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riabobs's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
Loved the premise, but the writing style is very particular and takes some getting used to. I found it difficult to work out what was going on in some scenes, and the plot suffered as a result. The fruit curses were fine as a character quirk, but for me they were too frequent and quickly became annoying.
gegibs's review
DNF as this was haaaard to read. The story and characters were a joy but the dense writing style is not what I need right now. Might pick up in the future.
undervmountain's review
The author uses - almost incessantly which got tedious, fast. I disliked the main character, I found their constant use of random fruit instead of swearing reminded me too much of the quirky Disney heriones I'm tired of and the plot just didn't feel unique enough for me to want to keep going.
simyreads's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
ptit_bibite's review
5.0
Well figs! -- This was SUCH a joyride. Although a chunky read with the teeniest type, I breezed through this and enjoyed every moment. Such a fun story with over the top drama and lots of queers in the Victorian era, I just wish we had more!
The journal entries were enticing and spliced together the narrative in such a fun way! Henry in all their stammering fruit-swearing glory charmed me to no end and the remainder of the cast also snatched my heart quicker than Mordred did to Maggie's finger! I'll be thinking about them for a while..
The ending felt a bit swiftly wrapped up and I could have used more comedown time and resolutions (and maybe more kisses if I'm being real) but nothing to knock down a star!
Henry + Sept <3
The journal entries were enticing and spliced together the narrative in such a fun way! Henry in all their stammering fruit-swearing glory charmed me to no end and the remainder of the cast also snatched my heart quicker than Mordred did to Maggie's finger! I'll be thinking about them for a while..
The ending felt a bit swiftly wrapped up and I could have used more comedown time and resolutions (and maybe more kisses if I'm being real) but nothing to knock down a star!
Henry + Sept <3
frenchbooknerd's review
adventurous
funny
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
4.0
bethsia's review
2.0
I really wanted to enjoy this book and struggled valiantly … but it’s just too much. The plot is incredibly slow-going, the character idiosyncrasies self-indulgently excessive. It also suffered somewhat from Makingapoint-itis, in which a book is written for academic reasons (or to comment on a current social or political issue) to the detriment of the plot.
humphreads's review
5.0
Welcome to your new fave witchy, sapphic book. This is Nettleblack- a chunky read that I gave a massive five stars.
It’s 1893 and Henrietta has been told she’s to marry a rich and very beige male. Her sister - in charge since the death of her parents - has arranged this marriage for a status boost, but Henrietta is not happy. So much so, this evening she’s running away.
This is where the book opens; a fleeing girl running for freedom. Without any major spoilers, a name name is taken on of Henry, paired with a new role working in a division, and a new appearance due to two thieves lopping off her hair.
This new image and independence means that Henry can explore herself, leading for a fucking beautiful book. Additionally, the role of the division - stopping crime - gives this mysterious adventure element. Without sounding mental, if you’ve seen the film Puss In Boots (which I would argue is on par with Shrek 2), the book feels very hunting Jack and Jill, sisters are doing it for themselves, Nancy Drew *voice tails off*.
I’m just repeating words now, but trust me. The tiny font requires effort and as do the many many pages, but the Nettleblack world is really bloody special. Queer rep is always so nice to see in books, and a female focus is always lacking. Seeing this, with a witchy feel, about action instead of heartbreak? My HEART.
If you can’t tell, I fucking loved this book.
It’s 1893 and Henrietta has been told she’s to marry a rich and very beige male. Her sister - in charge since the death of her parents - has arranged this marriage for a status boost, but Henrietta is not happy. So much so, this evening she’s running away.
This is where the book opens; a fleeing girl running for freedom. Without any major spoilers, a name name is taken on of Henry, paired with a new role working in a division, and a new appearance due to two thieves lopping off her hair.
This new image and independence means that Henry can explore herself, leading for a fucking beautiful book. Additionally, the role of the division - stopping crime - gives this mysterious adventure element. Without sounding mental, if you’ve seen the film Puss In Boots (which I would argue is on par with Shrek 2), the book feels very hunting Jack and Jill, sisters are doing it for themselves, Nancy Drew *voice tails off*.
I’m just repeating words now, but trust me. The tiny font requires effort and as do the many many pages, but the Nettleblack world is really bloody special. Queer rep is always so nice to see in books, and a female focus is always lacking. Seeing this, with a witchy feel, about action instead of heartbreak? My HEART.
If you can’t tell, I fucking loved this book.