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alyxbeau's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I saw someone describe this as ACOTAR inspired and while I do see why they made the comparison, I don't think it's fair. I think an audience younger than ACOTARs target demographic would enjoy this book as a bridge into the more intense spice found in ACOTAR once they age, but apart from that the only notable similarity is the presence of Fae and a small unidentifiable quality to the writing.
I enjoyed this, and I dislike ACOTAR. This was much more my speed. If ACOTAR had this level of spice I think I'd have loved it. Fans of ACOTAR who read this because of a stumbled upon comparison are likely to be disappointed.
Now the merits of the book on its own? It felt a little Cinderella like at times. I had some issues with obstacles being presented as a recurring issue that needed to be solved being passed over after the initial hurdle was conquered. It's a recurring problem why did it not come up again, you know? Some characters felt well developed and some felt flat and just "there" to be villians but villians without complexity.
Even saying all that though, I just genuinely enjoyed listening to the audiobook! I wasn't riveted to my seat while listening but it was just pleasant.
I enjoyed this, and I dislike ACOTAR. This was much more my speed. If ACOTAR had this level of spice I think I'd have loved it. Fans of ACOTAR who read this because of a stumbled upon comparison are likely to be disappointed.
Now the merits of the book on its own? It felt a little Cinderella like at times. I had some issues with obstacles being presented as a recurring issue that needed to be solved being passed over after the initial hurdle was conquered. It's a recurring problem why did it not come up again, you know? Some characters felt well developed and some felt flat and just "there" to be villians but villians without complexity.
Even saying all that though, I just genuinely enjoyed listening to the audiobook! I wasn't riveted to my seat while listening but it was just pleasant.
justolenka's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
classicbrittany's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
hillaryneal12's review against another edition
4.0
I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would! The only reason that I am not giving it 5 stars is because there was no spice...other than that, this book was fantastic! The world, the story, the love, the betrayal, the angst, the ENDING! Oh my gosh, I did NOT see that coming! And I usually guess the plot twists! I am VERY excited for the second book!
jsilvestri's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
izzyo713's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
kellyvanboom's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.0
tarynsnotokay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-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? No
3.5
beccaannekent's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Reread - May 2024.
I forgot how easy this book is to read!
Such a simple, but well executed story. Brie is an easily liked FMC, she’s strong, independent and determined to save her sister from the clutches of the fae.
The book has Cinderella vibes for sure at the beginning, with a touch of Beauty and the Beast (magical mirror showing anything you want to see, amazing library etc). However, this storybook theme only added to the whimsical vibe the author was portraying.
It does have quite an intense cliffhanger, one where you immediately wish to pick up book 2 as you NEED to know what’s about to happen. And that is exactly what I’m going to do!
I forgot how easy this book is to read!
Such a simple, but well executed story. Brie is an easily liked FMC, she’s strong, independent and determined to save her sister from the clutches of the fae.
The book has Cinderella vibes for sure at the beginning, with a touch of Beauty and the Beast (magical mirror showing anything you want to see, amazing library etc). However, this storybook theme only added to the whimsical vibe the author was portraying.
It does have quite an intense cliffhanger, one where you immediately wish to pick up book 2 as you NEED to know what’s about to happen. And that is exactly what I’m going to do!