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tgaddie's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
emandherbooks42's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
elenajohansen's review against another edition
I thought this had a promising start, but when more than two weeks had gone by and I was still barely halfway through, I decided to stop forcing myself to keep going; I was more determined to finish the book for the sake of marking it done, than I was to actually find out how the story ended, so I knew it was time to give up.
At first I found the many POVs intriguing, and when the writing was at its best I was reminded of Neil Gaiman's work in tone and style: mysterious and even portentous without being heavy-handed, supernatural while still being grounded in the day-to-day life of the real world.
But somehow, no matter how much I seemed to think I liked it while I was reading it, after half an hour at most I would find myself putting it down and finding something else to do. The incredibly short length of some "chapters" felt abrupt, and even frustrating when the snippet was from a POV that hadn't appeared for a while. I would tell myself "I'll sit down and read for a whole hour, I don't have anywhere to be right now" and still get bored and stop reading. I'm not against slow-paced books as a rule, but the constant stop-start of POV changes (and some annoying head-hopping within scenes) made me feel like I was on a jerky train car, never able to settle comfortably in for the long ride.
The world was interesting, but I never found myself terribly invested in the characters, and even the hint of budding romance couldn't keep me going, as it was so minor it doesn't even justify calling it a subplot.
At first I found the many POVs intriguing, and when the writing was at its best I was reminded of Neil Gaiman's work in tone and style: mysterious and even portentous without being heavy-handed, supernatural while still being grounded in the day-to-day life of the real world.
But somehow, no matter how much I seemed to think I liked it while I was reading it, after half an hour at most I would find myself putting it down and finding something else to do. The incredibly short length of some "chapters" felt abrupt, and even frustrating when the snippet was from a POV that hadn't appeared for a while. I would tell myself "I'll sit down and read for a whole hour, I don't have anywhere to be right now" and still get bored and stop reading. I'm not against slow-paced books as a rule, but the constant stop-start of POV changes (and some annoying head-hopping within scenes) made me feel like I was on a jerky train car, never able to settle comfortably in for the long ride.
The world was interesting, but I never found myself terribly invested in the characters, and even the hint of budding romance couldn't keep me going, as it was so minor it doesn't even justify calling it a subplot.
sigo06's review against another edition
4.0
4.2 - really enjoyed this story! The atmosphere, the characters, the plot is where the points are knocked off. The ending seemed a bit rushed but I liked what happened. I very much would like to physically read it but I recommend the audiobook. The narrator nailed all the characters and background characters
kittyhearted's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
4.25
confessions_of_a_bookaholic's review against another edition
4.0
It's 1880 and Adelaide Thom and Eleanor St Claire have opened a tea shop, specialising in cures, palmistry and potions. When Beatrice Dunn arrives seeking employment the women take her in and begin training her. All is going well until it becomes evident that Beatrice is able to talk to spirits, and whilst the witches debate how best to hone her talents Beatrice disappears. Unsure whether this is by choice or by force, Eleanor and Adelaide must confront their pasts in order to find Beatrice before she comes to harm.
This was a slow burn of a book I found, but nevertheless I enjoyed the read. The first few chapters I was wondering whether I would be able to get into the story or not, but before long I found myself engrossed.
The characters are mysterious yet compelling. I felt that I got to know them well as the book progressed, and found all three of Eleanor, Adelaide and Beatrice likeable in their own ways. I was also fond of Dr Brody, and appreciated his open minded attitude.
I thought McKay did a great job of weaving historical references into this, and bringing to life a time where it was precarious (even dangerous) to be a woman. Having the newspaper clippings interspersed throughout the book helped to give things an authentic feel, and also broke up the prose in what is otherwise a long novel.
The one main criticism I have with this was that I thought there was some loose ends left over. I originally thought this was because there was a sequel, but looking in Storygraph I can see that the follow up is a short story, and doesn't sound like it will tie things together. It's a shame because I would happily read more.
This was a slow burn of a book I found, but nevertheless I enjoyed the read. The first few chapters I was wondering whether I would be able to get into the story or not, but before long I found myself engrossed.
The characters are mysterious yet compelling. I felt that I got to know them well as the book progressed, and found all three of Eleanor, Adelaide and Beatrice likeable in their own ways. I was also fond of Dr Brody, and appreciated his open minded attitude.
I thought McKay did a great job of weaving historical references into this, and bringing to life a time where it was precarious (even dangerous) to be a woman. Having the newspaper clippings interspersed throughout the book helped to give things an authentic feel, and also broke up the prose in what is otherwise a long novel.
The one main criticism I have with this was that I thought there was some loose ends left over. I originally thought this was because there was a sequel, but looking in Storygraph I can see that the follow up is a short story, and doesn't sound like it will tie things together. It's a shame because I would happily read more.
chastitymarie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thefantasticalworldofsara's review against another edition
3.0
The atmosphere in the book makes it a perfect fall read! There's witches and tea and magic and it sits on just this side of spooky. I gotta say though it wasn't my favourite. I loved the 3 main characters but the way the chapters are laid out sometimes made it confusing; sometimes we wouldn't see a character for several chapters and I wouldn't remember who they were. Also, the plot felt a bit all over the place.
Interesting book and a good fall read but not something I'd re-read.
ps. The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the view of Indigo Books & Music Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. #IndigoEmployee
Interesting book and a good fall read but not something I'd re-read.
ps. The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the view of Indigo Books & Music Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. #IndigoEmployee
thehungryartist's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75