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leilaxx's review against another edition
2.0
Ok, wow, first of all, I can't believe I finished this in like 5 hours. It was such a slow and dull read. I can't believe I managed to convince myself to complete it. I contemplated stopping, but I felt I had done so too many times this year.
Why not give it a chance?
The plot, let me just say, got lost on me quickly. It starts with the introduction of a mysterious stranger, claiming to be a long-lost relative of the Kendrick doll makers. He is set on working as an apprentice and planning to learn the secret craft of enchantments on the dolls. Next thing you know, two other POVs are introduced; the paid mourner doll is stolen and well. Soon, the world and magic of doll building became too incoherent and confusing for my focus.
The three different character POVs were useless. I felt so detached from them. They truly had no other personality or intriguing character traits or background besides all working for Conrad. It was just reading the same thing three times. I was so bored. The characters also had no connection to one another, neither to the reader nor the setting itself; all their perspectives were useless, and their acquaintance with one another made no sense.
More of my issues:
The original doll thief never properly gave their motive as to why they did it. I don't even remember who it was. Was it even uncovered or explained? Maybe it was, but I was so fed up that the last 100 pages blurred into one for me.
Larkins' motive washed over me, and he was all over the place.
The magic side of things did not make sense nor add up.
How old were our characters? What did they look like? It was hard trying to form an image in my head when barely any character description was provided.
The whole hex and magic doll-making enchanting skill. What was the purpose? How does it work? Why did the family secret not get leaked by anyone generations down? Are you all that loyal?
Briar and his drinking problems were probably the most prominent part of this novel. He was the main character because that was the only exciting thing happening.
The plot did NOT move forward or change throughout the 300-plus pages. The book was a constant return, like a circle of everyone repeating the same ideas, thoughts and brain.
There was no winged horse, lol.
Why not give it a chance?
The plot, let me just say, got lost on me quickly. It starts with the introduction of a mysterious stranger, claiming to be a long-lost relative of the Kendrick doll makers. He is set on working as an apprentice and planning to learn the secret craft of enchantments on the dolls. Next thing you know, two other POVs are introduced; the paid mourner doll is stolen and well. Soon, the world and magic of doll building became too incoherent and confusing for my focus.
The three different character POVs were useless. I felt so detached from them. They truly had no other personality or intriguing character traits or background besides all working for Conrad. It was just reading the same thing three times. I was so bored. The characters also had no connection to one another, neither to the reader nor the setting itself; all their perspectives were useless, and their acquaintance with one another made no sense.
More of my issues:
The original doll thief never properly gave their motive as to why they did it. I don't even remember who it was. Was it even uncovered or explained? Maybe it was, but I was so fed up that the last 100 pages blurred into one for me.
Larkins' motive washed over me, and he was all over the place.
The magic side of things did not make sense nor add up.
How old were our characters? What did they look like? It was hard trying to form an image in my head when barely any character description was provided.
The whole hex and magic doll-making enchanting skill. What was the purpose? How does it work? Why did the family secret not get leaked by anyone generations down? Are you all that loyal?
Briar and his drinking problems were probably the most prominent part of this novel. He was the main character because that was the only exciting thing happening.
The plot did NOT move forward or change throughout the 300-plus pages. The book was a constant return, like a circle of everyone repeating the same ideas, thoughts and brain.
There was no winged horse, lol.
emreads8's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wolfsong12's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
kellylacey's review against another edition
5.0
The Thief on the Winged Horse was to be my OMG book of 2020. I was hesitant about it without cause or reason and I put off reading it. I thought it was going to be a heavy read and I was wrong.
The people of Paxton’s Eyot are a wee bitty different. Their whole community revolves around the production and sale of magic dolls. The workshop and store were founded in 1820 by four sisters. Fast forward to present day and we are seeing the lives of the descendants of the sisters. But wait, why are only the men allowed to apply magic to the dolls and not the women.
This wee town isn’t just magical it is oozing history and secrets. Also, who is this new fella that has arrived on the scene...
“Larkin had come to the eyot in search of two things. The first was Magic. The second was a job.” That was the sentence that caught me and drew me into the book. I wanted to know everything about Larkin.
Ms Mascarenhas has a real gift for creating these incredible characters. They are all so very different and each one matters to the story. For the story to work, you need to have a good imagination and just go with the plot. Believing in magic is key.
I loved it and I have definitely been left with a need for more. I am eager to know if it will be a series of books. The potential is definitely there with a variety of characters and threads of plot that I would love to know more. Even a prequel would be wonderful, to meet the sister and go on the journey with them as it all starts. The possibilities are endless.
This book would be suitable for fans of books with a magical element and also for those that love books set amongst a community.
All and all the book is a buffet of scrumptious writing for the soul.
francesturpin's review
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
greenwillow77's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
cooksbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ellyrarg's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this one, plenty of misdirection and magic, getting to the root of things (feelings!) with lots of this way and that. It was a lovely read