Scan barcode
sdsmith80's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
<strong>A modern fairy tale!</strong>
I'm originally from the Midwest, so the thought of a fairy tale set in Chicago piqued my interest. Also, with the second book coming out, I wanted to get caught up. I'm so glad I did.
First off, I'm a sucker for stories based in mythology, and I love how Cynthia Pelayo gives the history of the Brothers Grimm, and the tales they collected, then set one of those tales, The Pied Piper, in modern day Chicago. The blending of other mythologies (specifically Greek) was a great touch as well.
My heart broke for Lauren as her story unraveled and the truth came to light. The struggles she had through her whole life, and what she did to survive, made for an excellent, if heart-wrenching, tale. My only gripe, minus one very minor blip (a harmonica described as laser engraved about a century before laser engraving existed), is that the ending leaves so many unanswered questions.
I really hope that the next books in this saga will revisit Det. Medina's story, and not just completely ignore it in favor of the new tales. My public library already has a copy of The Shoemaker's Magician, so hopefully my wait won't be too long to continue this series!
I'm originally from the Midwest, so the thought of a fairy tale set in Chicago piqued my interest. Also, with the second book coming out, I wanted to get caught up. I'm so glad I did.
First off, I'm a sucker for stories based in mythology, and I love how Cynthia Pelayo gives the history of the Brothers Grimm, and the tales they collected, then set one of those tales, The Pied Piper, in modern day Chicago. The blending of other mythologies (specifically Greek) was a great touch as well.
My heart broke for Lauren as her story unraveled and the truth came to light. The struggles she had through her whole life, and what she did to survive, made for an excellent, if heart-wrenching, tale. My only gripe, minus one very minor blip (a harmonica described as laser engraved about a century before laser engraving existed), is that the ending leaves so many unanswered questions.
I really hope that the next books in this saga will revisit Det. Medina's story, and not just completely ignore it in favor of the new tales. My public library already has a copy of The Shoemaker's Magician, so hopefully my wait won't be too long to continue this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Mental illness, Murder, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Violence, Alcohol, Child death, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Gun violence and Police brutality
catwhisperer's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Grief, Child death, Death of parent, Abandonment, Blood, Gun violence, Mental illness, Police brutality, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gore, Murder, Self harm, Suicide, and Violence
More...