Reviews with content warning for Transphobia - The Gifts That Bind Us

me reading this in less than a day would imply that its amazing. however it is simply the most bizarre story ever, especially considering that legit nothing happens in the first 200 pages. could have skipped them and saved myself some time
the potential of this series is so good however the writing really lets it down. she was shagged into being psychic??? huh??? big up this writer for giving me and abi something to piss ourselves at and we will for sure be reading the next book when its out but the series is just so bizarre... first book was defo better

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abigailc0x's review

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This was even more all over the place than the last good like i really wanted to know how it ended but also so like ??? at points
also there were a couple of plot holes or like just missed opportunities for something to happen like things i thought would be significant just weren’t
but overall i did really like and knowing me and holly can talk about the funny lines in this once she reads it is nice to know so really probs a 3.5 stars but a low one at that

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thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-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

4.5

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the sequel to O' Donoghue's fantastic YA debut, All Our Hidden Gifts. The gang are practicing their new found powers, but when school starts back, strange things start to happen and old enemies resurface. The stakes are higher than before. Who can they really trust?

They're all dealing with the everyday struggles and pressure that comes with being a teenager and having to decide your future, but that's the least of their problems.

This drama filled book kept me gripped the whole time, it's so much darker than the previous book and I loved it.

Can't wait for the next book.

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audreykerr's review against another edition

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emotional funny mysterious fast-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

4.5

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spacecadelliot's review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-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

4.0

The Gifts That Bind Us by Caroline O’Donoghue is an epic continuation of All Our Hidden Gifts. In this instalment we’re following Maeve and her friends as they try to accept what just went down and they’re new powers, whilst tackling the expectations of their after school plans. It’s a lot for a group of young witches to take on.

This sequel explored so many different topics that surface for young teens - it’s incredibly relatable. New relationships, tumultuous friendships, fluctuating identity, having to save the world….. The way Caroline writes makes for such a fun, fast read and allows for so many important conversations on gender, sexuality, race, consent and so much more. I can’t even begin to explain how gracefully she melds all of these tough topics together with this ever evolving plot line. There were a couple of conversations between Maeve and Rue that had me stopping and needing a breath because I couldn’t believe we were having such a normal yet raw conversation about exploring your queer identity, pronouns and acceptance. And I haven’t even begun talking about the amount of real world magic! It’s so lovely to see such a genuine representation of witchcraft, divination and spell work - thank you Caroline.

I would like to let you know that if you’re thinking of picking up this sequel, please be aware that it contains scenes discussing self-harm, sexual assault, transphobia, manipulation and more potentially difficult topics that I’m definitely forgetting.

The Gifts That Bind Us is published February 3rd! Please don’t miss out on this drama filled, magical series! I can’t believe I have to wait a whole year for book 3 because that ending revelation has me wanting more!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for offering me an e-arc in return for a truthful review

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snowwhitehatesapples's review

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challenging emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Review can also be found at Snow White Hates Apples.

Friends, I think this sequel is perhaps the best sequel I’ve read in a long, long time. Seriously, there’s not one as brilliantly written as The Gifts That Bind Us, which not only enriches and builds upon the foundations in the first book but challenges it and expands.

After reading the first book (my review here) that left me slightly unsatisfied because of some loose ends, I’m delighted that those loose ends get picked up in the sequel. Continuing from the events of the first book, the group of friends is working on harnessing their magic and getting ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives. However, while Roe, Lily, and Fiona know how to proceed to that next chapter, our main character Maeve is floundering, unsure of what to do and fearing that she will lose them.

This sequel is more character-driven than plot-driven, allowing the characters space to grow and gain new depths. I liked the introspection in the book and the directions the friendships between Maeve, Lily, and Fiona went. There wasn’t as much Rose in this sequel, so I hope we get more of Maeve and them in the next book. Also, even though the drama wasn’t my cup of tea, it was executed well. Sure, there were some convenient moments, but it’s easy to ignore them because of the well-written characters.

Another thing I liked was how we got to learn more about Aaron and see different sides to him. Instead of the more defined black and white we had in the first book, things become greyer in this sequel, and I’m all for it!

By the end of The Gifts That Bind Us , we have a better understanding of how the magic system works, a complex main character facing the consequences of their actions, and an ending that compels you to read the next book. I cannot wait to find out where the third book takes us!

Thank you so much Pansing for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review! The Gifts That Bind Us by Caroline O’Donoghue will be available at all good bookstores.

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goldluula's review

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challenging hopeful mysterious medium-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

5.0

Had an ARC of this book. I absolutely love the character development which happens in this, we see them acknowledging their flaws, we see them working to become better. It's less mystical than the last book, but I think that's perfect. These characters, Maeve, Roe, Lily and Fiona have so so so much healing to do.

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