Scan barcode
pond_newt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
3.75
An enjoyable, if occasionally predictable, story. The world created was very immersive and the magic system was explained well so it never felt like having to learn complex rules. At points plot felt a bit too reliant on twist reveals that were sometimes predictable, but it was still entertaining. The worldbuilding was probably my favourite element of the book, with the relationship between Elena and Edith a close second. They were both very well-written and believe-able and their relationship was very easy to root for. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for books with good wlw representation, especially if you're interested in lgbt historical fiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Murder, and Blood
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, and Car accident
Minor: Sexual harassment and Death of parent
emily_mh's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Usually I’m not a fan of paranormal stories (e.g., urban fantasy, angels and demons type stuff) but I really liked it here. Polk fit in some nice depth to the world which is always a challenge in a novella. I especially appreciated the history we were given of the angels as this fleshed out the angel characters well. I also liked how the politics between the various supernatural factions had such direct influence over the plot and characters. I will say I was a little confused whether the supernatural/magical world was hidden or the norm for all humans everywhere.
The story was so easy to fly through. The plot was fast-paced and investigation-driven, the latter essential in a murder-mystery for me. It was also clever, the resolution satisfying.
I got a good sense of the MC Helen and was fully rooting for her. She’s a puzzler and a thinker, she’s driven, but most important she loves HARD. My heart was in my throat seeing the lengths she would go to to save and protect her loved ones.
Unfortunately I didn’t totally get the romance between Helen and Edith. I didn’t feel the depth of their connection like most other readers have seemed to. But it wasn’t a biggie for me overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Drug use, Gun violence, Death of parent, Violence, Death, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Car accident
Minor: Addiction, Sexual content, Homophobia, Ableism, Forced institutionalization, Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, Drug abuse, Domestic abuse, Grief, Cursing, Sexual harassment, and Alcohol
Moderate: conversion therapy, eye trauma Minor: gambling, loss of a loved one, self-injury
More...