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stitchbooks22's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The idea of an enchanted library, cottagecore and cosy vibes with magic for a book could’ve been so good, but was executed poorly. I’m very disappointed I can’t lie.
The only redeeming features were the small portion of the enchanted library we got as well as the characters of Isla, Gryph, Grey and the fox who were barely in it. Milo also seemed like a sweet kid and I liked him despite his also limited presence.
I have mixed feelings about Lore as she acted like an ungrateful brat at times, though could be wonderful at others. Finn is another character I have mixed feelings on, but he is growing on me.
Will I read the next one? Possibly. I would like to see some of the characters again and see if the duology can be redeemed. It’s a decision for a later date.
Graphic: Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, Xenophobia, Death of parent, Confinement, Death, Infertility, Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, Violence, Colonisation, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, War, Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Classism, Murder, and Physical abuse
marirene's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Violence, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Racism, and Xenophobia
naomi_k's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Death, Xenophobia, and Violence
Moderate: Classism, Hate crime, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Colonisation, Toxic relationship, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Rape, and Sexual content
Minor: War and Alcohol
memreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Going into this book, I was enamored by the mysterious library and found myself excited to learn its secrets and its history. Unfortunately this seems more of a convenient setting than a major story part. I'm hopeful this will be explored in later additions to the story.
The pacing was a little off-putting to me. The beginning of the story was fast, then it felt like it stalled, then it picked up to a nice medium pace, then major events are occurring from start to finish within a few pages, and then the last beat of the book felt as though it was alternating between medium and breakneck fast pacing. It felt like it was a 500 page story crammed into 300.
I love the idea and the pieces of this story, but I feel like the characters, relationships, plot points and settings weren't given the time they needed to truly shine.
It is still an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading future installments, but will be going in with more lighthearted expectations
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Trafficking, Xenophobia, Drug use, Rape, and Kidnapping