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maryhungerford's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: War and Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent, Murder, and Child death
kylieqrada's review
- 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
Graphic: Ableism, Classism, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: War, Kidnapping, and Child abuse
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, and Violence
celeste_golds's review
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Classism, Kidnapping, and Child abuse
Moderate: Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Death, and Blood
Minor: Slavery, Pregnancy, War, and Death of parent
bookcheshirecat's review against another edition
4.5
“I have known many human beings with a full soul to their name who do not have half so much compassion or practicality as you.”
➽ Half a Soul was such a whimsical, funny book and the perfect blend of Fantasy, Romance and Historical Fiction! The story follows Theodora 'Dora' Ettings, a woman with only half a soul who's lacking a sense of what's appropriate. Ever since a fae almost stole her away, she has been struggling to feel strong emotions. When she accompanies her cousin Vanessa to the London Season, Dora has little hope of snaring a husband. Her aunt is determined to keep her on the sidelines where she can't embarrass anyone and Dora knows her condition makes it hard to navigate polite society. I absolutely loved Dora, she was such an endearing and unintentionally funny character. Despite struggling to feel emotions in the moment, she's still compassionate and more accepting than most people.
➽ I loved the strong bond she shared with her cousin Vanessa, who has always been her champion and doesn't mind her strangeness. Others aren't so kind and Dora still feels the weight of rejection and being told that she's defective. I also loved her developing friendship with Albert, a young physician who lost an arm in the war. His family has a good standing in society, but most people overlook him for his brothers because of his disability. He was so kind and warm towards Dora and his best friend Elias, it was impossible not to like him! The ending was touching
➽ The romance swept me away!! In London, Vanessa is determined to help Dora regain her soul and consults the Lord Sorcier. Elias Wilder is a grumpy magician, who doesn't care for polite society and often drives others away with his brash words. His only friend is Albert, whom he fought in the war with. Dora is of course immune to his rudeness and attempts to drive her away, as she's not easily offended. It was so funny to see her rile up and bicker with Elias, they were truly a great match! He decides to help her regain her soul, as he knows a lot about magic and the Fae. Dora never had any hopes of being courted, but can't help growing closer to Elias, especially once she sees his hidden kindness! Overall, this was just such a funny, charming Romance and I had such a good time!
“There is such a thing as evil in this world,” Elias told her quietly. “It does not help to look away from it. It does not even help, necessarily, to look at it.” His fingers brushed through her hair, and she shivered. “But sometimes, when you cannot force the world to come to its senses, you must settle only for wiping away some of the small evils in front of you.”
Graphic: Ableism, Kidnapping, and Terminal illness
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and War
folkofthebook's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
“I have known many human beings with a full soul to their name who do not have half so much compassion or practicality as you.”
oh this was a DELIGHT to read. the regency setting, a unique plot, the pacing, the banter, and the buildup of the romance... *chef's kiss* i'm really loving historical fantasy these days and this is easily one of my favorite reads this year so far, all genres included.
“Pleasant-mannered people are simply the worst sort of people. Decent people become properly angry when presented with miserable injustice, but pleasant-mannered people never do.”
“But sometimes, when you cannot force the world to come to its senses, you must settle only for wiping away some of the small evils in front of you.”
i loved elias. i will admit i was even put off a bit by his introduction bc of his attitude, but we learn about him quickly and it's impossible to not warm up to him. he is angry at the injustices of the world and wants to make it all better, but feels powerless to fix it all. dora is the perfect balance to him; she is calm and collected, but unintimidated to return his banter. watching this romance blossom had me kicking my feet and giggling in bed. très romantique!
side note, i did also adore albert. i'm happy he got his own happiness as well.
i will definitely be reading more of atwater's books, i can't wait to see what else is in store in this world!
“Was there anything else you were curious about, while we’re at it? Shall I take off my trousers and let you take my measure?”
“I did not come here only to dance. I came here only to dance with you. It is quite a different thing.”
“I think I am happy. What a lovely feeling. I am dreaming, and I don’t want to wake up.”
“I don’t want to wake up either,” he whispered.
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Grief, Death of parent, War, Gun violence, Violence, Child abuse, and Child death
chichisode's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Slavery, Medical content, Trafficking, Death, and War
Moderate: Trafficking, Confinement, Pandemic/Epidemic, Child abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Pregnancy, Child death, Fire/Fire injury, Pandemic/Epidemic, Physical abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Ableism, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Violence, and Child abuse
day23dreamer's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Ableism
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, War, and Child abuse
macliffe's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Moderate: Mental illness, Child abuse, Murder, Confinement, and Kidnapping
Minor: War and Xenophobia
eatingfiction's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Blood and Child abuse
Minor: War
kbairbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Trafficking, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, War, Blood, Classism, Ableism, Violence, Bullying, Body horror, Slavery, Child death, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, and Child abuse