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beathebumblebee's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, Classism, and Misogyny
Moderate: Violence and Murder
beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Balloon Thief was a story that I have decidedly mixed feelings about. Maybe it was because I had a very stop and start experience with it.
The beginning of the novel was really strong. It had easy-to-follow worldbuilding, snappy and fast-paced plotting, and strong characterisation. I really liked the fact that Aneesa Marufu included atrans character called Anam, I thought that arc was really well done .
I think the problem started when Marufu tried to introduce a secondary male character and make him the MC'slove interest , and despite Marufu's attempts to make it work, I just didn't feel any chemistry between them. When they finally kissI didn't feel it at all.
And while the main conflict between the Ghadaeans and the Hāri was established well - as were the rebel groups that play a key role in the novel - it later became a bit too heavy-handed for my liking. I also felt the ending was rushed.
It was a fun read with some good action scenes, but ultimately I didn't fall in love with it.
The beginning of the novel was really strong. It had easy-to-follow worldbuilding, snappy and fast-paced plotting, and strong characterisation. I really liked the fact that Aneesa Marufu included a
I think the problem started when Marufu tried to introduce a secondary male character and make him the MC's
And while the main conflict between the Ghadaeans and the Hāri was established well - as were the rebel groups that play a key role in the novel - it later became a bit too heavy-handed for my liking. I also felt the ending was rushed.
It was a fun read with some good action scenes, but ultimately I didn't fall in love with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Fire/Fire injury, Emotional abuse, Racism, Racial slurs, Blood, Transphobia, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent and Genocide
Minor: War
queergoth_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
4.25
I found this quite slow in the beginning and honestly I wasn't really enjoying it. It was good but I was struggling. Then I got half way through and it all kicked off. I could not put it down. Overall it ended up being a very satisfying. Worth sticking with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Murder, Violence, Death, and Racism
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Misogyny, Confinement, War, Gore, and Slavery
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, and Transphobia
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