Reviews

The Gifts That Bind Us by Caroline O'Donoghue

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maddieisbookish's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

ineslts's review against another edition

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4.0

A great sequel to a great story!

I'm very happy I was able to buy the third book at the same time that I bought the second, because I am really looking forward to getting my hands on the rest of this story.

Do you remember how it started, or was it just a story?

jenorwhatever's review against another edition

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slow-paced

4.25

beckydr's review against another edition

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adventurous 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

For years I've been unable to grab on to either series' or YA so it came as a surprise when I picked up Caroline O Donahue's foray into the genre that I loved it enough to continue on. The characters are so well rounded, and Maeve's teenageness isn't irritating, it's grounded in a well explored and likeable character. Ro's journey in this book is also fantastic, playing with the process of growing up vs belief in magic. Also I'm a simple woman I like teen witch stuff. This is my Irish Buffy.

novaturient_bibliophile's review against another edition

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4.75

First of all, Maeve was still annoying. Especially towards the beginning of the book. I could not stand her. That’s really my only complaint, though. I love how the relationships developed and deepened and stood up to tests. The new characters (Manon and Miss Banbury) as well as the less developed characters (Lily, Aaron and Nuala) are all so beautifully multi-faceted as well. And the book is startlingly dark too, when compared to the cover art (and that’s why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover). Even when the plot wasn’t the best, I still found the book to be a captivating read. I was hooked, from beginning to end. And the title is so clever!
Plot-wise, it reminds me of the Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater, but in terms of the characters and relationships, it reminds me of Alice Oseman’s books.