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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
The pitch: fantasy heist + what if magic was programming. Debatably unrealistic in how it handles character injury (tinnitus, anyone?), but a humane and empathetic depiction of trauma from multiple characters.
I have been so excited to read this book because I have seen so many book reviewers raving about it. However, it fell short for me.
Let me start off by saying that the world building and the magic system are some of the most interesting I've read in the fantasy genre. Bending reality to do certain things is bizarre and hard to wrap your mind around while reading, but ultimately is so fresh and interesting.
However, because of the complexity of this world, half of the book felt like an instruction manual to me. I felt like I was just trying to learn how everything works with a little bit of a story sprinkled in through much of the beginning of the book. Sancia as a character is fun, and I love heist stories, but I just couldn't get behind some of these characters. They were entertaining, but I didn't feel emotionally connected to them in any way.
The ending really turned much of this book around for me. I texted my husband as soon as I finished and was like "I take back everything I said I loved it". Now that I've sat with it, I still agree with my critiques, but the ending really was suspenseful and super fun. I'm excited to read the second, and I hope that now that we've learned how a lot of the world works, we will be able to dive right into the story.
Let me start off by saying that the world building and the magic system are some of the most interesting I've read in the fantasy genre. Bending reality to do certain things is bizarre and hard to wrap your mind around while reading, but ultimately is so fresh and interesting.
However, because of the complexity of this world, half of the book felt like an instruction manual to me. I felt like I was just trying to learn how everything works with a little bit of a story sprinkled in through much of the beginning of the book. Sancia as a character is fun, and I love heist stories, but I just couldn't get behind some of these characters. They were entertaining, but I didn't feel emotionally connected to them in any way.
The ending really turned much of this book around for me. I texted my husband as soon as I finished and was like "I take back everything I said I loved it". Now that I've sat with it, I still agree with my critiques, but the ending really was suspenseful and super fun. I'm excited to read the second, and I hope that now that we've learned how a lot of the world works, we will be able to dive right into the story.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
I really enjoyed this book, which is not usually the case for a book that's almost all fantasy, no romance. The characters are amazing! The magic systems are developed but explained in such a way that they aren't hard to understand. Sancia as the MC is an amazing thief/criminal who can also kick butt when she can't rely on magic. Her sidekick, clef, is hilarious and all the other side characters are as well.
The book is fast-paced and keeps you on your toes the whole time. Can't wait to read the sequel!
The book is fast-paced and keeps you on your toes the whole time. Can't wait to read the sequel!
I got my audiobook from Libby and took too long to listen to it
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I enjoyed the story, although it ran a little long. Since they kept bouncing between POVs, I did not feel particularly attached to anyone nor really understood their motivations.
I'm thinking Robert Jackson Bennett might be a new favorite author. 2 great stories with Tainted Cup and this. Excellent design of a magic system.