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matthewreece's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.5
riminireads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
aeculley's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
k8clark's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
- 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
5.0
maida's review
4.0
Wooo finally a new book in the series i actually liked!!
I’m glad we finally got to explore more of the world the wayward children have to endure once they come back (yay word building!!), and though I’m always sad this was, once again, not the Kade book, I still really enjoyed it.
Most of the characters were newer ones which is not what we’re used to with this series so that was also interesting to see. Though of course I missed Kade and the rest of the usual gang.
The thing that doesn’t always work out with these novellas is the exploration of the marginalized identities of the characters. I guess it’s because of the fantastical elements and the necessity to move the plot as fast as possible, but I thought the fatphobia and the suicidal ideation weren’t handled that well.
I can’t believe we’re 7 books into this series already. It’s actually insane to me.
I’m glad we finally got to explore more of the world the wayward children have to endure once they come back (yay word building!!), and though I’m always sad this was, once again, not the Kade book, I still really enjoyed it.
Most of the characters were newer ones which is not what we’re used to with this series so that was also interesting to see. Though of course I missed Kade and the rest of the usual gang.
The thing that doesn’t always work out with these novellas is the exploration of the marginalized identities of the characters. I guess it’s because of the fantastical elements and the necessity to move the plot as fast as possible, but I thought the fatphobia and the suicidal ideation weren’t handled that well.
I can’t believe we’re 7 books into this series already. It’s actually insane to me.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
5.0
Damn! They made me wait long this time! I pre-ordered the book this summer, but the book was only delivered a week ago and I really couldn't wait to read it! So, this morning I made myself comfortable in bed and dove in. I had managed to avoid reviews with spoilers and other spoilers for this book, so I had no idea what to expect. I assumed our lovely mermaid would star in this one, but you never know with McGuire.
I was quite impressed with this story. Firstly because spending time in Cora's mind might not be pleasant or comfortable, but does show a lot about self-worth, judgement and all the struggles with how one looks. Cora is a big girl and it's quite clear that it's not because she eats too much or exercises not often enough. The comments she has to endure, the way people look at her and most of all the way she sees herself is very confronting and a very sad way of having to live.
However, the plot was not about her losing weight or becoming pretty or finding romance. The plot was about her trying to stay in control of her life, of who she is and who she wants to be. The plot was about defeating a villain, even though it's an unexpected one and not in some other world. The plot is about having the right to change, to not have to go back to the person you were days, months or years ago. The plot is about freeing yourself and following your own path.
And just like in the previous books McGuire fills the book with amazing quotes and touching lines. Those books read like fairytales, like those stories your parents read to you, those stories you want to live in as a child. Or even as an adult. I don't remember ever having seen a door, inviting me to another world, a world made for me and where I'd be happy, but you can be sure that I have my eyes open. Just like I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
I was quite impressed with this story. Firstly because spending time in Cora's mind might not be pleasant or comfortable, but does show a lot about self-worth, judgement and all the struggles with how one looks. Cora is a big girl and it's quite clear that it's not because she eats too much or exercises not often enough. The comments she has to endure, the way people look at her and most of all the way she sees herself is very confronting and a very sad way of having to live.
However, the plot was not about her losing weight or becoming pretty or finding romance. The plot was about her trying to stay in control of her life, of who she is and who she wants to be. The plot was about defeating a villain, even though it's an unexpected one and not in some other world. The plot is about having the right to change, to not have to go back to the person you were days, months or years ago. The plot is about freeing yourself and following your own path.
And just like in the previous books McGuire fills the book with amazing quotes and touching lines. Those books read like fairytales, like those stories your parents read to you, those stories you want to live in as a child. Or even as an adult. I don't remember ever having seen a door, inviting me to another world, a world made for me and where I'd be happy, but you can be sure that I have my eyes open. Just like I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
neilazaara's review
adventurous
hopeful
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? Yes
3.0
I’m just loosing interest in the series I think unfortunately… It was ok. But I didn’t really get into this one and didn’t really find it magical. So here we are.
huntress's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Confinement, Gaslighting, Fatphobia, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Murder, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Violence, Emotional abuse, War, Alcoholism, Death, and Suicide attempt
bridgett's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
elles_books's review against another edition
3.5
A little disappointing really :( I enjoyed reading the book but i just wanted MORE. I felt like we didn’t get a proper explanation into Headmaster Whitethorn, his fake, and how they stole the matrons names ?? And the ending was just so abrupt it gave me whiplash. It felt like as soon as they break out of the school they were already done within like 3 pages.
I’ll definitely read the next one because i’m an absolute sucker for magical realism and this universe, and i need a Kade book, but i had such high hopes for this one.
I’ll definitely read the next one because i’m an absolute sucker for magical realism and this universe, and i need a Kade book, but i had such high hopes for this one.