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izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
5.0
5/5
Ok I think I found another favorite author. I loved the plot and the characters. The abilities of the main character was so intriguing and I loved the twists the author pit in the book. The ending was great. I’m so excited for the sequel but at the same time I am confused in what could branch from the story.
Ok I think I found another favorite author. I loved the plot and the characters. The abilities of the main character was so intriguing and I loved the twists the author pit in the book. The ending was great. I’m so excited for the sequel but at the same time I am confused in what could branch from the story.
oliverocco's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
3.5
cakeisalie27's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.5
melaniegrace91's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
5.0
Moderate: Death of parent and Injury/Injury detail
lepicentre's review against another edition
3.75
3.75/5
Je ne m'attendais à apprécier autant ma lecture. Je trouves ce premier tome bien construit, oui il faut du temps pour tout mettre en place ce qui fait des longueurs par moment.
J'ai adoré Briseis, je la trouve attachante, bon elle fait trop facilement confiance aux gens et ce soucis va créer des problèmes.
J'ai adoré le mélange: magie/don-jardin/plante- enquête/ et quête familial avec un peu de romance.
Je ne m'attendais à apprécier autant ma lecture. Je trouves ce premier tome bien construit, oui il faut du temps pour tout mettre en place ce qui fait des longueurs par moment.
J'ai adoré Briseis, je la trouve attachante, bon elle fait trop facilement confiance aux gens et ce soucis va créer des problèmes.
J'ai adoré le mélange: magie/don-jardin/plante- enquête/ et quête familial avec un peu de romance.
hafertaler's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
emilyb_chicago's review
3.0
For the most part, this was a gentle and interesting middle grade mystery. It had a classic mystery setup but it was new to my middle grade buddy reader. The mysterious tension was well done for the first half of the book. Generally the characters were well enough flushed out and the writing was fine. It was fast paced kind of story that made you not really worry too much about the little things. There were some unbelievable choices but perhaps that’s because I’m not a teen anymore - my middle grade reader didn’t feel that at all.
I loved the way normal parts of being a black woman were a part of this main character - preventing ashy skin, time to wash/condition hair and hair bonnets are just naturally part of this story.
Unfortunately, mid way through the plot started wondering and feeling more confusing than mysterious. By the end, the plot was twisted into a completely different direction than the setup had led us. Finally we were hit with an enormous cliffhanger. If cliffhanger‘s are not your thing then do not read this book!!!
We are buddy reading the second or I would stop just for how abruptly this shift and cliffhanger was setup. I felt pretty betrayed by that ending. But my son loved this book enough for me to continue recommending it to middle graders looking for a fantastical mystery.
I loved the way normal parts of being a black woman were a part of this main character - preventing ashy skin, time to wash/condition hair and hair bonnets are just naturally part of this story.
Unfortunately, mid way through the plot started wondering and feeling more confusing than mysterious. By the end, the plot was twisted into a completely different direction than the setup had led us. Finally we were hit with an enormous cliffhanger. If cliffhanger‘s are not your thing then do not read this book!!!
We are buddy reading the second or I would stop just for how abruptly this shift and cliffhanger was setup. I felt pretty betrayed by that ending. But my son loved this book enough for me to continue recommending it to middle graders looking for a fantastical mystery.
sarahkurtanich's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I simply loved this book. It was entertaining, it had me on the edge of my seat, and there's magic! The description of the book doesn't do justice to all of the inputs the author was able to capture in this story. If you're even the least bit curious about this book, just go for it.
sundaysunshine's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
First and most importantly, shout out to Kalynn Bayron for unapolagetic joyful queer black fantasy representation!! Not to mention this book is (no offense) leagues better than her debut Cinderella is Dead. The premise and storyline is just as interesting and thrilling but as a duology this benefits from having the space to really unfold the mystery and lore at a much more natural pace without the pressure to conclude it like CiD.
The only problem with this book is that the characters are a bit of a weak point, they began to really frustrate me towards the middle of the book with the constant warnings of danger but consistently bad communication. Also not the biggest fan of insta love.
The only problem with this book is that the characters are a bit of a weak point, they began to really frustrate me towards the middle of the book with the constant warnings of danger but consistently bad communication. Also not the biggest fan of insta love.