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zeerawi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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? No
5.0
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
Stupid me! I got this book in the Book Box Club, but I missed the buddy read because I forgot my book when I traveled to my parents. However, since the author chat is only in a few days I was back right in time to catch up and this morning in bed was the perfect time to do so. From the moment I got this book in my box I was quite excited about this story. It hadn't been on my radar, but it sounded like something for me.
And I was totally right about that! Although there are a few things I would have loved to see differently, or better said, I didn't feel as deeply as I had hoped I would feel it, I really enjoyed this read. It's firstly a fast and quick read. The language used isn't too complicated and even though the story is never rushed, on the contrary, it never feels too long either. Especially because all the build up eventually leads to an amazing finale.
Secondly, the book has a truly amazing magic system that really influences the characters and story. Even though we're never really explained the details, I really felt the author had really thought her magic through. I don't want to give too much away of course, but the whole idea that using magic literally means slowly dying leads to loads of amazing conflicts and situations. The author could easily write more books set in this world, because there are loads more stories to tell!
The aspect I would have liked to see more of, however, are the characters. Of course we get to meet the main character, Marit, and spend a lot of time in her head. She's easy to like and therefore it's also quite easy to root for her and to want her to be happy. However, through her eyes we only get glimpses of the other characters. I somehow feel we didn't get to know them that deep. I also would have loved more chapters with Philippe. He was so interesting and I understand his chapters were just to make us wiser than Marit, but I wouldn't have been against spending some more time in his head! It would have made the ending even more emotional!
And I was totally right about that! Although there are a few things I would have loved to see differently, or better said, I didn't feel as deeply as I had hoped I would feel it, I really enjoyed this read. It's firstly a fast and quick read. The language used isn't too complicated and even though the story is never rushed, on the contrary, it never feels too long either. Especially because all the build up eventually leads to an amazing finale.
Secondly, the book has a truly amazing magic system that really influences the characters and story. Even though we're never really explained the details, I really felt the author had really thought her magic through. I don't want to give too much away of course, but the whole idea that using magic literally means slowly dying leads to loads of amazing conflicts and situations. The author could easily write more books set in this world, because there are loads more stories to tell!
The aspect I would have liked to see more of, however, are the characters. Of course we get to meet the main character, Marit, and spend a lot of time in her head. She's easy to like and therefore it's also quite easy to root for her and to want her to be happy. However, through her eyes we only get glimpses of the other characters. I somehow feel we didn't get to know them that deep. I also would have loved more chapters with Philippe. He was so interesting and I understand his chapters were just to make us wiser than Marit, but I wouldn't have been against spending some more time in his head! It would have made the ending even more emotional!
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
5/5
This. Book. AH there are so many things I loved when reading this. I loved how the chapters changed so show some background of certain characters. I loved Eve. I loved the servants. I was left speechless when the plot twist happened. Most of all I love the MAGIC SYSTEM. Oh man that magic system is so special and creative! The fact that this book in ways was also a mystery as well as a historical fantasy makes me so happy. Historical Fantasy is one of my favorite genres.
This. Book. AH there are so many things I loved when reading this. I loved how the chapters changed so show some background of certain characters. I loved Eve. I loved the servants. I was left speechless when the plot twist happened. Most of all I love the MAGIC SYSTEM. Oh man that magic system is so special and creative! The fact that this book in ways was also a mystery as well as a historical fantasy makes me so happy. Historical Fantasy is one of my favorite genres.
chaosandbooks's review against another edition
5.0
With obvious inspiration from The Snow Queen, this is a whimsical take on it that actually incorporates it into the story and features a brief appearance from Hans Christian Anderson. It was a refreshing YA fantasy that featured a unique magic system and the setting of 19th century Denmark was a wonderful homage to some of the classic fairy tales. There was an interesting cast of characters, although the plot was a bit predictable. Regardless, I enjoyed the overall history, flow, and beautiful imagery of ballet, jewels, and ballgowns to rate it 5 stars. Definitely for the classic fairy tale lover and dreamer.
lyramadeline's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Cursing
kristina_reads23's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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? No
4.0
what_ella_reads's review against another edition
4.0
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I have not read much of the historical fantasy subgenre. In fact I think that this is only the third historical fantasy novel I have read. Out of the three I have read I think that I like this one best!
