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thelittlestmermaid's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Medical content, War, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content and Toxic friendship
jspells's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This one was okay, definitely not a “couldn’t put it down” situation. It’s more of a murder mystery than anything. It’s slow but the ending is pretty redeeming. Wren is mildly insufferable and Una and just too hateful in my opinion. Hal had me from the start. All in all I wouldn’t read this again but it’s not necessarily bad.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Torture and War
enbyrayner's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Enticing slowburn romance with super interesting magic system!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
dinipandareads's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
TL;DR: I have such mixed feelings about this! I know I'm coming in with an unpopular opinion because I didn't love the same way everyone else seemed to. This had an intriguing premise but the execution didn't entirely work for me and it's unfortunate because with the fantasy, romance, and mystery rolled into one, I thought this would surely be something I'd enjoy! That's not to say it was all bad—I liked the writing, atmosphere and several character arcs, and overall, I'm glad I finally read something by Saft.
The story starts strong and Saft's wonderfully immersive writing and the atmosphere she creates in this book lends itself well to the chilling, creepy, gothic story. Knockaine is a filthy city crumbling under the weight of war. Colwick Hall is the embodiment of a gloomy haunted mansion runover with its endless dark halls, forbidden areas, constant creaking and haunting moans from... the wind (or is it?). I'm not usually great at handling spooky atmospheres in stories because I'm The Ultimate Chicken™️ but while Saft creates a decadently dark setting, it was enough to immerse you in the story without being overwhelming. The mystery of who was doing the bad thing wasn't necessarily bad but it was fairly predictable even for someone like me who doesn't often read mysteries. However, I feel it took some of the tension away from the plot even as I was eager to see how Wren and Hal would resolve the mystery and get justice.
I was intrigued by the magic system and how it's connected to science and the body but the world-building was a little hard to understand. Perhaps it's just me but even with the bit of info dumping at the beginning, I found it difficult to fully understand the tensions between the two warring countries and how it's possible for the third country to be so fully isolated from the constant wars. Especially when it's so easy to cross borders, as we see happen multiple times!
Sadly, what I struggled with most was the distance I felt from the characters and their romance. Of course, I cared and wanted to see them get a satisfying ending but at the same time, I felt disconnected. There were a few side characters like Una and the Queen who played important roles but it often felt like the story was happening in isolation from everything else, if that makes sense?
Wren was an MC that I wasn't always sure how to feel about. She's passionate about medicine and using her magic to help others and I loved that even though she struggled with how it made her look to others, she continued to follow her gut to heal instead of harm. She feels a lot and it's something she's constantly belittled for as it often leads to her getting into harmful situations. I felt for her struggle to find her place but I loved her growth and steady acceptance of who she is and that it's not a weakness to feel as much as she does. I also liked that she recognised how unhealthy her "quasi-relationship" was with the person she loved from the beginning. That said, I'm sorry to say that I found her constant indecision and change of mind became irritating. Especially when she would get upset that the person she pushed away would deliberately pull away in return. It just came across as immature and when it had even bigger consequences, like freezing to death in the mountain pass? Well, sometimes it is good to think before you act, y'know?
As the love interest and secondary MC who didn't get a POV, I liked that Hal's character was still explored well. Yes, he's the brooding enemy who has a monstrous reputation but in reality is a young man who is torn between duty to family and country vs. knowing what's wrong/right. He's trying to make amends for what he's done and his determination, patience, and admiration of Wren and acknowledgement of her emotions as a strength were what I loved most about him. Which brings me to their romance... Knowing that the extended use of magic on a patient creates a bond between them and the healer made the romance feel a little forced on top of it being rather instalove. I mean, I loved their moments of getting to really know each other beyond the rumours and stories painted about them but it wasn't enough to convince me that it was truly love, if that makes sense. It wasn't a huge deal although I obviously would've liked to feel more invested in their romance but I wasn't mad that they found their happiness because they both deserved it!
Overall, not a bad first read by this author and I'm excited to read more by her in the future!
