Reviews

Tangles by Seanan McGuire

gengelcox's review

adventurous medium-paced

2.5

 The issue with any story connected to something outside itself—in this case, the card game Magic: the Gathering—is that much of the world is known by the acolytes of the thing, but unknown to the casual readers. McGuire does the best she can in this world, but at best it is only a yeoman story, nothing that truly illuminates or achieves anything beyond its simple beginnings. 

tobesmagobes's review

3.0

Uhhh I love SM and I have no idea how this was nominated for a Hugo.

hwesta's review

3.0

Interesting, but not compelling. Might have been better if I knew more Magic lore?

lethanibooks's review

3.0

3/5

Short Story Hugo Awards 2022 Nominee.

Another 3 stars for me. Considering I have no idea about Magic (a cards game apparently in which this short story is based), I could follow most of the story with no issues. Really liked the magical atmosphere and the spiritual message delivered. But it felt too simplistic, I needed more. It was my first attempt with Seanan McGuire though and she didn't disappoint so I'm looking forward to read her full length books.

kaymax's review

4.0

Enchanting little tale. I don't know much of M:tG lore beyond some brief reading I did for the D&D/M:tG crossover books, but I think most of the questions I had were answered in the span of the story.

I liked it a lot. It really shines in its simplicity, especially compared to some of the other stories in the same category that are quite a lot denser.

omantienlukija's review

3.0

 I'm not into MTG and the story left me just bit cold. 

booksthatburn's review

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Death

quynh23's review

adventurous mysterious tense 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? Yes

3.75

heniaakbar's review

adventurous fast-paced

2.0

I don't quite understand why this is a good nomination, but it's nice to read something about dryad.

dracorum's review

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Having no attachment to Magic the Gathering, I found very little engaging in this story. The plot was mildly interesting but predictable.