Reviews

Modern Divination by Isabel Agajanian

cselli's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional slow-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? It's complicated

4.5

I adored the writing of this book, I think this will be one that I re-read again just to see what else jumps out again and again. Cozy, heartwarming, and well written. 

akoala's review against another edition

I think I just might not like dark academia? I'm not sure, I've been working on this book for like almost a month which is a very long time for me and I'm only now just halfway through it. Maybe If I had read it quicker I would have enjoyed it or even as an audio book but I don't think that option is available. 

thebookishfarmer's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective 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

plandocalrisian's review against another edition

3.0

“Aurelia learned to love the ease at which she could disappear. Better to be forgotten than to be gawked at in that way.”

3⭐️1

animar19's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective relaxing 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

4.25

I had a ton of fun with Modern Divination. I'm a big fan of the pacing - it moves at such a slow, deliberate pace and really let's you steep in the book's atmosphere. I never felt rushed through the plot and somehow also never felt like I was dwelling too long anywhere. 

I love Rory, she is wonderfully stubborn. The romance is also actually a slow burn! I can see that the author loves these characters - and now, I do too.

This book came at a perfect time for me. I needed to slow down my reading and remember to enjoy the journey. 

hihizreads's review

2.5

Initially, I expected to love this book because medievalist academic rivals to lovers, who are also witches, set in Cambridge just ticks all my boxes. Instead, I found that the plot was completely disjointed and mind boggling. I often struggled to keep track of the characters as they seemed to move locations or switch conversation topics without any clear links. It felt completely all over the place and for most of the book, I had no clue what was happening. But somehow, the plot also managed to be completely void of any content. Nothing happened. The antagonist appears out of nowhere. There was no explanation at all about who Leona was or where Gemma had gone. Honestly, it was exhausting to read and felt like a chore. 

The characters were probably the only thing I liked about this book, but even they felt like they had no solid personality at times. They both switched back and forth so often. One minute, Rory hated Teddy even when he begged her to make amends, and the next minute, it was Rory begging for Teddy to let her know him and to let bygones be bygones, all while he refused. And this continued to switch back and forth multiple times until they were suddenly in love with each other and bonking back in Cambridge. 

The magic system in this book is also crazy confusing. Like Teddy is a reaper (and it never explains what exactly that is) but he can also somehow turn into a bird and actually no, he’s an empath instead of a reaper. And Teddy made a blood oath to share Kenny’s powers but even the decision behind that isn’t explained clearly - we definitely don’t get an explanation of how that somehow led to Kenny’s death. 

Overall, this book had a really promising premise and a group of characters with so much potential, but it was all completely wasted, in my opinion. 

depeachymode's review against another edition

dark emotional 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

3.25

I enjoyed this book the same way I’ve sometimes enjoyed a whole sleeve of Thin Mints before bed: uncritically and with the knowledge that my feelings are sure to change later. 
This was the first indie-published book I think I’ve ever read, and aside from the fact that it’s in dire need of an editor (or at least a beta reader), I don’t have much to say about it. I had fun, and I’ll be on the lookout for the inevitable sequel. 

morgvnn's review against another edition

Bored

lexi11233's review against another edition

5.0

This book will nestle its way into your heart before you realize it's there, and then rip it out in the best way.

cozyinthenook's review against another edition

adventurous emotional 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

5.0