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nikki_shrum's review against another edition
Probably better to read a physical copy.
bookpanther's review against another edition
4.0
I have one word to describe C.L. Polk’s Witchmark: enchanting. I wasn’t hooked from the get-go, but as I read on, I started to fall more in love with the characters and the atmosphere. Set in an Edwardian-esque world, the story follows Dr. Miles Singer, an ex army doctor who works with severe PTSD veterans while also trying to hide the fact that he’s a runaway witch. Witchmark is a combination of paranormal steampunk-ish fantasy, murder mystery, and m/m romance (all with an intense bicycle chase scene thrown into the mix), but I thought all the elements were well-balanced. It also dives into themes of privilege/class and familial duty, but don’t expect something super nuanced. Overall, it’s not perfect and may be a little bit tropey, but what started as a random weekend read for me turned into a cute and engaging story. If top hats and bike riding are your aesthetic, give this one a try :P.
jo_brekker's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
shugentobler's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.75
wodime's review against another edition
2.0
a slow year for the world fantasy awards, clearly. worldbuilding that's simultaneously overdone and undersold, incomprehensible in its politics of class and empire, and not a mote of romantic chemistry in sight
mjallirow's review against another edition
2.0
i wanted an easy read and that i got, but maybe a bit too underdeveloped... there were some interesting ideas that could've been more developed, i thought the main character had potential to be quite engaging/interesting but it felt unfinished. might check out the second book to see if it's more improved. but yeah i wanted a light fantasy read for quiet moments at work and that's what i got. yeah it was for the most part interesting enough, at least to keep me reading, but yeah nothing made a very big impression. very neutral feel
dan4241's review against another edition
dark
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? No
5.0
rafdee13's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It was a fun read but I do feel like the love interest was very...anime. Magical system and family dynamic is interesting though!