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erincataldi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I absolutely loved the setting and the premise. The world building was top tier - unfortunately for me, I didn't care about the main plot. I loved the idea of a market, an inbetween place full of goblins and horrors. It was truly intriguing and it reminded me of a darker labyrinth. I wanted Jareth to pop out so bad! Instead a girl, living thousands of miles away finds out about it when her aunt is taken there. Her mother rushes back to York to try and rescue her and Lou finally finds out what her mother and aunt had been hiding from her all her life. When her mom and aunt were her age they too entered the market and ended up killing a goblin and getting banned from their coven of witches (oh yeah - she also finds out she comes from a coven). A lot of plot holes but I truly loved the setting. So dark and creepy!
renmochizuki's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
This book was so disappointing. I love how we are offering horror for YA and think that if someone was getting into horror, this would be a good book. However, I thought this was the most annoying book I have ever read. The world developement is none existant. The characters just explain over and over how the market is bad, but they don't really go into why. They do not explain this pull, this need to do something bad. I know this based off another story, however, you can't assume the reader knows the other story. Maybe I just missed the meaning, but I kept waiting for more indepth on this market, and nothing came of it. You do see the market, but why would you want to go there?? I also thought that the aunt as a younger witch was so annoying. She has nothing to her and as an adult, she doesn't have anything to her either. Just a disappointing read. I wanted to love this book and I read it during summer which fit the story since it takes place during the summer, but I just did not like this.
cyndqls's review against another edition
3.5
the goblin market was fun and i enjoyed the atmosphere, though there were some parts where i could feel my attention waning, and it hasn't stuck in my head very long. still, i had fun.
gloomynomad's review against another edition
4.0
Ugh. This was so good, it inspired me to make an illustration for it!
"Not Good for Maidens" by Tori Bovalino is inspired by a poem called "Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti (which I recently read & fell in love!)
This book is an enchanting and whimsical tale that captivated my imagination from beginning to end. With its delightful blend of fantasy, mystery, and magical undertones, this book truly casts a spell on its readers.
From the very first pages, I was transported into a world where magic and folklore collide, seamlessly woven into the fabric of everyday life. Bovalino's storytelling is a masterful blend of light-heartedness and darkness, as she effortlessly brings together the mundane and the mystical.
The protagonist, a young and courageous girl named named Lou, stole my heart with her determination and spirited nature. I found myself rooting for her as she embarked on a perilous quest to her aunt Neela. Lou encounters mythical creatures, dangerous scenario, a mysterious realm that kept me eagerly turning the pages.
One of the aspects I truly adored about this book is the author's rich and vivid world-building. The magical undertones are intricately integrated into the setting, creating a sense of wonder and enchantment. Bovalino's descriptive prose painted vibrant landscapes and brought to life mystical beings, immersing me in a world that felt both familiar and extraordinary.
The pacing of the story was perfectly balanced, alternating between moments of heart-pounding action and quiet introspection. The plot unfolded with twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat and eager to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within the pages. Bovalino expertly crafted a narrative that seamlessly blended mystery, adventure, and heartfelt moments of love.
Furthermore, the themes explored in "Not Good for Maidens" touched upon the power of the under dog, the importance of family, and love. These profound messages resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the transformative nature of embracing our own magical potential.
In conclusion, "Not Good for Maidens" is a mesmerizing and enchanting read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a magical escape. Tori Bovalino's masterful storytelling, coupled with the book's rich world-building and endearing characters, make it an absolute delight. Prepare to be whisked away on a captivating journey filled with wonder, mystery, and the magic that lies within us all.
"Not Good for Maidens" by Tori Bovalino is inspired by a poem called "Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti (which I recently read & fell in love!)
This book is an enchanting and whimsical tale that captivated my imagination from beginning to end. With its delightful blend of fantasy, mystery, and magical undertones, this book truly casts a spell on its readers.
From the very first pages, I was transported into a world where magic and folklore collide, seamlessly woven into the fabric of everyday life. Bovalino's storytelling is a masterful blend of light-heartedness and darkness, as she effortlessly brings together the mundane and the mystical.
The protagonist, a young and courageous girl named named Lou, stole my heart with her determination and spirited nature. I found myself rooting for her as she embarked on a perilous quest to her aunt Neela. Lou encounters mythical creatures, dangerous scenario, a mysterious realm that kept me eagerly turning the pages.
One of the aspects I truly adored about this book is the author's rich and vivid world-building. The magical undertones are intricately integrated into the setting, creating a sense of wonder and enchantment. Bovalino's descriptive prose painted vibrant landscapes and brought to life mystical beings, immersing me in a world that felt both familiar and extraordinary.
The pacing of the story was perfectly balanced, alternating between moments of heart-pounding action and quiet introspection. The plot unfolded with twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat and eager to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within the pages. Bovalino expertly crafted a narrative that seamlessly blended mystery, adventure, and heartfelt moments of love.
Furthermore, the themes explored in "Not Good for Maidens" touched upon the power of the under dog, the importance of family, and love. These profound messages resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the transformative nature of embracing our own magical potential.
In conclusion, "Not Good for Maidens" is a mesmerizing and enchanting read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a magical escape. Tori Bovalino's masterful storytelling, coupled with the book's rich world-building and endearing characters, make it an absolute delight. Prepare to be whisked away on a captivating journey filled with wonder, mystery, and the magic that lies within us all.
razzy's review
Tried branching out in a genre I don't usually read and wasn't enjoying myself. Books is beautifully written but I wasn't invested in the story.
smack_books's review against another edition
3.0
**3.5/5 stars
For how the book is presented I feel like there wasn’t as much death as I expected lmao. I also feel like the ending didn’t fit this book. The plot at times was thin as well. Overall, though, I really enjoyed it. It’s nice to see asexual rep and I’m glad more of it is coming out. I loved all the characters and could empathize with them. I think it also does a good job with the complexity family relationships can be. From how the book ends I’m assuming there’s going to be another book and I think this book is good as the first one to a series. I feel like a lot could be explored in the book’s world and if another comes out I’ll definitely be reading it.
For how the book is presented I feel like there wasn’t as much death as I expected lmao. I also feel like the ending didn’t fit this book. The plot at times was thin as well. Overall, though, I really enjoyed it. It’s nice to see asexual rep and I’m glad more of it is coming out. I loved all the characters and could empathize with them. I think it also does a good job with the complexity family relationships can be. From how the book ends I’m assuming there’s going to be another book and I think this book is good as the first one to a series. I feel like a lot could be explored in the book’s world and if another comes out I’ll definitely be reading it.
malolauren's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this ok.Good enough plot but felt slow at points and never really drew me in.
applejacksbooks's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
3.75
sarakas's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0