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slothburglar's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Ableism
Minor: Child abuse
literarypenguin's review against another edition
- 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
The plot of this book was so fantastic, a girl who had to navigate life in Regency England with only half her soul at a time where women were expected to remain pleasant and do what they were told. Dora was the complete opposite of this saying what was on her mind regardless of the social implications it would result in. I loved how Olivia handled Dora's lack of emotional responses, how she showed her handling complex emotions almost picturing them like a lantern inside of herself. That was beautiful imagery and one that will remain in my head for a long time. Vanessa was such a supportive family member and a much needed one after most of Dora's family weren't as caring to her condition as Vanessa was.
Dora and Elias's romance was the cutest thing I have ever read! The ballroom dancing star scene in particular was the most beautiful, magical, and romantic scene I have ever read in a book! Their banter and gradual development of feelings was so sweet, they were both people who were considered broken in this society but together they proved how whole they both were as people and together.
This book was delightful & a refreshing short read that I needed at this time! I am so glad I took the chance to read it and am curious to see if the other books in the series are just as wonderful as this one!
Graphic: Ableism and Classism
Minor: Child death
howdyjordan's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: Child abuse and Classism
Minor: Ableism and Abandonment
kylieqrada'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: Ableism, Classism, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: War, Kidnapping, and Child abuse
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, and Violence
miss_berry315's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Add in an interesting plot, some magic and faeries, and strong-willed women and it will never go below 4 stars.
That being said, this book was going to have a 5 star rating from me, until the very last paragraph. Leading up to that, my cheeks were sore from smiling and I couldn't put it down, but I felt that the last paragraph was disappointing and took the wind out of my sails.
I read the author's blurb on here for her reasons (which will spoil things btw), but I didn't feel it was necessary to the story, and took away from everything else that had been built up through the story.
I will be happily ignoring the existence of that paragraph when looking back on this book. 🥰✨
Graphic: Confinement, Classism, and Child abuse
Moderate: Ableism and Blood
rhall19's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Ableism and Classism
Minor: Blood
bookcheshirecat's review against another edition
4.5
“I have known many human beings with a full soul to their name who do not have half so much compassion or practicality as you.”
➽ Half a Soul was such a whimsical, funny book and the perfect blend of Fantasy, Romance and Historical Fiction! The story follows Theodora 'Dora' Ettings, a woman with only half a soul who's lacking a sense of what's appropriate. Ever since a fae almost stole her away, she has been struggling to feel strong emotions. When she accompanies her cousin Vanessa to the London Season, Dora has little hope of snaring a husband. Her aunt is determined to keep her on the sidelines where she can't embarrass anyone and Dora knows her condition makes it hard to navigate polite society. I absolutely loved Dora, she was such an endearing and unintentionally funny character. Despite struggling to feel emotions in the moment, she's still compassionate and more accepting than most people.
➽ I loved the strong bond she shared with her cousin Vanessa, who has always been her champion and doesn't mind her strangeness. Others aren't so kind and Dora still feels the weight of rejection and being told that she's defective. I also loved her developing friendship with Albert, a young physician who lost an arm in the war. His family has a good standing in society, but most people overlook him for his brothers because of his disability. He was so kind and warm towards Dora and his best friend Elias, it was impossible not to like him! The ending was touching
➽ The romance swept me away!! In London, Vanessa is determined to help Dora regain her soul and consults the Lord Sorcier. Elias Wilder is a grumpy magician, who doesn't care for polite society and often drives others away with his brash words. His only friend is Albert, whom he fought in the war with. Dora is of course immune to his rudeness and attempts to drive her away, as she's not easily offended. It was so funny to see her rile up and bicker with Elias, they were truly a great match! He decides to help her regain her soul, as he knows a lot about magic and the Fae. Dora never had any hopes of being courted, but can't help growing closer to Elias, especially once she sees his hidden kindness! Overall, this was just such a funny, charming Romance and I had such a good time!
“There is such a thing as evil in this world,” Elias told her quietly. “It does not help to look away from it. It does not even help, necessarily, to look at it.” His fingers brushed through her hair, and she shivered. “But sometimes, when you cannot force the world to come to its senses, you must settle only for wiping away some of the small evils in front of you.”
Graphic: Ableism, Kidnapping, and Terminal illness
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and War
karenschlesser's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Abandonment
pho_ar'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? It's complicated
5.0
I related to Dora so much as someone who also does not react to things as she ought to and I love that Dora always had compassion and was kind and stood up for herself and others. I appreciated her so much.
Lord Sorcier, Elias. A good man who went to war. He was angry at the world and had a heart of gold. I loved that he loved Dora exactly how she was and saw her for who she was. When he said he already asked for her hand in marriage, I cried. It was so beautiful.
Theodora, I appreciated her too and her sacrifice and vigilante justice.
I also appreciated that they couldn't solve all the evil but tried to make the world a better place regardless. It was a beautiful regency fantasy romance adventure.
Minor: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, and Trafficking
chichisode's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Slavery, Medical content, Trafficking, Death, and War
Moderate: Trafficking, Confinement, Pandemic/Epidemic, Child abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Pregnancy, Child death, Fire/Fire injury, Pandemic/Epidemic, Physical abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Ableism, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Violence, and Child abuse