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madscientistcat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Violence, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Animal cruelty, and Death of parent
Moderate: Torture, Miscarriage, Alcohol, and Pregnancy
Minor: Religious bigotry and Child death
myles_reeree's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Minor: Sexual assault
liesthemoontells's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Death, Murder, War, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Religious bigotry, Violence, Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Kidnapping, Classism, Death of parent, Misogyny, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual assault, Rape, and Sexual harassment
thereadingbanshee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
I really love the first part of this book.
It focused on characters, our MC mostly, took its time in a very pleasant way. The writing itself is lovely, and really set the scene and the atmosphere of the story. And i loved every part of these first 150-200 or so pages, the atmosphere was immeculate to me.
Then, the middle part was confusing me a bit, and I slowly (and much to my dismay) started to slowly lose interest.
The plot was moving along, but the pacing was a bit off, and i didn't enjoy some parts of the developments.
(Also, the issues that bothered me so much in the last part of the book that i mention below were starting to appear.)
And the last part... well the last 100 pages or so i skimmed so that is telling.
But even before then, the pacing just was completely off. We went from having all the detail of the MC's feelings and thoughts, to not having them when they were crucial for the developments to make sense.
The biggest issue for me was the "big" twist. I saw it coming miles away, and this could have not bothered me if the elements letting you know of this weren't so obvious but completely ignored by the MC.
AND i hate the kind of trope that twist was based on, and hoped it would at least be done in a original way and was sorely disappointed.
In short, i think the premise and a ton of element of this book were very interesting, but sadly didn't get the execution they deserved.
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Self harm, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, and Gore
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Pregnancy
ecwiggin's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault
shantastic_reads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
What I loved:
- Creative premise and storytelling that entwines multiple fairytales.
- The writing style is gorgeous and elegant.
- The setting made me feel I was immersed in this magical woodland.
- The audiobook narration by Esther Wane was on point! Melodic and captivating.
- That gorgeous cover and esthetic!
Some cautions:
- Violence against animals - essential to the story but be aware before you dive in because there are some gruesome scenes.
- There are some feminist themes but would have enjoyed if it was more subversive.
- You will be hungry and craving gingerbread!
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape