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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
I predicted a lot of this really early on, but still enjoyed it! Got worried toward the end they were gonna drop a sequel jumpscare on me but we’re safe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Classism
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book! I found the prose to be absolutely gorgeous and gothic from the first page, and I adored how the book was formatted to be a play of sorts? I adored the romance as well, I'm a sucker for sapphic characters
One thing I thought was especially wonderful was the portrayal of emotionally abusive parents and how sometimes we fall back to that cycle of abuse over and over again before crawling out. I also really loved Odile's relationship with Damien.
I think I found Marie to be a bit lackluster? I'm not sure, I think I found Aime to be more characterized than her- the best way I can describe Marie is a manic pixie dream girl (not exactly, but it's the closest way I can describe her)-still I adored how Odile went from hating her to worshipping the ground she walked on.
I also think I was expecting a bit more... gothic story? The writing and prose fits the atmospheric and gothic feel of what I think the story was going for, but I think the story kind of struggled to maintain that gothic atmosphere. I also thought the pacing could be a bit better- some parts slower than others. And I will say the book was advertised as a Swan Lake retelling but I think this book was more so an original story inspired by motifs of Swan Lake rather than an actual retelling of Swan Lake
still a wonderful read I also loved that little Barbie Swan Lake reference at the end
I think I found Marie to be a bit lackluster? I'm not sure, I think I found Aime to be more characterized than her- the best way I can describe Marie is a manic pixie dream girl (not exactly, but it's the closest way I can describe her)-
I also think I was expecting a bit more... gothic story? The writing and prose fits the atmospheric and gothic feel of what I think the story was going for, but I think the story kind of struggled to maintain that gothic atmosphere. I also thought the pacing could be a bit better- some parts slower than others. And I will say the book was advertised as a Swan Lake retelling but I think this book was more so an original story inspired by motifs of Swan Lake rather than an actual retelling of Swan Lake
still a wonderful read I also loved that little Barbie Swan Lake reference at the end
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for sending me this ARC!
I am unfamiliar with Swan Lake, but this did not affect my reading experience. The book is well written, but I felt the pacing was off in places, and the first half of the book dragged for me.
I immediately suspected Regnault/Papa - he was clearly only looking out for his own good and using Odile to carry out his dirty work. He did love Odile in his own way - that being when she listened and he could control her. I did not, however, suspect his true identity, and enjoyed the reveal.
The relationship between Marie and Odile felt shy and slow, and it was adorable watching them blush and hide their feelings for each other. I was worried we were heading towards a cliffhanger towards the end after Marie was cursed, mainly because I wanted to see their reunion quicker than a second book could be written!
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I wished the pacing was quicker and that Odile got to explore her magic more. 3.5 stars rounded up!
I am unfamiliar with Swan Lake, but this did not affect my reading experience. The book is well written, but I felt the pacing was off in places, and the first half of the book dragged for me.
I immediately suspected Regnault/Papa - he was clearly only looking out for his own good and using Odile to carry out his dirty work. He did love Odile in his own way - that being when she listened and he could control her. I did not, however, suspect his true identity, and enjoyed the reveal.
The relationship between Marie and Odile felt shy and slow, and it was adorable watching them blush and hide their feelings for each other. I was worried we were heading towards a cliffhanger towards the end after Marie was cursed, mainly because I wanted to see their reunion quicker than a second book could be written!
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I wished the pacing was quicker and that Odile got to explore her magic more. 3.5 stars rounded up!
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
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
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:
Yes
Loved it from the first page, the reason I didn’t give it five stars is because I wish there was more of the romance and felt the end was a tad rushed…overall really enjoyed and def recommend.