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scifi_rat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Plot: 4★
Prose: 4★
Pace: 3.5★
Concept/Execution: 4★/3★
Characters: 3.5★
Worldbuilding: 3★
Ending: 3★
Prose: 4★
Pace: 3.5★
Concept/Execution: 4★/3★
Characters: 3.5★
Worldbuilding: 3★
Ending: 3★
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Animal death, Pregnancy, Sexism, Medical content, Miscarriage, Death, and Violence
Minor: Torture, Blood, Body horror, Cannibalism, Child death, Confinement, Infidelity, and Animal cruelty
daniellekat's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I loved this. It was quick moving and the characters were all so charming. Marra was a little dull for me but the rest of the cast made up for it (I especially loved Agnes). I loved the short length, and was surprised at how much the author packed in. The light humour was endearing but I’ll admit I was expecting slightly more horror. This is my second Kingfisher book and I’m definitely a fan of her writing style. It’s vivid and poetic without being meandering. I will advise checking out the content warnings for this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Pregnancy
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Child death, Miscarriage, and Murder
amaranth_wytch's review
adventurous
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Murder
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Classism, Cannibalism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
cozycaro's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Domestic abuse, Death, Grief, Misogyny, and Murder
Minor: Torture
erebus53's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
This is a book that has been on my radar for a while and I only just got around to it. I had expected a YA feel and was pleasantly impressed that it maintained that while also not over romanticising things. I would probably say it's as good as Hunger Games if not so epic. As a note, the narration is particularly well done, well enunciated and performed.
Big pluses for me include hardly any combat. There is conflict, and problem solving, and awkward conversation, but less cut-and-thrust. We have a fairytale vibe, of 3 impossible quests to start the mission, princesses being all betrothed about the place, a grandmother sage, fairy godmothers, and a demon-possessed chicken (utterly relatable). The star of the show is definitely Bonedog, an undead construct wired together of animated bone, inhabited by a simple pup who barely notices that he doesn't actually have anything left down there to lick.
When Marra realises that her sister is being physically abused by a cruel prince intent on putting an heir in her, she musters up the fortitude to leave the safety of her knitting in the convent, and quests together a party of friends intent on a bit of regicide. The whole story is woven with wry dialogue, wit and fae uncertainty.
Some of the things like the fairy market have some very visceral and unsettling moments. This creates a lot of the sense of immersion and tension that would normally be sword battles and boss fights in a more militant fantasy story. It sticks with me longer though. An encounter with a super-creepy haunted puppet, becomes a lesson about consent.
The male love interest is depicted as noble and honourable eye-candy. Unlike most YA novels this brewing romance is not a fluffy little thing. Coming from a place of mutual respect, probable mortal peril, and traumatic experiences, Marra and Fenris develop a relationship over the course of the book, and they take their sweet time coming to a point of mutual comfort with the idea.
Reminds me of that joke about being an adult; realising that the most "Grown Up drink" you can have is not coffee or booze, but water. (I notice that the old woman recognises Fenris as being a wolfish name, but otherwise it is not mentioned.)
Well worth a read if you are into fantasy stuff with strong female characters. Bits of this vibe with me along the lines of Neil Gaiman, Jim Henson, Studio Ghibli and the like. Glad I finally found myself a copy!
Big pluses for me include hardly any combat. There is conflict, and problem solving, and awkward conversation, but less cut-and-thrust. We have a fairytale vibe, of 3 impossible quests to start the mission, princesses being all betrothed about the place, a grandmother sage, fairy godmothers, and a demon-possessed chicken (utterly relatable). The star of the show is definitely Bonedog, an undead construct wired together of animated bone, inhabited by a simple pup who barely notices that he doesn't actually have anything left down there to lick.
When Marra realises that her sister is being physically abused by a cruel prince intent on putting an heir in her, she musters up the fortitude to leave the safety of her knitting in the convent, and quests together a party of friends intent on a bit of regicide. The whole story is woven with wry dialogue, wit and fae uncertainty.
Some of the things like the fairy market have some very visceral and unsettling moments. This creates a lot of the sense of immersion and tension that would normally be sword battles and boss fights in a more militant fantasy story. It sticks with me longer though. An encounter with a super-creepy haunted puppet, becomes a lesson about consent.