This book has so many positives. My favorite thing about this book has to be the female relationships. There are so many positive female friendships and familial relationships in this book, which can be hard to find YA. The friendship between Marit, the main character, and her best friend Liljan was so sweet. They loved to tease and make fun of each other, but if someone else came for them, they better watch out! I also loved the familial relationship between Marit and Eve. Marit put Eve's needs above her own so many times, while Eve was always willing to stick up for and to use her new status to protect Marit.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this story was the magic system. The author did a great job of describing the magical powers and The Firn. Though the plot twist about the firn was shocking and fantastical, it also was logical. Considering that this is the author's first fantasy book, I have to give her props for creating a logical magic system!
The last thing I really enjoyed in this story was the mystery. I truly did not guess the ending at all! Pretty much all of the revelations surprised me, especially the ones involving the deaths of certain characters (who I will not name because spoilers).
Though there are many positives about this book, there is one thing about this book that I didn't always love and that was the prose. While I love thought provoking metaphor and lavish descriptions, I have to admit that I am just not personally a fan of very descriptive, flowery prose. That type of prose style usually take me out of the story and tempts me to skip ahead. Since there are A LOT of flowery prose in this story I felt myself getting a little bored at times.
There were some metaphors and descriptions that I really enjoyed in this, especially towards the end, but I just did not enjoy the prose as a whole, unfortunately.
I am hope to give Ms. Murphy's other books a go in the future!
I have not read much of the historical fantasy subgenre. In fact I think that this is only the third historical fantasy novel I have read. Out of the three I have read I think that I like this one best!
This book has so many positives. My favorite thing about this book has to be the female relationships. There are so many positive female friendships and familial relationships in this book, which can be hard to find YA. The friendship between Marit, the main character, and her best friend Liljan was so sweet. They loved to tease and make fun of each other, but if someone else came for them, they better watch out! I also loved the familial relationship between Marit and Eve. Marit put Eve's needs above her own so many times, while Eve was always willing to stick up for and to use her new status to protect Marit.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this story was the magic system. The author did a great job of describing the magical powers and The Firn. Though the plot twist about the firn was shocking and fantastical, it also was logical. Considering that this is the author's first fantasy book, I have to give her props for creating a logical magic system!
The last thing I really enjoyed in this story was the mystery. I truly did not guess the ending at all! Pretty much all of the revelations surprised me, especially the ones involving the deaths of certain characters (who I will not name because spoilers).
Though there are many positives about this book, there is one thing about this book that I didn't always love and that was the prose. While I love thought provoking metaphor and lavish descriptions, I have to admit that I am just not personally a fan of very descriptive, flowery prose. That type of prose style usually take me out of the story and tempts me to skip ahead. Since there are A LOT of flowery prose in this story I felt myself getting a little bored at times.
There were some metaphors and descriptions that I really enjoyed in this, especially towards the end, but I just did not enjoy the prose as a whole, unfortunately.
I am hope to give Ms. Murphy's other books a go in the future!
faith_treadwell's review against another edition
5.0
This book absolutely BLEW me away. I often go into stories expecting that they’re not gonna be quite to my taste, but I was so wrong!
I was shocked by my immediate love for each and every character. I wanted to fight alongside each one of them, dreaming with them as they went about life. I wanted to be a ballerina, a seamstress, and a doctor alongside Eve, Marit, and Jacob.
The mystery drew me in till the last page! I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how everything would unfold, who I could trust, and who would survive.
The world building was absolutely beautiful. Murphy expertly captured the spirit of 1866 Denmark and the magic was spectacular, breathtaking, and terrifying. I want to reread this again and again and again. It’s a beautiful story of standing up for what is right and fighting to survive.
I was shocked by my immediate love for each and every character. I wanted to fight alongside each one of them, dreaming with them as they went about life. I wanted to be a ballerina, a seamstress, and a doctor alongside Eve, Marit, and Jacob.
The mystery drew me in till the last page! I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how everything would unfold, who I could trust, and who would survive.
The world building was absolutely beautiful. Murphy expertly captured the spirit of 1866 Denmark and the magic was spectacular, breathtaking, and terrifying. I want to reread this again and again and again. It’s a beautiful story of standing up for what is right and fighting to survive.
jenniferreads2's review against another edition
4.0
After reading The Disappearances I was eagerly waiting for more work from this author after reading splinters of Scarlet she will now be an auto buy author for me. Her writing is effortless and her storytelling is engaging. And most importantly if you ask me she writes relatable characters.
void_faerie's review against another edition
4.0
Really really enjoyed this one. Beautiful story and magic system.