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hannah_dv'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? It's complicated
4.25
Really enjoyed it!
A truly “dark” academia type novel.
I actually really warmed to El and Orion and their friends by the end and am hungry to read the next iteration.
The world-building was done well and i really enjoy the magic system and the idea of the grotesque mals that could be anywhere any time.
My only criticism is that it starts abruptly, describing the world too fast which was a bit confusing. I thought i’d accidentally picked up book 2 at first….perhaps that’s just personal preference, but it made it hard for me to get into it initially.
A truly “dark” academia type novel.
I actually really warmed to El and Orion and their friends by the end and am hungry to read the next iteration.
The world-building was done well and i really enjoy the magic system and the idea of the grotesque mals that could be anywhere any time.
My only criticism is that it starts abruptly, describing the world too fast which was a bit confusing. I thought i’d accidentally picked up book 2 at first….perhaps that’s just personal preference, but it made it hard for me to get into it initially.
michyapril's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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? Yes
4.75
chelseylucarotti's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
3.75
noelle7pages's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
c_rewie6's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lynnseynicole's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.0
lookmairead's review against another edition
4.0
I knew I could trust one of my favorite authors to end the reading year properly.
I have to say this, Novik has range. (But she still somehow captures a weird & dysfunctional romantic relationship. Where you ask, is this flirtatious or not? Ha,ha)
But don’t expect her fairy-tale vibes with this one. This world building is dark, unapologetic and intense. The female MC is strong but has some major issues to work through. So, get in the car & buckle down quick because Novik has her foot heavy on the pedal. (And there’s no time stop for a therapy session.)
Despite the chaotic trip, I was somewhat tripped up by the memory reveals. I didn’t understand why she kept going back to them- each time more in-depth. Repetitive dialogue makes me a little car sick. But maybe it will all make sense in book 2 & 3- which are definitely on my 2023 TBR list.
3.75/5 (Rounded up because it’s best to end the year on a positive note.)
I have to say this, Novik has range. (But she still somehow captures a weird & dysfunctional romantic relationship. Where you ask, is this flirtatious or not? Ha,ha)
But don’t expect her fairy-tale vibes with this one. This world building is dark, unapologetic and intense. The female MC is strong but has some major issues to work through. So, get in the car & buckle down quick because Novik has her foot heavy on the pedal. (And there’s no time stop for a therapy session.)
Despite the chaotic trip, I was somewhat tripped up by the memory reveals. I didn’t understand why she kept going back to them- each time more in-depth. Repetitive dialogue makes me a little car sick. But maybe it will all make sense in book 2 & 3- which are definitely on my 2023 TBR list.
3.75/5 (Rounded up because it’s best to end the year on a positive note.)
belladistef's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
Gosh! Didn’t expect this one to knock my socks off, but it absolutely did.
I liked that the main character had an actual personality and wasn’t your classic Y/N heroine. She was a delight to read, her slips into anger or frustration and sarcasm the most fun. The love interest, if you could call him that, was also a delight — though I do think he needs a holiday, or some therapy. Lots going on there… I was also pleasantly surprised by the meaningful development of female friendships that didn’t feel forced or unearned.
But more than all of that that, the setting is really what shone in this book. How spooky and weird and different and just excellent it was!
Thrilled to start book 2 tomorrow.
I liked that the main character had an actual personality and wasn’t your classic Y/N heroine. She was a delight to read, her slips into anger or frustration and sarcasm the most fun. The love interest, if you could call him that, was also a delight — though I do think he needs a holiday, or some therapy. Lots going on there… I was also pleasantly surprised by the meaningful development of female friendships that didn’t feel forced or unearned.
But more than all of that that, the setting is really what shone in this book. How spooky and weird and different and just excellent it was!
Thrilled to start book 2 tomorrow.
nutmeag's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- 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
If I was going by plot or pacing alone, id probably give this 3 stars, but it was saved by characters I loved and really intriguing world building.
lsallcock's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Harry Potter meets monsters. Dark academia fantasy