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a_ab's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I really liked the storytelling in this book, and the great titular character. She was complex and her social issues felt relatable and realistic to me.
The folklore was fascinating, the academic realities — true and amusing, the village social dynamics — interesting and fun to observe.
However, the romantic storyline soured some of the book for me. <spoiler >The character of Wendell did not feel real to me — he was too different from others of his kind (for no apparent good reason), so it seemed like the author tried to make him more likable. But that didn't work either, because even with those adjustments, he is appalling, especially as a potential romantic interest for anybody, and even worse as a potential romantic partner for the heroine. And her consideration of him as such seemed as either enchantment or desperation, because she is aware and critical of most of his shortcomings. If the potential romance was not part of their dynamic, I would've appreciated the whole book a lot more. <spoiler/>
The folklore was fascinating, the academic realities — true and amusing, the village social dynamics — interesting and fun to observe.
However, the romantic storyline soured some of the book for me. <spoiler >The character of Wendell did not feel real to me — he was too different from others of his kind (for no apparent good reason), so it seemed like the author tried to make him more likable. But that didn't work either, because even with those adjustments, he is appalling, especially as a potential romantic interest for anybody, and even worse as a potential romantic partner for the heroine. And her consideration of him as such seemed as either enchantment or desperation, because she is aware and critical of most of his shortcomings. If the potential romance was not part of their dynamic, I would've appreciated the whole book a lot more. <spoiler/>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Animal death, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Body horror, Blood, and Kidnapping
mykes's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Gore
foiblesandfiction's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm one of those contrary people who often snubs books that are much too hyped, and this book is very hyped. So shocker - I loved it. I want a physical copy and an immediate reread.
From the cover alone I was prepared for fantastical cuteness, but I was not expecting a full adventure following our (because she's ours...I will fight wars for her) autistic-coded scientist Emily Wilde on her faerie excursion while being hounded by her he-falls-first academic rival/friend. The first person pov and epistolary style helped me to connect to Emily as a main character and I loved being able to see her navigate the world as an autistic person. Many hijinks ensue, of course, as well as a small quest and, god, I love a quest.
If you enjoy Stalking Jack the Ripper and A Natural History Of Dragons and wish that those two books had a gorgeous little literary baby, then this book is it for you.
From the cover alone I was prepared for fantastical cuteness, but I was not expecting a full adventure following our (because she's ours...I will fight wars for her) autistic-coded scientist Emily Wilde on her faerie excursion while being hounded by her he-falls-first academic rival/friend. The first person pov and epistolary style helped me to connect to Emily as a main character and I loved being able to see her navigate the world as an autistic person. Many hijinks ensue, of course, as well as a small quest and, god, I love a quest.
If you enjoy Stalking Jack the Ripper and A Natural History Of Dragons and wish that those two books had a gorgeous little literary baby, then this book is it for you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Ableism, and Blood
rat_girly's review
adventurous
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I didn’t love this book as much as I thought I would. It was an enjoyable read and I’ll probably read the sequel, but it didn’t fully draw me in. I felt the magic system wasn’t fully fleshed out and though I enjoyed the longing between the two main characters, I found Wendell to be slightly insufferable. I enjoyed the coziness, light academia, and whimsy, as well as the idea of dyradology.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Violence, Body horror, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
ptaradactyl's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Awwwww. Warm and mushy and very, very unique.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Body horror
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