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seforana's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, Bullying, Death, Classism, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Murder, Grief, Child death, and Child abuse
clarabooksit's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It’s really more of a 3.5 stars but I’ve rounded up for how much I enjoyed it.
What prevents this book from being stellar is what so many other historical fantasies lack: any semblance of or even honest attempts at world-building. Too often authors rely on their historical setting to automatically generate a world in the reader’s mind but that’s not only lazy, it also results in their story having no internal logic, no explanation for the fantasy elements or how they work, and ultimately a less substantial story.
I’m afraid that’s the case here. I have no idea how the magic works in this story, who can or cannot be a magician—this story only has one and I have no idea why—or how magic fits into this world. Which is such a shame because I really liked Dora, Elias and Albert, and the concept of only having half a soul.
I also loved the themes of what constitutes evil and how everyday people can combat it, even in small ways, and that even when something feels missing, a person can be and still is a whole person. And what happens to Dora and her missing half at the end was lovely.
Overall, I wish this had been more fleshed out in nearly every possible way, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the characters. It’s an easy, engaging, heartwarming read and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Blood and Violence
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