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archiveofrasa's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.75
there's much to be desired in this magic system, as every reviewer mentioned. I quickly realised the story wouldn't really explain anything at all. I just started going along with it as if it was a fanfiction, which this book definitely gives me that vibe. it's as if it's from a source material that has a more thought-out world to which if you were a fan of, you'd understand what the fanfic was trying to do and think it was actually quite intelligent.
the themes of moral dilemma were very interesting. I wish we spent more time on exploring why some feel as if this world, which is mostly similar to our own minus the magic (yes I know it doesn't really make sense), is not doing very well and why the Society needs these academics. I feel like if that was built up properly, then I feel like it would've come into fruition near the end much more smoothly. the plot twist was kind of just thrown at us? It was interesting enough that it didn't piss me off but I wish it was done better.
the characters were probably my favourite and I am biased to say it was mainly because of the messy dynamics between all of them. you can literally ship anyone, it's so much fun. I do wish we got more out of Nico and Reina as characters; the scenes they chose for each of their POV chapters didn't really say much about them? I really liked Nico's relationship with Gideon and how that developed, even though I think the author was trying to go for an "academic rivals to lovers" with Libby (I see it but I am a queer friends to lovers guy at heart). I liked all the characters and am curious to see where they end up in the second (and final) book.
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Suicide
Moderate: Infertility, Violence, and Alcohol
blueberry0531's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Death and Suicide
Moderate: Sexual content
samsearle's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Minor: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Violence
katie2378's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Sexual content and Murder
lleer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
But throughout the whole book there's no actual plot, and there's a lot of telling and no showing. The six immediately accept being part of the society and accept killing someone without even questioning what is the society and what is the benefit of all this.
We are told there's a society and that's t. What is the society who controls it what is the benefit of joining, and almost no description whatsoever, we don't even know what the forum is and why is it against the society. Even the plot twist was just handed down to us. Everything is just there including the magic system. Which makes the book lack a lot.
Imo it's not worth more than 3.75 stars, but nevertheless it was very fun to read and easy to grasp. I enjoyed the characters interactions and the dialogues very much. If you are looking for a gripping mysterious story, I recommend it. It's overhyped though.
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Terminal illness
ellachamb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content
blessjessmess's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
OF COURSE, if magic were commonplace, it would find itself being used corruptly in finance, politics, and crime.
But what I really loved about this book is that this books main theme revolves around information. How information is weaponized against those without the means to access it. How the more information you know you realize theres so much you don't know. How easily information can be altered and how that can have dire consequences. How censorship hurts the entire population. And how information is power and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
- I held off on a 5 simply because the first book (the intro book, if you will) of a series should never be its best, which means I have high expectations for the upcoming 3rd in the series.
- I, personally, loved this book. It's a bit meta in the most original way I've seen any genre meta book written before, so I really enjoyed that.
- I liked that each character was well rounded, and time was spent on developing the entire cast in the novel.
- This book is incredibly cerebral, but I love cerebral fiction so that's a win for me.
- This book basically said F*** the Hero's Journey and took its on path....and I really respect that.
You will like this book if you like:
- alternating povs
- science theory
- coming of age books
- grounded magic
- time travel
- dimensional travel
- Dream travel
- found family
- if you want the feel of Harry Potter but want adult themes and modernized for the environment we currently live in
- If you are in a reading rut this is a good book to break it
You will NOT like this book if:
- unlikable characters.
- meta reading
- advanced science jargon
******I half read/half listened to this book on audio. I found I preferred the audio because of the voice actors.
Moderate: Sexual content and Suicide
Minor: Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
wordswoods's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The first book I've finished in ages!
I'm gonna get the next installment tomorrow.
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Sexual content
kaziaroo's review against another edition
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Suicide, and Murder
cneighbors36's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Sexual content