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aceinit's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Full review forthcoming when I have a moment to write. TL;DR, I loved the first half of the book much more than the second, and it would have benefited enormously from leaving out the part where the teenage heroine falls in love with her century-plus-old mentor who still, you know, looks young and hot. Because no matter the story, that stuff never fails to be weird and creepy.
Great world-building, great storytelling (especially the audiobook), and incredible female friendships, even it does fall victim to almost every single YA heroine trope out there.
Full review forthcoming when I have a moment to write. TL;DR, I loved the first half of the book much more than the second, and it would have benefited enormously from leaving out the part where the teenage heroine falls in love with her century-plus-old mentor who still, you know, looks young and hot. Because no matter the story, that stuff never fails to be weird and creepy.
Great world-building, great storytelling (especially the audiobook), and incredible female friendships, even it does fall victim to almost every single YA heroine trope out there.
lamina_miah's review against another edition
4.0
Agnieszka is a little Mary Sue-ish and frustrating with how she just happens to naturally be the best at magic whilst all the other wizards have been practising for literally centuries to refine their art.
But.
Sometime you're just kind of in the mood for a typical YA fantasy that's rooted in Eastern European mythology.
I appreciate a fresh attempt at classic fairytale clichés and how the plot keeps twisting (so much so at times that it's cobfusing to follow).
My rating vary completely on my current mood, I might reread this a year later and totally hate it.
But for now - I'd give it 3.5 stars. Rounded up because Goodreads doesn't allow for that kind of indecision.
But.
Sometime you're just kind of in the mood for a typical YA fantasy that's rooted in Eastern European mythology.
I appreciate a fresh attempt at classic fairytale clichés and how the plot keeps twisting (so much so at times that it's cobfusing to follow).
My rating vary completely on my current mood, I might reread this a year later and totally hate it.
But for now - I'd give it 3.5 stars. Rounded up because Goodreads doesn't allow for that kind of indecision.
kbrinkman93's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
I liked the first half. The second half lost me. It took me 4 months to finally finish it.
dakryssa's review
4.25
J'ai bien aimé l'histoire et je me suis beaucoup attachée au monde. Peut être que les personnages n'étaient pas assez bien développés et l'écriture m'a parfois dérangée (je n'arrivais pas bien à suivre les actions). Mais globalement j'ai bien aimé, ce livre m'a bien remise de ma reading slump et je pense même que j'ai envie d'en lire d'autres de cette autrice.
sydapel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
If you love an enchanting, yet sinister fantasy atmosphere, this book is for you. Especially if you want a story based in folklore and aren't adverse to a bit (a lot) of on page violent murder. Really adored the way the main character tirelessly fights tooth and nail not only for herself, but for what's right, even when those in power around her are concerned with something else entirely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
books_tea_and_fantasy's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 ⭐️
Characters: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Writing: 5
Plot: 5
Intrigue: 4
Logic: 4
Enjoyment: 4
Loved the first half of the book but the rest completely ruined it *sigh* This had so much potential.
❌ DNF at 74%
❌ Unhaul
Characters: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Writing: 5
Plot: 5
Intrigue: 4
Logic: 4
Enjoyment: 4
Loved the first half of the book but the rest completely ruined it *sigh* This had so much potential.
❌ DNF at 74%
❌ Unhaul
finini's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.25
_lindsi's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0