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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
vespaform's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Child death and Child abuse
maryhungerford's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: War and Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent, Murder, and Child death
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
folkofthebook'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 have known many human beings with a full soul to their name who do not have half so much compassion or practicality as you.”
oh this was a DELIGHT to read. the regency setting, a unique plot, the pacing, the banter, and the buildup of the romance... *chef's kiss* i'm really loving historical fantasy these days and this is easily one of my favorite reads this year so far, all genres included.
“Pleasant-mannered people are simply the worst sort of people. Decent people become properly angry when presented with miserable injustice, but pleasant-mannered people never do.”
“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.”
i loved elias. i will admit i was even put off a bit by his introduction bc of his attitude, but we learn about him quickly and it's impossible to not warm up to him. he is angry at the injustices of the world and wants to make it all better, but feels powerless to fix it all. dora is the perfect balance to him; she is calm and collected, but unintimidated to return his banter. watching this romance blossom had me kicking my feet and giggling in bed. très romantique!
side note, i did also adore albert. i'm happy he got his own happiness as well.
i will definitely be reading more of atwater's books, i can't wait to see what else is in store in this world!
“Was there anything else you were curious about, while we’re at it? Shall I take off my trousers and let you take my measure?”
“I did not come here only to dance. I came here only to dance with you. It is quite a different thing.”
“I think I am happy. What a lovely feeling. I am dreaming, and I don’t want to wake up.”
“I don’t want to wake up either,” he whispered.
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Grief, Death of parent, War, Gun violence, Violence, Child abuse, and Child death
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
kbairbooks'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
4.25
Graphic: Trafficking, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, War, Blood, Classism, Ableism, Violence, Bullying, Body horror, Slavery, Child death, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, and Child abuse
nayomschwen'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
4.25
Graphic: War
Moderate: Child death
seforana's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, Bullying, Death, Classism, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Murder, Grief, Child death, and Child abuse