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ameliabee33's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Alcohol
anniestevens's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
but overall, not too bad of a book. it had me hooked at some parts, but the drama & tension especially towards the end had me FUCKED up lol
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Bullying
Moderate: Sexual content and Gun violence
Minor: Suicide
more romance than fantasyallisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The first half of the book was iffy for me. It relies on a love triangle, which is often an irritating contrivance I would prefer to skip past. The characters have unlikable motives, and each of the three characters' perspectives has the power to ruin the other two for you. I was relieved when it all blew up without having to wait for the end of the book. A toxic secret comes to light, throwing all relationships and feelings into turmoil, requiring a cautious rebuilding in the second half. At that point, I found the plot more enjoyable. After the tension snapped, the characters settled more fully into their roles and chose what to fight for. Where I had been lukewarm towards all three leads at first, the latter part of the story allows one character to step forward into a role of ruthless villainy both alarming and impressive. The other two face reality in a way that makes both seem more balanced and thoughtful, which in turn made me value their goals more.
This book is a compelling twist on a story of society romance with elements of critique and magic layered in. I listened to the audiobook and appreciated the voice acting, carrying off French-sounding names I definitely would have butchered in my head. While I had a mixture of reactions throughout, the writing was elegant, and I appreciated a narrative that somehow managed to be both unexpected and recognizable in its path.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death of parent, Gun violence, Infertility, and Suicide attempt
turtlebrainlibrarian's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Gun violence
rebeccameyrink's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Moderate: Gun violence
kachina's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I will admit the “two act” format of this book was a little jarring as an audio listener, and I do feel it created a sense of a lag in the middle (though this was slightly off-putting to me at the time, now finding myself at the end I do think it greatly contributes to SMG’s air of mystery by shifting pace mid-tale.
4/5 stars
Minor: Alcohol, Violence, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Infertility, and Gun violence
marigo1ds's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Gun violence, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
goblingirlreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Bullying
Minor: Gun violence
jamieleepilk's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Jane Austen meets Erin Morgenstern in this sweeping romance. Silvia Moreno Garcia has done it again. Another beautifully written story with lyrical writing and a gloriously glamours setting.
Told from multiple perspectives which really helps push the story along nicely. Mainly characters driven. Silvia is crazy talented and has quickly become an auto-buy author for me, her versatility is mind blowing how she can write all these different genres without missing a beat. Beautiful romantic read.
Moderate: Gun violence, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
honeyreads1066's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The book is about a girl named Nina who comes to Loisail to join the Grand season of parties and balls in the effort of finding herself a suitor. She becomes entranced with Hector, a performer with telekinesis like her own and while her love for him goes deeper, so does the secrets and betrayals that threaten to end their courtship.
This story is one of identity, innocence, love, and the way the decisions around you shape the person you become.
The characters were incredibly complex, for each you had varying feelings for. They were not equally good or bad and for once a characters naivety and innocence do not lead them to be coddled or for them to somehow always make the right decisions, nor is this character seen as perfect. I like that it's realistic, that particular aspects of a person do not make them the villain or the hero and you don't know who you want to get together until the story unfolds. It helps bring the characters off the page and make them real people.
The telekinesis was subtle there was little focus on it unless it became apparent and little exploration about its origins. I enjoyed this, it worked well with the content of the story and kept the focus on other things while still adding a little bit of magic to the story.
The plot itself was full of secrecy and deception. You find yourself drawn in and rooting for different characters as the book plays out but you also understand decisions made and how each person is. Reputation in this book is everything and scandal is the weapon that everyone seems to be using.
Overall, I enjoyed this, it was lush, fun and just as romantic as I hoped. I need to read more books with drama and love like this one. I would absolutely recommend this book.
Moderate: Gun violence and Violence
Minor: Sexual content