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naomi_et_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
donnar's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dembury's review against another edition
5.0
Honestly more than anything else, I straight up just had FUN reading this book! Rogerson has twice now created worlds that are nothing less than utterly enchanting, filled with lyrical writing and plots that are magical whirlwind adventures. And of course: her characters. Elisabeth is such a brilliantly funny and brave heroine that I think a lot of YA readers will love, especially alongside the equally charming sorcerer, Nathaniel Thorn. The pair of them have stolen my heart ❤️
There are a few little moments here and there I think could have been more fleshed out, but nothing major enough to distract from the overall enjoyment. The main villain character was a bit weak, often falling into trope-like qualities and motivations, but Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas made up for that. Truly, very little critique from me, and I'll definitely be rereading at some point!
There are a few little moments here and there I think could have been more fleshed out, but nothing major enough to distract from the overall enjoyment. The main villain character was a bit weak, often falling into trope-like qualities and motivations, but Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas made up for that. Truly, very little critique from me, and I'll definitely be rereading at some point!
alzena28's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
sempiterne's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
atvreads's review against another edition
5.0
✹Five Senses Review✹
Looks Like: dimly lit corridors, cracked leather-bound tomes, emerald-hued flashes of light, raven strands, and shock-of-white locks
Smells Like: iron and rust, mold and dust, and most delightedly, old books and leather
Sounds Like: Boots on a stone floor, clashing of steel, and the air pregnant with static, weighted silence
Tastes Like: rain & tears intermingled, piping-hot tea, and your first kiss
Feels Like: your foundation cracking and crumbling beneath your feet, being braver than you've ever been, and giving more of yourself even after you've given all that you have
✹Final Thoughts✹
This novel was so much more than I expected. The magic system is unique and equal parts beautiful and haunting. I cannot get over the notion of sentient tomes with their own thoughts, feelings, desires, and discontent with their lot. Not to mention the ability to transform their selves into something* wholly misunderstood. (*this whole bit is truly speculation & criticism on how society treats "the unknown" in any given time and culture)
Once I gave in to the slow seduction crafted by the elegant prose, I was enraptured and entranced by this bewitching gem. The slow smolder of this enemies-to-lovers trope is fulfilling and well-deserved for both parties that have existed in the margins of a solitary, isolated existence. They've existed— yet, neither has truly lived until this quest forces them into confronting their misconceptions and prejudices to form the most unlikely and forbidden of alliances to save their realm from imminent destruction.
✩✩✩✩✩/5✩ highly recommend for quality escapism.
Looks Like: dimly lit corridors, cracked leather-bound tomes, emerald-hued flashes of light, raven strands, and shock-of-white locks
Smells Like: iron and rust, mold and dust, and most delightedly, old books and leather
Sounds Like: Boots on a stone floor, clashing of steel, and the air pregnant with static, weighted silence
Tastes Like: rain & tears intermingled, piping-hot tea, and your first kiss
Feels Like: your foundation cracking and crumbling beneath your feet, being braver than you've ever been, and giving more of yourself even after you've given all that you have
✹Final Thoughts✹
This novel was so much more than I expected. The magic system is unique and equal parts beautiful and haunting. I cannot get over the notion of sentient tomes with their own thoughts, feelings, desires, and discontent with their lot. Not to mention the ability to transform their selves into something* wholly misunderstood. (*this whole bit is truly speculation & criticism on how society treats "the unknown" in any given time and culture)
Once I gave in to the slow seduction crafted by the elegant prose, I was enraptured and entranced by this bewitching gem. The slow smolder of this enemies-to-lovers trope is fulfilling and well-deserved for both parties that have existed in the margins of a solitary, isolated existence. They've existed— yet, neither has truly lived until this quest forces them into confronting their misconceptions and prejudices to form the most unlikely and forbidden of alliances to save their realm from imminent destruction.
✩✩✩✩✩/5✩ highly recommend for quality escapism.
kiara393's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
liany_p3rez's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5