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hammihamptown's review against another edition
Too slow did not realize it was romance
bravesirtoaster's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
3.5
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.
buzzylittlebee's review against another edition
3.5
mmm. i dont think i had my brain on for all of this. writing this recently enough that i could tell u the plot but like it had no impact on me. i enjoyed it? probably. honestly may be a personal thing but when i get excited reading my eyes just slide right thru paragraphs of text and important bits. i would reread if anything for the market bits. i would like to see more of that and its inner workings. also i have no qualms with the way it ended! was nice to see lou kinda shed that feeling of unbelonging that she mentions throughout. i don't expect it but i would probably enjoy a sequel with an older lou dealing with the market / coming to her own through the coven magic.
olliebee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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? Yes
3.5
midnightxreader's review against another edition
4.0
istg this book was my whole identity for like a month after i finished it
strawb_shortcake's review against another edition
3.75
3.75-4/ 4.25
ace MC, queer/ bi characters
good gore/ details, witchy
ace MC, queer/ bi characters
good gore/ details, witchy
readuntilthelastpage's review against another edition
I can tell this is gonna be a 2 to 3-star book for me and wasn't feeling it. I am trying to avoid getting myself into any reading slump which is why I decided to DNF this. This isn't a bad book and I was mildly enjoying it, but it just isn't gonna be a new all-time-favorite & I don't want to force myself to finish it if its just gonna be "okay" for me.
selinanoelle's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
3.0
caffeineaddict980's review against another edition
5.0
Not Good For Maidens is a atmospheric horror based off of the poem 'Goblin Market' by Christina Rossetti.
Louisa doesn't believe in magic or the stories that her family tell her of the horrors they endured trying to escape it.
It is only when her aunt goes missing that the market calls to her. Determined to save her, Lou sets off on a quest to save her aunt.
Will the market claim her too?
This was an atmospheric and fast paced novel that never failed to lose me in it's pages.
On top of that, this novel has LGBTQ+ characters present within it, which is an amazing addition to the novel as well as the fast paced storyline and the right blend of fantasy and darkness.
Louisa doesn't believe in magic or the stories that her family tell her of the horrors they endured trying to escape it.
It is only when her aunt goes missing that the market calls to her. Determined to save her, Lou sets off on a quest to save her aunt.
Will the market claim her too?
This was an atmospheric and fast paced novel that never failed to lose me in it's pages.
On top of that, this novel has LGBTQ+ characters present within it, which is an amazing addition to the novel as well as the fast paced storyline and the right blend of fantasy and darkness.