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3.35 AVERAGE
3.35 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Golden Age of Magic had such a promising premise: fairy godmothers, or Fées Gardiennes, still working their magic in the 1920s, though the conventions have changed. The shift from a European setting to the glamor and illusion of Hollywood was a refreshing change from the usual medieval fantasy backdrop, and I appreciated the book’s attempt to explore the idea of making dreams come true in a modernizing world.
Unfortunately, while the concept was intriguing and the prose was polished enough to keep me going, the execution fell short. The protagonist, Celeste, felt flat and underdeveloped, and none of the supporting characters had much depth or emotional pull either. It was hard to get invested in their stories, even when the stakes were meant to be high.
I was prepared to give this a solid three stars just for the originality and atmosphere, but then the twist near the end completely lost me. It came with a deluge of exposition and last-minute reveals that felt rushed and unearned. It dragged down what was already a lukewarm read and left a disappointing final impression.
If you’re drawn to magical realism or historical fantasy with a unique setting, this may still be worth a try, but temper your expectations. For me, this one didn’t quite deliver on its magical promise.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, while the concept was intriguing and the prose was polished enough to keep me going, the execution fell short. The protagonist, Celeste, felt flat and underdeveloped, and none of the supporting characters had much depth or emotional pull either. It was hard to get invested in their stories, even when the stakes were meant to be high.
I was prepared to give this a solid three stars just for the originality and atmosphere, but then the twist near the end completely lost me. It came with a deluge of exposition and last-minute reveals that felt rushed and unearned. It dragged down what was already a lukewarm read and left a disappointing final impression.
If you’re drawn to magical realism or historical fantasy with a unique setting, this may still be worth a try, but temper your expectations. For me, this one didn’t quite deliver on its magical promise.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
It was cute. Interesting premise but I felt like too many things were going on and I couldn’t really connect with the characters. The side animals were adorable. Narrator was good.
I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I dnf'ed at 60%.
At first the sweetness of this story was a draw. I like the original concept of modern (okay slightly more modern) fairy godmothers, but Celeste's naiveté became grating. It go to the point of stupidity. To the point that I didn't want her to succeed. Maybe I'm a grump. But here we are.
I think a bit more depth of character, feelings other than confusion, might have helped.
At first the sweetness of this story was a draw. I like the original concept of modern (okay slightly more modern) fairy godmothers, but Celeste's naiveté became grating. It go to the point of stupidity. To the point that I didn't want her to succeed. Maybe I'm a grump. But here we are.
I think a bit more depth of character, feelings other than confusion, might have helped.
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was just really boring. I happened to put it down and haven't had the urge to pick it up again. It's been a month so it's time.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No