The story starts strong and Saft's wonderfully immersive writing and the atmosphere she creates in this book lends itself well to the chilling, creepy, gothic story. Knockaine is a filthy city crumbling under the weight of war. Colwick Hall is the embodiment of a gloomy haunted mansion runover with its endless dark halls, forbidden areas, constant creaking and haunting moans from... the wind (or is it?). I'm not usually great at handling spooky atmospheres in stories because I'm The Ultimate Chicken™️ but while Saft creates a decadently dark setting, it was enough to immerse you in the story without being overwhelming. The mystery of who was doing the bad thing wasn't necessarily bad but it was fairly predictable even for someone like me who doesn't often read mysteries. However, I feel it took some of the tension away from the plot even as I was eager to see how Wren and Hal would resolve the mystery and get justice.
I was intrigued by the magic system and how it's connected to science and the body but the world-building was a little hard to understand. Perhaps it's just me but even with the bit of info dumping at the beginning, I found it difficult to fully understand the tensions between the two warring countries and how it's possible for the third country to be so fully isolated from the constant wars. Especially when it's so easy to cross borders, as we see happen multiple times!
Sadly, what I struggled with most was the distance I felt from the characters and their romance. Of course, I cared and wanted to see them get a satisfying ending but at the same time, I felt disconnected. There were a few side characters like Una and the Queen who played important roles but it often felt like the story was happening in isolation from everything else, if that makes sense?
Wren was an MC that I wasn't always sure how to feel about. She's passionate about medicine and using her magic to help others and I loved that even though she struggled with how it made her look to others, she continued to follow her gut to heal instead of harm. She feels a lot and it's something she's constantly belittled for as it often leads to her getting into harmful situations. I felt for her struggle to find her place but I loved her growth and steady acceptance of who she is and that it's not a weakness to feel as much as she does. I also liked that she recognised how unhealthy her "quasi-relationship" was with the person she loved from the beginning. That said, I'm sorry to say that I found her constant indecision and change of mind became irritating. Especially when she would get upset that the person she pushed away would deliberately pull away in return. It just came across as immature and when it had even bigger consequences, like freezing to death in the mountain pass? Well, sometimes it is good to think before you act, y'know?
As the love interest and secondary MC who didn't get a POV, I liked that Hal's character was still explored well. Yes, he's the brooding enemy who has a monstrous reputation but in reality is a young man who is torn between duty to family and country vs. knowing what's wrong/right. He's trying to make amends for what he's done and his determination, patience, and admiration of Wren and acknowledgement of her emotions as a strength were what I loved most about him. Which brings me to their romance... Knowing that the extended use of magic on a patient creates a bond between them and the healer made the romance feel a little forced on top of it being rather instalove. I mean, I loved their moments of getting to really know each other beyond the rumours and stories painted about them but it wasn't enough to convince me that it was truly love, if that makes sense. It wasn't a huge deal although I obviously would've liked to feel more invested in their romance but I wasn't mad that they found their happiness because they both deserved it!
Overall, not a bad first read by this author and I'm excited to read more by her in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Murder, and Medical content
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: War and Torture
praaliine's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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
4.25
i love allison saft’s lyrical prose. she really knows how to set the scene. i also love how she touches on themes surrounding blind loyalty and fighting the wrong enemies. plus the romance was really sweet as well and lacked cringy dialogue, which is a great thing. it’s been a few weeks since i finished this and i still think about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Moderate: Torture, Grief, Death, Kidnapping, and Murder
naomi_k's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Medical trauma, Gore, Toxic friendship, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Moderate: Gaslighting, Gun violence, Religious bigotry, War, and Body horror
Minor: Kidnapping and Sexual content
mimmixoxo's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Body horror, War, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Death, Violence, Murder, Blood, and Medical content
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Drug use
Minor: Kidnapping, Mental illness, Stalking, Torture, Toxic friendship, Cursing, Deportation, Gore, Xenophobia, Emotional abuse, and Gun violence
booksthatburn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed Wren as a queer protagonist who never has her queerness be questioned or even be an issue within the text. She's in love with her superior officer and best friend, someone who cares about her but doesn't put anyone above her own work as a soldier. Wren's interest in anatomy and the more scientific aspects of medicine are used but not really appreciated by those around her, because they don't understand the value of this learning and the additional lives that can be saved by combining scientific knowledge with magic. This lack of emotional support from those around her also leads Wren to be more vulnerable when it seems like her knowledge is finally being appreciated by someone who is in a position to help her. She receives a letter from a lord from a neutral nation who promises her political help if she'll come save his servant from a mysterious illness.
