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lsparrow's review against another edition
3.0
Even the "good" people and systems can sometimes be more concerned about retaining power than doing the right thing. A story about finding your own power.
kassidyreads's review against another edition
DNF - 16%
I'm always adding random books to my TBR because I like the cover. Often the cover is the only good thing about the book.
I'm always adding random books to my TBR because I like the cover. Often the cover is the only good thing about the book.
In this, the story is boring, doesn't really make sense and is overall very surface level.
lillanaa's review against another edition
5.0
This book was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While this book does deal with some heavy topics, sexual assault and eating disorders, it definitely doesn't make light of them one bit, which is why I feel alright making the recommendation on this one to anyone who's looking for a story that's steeped in magic but feels real. Of course, there's the "witches and royals" dynamic of the whole thing, a story primarily about breaking spells and casting them, but the underlying story is one that so, so many people need to read. That there's so many things I've heard from people before culminating in this novel, and that the subjects aren't taken lightly, makes this way better than I thought it would be.
The characters themselves are awesome, too, I love Reagan and Jane as paired voices. They strike a balance while also having paired framing, and that's something I can't say I've seen in a while. Nora, Grace, Alice, and Eden are also companions to Jane that I loved dearly throughout the entire book, they have such an energy about them without feeling heavy or overbearing when they get upset. Olive was also a HUGE standout that I wasn't expecting, I felt for her so, so much.
The magic system here also intrigues me, and makes a lot of sense. I'm surprised I haven't found something that does something similar, and I want more to do with it. This definitely has "stand-alone" energy, but I'd be happy with something within the universe at a later date, maybe with a slightly lighter tone.
While this book does deal with some heavy topics, sexual assault and eating disorders, it definitely doesn't make light of them one bit, which is why I feel alright making the recommendation on this one to anyone who's looking for a story that's steeped in magic but feels real. Of course, there's the "witches and royals" dynamic of the whole thing, a story primarily about breaking spells and casting them, but the underlying story is one that so, so many people need to read. That there's so many things I've heard from people before culminating in this novel, and that the subjects aren't taken lightly, makes this way better than I thought it would be.
The characters themselves are awesome, too, I love Reagan and Jane as paired voices. They strike a balance while also having paired framing, and that's something I can't say I've seen in a while. Nora, Grace, Alice, and Eden are also companions to Jane that I loved dearly throughout the entire book, they have such an energy about them without feeling heavy or overbearing when they get upset. Olive was also a HUGE standout that I wasn't expecting, I felt for her so, so much.
The magic system here also intrigues me, and makes a lot of sense. I'm surprised I haven't found something that does something similar, and I want more to do with it. This definitely has "stand-alone" energy, but I'd be happy with something within the universe at a later date, maybe with a slightly lighter tone.
sams_fantasy_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A kingdom cursed by witches, a missing princess and princesses cursed for the sins of their father the king. I really enjoyed the story, something different to what I usually read and not at all what I expected.
lyoungthebookfae's review against another edition
5.0
As always, thank you so very much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this early via e-ARC!
Okay.
Please read this book. Please. It is just... so good. Amazing. Wonderful. I read it in basically one day, because I just couldn’t put it down. It sucked me in. It tumbled me around... and it spit me out and I feel quite a bit different! It is about empowerment, and friendship, and family, and all kinds of other wonderful things! I don’t want to spoil anything... but it’s IMPORTANT. So incredibly important! I loved every moment, and I also wish there was so much more!
Okay.
Please read this book. Please. It is just... so good. Amazing. Wonderful. I read it in basically one day, because I just couldn’t put it down. It sucked me in. It tumbled me around... and it spit me out and I feel quite a bit different! It is about empowerment, and friendship, and family, and all kinds of other wonderful things! I don’t want to spoil anything... but it’s IMPORTANT. So incredibly important! I loved every moment, and I also wish there was so much more!
lzel5484's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
slarosa51212's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
3.5
readmoreyall's review against another edition
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I love the inclusivity and the not graphic depictions of sexual assault. This book will still be triggering for many but it’s written very well Definitely not for my middle school Library But I will suggest to my HS colleagues.
adelionax's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Rape