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nolemdaer's review against another edition
nothing wrong with the book, but i can't stick with the writing style. it seems like a first draft when someone is writing out a plot but isn't really thinking about how to flesh out scenes, make things flow, create a natural rhythm of action and prose. scenes are incredibly short and their climaxes (emotional or event-wise) come abruptly. "abrupt" is probably the best descriptor for the writing in general (let alone the romance[?])
also, i think this is a symptom of the prose, but i didn't get a strong sense of time and was very surprised to learn the main character was born in the 40s
also, i think this is a symptom of the prose, but i didn't get a strong sense of time and was very surprised to learn the main character was born in the 40s
youshouldreadthisif's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
rutabaga's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
helianthus_books's review
adventurous
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? Yes
readingwithmrleo's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This was one of those books where I didn't know what to expect. I just went with it and it was such a fun ride. I loved all the mystery and darkness mixed with a more cozy and sweet vibe; it was just the perfect mix. I loved Sam at first sight, my goodness he is the sweetest character ever and I just felt this need to protect him (so good thing this book is actually about protecting him, haha, I was a fan)!
The world-building was really interesting and it really went on with the whole book, you just kept learning about it bit by bit. It was magical but in an ordinary setting, as in, this whole magic aspect was just put into our normal lives and it blends in perfectly. We could follow our characters and discover the city and learn more about their life in this 60s setup without the world-building being too heavy. But still, that whole magical side would bring lots of action and twists and it made it all so compelling.
The relationship between Ulysses and Sam was sweet and I love the insecurities they showed and how they got closer and closer as they tried to understand what was happening. The whole investigation was fun to follow and I do love a good puzzling prophecy! It was so interesting to see the changes in Sam as the story went on and Dyionusis was more present, and how it affected our characters.
Truly a delightful read and I'll definitely want to read the following novel cause you can't get enough of Sam and Ulysses and I'm a sucker for that cozy vibe!
Thanks to the author for my copy. All opinions are my own.
The world-building was really interesting and it really went on with the whole book, you just kept learning about it bit by bit. It was magical but in an ordinary setting, as in, this whole magic aspect was just put into our normal lives and it blends in perfectly. We could follow our characters and discover the city and learn more about their life in this 60s setup without the world-building being too heavy. But still, that whole magical side would bring lots of action and twists and it made it all so compelling.
The relationship between Ulysses and Sam was sweet and I love the insecurities they showed and how they got closer and closer as they tried to understand what was happening. The whole investigation was fun to follow and I do love a good puzzling prophecy! It was so interesting to see the changes in Sam as the story went on and Dyionusis was more present, and how it affected our characters.
Truly a delightful read and I'll definitely want to read the following novel cause you can't get enough of Sam and Ulysses and I'm a sucker for that cozy vibe!
Thanks to the author for my copy. All opinions are my own.
emilyrpf's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
4.75
suannelaqueur's review
4.0
SO MUCH FUN!!! What a great, clever, funny, thoughtful and entertaining read. I highly recommend. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
imaginarywhatever's review against another edition
5.0
My loan for this is going to expire before I finish it, because I did not want it to be over so soon so I only read bits every day or so. Now it's due and there's a gigantic wait list and I'm seventy percent in. Am I going to just let it expire tomorrow morning and place a hold again like a reasonable person?
No. I have a Dionysus playlist queued up. It's one of those books that has you actually holding your breath at least once. There were phrases that I had to speak aloud because they were so gorgeous I wanted to feel the weight and shape of them for myself. I speak as little as possible when not with my immediate family, even with myself sometimes. It felt meaningful.
70% in and I can't imagine what the author could do to make me feel anything other than unrepentant adoration of this book. I gripe about the wait list, but really I'll probably buy it either way, and the audiobook someday too (I hope?).
Frick. Just used an hour of my remaining loan time slow typing this.
No. I have a Dionysus playlist queued up. It's one of those books that has you actually holding your breath at least once. There were phrases that I had to speak aloud because they were so gorgeous I wanted to feel the weight and shape of them for myself. I speak as little as possible when not with my immediate family, even with myself sometimes. It felt meaningful.
70% in and I can't imagine what the author could do to make me feel anything other than unrepentant adoration of this book. I gripe about the wait list, but really I'll probably buy it either way, and the audiobook someday too (I hope?).
Frick. Just used an hour of my remaining loan time slow typing this.
hobbular's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
A fun adventure-romance with a fantastic flair.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming and Sexual content
Moderate: Medical content, Body horror, Alcohol, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, and Cursing
Minor: War, Death, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Kidnapping, and Blood
There is description of the feeling of being possessed, of not having full control of your own body
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