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ashley73922's review against another edition
1.0
The concept and plot of the novella are great; the problems with grammar and usage, however, completely hamstring the story. I hope this does find its way into the hands of a good publisher that can offer the kind of developmental editing and copyediting needed to make the story shine, because the author has a voice worth hearing.
caitlinattemptstoread's review
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
barefootbetsy's review against another edition
3.0
Short, definitely would’ve liked the world and characters to be fleshed out more, but a nice story.
The premise of working on nuclear-like reactions (and the inevitable human desire to use them for violent purposes) reminded me a bit of early Isaac Asimov short stories (which I grew up reading and love) but in a more fantasy/magic world.
The premise of working on nuclear-like reactions (and the inevitable human desire to use them for violent purposes) reminded me a bit of early Isaac Asimov short stories (which I grew up reading and love) but in a more fantasy/magic world.
candidceillie's review
4.0
This was a sweet little story that I enjoyed for the most part. I wanted to see a little more of their personal interactions, though I know that can be difficult in such a short story. I would love to read more about Amalthea's explorations in the future!
strina's review
1.0
Short novella and yet somehow *still too long*. The flashbacks were awkward. The concept was amazing, just not the right execution.
gay's review
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
rikepeet's review
4.0
She had soft words of longing, harsh words of betrayal, and grief-filled words of disbelief. But in the end, it didn't matter what she chose, Ellie would get the message either way.
Within just a few pages, Murray paints a vivid, magical world that mirrors our own in the cruelest ways (except that, thank the gay gods, homophobia and transphobia are nowhere to be found) and the love of two women whose romance is tainted by their duties and history, war and heritage so that in the end the only thing that remains is for them to be broken apart by just that.
hartd's review
I'm sorry to say that I didn't enjoy this short story much at all. I was going to give it a one-star rating, but it is in fact not classified as a romance at Amazon. So it's my fault that I thought it was a romance. I'm not going to give it a rating at all, since I was so mistaken about the genre.
I really dislike the fact that stories about wlw are usually very angsty. Why must women always suffer so much in fiction? This story is pretty much a slide into misery. The ending I am honestly sorry I listened to it, which is not a familiar sentiment for me at all.
Aside from my own issues, the writing feels clumsy. I never knew how old either of these characters were or how much time had passed at any point. The author's word choices moved between fairy-tale-style phrasing and modern language in a really jarring way.
I do like the setting, kind of a vague fantasy world with magic and with no homophobia or transphobia, but with racism and xenophobia. There is some really lovely poetic writing in this story, and the cover is beautiful. I listened to the audio version narrated by Sydney Beck, who did a great job.
I really dislike the fact that stories about wlw are usually very angsty. Why must women always suffer so much in fiction? This story is pretty much a slide into misery. The ending
Spoiler
could be interpreted as hopeful, but it's pretty bittersweet. I imagine Amalthea carrying the burden of knowing that Eleanor used and manipulated her for the rest of her life, even if she does manage to find some kind of happiness elsewhere.Aside from my own issues, the writing feels clumsy. I never knew how old either of these characters were or how much time had passed at any point. The author's word choices moved between fairy-tale-style phrasing and modern language in a really jarring way.
I do like the setting, kind of a vague fantasy world with magic and with no homophobia or transphobia, but with racism and xenophobia. There is some really lovely poetic writing in this story, and the cover is beautiful. I listened to the audio version narrated by Sydney Beck, who did a great job.
claudiearseneault's review
4.0
I loved the concept behind this story and for the most part, it didn't disappoint. Blending science and magic always thrills me, and it was perhaps my favourite part of this.
I'll say, though, I really wish we'd gotten to see the romance more directly, or more importantly their interactions as an established couple? I feel it would have given more depth to Ellie's impossible demands and Amalthea's terrible choice.
Overall, though, kudos for a black wlw lead that made me think of Einstein in a fantasy book. 👍
I'll say, though, I really wish we'd gotten to see the romance more directly, or more importantly their interactions as an established couple? I feel it would have given more depth to Ellie's impossible demands and Amalthea's terrible choice.
Overall, though, kudos for a black wlw lead that made me think of Einstein in a fantasy book. 👍
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