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foxymcflythe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
schwartzy's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
mjt26's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bangell's review against another edition
5.0
4.5
Fantastic story with memorable characters. Gets knocked down 1/2 a star only because dang, is this thing long.
Fantastic story with memorable characters. Gets knocked down 1/2 a star only because dang, is this thing long.
laurenslovelylittlelife's review against another edition
Not vibing with any of the characters and the storyline is a bit too weird in parts. I like historical fantasy but this is a bit too gritty for me.
kuuuu's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-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? Yes
3.75
mattbasil's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
An engaging world, interesting magic system, and likeable characters are the stand outs of this book. However, almost all exposition is delivered in dumps of dialogue by secondary characters, leaving the protagonists little to discover themselves.
lannnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
sleeptalked's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
mrtumnusscarf's review against another edition
I can't quite put my finger on why this wasn't for me. It had all the right elements, they were just not quite right. The pacing, or timing, or importance of events was just off. Some of the characters did things that made no sense, and knew things that other more well-informed characters didn't know.
The last straw for me was when they track down "the nursemaid" who stole Marlowe. She somehow knew all the secrets and inner workings of the institute, much more than the second in command, who worked there for decades knew. Why wasn't she asked any of these questions when it happened? Why would she still have the talisman that is obviously important?
Also, it was strongly implied that Berghast is Marlowe's father. Then the nursemaid casually mentions his parents, so I guess Berghast is not the father?
And I know Charlie's father has some connection, I just don't care at this point.
I also found some of the language repetitive. I was really considering finishing it, but as I type all of this out I realize I made the right choice stopping. Too bad, I really wanted to like this.
Also, it was strongly implied that Berghast is Marlowe's father. Then the nursemaid casually mentions his parents, so I guess Berghast is not the father?
And I know Charlie's father has some connection, I just don't care at this point.
I also found some of the language repetitive. I was really considering finishing it, but as I type all of this out I realize I made the right choice stopping. Too bad, I really wanted to like this.