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bookcasey's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
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
If you like the idea of regency period pieces and the snippets of witty banter but think that things tend to be a little dry on the plot side, this is worth your time. Some elements feel a bit predictable, but the overall effect is so fun that it’s quickly forgiven.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Medical content, Violence, War, Slavery, Injury/Injury detail, Forced institutionalization, Domestic abuse, and Death of parent
I do want to caution that there’s content that feels like neurotypical ableism, so you may see yourself and some of the malicious things people say.friendly_neighborhood_grandma's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a favorite book. I loved everything. (It isnt perfect of coarse but is quite close.) Everything. It made me think,laugh, stare at a wall for a couple of minutes straight. Everything.
It's very interesting how much society at those times affected one. It’s all about
the ^unsaid^, be very careful of what you do and what other people think of you out of worry for your reputation. Get a husband in time. Be polite, neat and pretty. Do not dare atract attention with anything other than light flirting, politeness and charm, do not dare be different, rumors about you will affect you and your family.
It's very interesting how much society at those times affected one. It’s all about
the ^unsaid^, be very careful of what you do and what other people think of you out of worry for your reputation. Get a husband in time. Be polite, neat and pretty. Do not dare atract attention with anything other than light flirting, politeness and charm, do not dare be different, rumors about you will affect you and your family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Classism, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, and Sexism
Moderate: Abandonment, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Murder, Violence, and War
Minor: Ableism, Child death, Slavery, Medical trauma, Kidnapping, Gore, Fire/Fire injury, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, and Death
katiemcgregor's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Why did I not know about this book sooner?!? Half a Soul is an utterly charming and whimsical take on a regency romance. Atwater does a lovely job of balancing humor, romance, and social justice in this sweet little novel that filled me with warmth as I read it.
Half a Soul isn't especially strong when it comes to world building, but the imagery is visceral (can we just talk about that ballroom scene!?!) and everything is consistently lighthearted, so I didn't mind much. The characters are delightful and just so much fun. It helps that our leading man lands somewhere between being similar to Howl Pendragon and Christopher Chant (immaculate vibes). But Dora, our protagonist, is just as likable with her strange affliction and blunt manner. The two compliment each other perfectly.
Honestly, the main reason I'm rating this 3.75 stars instead of 4 is because I don't know how I feel about he epilogue. Normally I enjoy these additions at the end of a good novel, but I'm not sure if Half a Soul needs an epilogue. In this case, I think leaving the conclusions open to interpretation might have been more satisfying.
Half a Soul isn't especially strong when it comes to world building, but the imagery is visceral (can we just talk about that ballroom scene!?!) and everything is consistently lighthearted, so I didn't mind much. The characters are delightful and just so much fun. It helps that our leading man lands somewhere between being similar to Howl Pendragon and Christopher Chant (immaculate vibes). But Dora, our protagonist, is just as likable with her strange affliction and blunt manner. The two compliment each other perfectly.
Honestly, the main reason I'm rating this 3.75 stars instead of 4 is because I don't know how I feel about he epilogue. Normally I enjoy these additions at the end of a good novel, but I'm not sure if Half a Soul needs an epilogue. In this case, I think leaving the conclusions open to interpretation might have been more satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Classism, Kidnapping, Murder, and Trafficking
Moderate: Blood, Domestic abuse, and Confinement
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