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sleepytimebooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.75
lesbianlis's review against another edition
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
4.5
While I think the mystery aspect of this story is fairly predictable, I think the point of it is not the plot per se but the growth of the characters as they realize their responsibilities with their power.
I can see that if you approach this book as a fantasy fan, its would be too heavy on the thriller aspect, but if you approach this as a thriller fan there's too much magical realism. This book is perfect for an audience that is not dedicated to either style of book and I do feel that I am that audience.
I can see that if you approach this book as a fantasy fan, its would be too heavy on the thriller aspect, but if you approach this as a thriller fan there's too much magical realism. This book is perfect for an audience that is not dedicated to either style of book and I do feel that I am that audience.
... I suspect deep down, you already know this-- every recipe is a spell. And all cooks are witches.
miamon's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
erinlcrane's review against another edition
2.0
Given the 4+ average on this, I’m surprised how disappointed I was! This is maybe 2.5 stars, I did enjoy parts of it.
My major complaint is the way this story lays it on thick. Subtlety, who? I think there’s an audience for a story like this (4 stars indicates as much), so it’s not necessarily a flaw. But it’s definitely not what I prefer. And for me it does a disservice to the real life situations like this.
It feels super White women feminism. It doesn’t come across as especially intersectional, and the White women of the story (who are also rich and educated) come across as unaware of their privilege. The way they interact with police speaks volumes.
I really don’t know what to think about Nessa, but I certainly question how she was written. The fact that she was introduced as having a big butt made me cringe. Maybe other aspects of how she was written are fine, but I’m not the one to judge that.
I did have fun at the beginning with the women getting their powers. I think I was hoping it would play more of a role, but it was pretty light on that. Harriett I think gets the most to do with her powers, and poor Jo is reduced to an anti-climactic moment that could have been achieved as easily with a match.
The mystery wasn’t much of a mystery and largely pretty boring. One of the more effective bits for me was when Jo realizes Rosamund might be using another locker - I thought that was clever. And while I did see the twist with Leonard coming from the moment he appeared in the story, I did not guess the twist with Claude. Having her as a Ghislaine figure was really interesting, and if anything I’d like to have seen more reckoning with the way women hurt women.
I was disappointed with the message which seemed to be “desensitize yourself to violence, murder all the baddies, and all will be better.” But I can respect that the author was probably trying to push back on the way women are often shown in film/tv as cowardly or hesitant to be violent to defend themselves. I can also get behind the idea that the justice system isn’t going to help, so we have to take things into our own hands. But the book seemed to think it was a good thing or possible to feel nothing (and not be traumatized) while committing violent acts. It didn’t feel like the book attacked the real problem (power). Plenty of stories take this simplistic revenge/vigilante justice approach, of course, so it’s not a flaw in and of itself. I think it bothered me here because this book was trying so hard to SAY something.
Overall a disappointing read, but in an interesting way.
My major complaint is the way this story lays it on thick. Subtlety, who? I think there’s an audience for a story like this (4 stars indicates as much), so it’s not necessarily a flaw. But it’s definitely not what I prefer. And for me it does a disservice to the real life situations like this.
It feels super White women feminism. It doesn’t come across as especially intersectional, and the White women of the story (who are also rich and educated) come across as unaware of their privilege. The way they interact with police speaks volumes.
I really don’t know what to think about Nessa, but I certainly question how she was written. The fact that she was introduced as having a big butt made me cringe. Maybe other aspects of how she was written are fine, but I’m not the one to judge that.
I did have fun at the beginning with the women getting their powers. I think I was hoping it would play more of a role, but it was pretty light on that. Harriett I think gets the most to do with her powers, and poor Jo is reduced to an anti-climactic moment that could have been achieved as easily with a match.
The mystery wasn’t much of a mystery and largely pretty boring. One of the more effective bits for me was when Jo realizes Rosamund might be using another locker - I thought that was clever. And while I did see the twist with Leonard coming from the moment he appeared in the story, I did not guess the twist with Claude. Having her as a Ghislaine figure was really interesting, and if anything I’d like to have seen more reckoning with the way women hurt women.
I was disappointed with the message which seemed to be “desensitize yourself to violence, murder all the baddies, and all will be better.” But I can respect that the author was probably trying to push back on the way women are often shown in film/tv as cowardly or hesitant to be violent to defend themselves. I can also get behind the idea that the justice system isn’t going to help, so we have to take things into our own hands. But the book seemed to think it was a good thing or possible to feel nothing (and not be traumatized) while committing violent acts. It didn’t feel like the book attacked the real problem (power). Plenty of stories take this simplistic revenge/vigilante justice approach, of course, so it’s not a flaw in and of itself. I think it bothered me here because this book was trying so hard to SAY something.
Overall a disappointing read, but in an interesting way.
horsley123's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this. I very much enjoyed 'The Power' and 'The Handmaid's Tale' so was up for a bit of ladypower but did wonder if I could cope with more beating up the menfolk,. Not to worry as 'The Change' is menopausal Avengers in Midsomer Murders, with a side serving of laughs amidst the murders.
The lead characters each have a super power - some more relatable than others, but all being a tool for justice and humour. There are murders up front, dismissive men, evil rich people and a very pleasing twist at the end. It is a real blast and I do hope this trio make another appearance in a sequel.
Terrific!
The lead characters each have a super power - some more relatable than others, but all being a tool for justice and humour. There are murders up front, dismissive men, evil rich people and a very pleasing twist at the end. It is a real blast and I do hope this trio make another appearance in a sequel.
Terrific!
dollyfarton's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
5.0
savyrose_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-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
kdtoverbooked's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I’m a bit late coming to the party but I really enjoyed this one. If you’re a woman in the mood that makes you angry at rich men, this would be for you. It’s a bit heavy on the cycle part in the beginning but it’s worth pushing pass that part to get to the meatier part of the story. Must be okay with sixth sense types of powers being present in your stories to fully enjoy this one.
emilyheltzel's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0