Reviews

The review will probably come at some point. Right now I'm crying inside, wanting to hug Aurelia and Teddy and being thankful for having discovered this book.

✨✨✨✨ chaotic review ✨✨✨✨

This book is like a fanfic — and that is not a bad thing. However, if you go into it expecting urban fantasy or dark academia, you'll be definitely disappointed.

Why do I say that it's a fanfic? Because the plot itself it's not that important (it could have been, it looked SO promising); everything is an excuse or context to the relationship of Aurelia and Teddy.

The description of the magic is quite confusing and there are many loose ends, potential secondary stories that get ignored. But THE ANGST, the SLOW BURN, the description of the little gestures and interactions *chef kiss*

The pacing is... odd. It feels a bit like Harry Potter 7.1: a lot of action at the beginning, then a looooong middle part where nothing happens and it's like that death threat doesn't even exist, and then a get a lot of action that gets solved so quickly and without much explanation. Regarding the fantasy/adventure plot the reader is left with a "that's it?" — and a lot of ~vibes~. I don't like that but I think VE Schwab readers could like it. The writing style is similar, metaphoric, poetical, etc. Basically: ~VIBES~

But again. The slow burn. It kept me reading. The unlikely-allies-to-friends-to-lovers and then THE END

reed_reads's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious slow-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? Yes

2.25

nablegoblin's review against another edition

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4.0

At first, my brain was jelly, this books is quite difficult to read, and I had to re-read a lot of stuff, plus it was very exhausting reading it.
I felt pretty dumb but I got the hook of it in chapter 6 and after that it was all pleasure my friends
This story is very dark academia, very well made and very freaking amazing
Can wait for book 2

pnrwrites's review against another edition

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5.0

Quite literally one of the best books I've read this year. If you're into dark academia, magical realism, slow burn, and rivals to lovers, oho boy, you will NOT be disappointed! Agajanian masterfully weaves together a tale of witchcraft and the rivalry of academics, but beneath it all is a heartfelt look at family, trust, and what it takes to truly open yourself up to another person after years of hiding behind facades and self-made walls. This was a truly delightful read and I can't wait for book 2 to release!!

lilematts's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.25

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