issues. I understand that this is a trilogy so maybe this book was just setting the foundation for the next installments, but the first book should still be able to develop the characters overall. More importantly, it should make you NEED to keep reading. I want to continue out of curiosity more than anything, but I also wouldn't mind just shrugging it off and moving onto a different book.
*Spoilers*
I liked the book but I had some major issues with it:
-Her adventure in Thane's heart was strange to picture. I kept wondering how she got in there and how was that was physically possible (then I had to remind myself that this is fiction and to just go with it).
-I enjoyed learning about Thane through his memories, but I felt we learned too much about him way too quickly through this one means. I wish that we could have gradually learned more about Thane, seeing his character slowly unravel through what he does in the book versus flashback after flashback.
-Lira wasn't developed at all. As the main villain, I'd really like to know why she turned and how she became to be so evil. This book basically said: She's pretty. She and Thane were in love. They married. She disappeared. She came back a couple times. Now, she's really evil and killing people. She's also jealous over a 19 yr. old girl who's known her ex-husband for about a month. Okay. How did she get this way?!
-Lastly, I hate how Holmberg threw in the whole Ceony falling in love Thane bit. I was down for a romance the moment they mentioned how young he was and hinted that he was an attractive man. But she spends one night traversing through his heart (his heart, guys. MEMORIES and hopes and doubts) and she's falling in love? She hasn't had enough experience knowing him directly. in PERSON.This was too soon. Badly done.
So really- I enjoyed the book but those were some major issues. I understand that this is a trilogy so maybe this book was just setting the foundation for the next installments, but the first book should still be able to develop the characters overall. More importantly, it should make you NEED to keep reading. I want to continue out of curiosity more than anything, but I also wouldn't mind just shrugging it off and moving onto a different book.
radianest's review against another edition
3.5
Not my usual genre of book, so it took me a bit to get fully sucked into the story, but I enjoyed it. It's very short, which made it easy to read, and has some very intriguing potential for magical growth. I'm not sure if I will continue the series though, the teacher and student relationship just isn't my favorite. Wish FMC was a little bit older.
brittsbooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
I'm so glad to have started this series! This is the 4th book I've read by this author; her stories are so engaging and unique.
-Single POV (Ceony)
-Historical fantasy set in Britain
-Unique setting
-Unique magic system (magicians can only bond to 1 man-made element)
-Creepy villian
-Fennel 🐕🧡
-Single POV (Ceony)
-Historical fantasy set in Britain
-Unique setting
-Unique magic system (magicians can only bond to 1 man-made element)
-Creepy villian
-Fennel 🐕🧡
xcaity's review against another edition
4.0
Only 4 stars because this was a super short book & should’ve been longer. I realize there are more in the series, but why not combine them and make a less choppy reader experience?
hr13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
rey_s623's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5