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mementomorivv's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
asriram's review against another edition
5.0
A thoroughly enjoyable book. The magic system was well constructed, the plot worked really well, and the characters were all fantastic. Reminded me of A Darker Shade of Magic, which only made it all the better for me.
eliza_lou's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
3.0
issianne's review against another edition
2.0
I struggled reading this book. If you've read A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, you've basically already read this. I picked this up solely because it was being compared to ADSOM, but it ended up being almost an exact replica. The dark aspect of magic, thieving, the prince saving his brother-like character, hufflepuff main character, being able to transport via magic item, and the literal concept of color. I loved ADSOM so much that this story paled in comparison. Also--if I have to read the word maldito one more maldito time--I think I'm gonna lose my mind.
sanjubee's review against another edition
I was excited for this book after reading the summary, and I liked the first two chapters. However, the worldbuilding and magic system are way too complicated, and in a way that is unforgivable when the story itself is so entrenched in magic. It seems to combine three different ideas, and none of them are fully explained, so I never fully understood the limits, risks, or capabilities of the characters. I also began to notice many similarities to the Darker Shade of Magic series as I read on — surface-level similarities, sure, but enough that I couldn't help but compare the two. I ended up dropping the book about halfway through.
rebeccaaa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? No
3.5
crml's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Gore, Death, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Murder, Grief, Child death, Child abuse, Blood, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Suicide, and Mental illness
Minor: Colonisation and Classism
leopardsummer8's review against another edition
3.0
I think that this was a classic case of right book, wrong time.
In theory, I should've adored this book. It was like A Darker Shade of Magic met Elena of Avalor and they had a baby with some of my favorite tropes.
But it took forever to read the book and I was bored. Were there plenty of actions scenes? Yes. Was there angst and danger? All the time. Did I like the characters? They weren't my favorites, but I didn't dislike them.
I don't know why this book fell flat. Was it the wrong time to read it? Am I in a reading slump? Was it really just not my kind of book? I have no idea. All I know is that I was sort of disappointed in what I anticipated to be one of my favorite reads of the year.
In theory, I should've adored this book. It was like A Darker Shade of Magic met Elena of Avalor and they had a baby with some of my favorite tropes.
But it took forever to read the book and I was bored. Were there plenty of actions scenes? Yes. Was there angst and danger? All the time. Did I like the characters? They weren't my favorites, but I didn't dislike them.
I don't know why this book fell flat. Was it the wrong time to read it? Am I in a reading slump? Was it really just not my kind of book? I have no idea. All I know is that I was sort of disappointed in what I anticipated to be one of my favorite reads of the year.
_rachellock's review against another edition
4.0
Loses one star because I was a little bored at first and the magic kinda confused me. Overall it was enjoyable though!