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emlyn_bryn's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
3.75
A fun little episodic romp through a magical bridgerton-adjacent regency world. It takes the time to pastiche itself. It's an interesting style not at all hinted to by blurb, as a story being recounted by Robin Goodfellow (yes Shakespeare's Puck) in the modern day, with them holding a strong narratorial voice and presence throughout.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Hate crime, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Lesbophobia
jencolumb0's review
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This is a bit darker of a tale than I am used to from Hall, and without the more intense periods of emotional struggle/growth endured by the main characters (so more on par with Something Fabulous). Nonetheless, Hall carries it off in their typical hallmarks of deliciously layered tales, classical references, delightful subversion, and deft honesty. It’s also not the typical kissing book with magic, by any stretch of the imagination, but well worth exploring.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness, and Blood
Moderate: Stalking and Death of parent
Minor: Slavery, Transphobia, Excrement, Colonisation, and Classism
Given that this book is about confronting a lack of agency and aggressively claiming space and happiness that the patriarchy denies, a number of these difficult topics are challenged. There’s also a bit about food turning to maggots in someone’s mouth that is not for the squeamish.