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davidgreig's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kaneebli's review
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
Moderate: Death, Blood, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Outing
Minor: Alcohol, Classism, Racism, and Death of parent
julie2525's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 *****
For readers who love books about books. And stories within stories, whether ancient or unmapped. For readers who want to see multi-leveled libraries with books magicked off shelves into piles spayed open in research. Who want magical houses and mazes. Blood-pledges and curses. And a non-toxic love story about two men who bloom when together.
This book breathes. It’s moderately paced. A romance, but its ultimately about caring—for people and places, phrased by the author as “the responsibility we owe to the places we live.” I took my time reading, especially as I realized this will be a go-to reread. Heated scenes were well done, truly intimate and, like the rest of the book, textured. I don’t understand how Freya Marske makes words breathe, but she does. Everything has movement. I was gobsmacked when I learned this was a debut novel.
Tropes, Themes, and Things:
Secret magical world revealed
Brawny / Brainy
Grump / Sunshine
Familial problems
Magic house
horocrux hunt
Non-toxic relationship
Consent!
For readers who love books about books. And stories within stories, whether ancient or unmapped. For readers who want to see multi-leveled libraries with books magicked off shelves into piles spayed open in research. Who want magical houses and mazes. Blood-pledges and curses. And a non-toxic love story about two men who bloom when together.
This book breathes. It’s moderately paced. A romance, but its ultimately about caring—for people and places, phrased by the author as “the responsibility we owe to the places we live.” I took my time reading, especially as I realized this will be a go-to reread. Heated scenes were well done, truly intimate and, like the rest of the book, textured. I don’t understand how Freya Marske makes words breathe, but she does. Everything has movement. I was gobsmacked when I learned this was a debut novel.
Tropes, Themes, and Things:
Secret magical world revealed
Brawny / Brainy
Grump / Sunshine
Familial problems
Magic house
horocrux hunt
Non-toxic relationship
Consent!
skienight's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nephilimprodigy's review against another edition
2.0
I went into this thinking I would really enjoy it, so imagine my surprise when exactly the opposite happened. The first half of the book was quite boring and dull I won't lie, but the second half sort of picked up. The side characters felt like filler and some only appeared in the first part of the book, and the last part yet are supposed to be tied to the MC's. I think the magic was interesting with how it was used in tandem with Cats Cradle and the string. The world building was...there. I think we go to maybe 4-5 different places in London but that's it. We don't even see any part of the Assembly until near the end and it's brief. The ending sets the series up for more from this world, but I don't think I want to find out what happens that bad.
margitmaple's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
lookmairead's review against another edition
4.0
I understand why Alix E. Harrow and TJ Klune blurbed this book. Marske beautifully explores a magic system and creates impressive world building, but most of all, it’s just fun to read and imagine.
I went back and forth between the physical copy and the audiobook. The narrator wasn’t my favorite, but sometimes audio is easier during the kids summer break.
Very excited for book 2 in December 2022. (Already preordered.)
I went back and forth between the physical copy and the audiobook. The narrator wasn’t my favorite, but sometimes audio is easier during the kids summer break.
Very excited for book 2 in December 2022. (Already preordered.)
ghoulettev's review against another edition
Went back to college and did not have time.
layab03's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
4.0
hyunniebunny'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
3.5