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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
This was a delight! Hassan does a great job of developing our three narrators and crafting this magical world that they all live in. There's a bit of a mystery as to who the Hag is and how to defeat her, and how to break Leo's curse. But the way it all unfolds is really masterful, and I was hooked the entire way through.
Leo, Aziza, and Tristan all had heartbreaking moments, but I think Tristan's storyline was possibly the most heartbreaking. He feels like he doesn't deserve love or happiness because of his past and just...ugh. You know there are teens out there that also feel that way because of the way they were treated by adults.
I love that the three of them made a little coven, and I'm honestly excited to see what they get up to in the next book! Because there are definitely story threads that need to be wrapped up.
Leo, Aziza, and Tristan all had heartbreaking moments, but I think Tristan's storyline was possibly the most heartbreaking. He feels like he doesn't deserve love or happiness because of his past and just...ugh. You know there are teens out there that also feel that way because of the way they were treated by adults.
I love that the three of them made a little coven, and I'm honestly excited to see what they get up to in the next book! Because there are definitely story threads that need to be wrapped up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Self harm, and Homophobia
Minor: Death of parent, Child death, and Vomit
lillygabriella's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Took me a bit to get into the story, but once I did I could hardly put it down! Magic, mystery, curses, sacrifice, necromancy, and interpersonal family drama all make for a gripping tale of heroics and catastrophes. I am so glad this is the first in a series. I am already looking forward to the next volume! Can hardly wait to see what happens to everyone next!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child death, Death, Outing, Fire/Fire injury, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Vomit, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
ezwolf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
I loved this book so much and I can't wait for it to come out so I can talk about it with other people! I have so many emotions and I'm struggling to find the words.
Aziza, Leo, and Tristan all have intriguing stories that make reading each of their POVs enjoyable, often when I read alternating POVs I favor one or two above the rest, but that wasn't the case this time. I was deeply invested in each of their stories and struggles and getting to see how it all intertwined so they had to work together in the end was fun.
The side characters also had stories that added to the plot without taking away from the main trio and I'd love to continue reading about Hazel or Meryl. The book ends on a hopeful note, but I'd never say no to reading more about Blackthorn and the magic that lives there.
This book toes the line of spooky fantasy and horror well and even the moments that are more gory are described in a way that paints the picture but without making it disgusting, which I appreciated.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for making this available in exchange for an honest review.
Aziza, Leo, and Tristan all have intriguing stories that make reading each of their POVs enjoyable, often when I read alternating POVs I favor one or two above the rest, but that wasn't the case this time. I was deeply invested in each of their stories and struggles and getting to see how it all intertwined so they had to work together in the end was fun.
The side characters also had stories that added to the plot without taking away from the main trio and I'd love to continue reading about Hazel or Meryl. The book ends on a hopeful note, but I'd never say no to reading more about Blackthorn and the magic that lives there.
This book toes the line of spooky fantasy and horror well and even the moments that are more gory are described in a way that paints the picture but without making it disgusting, which I appreciated.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for making this available in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Classism, Death, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Self harm, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Vomit, Death of parent, Child death, and Gore
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