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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I will say that I was quite confused a lot of the time while reading this. However, I was also so caught up in the unique plot and characters that I couldn’t put it down. I know some of the fractured confusion was on purpose due to the characters but some things felt unfinished and unexplained. I did truly love the plot and vibe and fantasy elements. I hope there may be another book in this realm that just might have a bit more polishing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I found it unique and thrilling to read. I loved the world building and overall aesthetic of it. I understand that some found it difficult to follow or had disagreement regarding the world building but I thought this book was an absolute delight. I read this with an audiobook but I intend on buying a physical copy to reference and re-read. This is by far my favorite book I have read this year, I cried multiple times. Truly beautiful. A new favorite. I will definitely be looking forward to and reading any new books from Mueller!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
Read the first 23 chapters; found it compelling at first and I still kind of wish I knew what happened, but I just wasn't sufficiently into it to want to continue. Maybe if it had been shorter. Might be open to giving it another shot one day.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's so satisfying to stumble across a book now and then when you can genuinely say you've never read anything like it.
Such a weird and intriguing concept and world building but if you're at all sensitive I would recommend looking up any trigger warnings because, while I didn't think any of the dark topics were mishandled by the author, it is a very close exploration of trauma and I can see how it might be a lot for some people to be blindsided by
Such a weird and intriguing concept and world building but if you're at all sensitive I would recommend looking up any trigger warnings because, while I didn't think any of the dark topics were mishandled by the author, it is a very close exploration of trauma and I can see how it might be a lot for some people to be blindsided by
This read did not fully click in my head until about halfway through but from that point my understanding of the world mechanics, politics, and character dynamics came together in a whirling synergy that sent the story charging forward. Lady Charm does her best to stay ahead of everything in her life, breaking herself down and growing new pieces from bone. An interesting take on alchemy and spirit. I still feel like there is more I would like to understand in the initial conflicts that start the chain of events, but perhaps an eventual reread will make everything make much more sense. Overall very enjoyable - but boy does it take a second to get your feet under you to chase the story.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I gave this one star because there is good content, but it often gets lost on the reader. I bet if this book had double the amount of pages with added detail to each character and their backstory, I would not be as confused as I was throughout its entirety.
The one thing that got me through, was Oram and Pain's story. The rest was all a blur.
The one thing that got me through, was Oram and Pain's story. The rest was all a blur.
This is a book I had high expectations for but unfortunately, it was just okay. I did listen to the audio so I may revisit it in the future and try reading it physically to see if that helps at all.
Not going to lie, I was confused for a lot of this book but I was 100% ok with that. The atmosphere, the characters, the politics all checked my boxes. I listened to this as an audiobook which I think helped a lot in keeping everything straight in my head. I loved the Orchard House and everyone who lives there, and I especially loved the dressmaker (who's name is escaping me, I'm writing this a few days after I finished the book). While the ending felt a little rushed to me, I thought it was a very satisfying ending to this standalone.
There are definitely a lot of content warnings that go along with this book: sexual abuse in many forms, character death, off-page and on-page deaths of children to listen a few. While I enjoyed this book and highly recommend, I would definitely look into the content warnings for yourself before you start to read
There are definitely a lot of content warnings that go along with this book: sexual abuse in many forms, character death, off-page and on-page deaths of children to listen a few. While I enjoyed this book and highly recommend, I would definitely look into the content warnings for yourself before you start to read