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mary_do_12's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
i’ve heard so many good things about this book, and that was the problem.
i think if i would’ve gone into this story unbiased, i could’ve enjoyed it a lot more. however, by hearing all about the greatness of this book, i set out with expectations way too high. and that probably has influenced my reading experience a lot. so keep that in mind for this review.
the characters for this book looked very promising — i knew jacks from caraval already; you know, hot, handsome, haunting or something like that (i just made that shit up). the world building we don’t even have to talk about; great, gorgeous, going above (idk what is happening to me, alliterations have gotten the best of me).
and with it, (most of) the characters in the story were just bound to be amazing and unique.
however, i found myself unable to connect to evangeline for most parts. i’m a fan of strong fmc’s and even though they displayed her as brave — which i’m not arguing with — she just wasn’t giving me the energy i wanted. i wanted powerful, passionate, period. i got sweet, sincere, senseless. know not every character can be strong and independent, but i feel like in this universe such a character would’ve fit better, especially paired with jacks. but then again, who am i to judge.
the plot felt very random and senseless at points — a fact that i’ve pointed out for caraval as well. i suppose it’s just the charme of stephanie’s stories and world, but it made it hard for me to have something to cling on to and create tension. that is why especially the first two parts of the book, i just wasn’t hooked to the story.
now i have to say, about the last fourth of the book or so, i finally was able to feel something for the characters and plot. every since thevampire stuff , things started to connect and make sense a little bit more. also, the scene in which jacks was bitten ?? top tier.
i’ve debated a long time on how many stars i should give this, but in the end i couldn’t spare more than 3. i had to remind myself that i’m rating my reading experience and not necessarily the book itself (sorry). i feel like as a re-read this could maybe get a little more from me.
or maybe the real problem with me and this book is I‘M CONFUSED and it’s making me throw things (i have issues).
i think if i would’ve gone into this story unbiased, i could’ve enjoyed it a lot more. however, by hearing all about the greatness of this book, i set out with expectations way too high. and that probably has influenced my reading experience a lot. so keep that in mind for this review.
the characters for this book looked very promising — i knew jacks from caraval already; you know, hot, handsome, haunting or something like that (i just made that shit up). the world building we don’t even have to talk about; great, gorgeous, going above (idk what is happening to me, alliterations have gotten the best of me).
and with it, (most of) the characters in the story were just bound to be amazing and unique.
however, i found myself unable to connect to evangeline for most parts. i’m a fan of strong fmc’s and even though they displayed her as brave — which i’m not arguing with — she just wasn’t giving me the energy i wanted. i wanted powerful, passionate, period. i got sweet, sincere, senseless. know not every character can be strong and independent, but i feel like in this universe such a character would’ve fit better, especially paired with jacks. but then again, who am i to judge.
the plot felt very random and senseless at points — a fact that i’ve pointed out for caraval as well. i suppose it’s just the charme of stephanie’s stories and world, but it made it hard for me to have something to cling on to and create tension. that is why especially the first two parts of the book, i just wasn’t hooked to the story.
now i have to say, about the last fourth of the book or so, i finally was able to feel something for the characters and plot. every since the
i’ve debated a long time on how many stars i should give this, but in the end i couldn’t spare more than 3. i had to remind myself that i’m rating my reading experience and not necessarily the book itself (sorry). i feel like as a re-read this could maybe get a little more from me.
or maybe the real problem with me and this book is I‘M CONFUSED and it’s making me throw things (i have issues).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, and Blood
savvyrosereads's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? No
4.5
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Evangeline Fox makes a deal with the Prince of Hearts to stop the wedding of her first love, but all is not what it appears.
I am such a fan of this book! I absolutely LOVE Jacks (not sure what that says about me) and really enjoyed Evangeline as a leading lady. This continued to build upon the world-building from the CARAVAL trilogy but I enjoyed it more—I felt like a had a clearer handle on what was going on and how things worked. I also have theories about what’s coming next and I really hope I’m right.
Also, vampires? I’ll never complain about a book with vampires. Can’t wait to read book two!
CW: Violence/blood/death; mentions of death of parent
Evangeline Fox makes a deal with the Prince of Hearts to stop the wedding of her first love, but all is not what it appears.
I am such a fan of this book! I absolutely LOVE Jacks (not sure what that says about me) and really enjoyed Evangeline as a leading lady. This continued to build upon the world-building from the CARAVAL trilogy but I enjoyed it more—I felt like a had a clearer handle on what was going on and how things worked. I also have theories about what’s coming next and I really hope I’m right.
Also, vampires? I’ll never complain about a book with vampires. Can’t wait to read book two!
CW: Violence/blood/death; mentions of death of parent
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Murder, and Blood
tashtasher's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Torture, Blood, and Grief
booksandstardust's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Blood, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Emotional abuse
aliceloyallaleon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Death, Grief, Murder, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
susanatherly's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Torture, Murder, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
teabrewer's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
3.5
The story is exicting. It has fairy tale vibes. I don't know if it's because I didn't read the caraval series but I had to force myself a little to read until chapter three, after that I couldn't put the book down. There are a few plot holes you have to ignore but it's generally very good. The main character is very sweet, innocent and optimistic and sometimes makes impulsive decisions but fit her personality very well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent
embroidery_by_booklover's review
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It may not have been the best fantasy I've ever read or the most gripping, but I loved the way I could connect with Evangeline and her desire for a happily ever after. The belief in fairytales was nostalgic and it was a lovely read. It's nice to slow down and read a YA book every once in awhile.
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Death, and Death of parent
smartie_5748's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Cursing, Murder, and Toxic relationship
rexpostfacto's review against another edition
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Murder