You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
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: Child abuse, Confinement, and Classism
Moderate: Ableism and 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, Terminal illness, and Kidnapping
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
3.0
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: Death, Slavery, Medical content, Trafficking, and War
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Blood, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
day23dreamer'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
5.0
Graphic: Ableism and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Child abuse, War, and Injury/Injury detail
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: Ableism, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Trafficking, Medical trauma, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
risten'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
4.25
Graphic: Slavery, Trafficking, and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Murder, and War
rainbowcircus'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
4.5
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent and War
blewballoon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Blood, and Classism
Minor: Child abuse, Murder, Pregnancy, and War