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alexlv's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.5
jesssica__berg's review against another edition
4.0
The novel follows Dr. Greta Helsing, a London-based physician with a rather unique patient list that includes mummies, banshees, and various other supernatural entities. It's a bold premise, and Shaw handles it with a deft touch, balancing humor, action, and heartfelt moments.
One of the standout elements is the world-building. Shaw creates an alternate London that is at once familiar and utterly different, a world where monsters live in the shadows yet face healthcare concerns like any human would. You can't help but appreciate the author's wit and inventiveness, especially in lines like, "Being a GP to the undead was at least never boring." This tongue-in-cheek approach gives the book a distinctive charm that sets it apart from typical urban fantasies.
Shaw's character work is top-notch. Dr. Greta Helsing is a relatable, grounded protagonist in a world full of supernatural chaos. The interactions she has with her monstrous patients explore themes of empathy, compassion, and acceptance. She's not just treating the supernatural elements of their conditions; she's treating them as individuals with unique needs and concerns. It's this human aspect that makes the narrative deeply engaging.
However, the book does face some challenges in terms of pacing. While the plot is entertaining and unfolds with a mix of medical dilemmas and action sequences, there are moments when the story gets bogged down with exposition. The author's desire to explain the intricacies of her world sometimes overshadows the immediacy of the plot. For instance, detailed medical explanations can be fascinating, but they occasionally halt the narrative's momentum. A little trimming here and there could make the story tighter and more focused.
Additionally, the novel juggles multiple perspectives, and while this adds depth to the story, it can sometimes make the narrative feel scattered. More cohesion in the switching viewpoints could streamline the storytelling and maintain tension effectively.
Strange Practice offers a fresh take on the urban fantasy genre, successfully incorporating elements of medical drama. The novel creates an engaging world populated by well-drawn characters and introduces a protagonist in Dr. Greta Helsing that readers will eagerly follow through her unusual practice.
One of the standout elements is the world-building. Shaw creates an alternate London that is at once familiar and utterly different, a world where monsters live in the shadows yet face healthcare concerns like any human would. You can't help but appreciate the author's wit and inventiveness, especially in lines like, "Being a GP to the undead was at least never boring." This tongue-in-cheek approach gives the book a distinctive charm that sets it apart from typical urban fantasies.
Shaw's character work is top-notch. Dr. Greta Helsing is a relatable, grounded protagonist in a world full of supernatural chaos. The interactions she has with her monstrous patients explore themes of empathy, compassion, and acceptance. She's not just treating the supernatural elements of their conditions; she's treating them as individuals with unique needs and concerns. It's this human aspect that makes the narrative deeply engaging.
However, the book does face some challenges in terms of pacing. While the plot is entertaining and unfolds with a mix of medical dilemmas and action sequences, there are moments when the story gets bogged down with exposition. The author's desire to explain the intricacies of her world sometimes overshadows the immediacy of the plot. For instance, detailed medical explanations can be fascinating, but they occasionally halt the narrative's momentum. A little trimming here and there could make the story tighter and more focused.
Additionally, the novel juggles multiple perspectives, and while this adds depth to the story, it can sometimes make the narrative feel scattered. More cohesion in the switching viewpoints could streamline the storytelling and maintain tension effectively.
Strange Practice offers a fresh take on the urban fantasy genre, successfully incorporating elements of medical drama. The novel creates an engaging world populated by well-drawn characters and introduces a protagonist in Dr. Greta Helsing that readers will eagerly follow through her unusual practice.
benjamin529's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.0
This was fun for me as a doctor because I also enjoy the supernatural and I thought it was a cool intersection between two things I love. The medicine was relatively consistent with real medicine and so was the way she thinks. Clearly written by someone with healthcare knowledge. A bit slow to get the characters going but by the end I was hooked. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
zoer03's review against another edition
5.0
Omg why haven’t I picked this up before.... it’s an absolute gem love love it. Can’t wait to get a copy myself ( read the library copy) and looking forward to the next book ☺️
ashleethurman's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bring_out_your_read's review against another edition
4.0
I liked it! A little predictable in some areas, and some slight impractical thinking on the protagonist's part, but overall the characters were fun, and the plot was engaging. Definitely will check out the sequel. Am hoping there will be more 'solving of medical problems for magical creatures' in the next book. All of the discussion about the specialized treatment for mummies in the first one was SPOT on. Loved it! Tickled me right through. ^.^
jackerass's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
duck_in_stem's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
karionie's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.0