The male love interest is depicted as noble and honourable eye-candy. Unlike most YA novels this brewing romance is not a fluffy little thing. Coming from a place of mutual respect, probable mortal peril, and traumatic experiences, Marra and Fenris develop a relationship over the course of the book, and they take their sweet time coming to a point of mutual comfort with the idea.
Reminds me of that joke about being an adult; realising that the most "Grown Up drink" you can have is not coffee or booze, but water. (I notice that the old woman recognises Fenris as being a wolfish name, but otherwise it is not mentioned.)
Well worth a read if you are into fantasy stuff with strong female characters. Bits of this vibe with me along the lines of Neil Gaiman, Jim Henson, Studio Ghibli and the like. Glad I finally found myself a copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Murder, Body horror, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Child death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Pregnancy, Death, Grief, and Blood
Minor: Sexual violence
tallulahlucy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, and Misogyny
Moderate: Gore, Sexism, Sexual assault, Child death, Grief, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Cannibalism, Classism, Physical abuse, Animal death, Rape, Death, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Child abuse and Violence
anna_fangirling's review
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book is different than I expected; it was darker than I anticipated but I loved it. The magic system in this was so cool and unlike anything I’ve read. The descriptions in the book were beautifully worded; while it was filled with dark content and the way it was poetically executed softened the dark. The character’s motivation was compelling, made me care deeply for the main character and rooting for her to succeed.
The pacing was interesting. Less focused on action than expected. Lots of ‘this went somewhere I didn’t expect but this is cool!”. There were some parts that were a bit squicky for me (the tooth scene; if you know, you know).
The pacing was interesting. Less focused on action than expected. Lots of ‘this went somewhere I didn’t expect but this is cool!”. There were some parts that were a bit squicky for me (the tooth scene; if you know, you know).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Child death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Miscarriage, and Body horror
Minor: Cannibalism
bohemianhermit04's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Grief, Miscarriage, and Physical abuse
Minor: Murder, Misogyny, Animal death, Miscarriage, Cannibalism, and Child death
twistykris's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A uniquely funny, scary, dark book that was a joy to read. This is NOT a cozy fantasy by any means. There are elements of cozy fantasy: found family, adventure, humor. But there is a lot of dark content and some mid-high stakes. Please check the trigger warnings.
The world-building was fantastic and it felt like every character was truly fleshed out. The dust-wife was just an absolutely grumpy gem that I adored and her demon chicken made me laugh out loud multiple times (though I wish we could have seen more of what the demon chicken could do and how she came to have a demon inside of her). Marra was a great character, though sometimes her self-doubt got to be a little grating; it felt like every chapter had her inner thoughts of "I can't do this, I'm making a mistake, this is a dumb idea, these people don't want to help me." I understand it to an extent, but it just felt whiny at times.
Not exactly a page-turner at certain points- some of the pacing was a little off for me and it felt like it jumped from plot point to plot point in a weird manner that I only realized later on that it's meant to read like a fairy tale (which makes sense, I feel silly for not recognizing it earlier). Overall a very enjoyable read!
The world-building was fantastic and it felt like every character was truly fleshed out. The dust-wife was just an absolutely grumpy gem that I adored and her demon chicken made me laugh out loud multiple times (though I wish we could have seen more of what the demon chicken could do and how she came to have a demon inside of her). Marra was a great character, though sometimes her self-doubt got to be a little grating; it felt like every chapter had her inner thoughts of "I can't do this, I'm making a mistake, this is a dumb idea, these people don't want to help me." I understand it to an extent, but it just felt whiny at times.
Not exactly a page-turner at certain points- some of the pacing was a little off for me and it felt like it jumped from plot point to plot point in a weird manner that I only realized later on that it's meant to read like a fairy tale (which makes sense, I feel silly for not recognizing it earlier). Overall a very enjoyable read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Death, Miscarriage, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Abortion, Child death, Grief, Infertility, Medical content, and Misogyny
Minor: Cannibalism and Injury/Injury detail
fallandfox's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-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
4.0
Princesa Marra após anos vendo sua irmã mais do meio sofrendo nas mãos do marido abusivo realiza que ela quem deve salvar sua irmã. Com a ajuda de uma bruxa de cemitério, uma fada madrinha, uma galinha possuída por um demônio e um antigo guerreiro. Juntos eles partem para libertar a família da Marra e o reino das mãos desse tirano.
