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emily_mh's review against another edition
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? No
4.5
I thoroughly enjoyed my read of this book. The magical academy setting is probably my favourite type of setting and Jreije nailed it. I loved seeing life in the dorms and the dining room, as well as all the classes mixed in with magical hijinks and escapades with Shad and his friends. The fact that the magical academy didn’t know it was a magical academy was an extra layer that added a lot of fun and intrigue!
The alchemy magic itself was excellent. I love potion magic and alchemy is very much like this. I adored how we were shown in detail the ingredients and process of alchemy, and also how the broader magic system was explored in the conflict between the alchemists and necromancers.
Finally, the MC, Shad, was so endearing. He actually acts like a kid, he’s fiercely loyal, and he’s so courageous seeing as he has to take down a whole order by himself! There was a whole lot of character development too in terms of grief and learning about friendship and developing his alchemical skills. Though Shad perhaps overuses the words fig and cannoli, I kind of loved this and the book seemed self-aware of the repetitive use.
As a side note, I listened to the audiobook for this one and it was really good!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Abandonment, Violence, Grief, and Bullying
Minor: Xenophobia, Racism, Car accident, Animal death, Physical abuse, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Medical content, Homophobia, Vomit, and Excrement
Major: loss of a loved one Minor: disordered eating
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