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caitlinemccann'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
4.0
Graphic: Bullying, Torture, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, and Murder
Moderate: Violence, Outing, Sexism, Panic attacks/disorders, Classism, Blood, and Body horror
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Chronic illness, and Stalking
readskiesatdawn'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
The magic system is a good balance of hard and soft, with clearly defined rules that still allows for creativity. Information about it is balanced well through the book with us learning bits and pieces along with the non magical character. There's very little info umping.
Both leads are likable in different ways and are also relatable in different ways. It's clear which narrative voice you're reading as the point of view switches back and forth and this switching is used well for dramatic irony. The failures to communicate that happen have clear and logical character motivations behind them and as a result are frustrating for the intended narrative reasons.
Four stars due to some minor pacing issues and a few one or two things I don't feel were foreshadowed well.
Graphic: Sexual content and Bullying
Moderate: Ableism and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent and Child abuse
gwenynenbrenin's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I love that we can learn about the magical system and underworld, for want of a better word, from the perspective of Robin Blyth. I'm glad it differs from other books where the one MC learns about magic and feels lost and out of place; instead, Robin is obviously shocked by the magic he sees but does just take everything in his stride.
I'm glad that the homophobia is next to non-existent, there is perhaps the briefest mention (naturally there would be, given the time period), but it is just incredibly brief. None of the other characters seem to bat an eyelid aside from the few who mock Edwin, but even then, it's nothing outrightly terrible, it is such a nice breath of fresh air.
I love the author's writing style and found it very difficult to put down - genuinely cannot wait to read the other books in the series!
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Death, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
Minor: Misogyny, Toxic friendship, Homophobia, and Bullying
mcarthurhr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Minor: Murder and Toxic relationship
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
kaitlinnoodles's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Murder, and Bullying
Minor: Abandonment, Blood, Chronic illness, Classism, Animal cruelty, Homophobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
nyx_stewart'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
It's everything I could ever want in a feel good book. It vibes like a truly comfortable HP fanfiction but it has all the robust beauty of a wholly new magical system. I love it.
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Outing, and Classism