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mkesler14's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I loved this books take on Grimm fairytales! Fairytale stories meet murder mystery. The book is mainly character driven for the first 2/3 of the book in my opinion, the overarching plot of the murder mystery really doesn’t happen until the last couple of chapters. I think the intent of the book was to set up the characters and story to start a series. Intrigued to see where the sequel of this series takes us. I love the spin on each of the characters as they relate to characters we know and love. A unique concept for sure, and lots of LGBTQ+ content too! My friend and I read together in our book club, it was really fun trying to figure out who was who based off context clues.
My only thing is since this may be setting us up for more, there’s a good chunk of loose ends/plot holes. I also wish we could’ve seen a little more plot development in the first two parts.
Last thing: Ella Stan for Life ✌🏼
My only thing is since this may be setting us up for more, there’s a good chunk of loose ends/plot holes. I also wish we could’ve seen a little more plot development in the first two parts.
Last thing: Ella Stan for Life ✌🏼
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Murder
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
catmorph's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
varya_rom's review
dark
mysterious
relaxing
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? No
4.25
jenny_by_the_book's review
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
vonderbash's review
1.0
If you read the blurb, this sounds like it’s going to be perfect. I was so excited.
Concept? Fantastic
Characters? Lovely
Diversity and representation? A+++
Cover? What dreams are made of
Execution, however fell flat. Very little happens, too many narrators slow down the plot, the killer is easy to guess, and it ends on a weird cliffhanger. The diversity quickly turns into stereotypes and seems like it’s just trying to check boxes. I have no desire to read the second one, unfortunately.
2022 has been the year of books I should love but I am disappointed by, and I’m so bummed this was part of that trend.
Concept? Fantastic
Characters? Lovely
Diversity and representation? A+++
Cover? What dreams are made of
Execution, however fell flat. Very little happens, too many narrators slow down the plot, the killer is easy to guess, and it ends on a weird cliffhanger. The diversity quickly turns into stereotypes and seems like it’s just trying to check boxes. I have no desire to read the second one, unfortunately.
2022 has been the year of books I should love but I am disappointed by, and I’m so bummed this was part of that trend.
janagaton's review
3.0
Characters & diversity & representation = stellar. Plot & execution = not so much.
phoebe1321's review against another edition
5.0
6/5 stars if I could. I loved this book so much! It's a dark fairytale retelling full of queer characters and strong female friendships. While I loved the premise and the story, it was the characters and their uniqueness and relationships with one another that was my favorite part
novaturient_bibliophile's review
4.5
As much as I really enjoyed this book, the first 200 pages or so were a bit dull and unexciting. It was like nothing happened and then—boom! everything just happened all at once, which made it a bit of a discouraging read. And sometimes seemingly boring rising actions can secretly hold hints and foreshadowing, but this one didn’t really. The ending and overall vibe/energy of the book makes that a bit of a moot point, though. I really liked how each of the girls overcame their own issues/got their own spotlight. It made the book very well-rounded. Plus, the diversity and queer rep were incredible. This book did frustrate me at times, though, because I knew it could be better and it just wasn’t, which is proven by how great the ending was. I was also overwhelmed at times. That being said, I’m still very excited to read the sequel.
This reminded me of the Once Upon a Con series by Ashley Poston, and sort of Carry On by Rainbow Rowell (because they both have gay people at boarding schools).
This reminded me of the Once Upon a Con series by Ashley Poston, and sort of Carry On by Rainbow Rowell (because they both have gay people at boarding schools).