When she arrives, the lord is eccentric and the patient she was summoned to save is Hal, a war criminal and former child soldier. He's an assassin who can kill with his magic gaze, and the lord seems to have no idea, demanding that Wren do all she can for his "servant". Gradually, it becomes clear that Hal's illness is more complicated (as are her growing feelings for him), and Wren will have to choose between turning him in and stopping the war.
I saw a review which characterized Wren's dilemma as a choice between supporting a current war criminal or a former war criminal. That is definitely literally a choice that gets made at several points in the text, and somewhat dampened some of my enjoyment of the story. However, I did appreciate it as a narrative about two people who didn’t have much choice about whether to join their respective nations' militaries, but now are trying to find other paths for themselves and stop those who want a war to continue. When the options are to root for the character who was a child soldier but now is trying to stop the violence, or to support the character actively kidnapping and torturing people for his own personal and political gains... that's not nearly as tricky of a problem for me as this other reviewer found it.
One of my favorite worldbuilding details is the way that the small cluster of three countries (two of which are shown) have very different levels of technology, largely driven by whether or not their citizens have access to magic. Next is the way that this feels like a Beauty and the Beast retelling. It's probably not meant to be one, however, so many of the larger story beats fit neatly into the mold of that narrative, that, at the very least, someone who loves Beauty and the Beast (depending on the reasons) would likely be very interested in this book. It has a snow-covered castle lorded over by a strange man with strict rules about where the heroine may or may not go, an arbitrary timeline to solve a strange problem, a ball, and lots of wound care. The cadence of the plot follows that other one in some interesting ways, but getting into those details would be too many spoilers.
When she arrives, the lord is eccentric and the patient she was summoned to save is Hal, a war criminal and former child soldier. He's an assassin who can kill with his magic gaze, and the lord seems to have no idea, demanding that Wren do all she can for his "servant". Gradually, it becomes clear that Hal's illness is more complicated (as are her growing feelings for him), and Wren will have to choose between turning him in and stopping the war.
I saw a review which characterized Wren's dilemma as a choice between supporting a current war criminal or a former war criminal. That is definitely literally a choice that gets made at several points in the text, and somewhat dampened some of my enjoyment of the story. However, I did appreciate it as a narrative about two people who didn’t have much choice about whether to join their respective nations' militaries, but now are trying to find other paths for themselves and stop those who want a war to continue. When the options are to root for the character who was a child soldier but now is trying to stop the violence, or to support the character actively kidnapping and torturing people for his own personal and political gains... that's not nearly as tricky of a problem for me as this other reviewer found it.
One of my favorite worldbuilding details is the way that the small cluster of three countries (two of which are shown) have very different levels of technology, largely driven by whether or not their citizens have access to magic. Next is the way that this feels like a Beauty and the Beast retelling. It's probably not meant to be one, however, so many of the larger story beats fit neatly into the mold of that narrative, that, at the very least, someone who loves Beauty and the Beast (depending on the reasons) would likely be very interested in this book. It has a snow-covered castle lorded over by a strange man with strict rules about where the heroine may or may not go, an arbitrary timeline to solve a strange problem, a ball, and lots of wound care. The cadence of the plot follows that other one in some interesting ways, but getting into those details would be too many spoilers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Blood, Violence, Gore, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Death
Moderate: War, Alcohol, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Kidnapping, Emotional abuse, Confinement, and Terminal illness
Minor: Child abuse, Excrement, Vomit, Torture, and Child death
theonlybaillie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Physical abuse, Torture, Body horror, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
sydneylmeyer7's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Body horror, Blood, Death, Medical content, Gore, and War