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archiveofrasa's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
all the reviews I watched were spot on when describing this book. overall, it was really entertaining and I did in fact buy the sequel purely because I want to see where this story goes, even if the way events here were executed pretty poorly.
there's much to be desired in this magic system, as every reviewer mentioned. I quickly realised the story wouldn't really explain anything at all. I just started going along with it as if it was a fanfiction, which this book definitely gives me that vibe. it's as if it's from a source material that has a more thought-out world to which if you were a fan of, you'd understand what the fanfic was trying to do and think it was actually quite intelligent.
the themes of moral dilemma were very interesting. I wish we spent more time on exploring why some feel as if this world, which is mostly similar to our own minus the magic (yes I know it doesn't really make sense), is not doing very well and why the Society needs these academics. I feel like if that was built up properly, then I feel like it would've come into fruition near the end much more smoothly. the plot twist was kind of just thrown at us? It was interesting enough that it didn't piss me off but I wish it was done better.
the characters were probably my favourite and I am biased to say it was mainly because of the messy dynamics between all of them. you can literally ship anyone, it's so much fun. I do wish we got more out of Nico and Reina as characters; the scenes they chose for each of their POV chapters didn't really say much about them? I really liked Nico's relationship with Gideon and how that developed, even though I think the author was trying to go for an "academic rivals to lovers" with Libby (I see it but I am a queer friends to lovers guy at heart). I liked all the characters and am curious to see where they end up in the second (and final) book.
there's much to be desired in this magic system, as every reviewer mentioned. I quickly realised the story wouldn't really explain anything at all. I just started going along with it as if it was a fanfiction, which this book definitely gives me that vibe. it's as if it's from a source material that has a more thought-out world to which if you were a fan of, you'd understand what the fanfic was trying to do and think it was actually quite intelligent.
the themes of moral dilemma were very interesting. I wish we spent more time on exploring why some feel as if this world, which is mostly similar to our own minus the magic (yes I know it doesn't really make sense), is not doing very well and why the Society needs these academics. I feel like if that was built up properly, then I feel like it would've come into fruition near the end much more smoothly. the plot twist was kind of just thrown at us? It was interesting enough that it didn't piss me off but I wish it was done better.
the characters were probably my favourite and I am biased to say it was mainly because of the messy dynamics between all of them. you can literally ship anyone, it's so much fun. I do wish we got more out of Nico and Reina as characters; the scenes they chose for each of their POV chapters didn't really say much about them? I really liked Nico's relationship with Gideon and how that developed, even though I think the author was trying to go for an "academic rivals to lovers" with Libby (I see it but I am a queer friends to lovers guy at heart). I liked all the characters and am curious to see where they end up in the second (and final) book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Sexual content
Moderate: Infertility, Alcohol, and Violence
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