Scan barcode
shadow_summit's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
1.0
Don't be fooled by the 'quiet library book girly thrown into magic and intrigue' premise. Our main female lead Vhalla, isn't the smart, intelligent librarian the intro suggests.
The initial force that brings Vhalla and Crown Prince Aldrik together may have been meant to come across as a kind of academic rivalry and challenge, but instead is dripping with insults, genuine abuse and down-troding by the Prince towards Vhalla. Through this, though I was put off and saw red flags flying our female lead's brain cells slowly escape her and are replaced with an attraction that is forced and cringe.
One gripe I especially have is her sudden behaviour towards one of her besties, who when confronted with her sorcery, is shocked and then investigates ways to prevent it: Vhalla becomes bitchy, shows no grace and blames the friend, despite the fact that she had the exact same reaction when she found out.
TO continue with her loss of all sensible reasoning, Vhalla ends up following a row of out of character decisions and events that leads to the big finale and into the rest of the series. By out of character, I mean, she loses all librarianisms which were supposed to be so important to her, and chases after the Prince by embracing noble fanfare and carryings on.
Overall the characters are unlikeable and the plot is melded together by dumb decisions that will frustrate anyone with a little intellect.
Very disappointing read, as I was hoping for a strong female lead with the smarts to counter her foes and the willingness to grow to overcome challenges, I don't find that here.
The initial force that brings Vhalla and Crown Prince Aldrik together may have been meant to come across as a kind of academic rivalry and challenge, but instead is dripping with insults, genuine abuse and down-troding by the Prince towards Vhalla. Through this, though I was put off and saw red flags flying our female lead's brain cells slowly escape her and are replaced with an attraction that is forced and cringe.
TO continue with her loss of all sensible reasoning, Vhalla ends up following a row of out of character decisions and events that leads to the big finale and into the rest of the series. By out of character, I mean, she loses all librarianisms which were supposed to be so important to her, and chases after the Prince by embracing noble fanfare and carryings on.
Overall the characters are unlikeable and the plot is melded together by dumb decisions that will frustrate anyone with a little intellect.
Very disappointing read, as I was hoping for a strong female lead with the smarts to counter her foes and the willingness to grow to overcome challenges, I don't find that here.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
helpme71's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Gore
More...