Scan barcode
mesreader2013's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Would have been great as a series with the characters and world built a bit more. There was so much potential that fell short. Over all, it's ok
jessturtles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
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
classiestcass's review against another edition
2.0
I feel like the synopsis for this novel had so much potential but the execution of it just kind of fell flat for me. While I understand that it was a standalone, it felt rushed and could've used a lot more time for world building and just really fleshing out, well, everything. If that means it should've been more than one book, then that's something I would've been okay with if that produced a story that sank its hooks into me. As it was, I wasn't really able to delve into this book because there was nothing really to delve into. All the relationships were superficial, as were the characters themselves. With more time (and by time I mean like, more books I guess), I feel like this book would've been a million times better. There would have been more at stake during the conflict. There would have been just more feelings on my end, to be honest with you.
And I'm not trying to say this book was bad because it wasn't. But it wasn't great either. At most it was okay, which is why I gave it two stars. Plus I feel like the potential was there, it just needed longer to really come together.
Overall it was an okay book, and I'd recommend people maybe giving it a try if you're into this kind of story. I know that some people really liked this book, so it might just be my particular tastes that kept me from being really hooked by this story.
And I'm not trying to say this book was bad because it wasn't. But it wasn't great either. At most it was okay, which is why I gave it two stars. Plus I feel like the potential was there, it just needed longer to really come together.
Overall it was an okay book, and I'd recommend people maybe giving it a try if you're into this kind of story. I know that some people really liked this book, so it might just be my particular tastes that kept me from being really hooked by this story.
theduchess93's review against another edition
5.0
WOW this book surpassed its hype!! Queer magical singing during a La Terreur esque period? Absolutely fantastic. Usually I much prefer standalones to series but I just want more in this universe! The author sent me a handwritten note for pre-ordering too?? One of my favorite books of 2020.
Also, content warning -- dog death
Also, content warning -- dog death
anyacrittenton's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed this book, especially as a Phantom retelling, but it definitely starts stronger than it finishes and it has some serious pacing issues in the middle.
I loved the world of this book and really want to learn more about it, which is why I'm not mad that the book finished by hinting at a sequel. Remi and Cadence were both wonderful protagonists and Ember's writing helped me realize I don't hate first-person POV on principle, I just hate how most authors employ it. But I didn't mind the first-person POV of this book at all, even switching between our two leads. Elene was a little thin as a character and villain, however. A lot of the book felt thin and underdeveloped, but I'm hoping that can be fixed in a sequel if there is one.
As a queer Phantom retelling, I was fairly happy, but I hope if there is a sequel, that the pacing is fixed and it doesn't drag as much as the middle/end of this book did. Also, this book has a VERY abrupt ending, which I didn't love.
I loved the world of this book and really want to learn more about it, which is why I'm not mad that the book finished by hinting at a sequel. Remi and Cadence were both wonderful protagonists and Ember's writing helped me realize I don't hate first-person POV on principle, I just hate how most authors employ it. But I didn't mind the first-person POV of this book at all, even switching between our two leads. Elene was a little thin as a character and villain, however. A lot of the book felt thin and underdeveloped, but I'm hoping that can be fixed in a sequel if there is one.
As a queer Phantom retelling, I was fairly happy, but I hope if there is a sequel, that the pacing is fixed and it doesn't drag as much as the middle/end of this book did. Also, this book has a VERY abrupt ending, which I didn't love.
pantsreads's review against another edition
3.0
2.5/5
Really great idea, but it's light on execution and could have benefitted from more focus on world-building. More definitely would have been more with this book.
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
Really great idea, but it's light on execution and could have benefitted from more focus on world-building. More definitely would have been more with this book.
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
paja2004's review against another edition
2.0
Spain without the S. This book should've had like fifty pages. Why does it have almost four hundred? No idea! In the 3/4 of the book there was no plot. And the thing that after not seeing each other more than ten years and she only looks at her and fantasizes about sex? I will NOT forget this. The fact, that Cadence is totally dumb is just sad. Remi's horse was cool. Liked the ending.
lilyjoyner's review against another edition
3.0
hummm... it hard to voice my opinions on this, but it happened so fast. I feel like only have a clear picture of like 2 of the characters. The end was so rushed.
verypeculiarpages's review against another edition
2.0
*eARC provided by publisher. All opinions are my own.*
BEAUTIFUL FRICKIN’ COVER. Sadly, I just wasn’t into this book. I read something about this being Phantom of the Opera-esque but I really didn’t pick up on that at all, besides the singing aspect and murder??
I did like the idea of using song as weapon and such, but the worldbuilding just felt a bit weak at times. The plot sort of meanders for a majority of the book until the very end when everything is rushed together and wrapped up VERY quickly. I also didn’t really feel much of an attachment to any of the characters. I enjoy seeing more F/F romance, especially in YA fantasy, but Cadence and Remi’s relationship didn’t feel like it had much substance and growth. Disappointed because I felt like this could’ve been really cool if the plot had been a bit more interesting! 2.5
BEAUTIFUL FRICKIN’ COVER. Sadly, I just wasn’t into this book. I read something about this being Phantom of the Opera-esque but I really didn’t pick up on that at all, besides the singing aspect and murder??
I did like the idea of using song as weapon and such, but the worldbuilding just felt a bit weak at times. The plot sort of meanders for a majority of the book until the very end when everything is rushed together and wrapped up VERY quickly. I also didn’t really feel much of an attachment to any of the characters. I enjoy seeing more F/F romance, especially in YA fantasy, but Cadence and Remi’s relationship didn’t feel like it had much substance and growth. Disappointed because I felt like this could’ve been really cool if the plot had been a bit more interesting! 2.5