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books_and_tea33's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
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
3.75
13delathauwere's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
anastasiamakes's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I read Witherward a while ago, so I may be misremembering, but didn't that end ||with the brother arriving back on the scene|| - why does Wayward not continue that storyline in any way? In fact, it takes place prior to Witherward, with a couple overlapping sire characters, but no real links in. This just kinda soured the whole experience for me as I was constantly looking for connections and waiting for things to click - I wish the promo materials had been clearer that this is an "in the same world as" book, not a sequel/prequel.
Aside from this, I'm not big on either the mystery or horror genres, which this felt partially inspired by. You may get more mileage out of it if those are styles you like.
The setting continues to be a fascinating one, some of the descriptions of the magic were lovely, and it was a fun, quick read - but I just didn't particularly click with either the characters or plot.
Aside from this, I'm not big on either the mystery or horror genres, which this felt partially inspired by. You may get more mileage out of it if those are styles you like.
The setting continues to be a fascinating one, some of the descriptions of the magic were lovely, and it was a fun, quick read - but I just didn't particularly click with either the characters or plot.
britt_zonnebloempit's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
emeraldreviews's review against another edition
4.0
Wayward is a magical journey in a unique and mystical world.
Hannah Mathewson has developed a huge, detailed version of London full of distinct characters, races and environments. This London felt to me like a steampunk world of magic and relationships teetering on the edge of a knife.
Hannah has a very clever way with words and fantastic expressive prowess wrapped in an imaginative, explanatory mind. The world building in Wayward is phenomenal, each aspect of the story is described in the utmost detail allowing the reader to form a clear and personal picture of the environment the characters are living in.
The characters themselves are very deep, fulsome in their personalities. From the adolescent innocence and bravery of Cassia to the arrogant, cockiness of Ollivan. Hannah makes sure that each of her subjects are given ample focus in order to support the terrific story being formulated.
Wayward takes you on a other-worldly ride through mystic London. Fans of the latter Harry Potter books (the darker ones) will surely enjoy this book but if that doesn’t describe you, you should also find a place within this story. Hannah’s skills as an author ensure an enjoyable ride.
Hannah Mathewson has developed a huge, detailed version of London full of distinct characters, races and environments. This London felt to me like a steampunk world of magic and relationships teetering on the edge of a knife.
Hannah has a very clever way with words and fantastic expressive prowess wrapped in an imaginative, explanatory mind. The world building in Wayward is phenomenal, each aspect of the story is described in the utmost detail allowing the reader to form a clear and personal picture of the environment the characters are living in.
The characters themselves are very deep, fulsome in their personalities. From the adolescent innocence and bravery of Cassia to the arrogant, cockiness of Ollivan. Hannah makes sure that each of her subjects are given ample focus in order to support the terrific story being formulated.
Wayward takes you on a other-worldly ride through mystic London. Fans of the latter Harry Potter books (the darker ones) will surely enjoy this book but if that doesn’t describe you, you should also find a place within this story. Hannah’s skills as an author ensure an enjoyable ride.
lilo_lestrange's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ettegoom's review against another edition
3.0
Some interesting themes and a strange combination of very simple and surprisingly complex characters. The most interesting element was the exploration of the relationship between siblings, with various other relationships taking a background role. I also enjoy how a diverse range of sexualities is just the norm in this world, there is no crisis around one's attractions, they just are. This is something that is generally missing in all types of literature, where most of the time, one's queer awakening is a source of drama...
I found some key scenes were maybe given too little time, while the setting up of events could be slow and a little tedious at times. But nonetheless, a genuinely enjoyable story.
I found some key scenes were maybe given too little time, while the setting up of events could be slow and a little tedious at times. But nonetheless, a genuinely enjoyable story.
rabbitandtree's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lennie_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
Thanks to Netgalley & Titan Books for my ARC.
When I first requested this I thought it was a sequel to Witherward so when i realised it was a prequel featuring Cassia as our MC, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.
This book is set (i think) a couple of years before the events in Witherward, and mostly within the Sorcerer district. Cassia has gone back to her family home to try and improve her magic, but her family are distant and her Grandfather is a tyrannical leader of their faction.
At the same time as Cassia is trying to improve her magic, her brother has found a way out of his banishment from the Otherworld.
The book then follows dual POV of Cassia and her brother, Ollivand. As they learn how to trust each other and get to know one another having been separated for most of their lives.
It took me a bit to get into this book but I genuinely really enjoyed it. I always wanted to see more of Cassia after reading Witherward so was glad of that opportunity. In the context of the whole Witherward series it didn't necessarily need to be written and could easily be a standalone in it's own right, but I enjoyed it.
I appreciated getting to know Cassia and Hester more, as well as having more of a deep dive into the politics of the other factions and all the corruption.
I really love the world building and magic systems that Mathewson has created within the Witherward series and very much look forward to the next installment.
CW: injury, fire, torture, death
When I first requested this I thought it was a sequel to Witherward so when i realised it was a prequel featuring Cassia as our MC, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.
This book is set (i think) a couple of years before the events in Witherward, and mostly within the Sorcerer district. Cassia has gone back to her family home to try and improve her magic, but her family are distant and her Grandfather is a tyrannical leader of their faction.
At the same time as Cassia is trying to improve her magic, her brother has found a way out of his banishment from the Otherworld.
The book then follows dual POV of Cassia and her brother, Ollivand. As they learn how to trust each other and get to know one another having been separated for most of their lives.
It took me a bit to get into this book but I genuinely really enjoyed it. I always wanted to see more of Cassia after reading Witherward so was glad of that opportunity. In the context of the whole Witherward series it didn't necessarily need to be written and could easily be a standalone in it's own right, but I enjoyed it.
I appreciated getting to know Cassia and Hester more, as well as having more of a deep dive into the politics of the other factions and all the corruption.
I really love the world building and magic systems that Mathewson has created within the Witherward series and very much look forward to the next installment.
CW: injury, fire, torture, death
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
ggmay's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-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
4.0