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liamliayaum's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A cozy witchy fantasy with a dash of bisexual/lesbian romance. The fall vibes of Gilmore Girls set in the Midwest, specifically Illinois, with a modern bent. The magic of this world is intriguing and the plot of a magical tournament to determine which family reigns over the magic for the next 50 years is a delightful spin.
Emmy Harlow, the main character, is torn between her new non-magical life in Chicago and the implications of magical life in Thistle Grove. She does waffle about this issue for a good portion of the book.
There is some diversity in the main characters but they are mostly white, abled, and Millennials.
I have to appreciate any book that has romance but doesn't give much emphasis to sexual content so if you're looking for spice, this book isn't it. But, if you're like me, and like romance for all the other bits, this might be perfect for you!
Lastly, knowing there are more books in this series, I seriously hope that Talia, Rowan, Linden, and even the eff-boy Gareth get their own spotlight. I especially loved Linden and would love more time with her!
Emmy Harlow, the main character, is torn between her new non-magical life in Chicago and the implications of magical life in Thistle Grove. She does waffle about this issue for a good portion of the book.
There is some diversity in the main characters but they are mostly white, abled, and Millennials.
I have to appreciate any book that has romance but doesn't give much emphasis to sexual content so if you're looking for spice, this book isn't it. But, if you're like me, and like romance for all the other bits, this might be perfect for you!
Lastly, knowing there are more books in this series, I seriously hope that Talia, Rowan, Linden, and even the eff-boy Gareth get their own spotlight. I especially loved Linden and would love more time with her!
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
roboroo's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Sexual content
drnsh's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
Cute, gay (and bi). Great bestfriendships to vicariously feed off of
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
janae's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.75
I loved this story! The whimsical fluffy fantasy set in modern times, the adorable queer romance, and the main character growing into who she truly is and wants to be. I also loved the magic system, the magical trials, and the sweet relationships the characters had. The writing was poetic and sweet, with only a few missteps that are barely noticeable. The only reason this isn’t a five for me is because my enjoyment didn’t quite reach the level I normally require. But overall it was wonderful and I recommend to fans of romance, light fantasy, and cozy vibes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
raptorq's review
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity
anka_al's review
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book was shallow but lovely. If you are in a reading slump and need a cute, little, sapphic pick me up, this is the book for you. Its lighthearted the characters are relatable. But the story line falls a bit short for me and the characters sometimes act like 17 year olds instead of nearly 30.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
theverycraftyvegan's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
5 stars for this wonderfully witchy book! Reading about Emmy Harlow’s return to Thistle Grove was magical, reading about why she left made me mad, and reading about what happens after her return had me smiling.
All the different relationships between the characters was lovely and angering at the same time. Some people were good and kind, others were complicated, and some were just the worst and I loved to hate them!
I can’t wait to continue with this series!
All the different relationships between the characters was lovely and angering at the same time. Some people were good and kind, others were complicated, and some were just the worst and I loved to hate them!
I can’t wait to continue with this series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Infidelity, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Cursing, and Toxic relationship
leah08855's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
cecetomas's review
adventurous
funny
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
3.75
This was a really fun October read. The reviews talking about it being a Triwizard Tournament are totally right but I actually enjoyed that a lot.
I liked the character dynamics a lot- they were complex and evolved well without being too intense or heavy, especially between Emmy and Linden. Seeing platonic friendship be just as, if not more, important than romantic relationships is really valuable and something that I don't think gets enough attention.
Garrett being an important part of Emmy's backstory but not a main character or part of her growth made me really happy. Given that the book is a sapphic story, I liked that her story didn't hinge on a man.
The writing felt a little juvenile and I wish there was more intricate imagery but generally I would recommend as a fun festive read.
I liked the character dynamics a lot- they were complex and evolved well without being too intense or heavy, especially between Emmy and Linden. Seeing platonic friendship be just as, if not more, important than romantic relationships is really valuable and something that I don't think gets enough attention.
Garrett being an important part of Emmy's backstory but not a main character or part of her growth made me really happy. Given that the book is a sapphic story, I liked that her story didn't hinge on a man.
The writing felt a little juvenile and I wish there was more intricate imagery but generally I would recommend as a fun festive read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcohol, and Infidelity
hazelgirl21's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content