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ray_jca's review against another edition
3.0
I don’t like this. Unlike the other books by Holly Black I had to try very hard to finish the book.
theogb451's review against another edition
3.0
If you are into fun contemporary thrillers including magic then you'll probably enjoy this a lot.
For me it was decent but I didn't love it. One thing I really liked was the magic system isn't really explained, it's not some carefully worked out magic as science thing (which is good when done well, but annoying otherwise). Instead we learn what we need. But at the same time there's no deus ex-Machina which is another easy choice writers can make with 'magic' in their story.
However, the characters didn't really land for me and at times I found the prose style lacking in elegance. The narrative takes great pains to reiterate the rules of shadows to point where I felt like the author thought I must be lacking attention.
For me it was decent but I didn't love it. One thing I really liked was the magic system isn't really explained, it's not some carefully worked out magic as science thing (which is good when done well, but annoying otherwise). Instead we learn what we need. But at the same time there's no deus ex-Machina which is another easy choice writers can make with 'magic' in their story.
However, the characters didn't really land for me and at times I found the prose style lacking in elegance. The narrative takes great pains to reiterate the rules of shadows to point where I felt like the author thought I must be lacking attention.
dragon_ex_machina's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kindlereads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Like every holly black story this is a very enjoyable tale. I particularly liked Charlie’s character development. As well as discovering what the secrets were around her as she discovered them. I look forward to the second book in this duology.
booksandbujos's review against another edition
This book was so boring. It had both too much and nothing happening and I just didn’t care about any or the character or anything going on… slightly curious about the end but not enough to finish it
ladygeekface_'s review against another edition
3.0
I went back and forth on my feelings for this book for a few days after finishing it. I still haven't made a full decision.
At first I wasn't into the main character, and the pacing felt off. My interest didn't really peak in this book until we got a closer look at Vince and his secrets (oh Vince, I will give you all the hugs). I was really intrigued after that, even with a few plot things bothering me. A world where you can control your shadow and gain powers through? Okay Peter Pan!
I didn't connect with the MC, but I do think Posey is the real MVP. Can I have her story now?
I was intrigued by this world Holly created. If this is a stand alone, I feel the world building itself needed more. You can't tell me about all these cool things and not give me more! Also, that ending.. no. Just no. If this is the beginning to a series, then I'll happily read the next book and re-evaluate my rating.
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
At first I wasn't into the main character, and the pacing felt off. My interest didn't really peak in this book until we got a closer look at Vince and his secrets (oh Vince, I will give you all the hugs). I was really intrigued after that, even with a few plot things bothering me. A world where you can control your shadow and gain powers through? Okay Peter Pan!
I didn't connect with the MC, but I do think Posey is the real MVP. Can I have her story now?
I was intrigued by this world Holly created. If this is a stand alone, I feel the world building itself needed more. You can't tell me about all these cool things and not give me more! Also, that ending.. no. Just no. If this is the beginning to a series, then I'll happily read the next book and re-evaluate my rating.
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
lou13st's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lillsmay's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kathleen_02509's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75