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emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
This was such a solid sequel! It had two major plot threads - a mystery and a competition - which meant I was engaged from the start and always looked forward to picking the book back up. It also meant the narrative was pacey, furthering my engagement. The mystery plot line was fantastic as it had lots of investigation involved. The solution was satisfying and contained elements I had not predicted, which was an added bonus! On the other hand, I did want more from the Great Game (competition) plot line. I felt like we didn’t end up spending much time with it.
I loved that we got to see more of the supernatural world, like the cafe in the beginning of the book with the fortune cookies. The devil is in the detail, and Alston consistently finds ways to include these that really enrich the narrative. But we also get to see bigger elements of world-building, like finding out more about the League and visiting departments like the Department of the Dead and the Department of Dreams.
Amari was once again a fantastic MC to follow. She’s resolute, she tries to do what’s right, she loves her family and friends and tries to protect them at all costs, but at the same time she’s just 12 years old, trying to figure out all the usual problems that strike at that age and trying to find a place in the world she loves that doesn’t love her back. And she still remains determined, and is able to be silly and kind through it all. I also loved how much she learned about her magic and friendship in this instalment.
Finally, I enjoyed seeing the friendship group itself develop. Amari gains such a wholesome little team and the interactions between the characters involved were one of my favourite parts of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Deportation, Car accident, and Violence
Minor: Excrement, Misogyny, Murder, Sexism, Ableism, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, War, Death, and Sexual harassment
Major: bigotry, sick loved one Moderate: blackmail, imprisonment
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