Eu escolhi essa leitura como parte do meu semi objetivo de ler alguns dos livros que ganharam o goodreads choice awards do ano passado.
Eu precisava de uma fantasia diferenciada esses tempos então essa foi uma ótima experiência e pude entender porque muita gente estava gostando da leitura.
Quando eu terminei o livro só conseguia pensar em como eu queria ler ele de novo ou procurar outros livros da autora.
A escrita pra mim foi diferente do que estou acostumada em fantasias e de certa forma menos cansativa principalmente por não ter sido a minha leitura prioridade.
Eu não me senti muito conectada em relação ao ambiente mas não interferiu na minha leitura por estar curtindo a vibe do livro e ser fácil de ler.
Marra a personagem principal é uma princesa de um reino pequeno, e para este sobreviver a ataques precisa se unir por meio de casamentos com o maior reino, ela se encontra como uma freira como forma de o rei que era casado com sua irmã mais velha casou e depois morrei e agora sua irmã do meio casou com ele agora. Depois de observar o abuso que sua irmã esta sofrendo ela busca uma bruxa de cemitério para ajuda-la em sua jornada quando tudo começa.
A bruxa do cemitério é uma personagem bem interessante e de uma boa logica que as vezes faz falta nas aventuras, a gente não descobre sobre o passado dela porque não é importante para a historia mas isso não impediu de gostar dela, a galinha com o demônio nela foi bem engraçada mas não muito presente.
O guerreiro antigo era um homem que cometeu um ato bom mas que era considerado um ato imperdoável em seu povo e depois de escolhas que fez acabou sendo vendido por fadas onde foi comprado pela protagonista e a bruxa.
A fada madrinha é uma personagem engraçada que acaba modificando tudo oque a gente espera de uma fada madrinha na pratica mas ela se tornou minha favorita.
E uma historia com momento engraçados mas que não esquece de na sua jornada colocar o quão importante é a proteção que a princesa sente por sua irmã e sua vontade de salvar ela de um destino terrível que seria seu nas mãos do seu marido violento e abusivo.
Eu escolhi essa leitura como parte do meu semi objetivo de ler alguns dos livros que ganharam o goodreads choice awards do ano passado.
Eu precisava de uma fantasia diferenciada esses tempos então essa foi uma ótima experiência e pude entender porque muita gente estava gostando da leitura.
Quando eu terminei o livro só conseguia pensar em como eu queria ler ele de novo ou procurar outros livros da autora.
A escrita pra mim foi diferente do que estou acostumada em fantasias e de certa forma menos cansativa principalmente por não ter sido a minha leitura prioridade.
Eu não me senti muito conectada em relação ao ambiente mas não interferiu na minha leitura por estar curtindo a vibe do livro e ser fácil de ler.
Marra a personagem principal é uma princesa de um reino pequeno, e para este sobreviver a ataques precisa se unir por meio de casamentos com o maior reino, ela se encontra como uma freira como forma de o rei que era casado com sua irmã mais velha casou e depois morrei e agora sua irmã do meio casou com ele agora. Depois de observar o abuso que sua irmã esta sofrendo ela busca uma bruxa de cemitério para ajuda-la em sua jornada quando tudo começa.
A bruxa do cemitério é uma personagem bem interessante e de uma boa logica que as vezes faz falta nas aventuras, a gente não descobre sobre o passado dela porque não é importante para a historia mas isso não impediu de gostar dela, a galinha com o demônio nela foi bem engraçada mas não muito presente.
O guerreiro antigo era um homem que cometeu um ato bom mas que era considerado um ato imperdoável em seu povo e depois de escolhas que fez acabou sendo vendido por fadas onde foi comprado pela protagonista e a bruxa.
A fada madrinha é uma personagem engraçada que acaba modificando tudo oque a gente espera de uma fada madrinha na pratica mas ela se tornou minha favorita.
E uma historia com momento engraçados mas que não esquece de na sua jornada colocar o quão importante é a proteção que a princesa sente por sua irmã e sua vontade de salvar ela de um destino terrível que seria seu nas mãos do seu marido violento e abusivo.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Slavery, Murder, Violence, and Miscarriage