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meg_turnsthepage's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
It took me awhile to get into the book, then I’d be hooked and feel really into the story, and then dropped off again. At times the story was fun and adventurous and then would take an abrupt dark turn that seemed too sudden, like it didn’t flow as well as it could.
I liked how the book ended, it warmed my heart and brought everything together full circle.
I listened to the audiobook and some of the accents seemed off at times which confused me. Some problematic language and racial slurs were used that had me saying to myself “did I hear that right?” Along with misogynistic themes that didn’t seem necessary.
Overall, I liked the storyline, enjoyed the friendships and bonds made between some of the characters, but the plot was choppy. The book had 5 star potential if the writing had edited out some unnecessary language and descriptions.
I liked how the book ended, it warmed my heart and brought everything together full circle.
I listened to the audiobook and some of the accents seemed off at times which confused me. Some problematic language and racial slurs were used that had me saying to myself “did I hear that right?” Along with misogynistic themes that didn’t seem necessary.
Overall, I liked the storyline, enjoyed the friendships and bonds made between some of the characters, but the plot was choppy. The book had 5 star potential if the writing had edited out some unnecessary language and descriptions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Murder, Death, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Misogyny, Racial slurs, and Grief
elihaliwell's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Racism, Death, and Racial slurs
laheath's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? No
5.0
Wow! I know my words will not do justice to this book. I don't think I've ever been so impressed with a debut novel. Clear your schedule because you won't want to put it down! I don't read fantasy often, but the premise of a group of booklovers and a library of magical books captivated me. There's time travel and a battle between good and evil with characters who greatly value their relationships with friends and family. As far as the audiobook, the narrator was fantastic, seamlessly transitioning among the characters' accents.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief, Murder, Violence, Cancer, Blood, and Torture
Minor: Misogyny, Racial slurs, and Cursing
savtank's review against another edition
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an arc.
Full transparency: I have struggled with the idea of writing this review and leaving a rating because I did DNF this book at around 35%. Please take my feedback with a grain of salt. Just because I didn’t enjoy it doesn’t mean you won’t.
I was so excited to read this and I am so sad to say that I knew from about 10% of the way through that I was not going to enjoy it.
To begin with the positives, the premise and magic system described in the synopsis really intrigued me. I really enjoyed the magic books, even the more simple ones were made to feel exciting.
But, the pacing was inconsistent and the prose was odd to me. Everything felt very clunky and forced. In my opinion there were several instances where details that added nothing to the world/character building or plot. I also did not appreciate the author’s stereotypes he applied to the female characters. Some of the first introductions we get to Cassie and her roommate Izzy are them complaining about their bodies which to me is just lazy writing.
The main characters and villains also felt very flat to me. I couldn’t connect with any of them and I struggled to focus while reading.
All this to say, I was disappointed but that doesn’t mean someone else out there won’t enjoy this book.
Full transparency: I have struggled with the idea of writing this review and leaving a rating because I did DNF this book at around 35%. Please take my feedback with a grain of salt. Just because I didn’t enjoy it doesn’t mean you won’t.
I was so excited to read this and I am so sad to say that I knew from about 10% of the way through that I was not going to enjoy it.
To begin with the positives, the premise and magic system described in the synopsis really intrigued me. I really enjoyed the magic books, even the more simple ones were made to feel exciting.
But, the pacing was inconsistent and the prose was odd to me. Everything felt very clunky and forced. In my opinion there were several instances where details that added nothing to the world/character building or plot. I also did not appreciate the author’s stereotypes he applied to the female characters. Some of the first introductions we get to Cassie and her roommate Izzy are them complaining about their bodies which to me is just lazy writing.
The main characters and villains also felt very flat to me. I couldn’t connect with any of them and I struggled to focus while reading.
All this to say, I was disappointed but that doesn’t mean someone else out there won’t enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Body shaming, Sexism, and Racial slurs
collegeoflores's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
Moderate: Fatphobia and Racism
Minor: Misogyny
emmyjane's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs
heidi_grey's review against another edition
I really wanted to like this, the premise is so fantastic. But the pacing was all over the place and the characters lacked some depth for my taste. It‘s like the author came up with a rough plot but didn‘t manage to properly flesh everything out.
