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afion's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Minor: Abortion, Alcoholism, Animal death, Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Death of parent, Death, Deadnaming, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Torture, Transphobia, and Violence
chloemakesbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Confinement, Death of parent, Suicide, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, and Misogyny
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, Kidnapping, and Racism
Minor: Transphobia
claudiamacpherson's review against another edition
- 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
This book was perfect for me: the writing style was beautiful and a little bit meta, with references to storytelling and stories within the story; the characters were vibrant and lovable (and yes, I related to Bella a lot, as an oldest sister and book lover); and the feminist themes. I loved how Harrow altered fairytales—Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Rumplestiltskin, and more—and history—the Salem witch trials and the Underground Railroad—to use for her story. I loved the parallels drawn between witching and women's rights, and I especially liked how the story dealt with intersectional issues like race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The setting reminded me of the Harry Potter franchise's Fantastic Beasts movies (though the book takes place about 30 years earlier, just before the turn of the century), with the gritty American city and leaders determined to hunt out witchcraft. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Happy ending meter (no specific spoilers, just my judgement of how happy the ending is because I always wish someone would tell me that before I read books):
Moderate: Blood, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Forced institutionalization, and Misogyny
Minor: Abortion, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Sexual assault, and Racism
lais's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Physical abuse and Violence
Minor: Torture, Religious bigotry, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Hate crime, Cursing, Alcoholism, and Addiction