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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
tense
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:
Yes
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
medium-paced
I loved this book. The writing style reminded me a lot of the T.J. Klune's style of writing - specifically in the Cerulean Chronicles. The premise of the story is similar as well, minus the orphaned magical kids. A house full of magic on an island inhabited by an individual who doesn't quite like being around others is visited by an employee of a company who takes their job very seriously. The story is VERY different, but gave me the same cozy feels.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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:
Yes
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a lovely cosy read, which I was expecting from the cover (which is nice when it pulls through). I did find the magic system a little confusing at the start, but the more it was referenced the more it made sense, but not total sense. I couldn’t explain to you what the magic system is now I’ve finished it. I also really liked how there wasn’t any characters with a natural un-natural amount of power - only the villian was but he did steal it. However I expect Merritt may be this in the series going forward . The relationships between Merritt and the house as well as him and Hulda I found really sweet and definitely added to the loveliness of the story.
I however didn’t find myself invested in any of the characters or the really the outcome of the plot. It was a lovely cosy escape, and nothing more.
I however didn’t find myself invested in any of the characters or the really the outcome of the plot. It was a lovely cosy escape, and nothing more.
4.5⭐️
I loved this book. I struggled to get into it to start, hence not quiet 5 star.
I cannot wait to get into the second book.
I loved this book. I struggled to get into it to start, hence not quiet 5 star.
I cannot wait to get into the second book.
I’m in my cottagecore cozy fantasy era, and this one takes a solid spot at the top!
Watching the characters come together to take care of the house and solve its mysteries (while secretly solving their own) was just so much fun.
The historical/period details are just the cherry on top!
Love the new magic system introduced, and the perfect setup for more adventures. The main characters are flawed and endearing…and I’m looking forward to spending more time with them in the sequel.
—-
Updated to add: I’d consider this first book on the edge of cozy. She balances the drama/dark pretty well with a feel good cast of characters and outcome. But, just worth a mention that it’s a bit more dramatic than most in the genre…and now that I’m in book 4, there’s definitely some “thrill” present! ;)
Watching the characters come together to take care of the house and solve its mysteries (while secretly solving their own) was just so much fun.
The historical/period details are just the cherry on top!
Love the new magic system introduced, and the perfect setup for more adventures. The main characters are flawed and endearing…and I’m looking forward to spending more time with them in the sequel.
—-
Updated to add: I’d consider this first book on the edge of cozy. She balances the drama/dark pretty well with a feel good cast of characters and outcome. But, just worth a mention that it’s a bit more dramatic than most in the genre…and now that I’m in book 4, there’s definitely some “thrill” present! ;)
3.5 The beginning of the book was really slow, but then it picked up the pace. But I didn't really love it. I felt more like a passenger than a character, if that makes sense.
This was... an entertaining read. Not one of my favorites, but interesting enough. The magic system was very cool. But the villain... I didn't ever feel scared for the heroes; I knew they would be fine. The villain was actually really cool, though.
The romance was... meh. I don't really know what I feel about it, other than disappointed. Why would you cut off our first kiss? That was incredibly rude. I was waiting the whole book for that! I also predicted every hot and cold arc of it. That's not a bad thing, but I just wasn't really IN the romance.
I love the house. It's just amazing and hilarious. Its matchmaking habits were so funny to watch! Especially that bed scene... I had to laugh so much. At first I hated the house, but then I realized that it really was just lonely and didn't know how to act around people. Then I loved it. I would live in an enchanted house if I could.
This was... an entertaining read. Not one of my favorites, but interesting enough. The magic system was very cool. But the villain... I didn't ever feel scared for the heroes; I knew they would be fine. The villain was actually really cool, though.
The romance was... meh. I don't really know what I feel about it, other than disappointed. Why would you cut off our first kiss? That was incredibly rude. I was waiting the whole book for that! I also predicted every hot and cold arc of it. That's not a bad thing, but I just wasn't really IN the romance.
I love the house. It's just amazing and hilarious. Its matchmaking habits were so funny to watch! Especially that bed scene... I had to laugh so much. At first I hated the house, but then I realized that it really was just lonely and didn't know how to act around people. Then I loved it. I would live in an enchanted house if I could.
The book had so much potential because of the plot but sadly it wasn't done well. I got so much information at once that I had no idea what was happening. It was very slow which made it very hard and boring to get through