There were also multiple comments on women struggling with food and their body images that didn‘t serve any purpose other than reinforcing stereotypes which really irked me.
There were also multiple comments on women struggling with food and their body images that didn‘t serve any purpose other than reinforcing stereotypes which really irked me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Racial slurs, Sexism, Misogyny, and Violence
kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Gun violence, Blood, Death, Vomit, Murder, Racism, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Violence, and Xenophobia
purplequeen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
My first reaction is I loved this book.
A few things bugged me on a personal level. Sadly, some of those things I have come to expect to from male authors. I will address those first. If a woman having self-esteem issues or body issues does not actively influence the story, and get solved or addressed then leave it out. Some language even when from a villainous character is going to bother some people. Some of the descriptive writing is a bit graphic on the violence front. Be warned.
With that addressed, I will now talk about what I loved. A book about books always hits the spot for me. I thought this was another interesting way to incorporate magic into a world. That any door is every door was an interesting concept. Where it takes us is amazing. I found the beginning when they were testing it to be a little silly and like many friendships one is brave and the other hesitant.
I like when we start to have different timelines and the switch in POVs. The further in the more invested I got. I wasn't expecting some of the twists, but others were a bit predictable. The timeline when things were revealed seemed well paced for the most part.
I think the other reason I really identify with the main female character is the way her grief affected her. I have been through some very close and tough losses. This book did make me cry, but because I related to the feelings and how grief can change your personality. It was nice how this theme was included, and the main character had the chance to address her grief head on eventually.
This will be one some people dive into head first, and devour. Others will get stuck on the things that offend and not see the positives. I hope if you decide to read it you enjoy the experience like I did.
A few things bugged me on a personal level. Sadly, some of those things I have come to expect to from male authors. I will address those first. If a woman having self-esteem issues or body issues does not actively influence the story, and get solved or addressed then leave it out. Some language even when from a villainous character is going to bother some people. Some of the descriptive writing is a bit graphic on the violence front. Be warned.
With that addressed, I will now talk about what I loved. A book about books always hits the spot for me. I thought this was another interesting way to incorporate magic into a world. That any door is every door was an interesting concept. Where it takes us is amazing. I found the beginning when they were testing it to be a little silly and like many friendships one is brave and the other hesitant.
I like when we start to have different timelines and the switch in POVs. The further in the more invested I got. I wasn't expecting some of the twists, but others were a bit predictable. The timeline when things were revealed seemed well paced for the most part.
I think the other reason I really identify with the main female character is the way her grief affected her. I have been through some very close and tough losses. This book did make me cry, but because I related to the feelings and how grief can change your personality. It was nice how this theme was included, and the main character had the chance to address her grief head on eventually.
This will be one some people dive into head first, and devour. Others will get stuck on the things that offend and not see the positives. I hope if you decide to read it you enjoy the experience like I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Gore
Minor: Racial slurs and Fatphobia
laurenmcglamery's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was intrigued with the idea of this book and it’s so very unique.
I liked:
I loooovee Cassie and Izzy from the first page. I was sucked in. Then, the chapters themselves start jumping. Almost creating a sense of time-travel for the reader!
The descriptions of places were lovely. I enjoyed imagining what Brown was describing.
I struggled with:
The extreme violence - felt out of place in an otherwise vibey story. The characters inflicting the violence were also cartoonish in how they are “bad.”
But, the main reason I struggle to give this a 4 star fullyare the racist descriptions of characters. He does it in a way that almost feels okay which just feels so wrong.
With some coaching on how to describe people and develop his characters, Brown might be a fun author to follow!
I was intrigued with the idea of this book and it’s so very unique.
I liked:
The descriptions of places were lovely. I enjoyed imagining what Brown was describing.
I struggled with:
But, the main reason I struggle to give this a 4 star fully
With some coaching on how to describe people and develop his characters, Brown might be a fun author to follow!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Racial slurs, Gore, Racism, and Torture