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corin_134340's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Misogyny
asipofcozy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved how intricate and unique the magic system was. Basing the magic around cradles (a Childs game with string) and intricate hand moments and just the fact that the magic itself was quite complex. Not being able to use magic outside of a "contract", how humans are affected by magics and their contracts, and how there is a limit to the use.
I will say that at times, we needed more explanation on the magic system. It took me awhile to put together that the magic was using cradles to facilitate an action. Also, we were given information about the magic system quite late into the book, which would have helped explain a lot of moments and discussions that were had between the characters.
To quickly mention the writing style. The setting of this book is 1908 English and the author does a great job at portraying proper English of that particular time. That being said it felt jarring at times. Sometimes the sentences were quite strange and there were phrases that stuck out that I had no clue to the meaning. It's not necessarily a bad thing. It just took a moment to get into the writing style and the "proper" English of the time period. However, the first 50 pages were headache inducing.
The plot also had a lot of twists and turns. Moments that you thought were giving away parts of the plot only to find out you were quite wrong. There were a few moments that I was right in my assumptions but the whole mystery aspect - most of my guesses were wrong in that respect.
And then there was our beloved characters Robin and Edwin. Out of the two, I feel like Edwin had the most growth and that Robin was there to help him with that growth. When reading Edwin's backstory, the abuse that he faced and continues to face, and his fear of getting hurt - all I wanted to do was give him a big ole hug. He hides behind books and reason - while useful can leave you sheltered from the world and emotions...which he reflects on quite a lot. Robin had some development and had moments of privilege that he also acknowledges as fault.
The chemistry those two had, had me at the seat of my chair for a majority of the book (just saying).
I am definitely looking forward to picking up the rest of the series!
Moderate: Bullying, Vomit, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Classism, and Murder
Minor: Death, Suicide, Murder, Violence, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Death of parent
indiaaaa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I would say that the romance is a larger focus than the mystery. There are times when nothing in progressing with the mystery because the chemistry is building between them. Just know that going in.
EDIT: After reading some other books that either have a great romance and a lackluster plot or a great plot with a lackluster romance, I do thing that A Marvelous Light does actually have a pretty good balance of an engaging plot alongside a strong romance…even if the sex scenes happen at in opportune moments (I.e. right after an intense, life-threatening moment)
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Violence
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, and Misogyny
shadowspinner's review
- 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
Graphic: Violence and Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Misogyny
Minor: Death of parent and Racism
xandry's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Bullying, Misogyny, Homophobia, Violence, Torture, Murder, Chronic illness, Child abuse, and Physical abuse
Minor: Xenophobia and Racism
offbrandclubsoda's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying and Violence
Minor: Death, Misogyny, and Murder
beaubaggins's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Classism, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Outing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death
jencolumb0's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Also, know that the torture elements are most prominent at the beginning and you’ll be able to follow the rest of the story easily if you skip right over it.
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Murder, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Outing, Classism, Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Violence
Minor: Self harm and Misogyny
hannahrogers's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, Sexual content, Sexism, Misogyny, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Death, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Homophobia and Suicide
owliglot's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Death, Violence, Bullying, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Car accident and Homophobia