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maddie_readsalot's review against another edition
3.0
A funny and cozy gas lamp fantasy! A great read for any fans of The Labyrinth. The footnotes and steampunk references of future technology were both funny and great world building. My only issue was the pacing. The first 85% of the book was great, but the last 15% felt like everything was being tied up way too fast and conveniently.
This was a rom com, but no spice. The relationship between the two main characters was charming.
I’m excited to see what else this author comes out with and I think her work is very promising.
This was a rom com, but no spice. The relationship between the two main characters was charming.
I’m excited to see what else this author comes out with and I think her work is very promising.
underwaterlauren's review against another edition
DNF at 50%.
I really wanted to like this, I did! I thought the premise was very interesting, and the cover art was gorgeous. I love the movie 'Labyrinth,' and I love gaslamp fantasy! I even loved certain elements, characters, plot points, etc. So I think I kind of want to do a compliment sandwich type thing, to express all the emotions I'm feeling about it.
Part 1: What I liked (1)
1). LOVED the use of footnotes. This is my second time reading a fiction book with footnotes, and I find it so fun. It adds nice worldbuilding and exposition without seeming too long or too rambling. It's also so satisfying to read on Kindle. So, I really liked it!
Part 2: What I did not like (2)
1). A lot of the dialogue is consumed with very political talk. Which is FINE, but a lot of it is just a bit overly repetitive. After the first couple chapters, yes, I get it, Floss is a feminist/equal rights activist. And that's fine! But at least for the first half of it, all of her dialogue is just consumed by her feminist agenda, for the most part, and her political worldview. I wanted to get a sense for her character outside of her political views. And while there are certainly some characteristics I got a feel for, I wanted to know what she liked, what she disliked (outside of the patriarchy). It reminds me a lot of the problem I had with Eloise in Season 1 of Bridgerton.
Overall, the political content kind of felt like it was trying to be a lot deeper than it was. There was just a lot of topics the author was trying to touch on (colonialism, oppressor/oppressee relationships, sexism, specieism(?), ableism, classism, how to protest 'correctly,' how to unlearn prejudice, etc.). As a result, a lot of other things get shoved to the wayside, and most of these topics aren't given enough time to be fleshed out. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate political commentary in books, especially fantasy, but this felt like a bit too tall an order for a rather short book, at only 330-odd pages. If the book was longer, I truly believe that the author would have been able to give all of these topics the time and attention that they need, while also developing the characters and plot accordingly.
2). This is more of a personal preference, so I know this is a bit 'controversial,' I guess, but I really don't like when the whole joke of certain things is that they sound like other things. For example, Floss and co. live in the Angled Empire, so they are Anglish, and I think the 'joke,' is supposed to be that they're essentially from England? But then, why not make it in a fantasy version of England? Also, there were things like they use Goggle maps instead of Google, and I'm like...okay.
At certain times, it was a little confusing. For example, in the beginning of the book, Floss tells Daisy the story of the Minotaur. That's all well and good, but she calls the hero "Thesis" instead of "Theseus." Is that supposed to be a joke? Commentary? Or was it autocorrect working overtime? It could be any of them. Or the fact that there is an Espadrillian Empire. The whole 'joke' there is that espadrilles are a type of shoe. To me, that's not really enjoyable, but I understand that it is a personal preference.
Part 2 of What I liked:
1). ASTERION MY BELOVED! I loved him. He was a perfect compliment to Floss, and such a charming character. I found him so enjoyable. He's such a fun, likeable, sympathetic character. My beloved.
I really wanted to like this, I did! I thought the premise was very interesting, and the cover art was gorgeous. I love the movie 'Labyrinth,' and I love gaslamp fantasy! I even loved certain elements, characters, plot points, etc. So I think I kind of want to do a compliment sandwich type thing, to express all the emotions I'm feeling about it.
Part 1: What I liked (1)
1). LOVED the use of footnotes. This is my second time reading a fiction book with footnotes, and I find it so fun. It adds nice worldbuilding and exposition without seeming too long or too rambling. It's also so satisfying to read on Kindle. So, I really liked it!
Part 2: What I did not like (2)
1). A lot of the dialogue is consumed with very political talk. Which is FINE, but a lot of it is just a bit overly repetitive. After the first couple chapters, yes, I get it, Floss is a feminist/equal rights activist. And that's fine! But at least for the first half of it, all of her dialogue is just consumed by her feminist agenda, for the most part, and her political worldview. I wanted to get a sense for her character outside of her political views. And while there are certainly some characteristics I got a feel for, I wanted to know what she liked, what she disliked (outside of the patriarchy). It reminds me a lot of the problem I had with Eloise in Season 1 of Bridgerton.
Overall, the political content kind of felt like it was trying to be a lot deeper than it was. There was just a lot of topics the author was trying to touch on (colonialism, oppressor/oppressee relationships, sexism, specieism(?), ableism, classism, how to protest 'correctly,' how to unlearn prejudice, etc.). As a result, a lot of other things get shoved to the wayside, and most of these topics aren't given enough time to be fleshed out. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate political commentary in books, especially fantasy, but this felt like a bit too tall an order for a rather short book, at only 330-odd pages. If the book was longer, I truly believe that the author would have been able to give all of these topics the time and attention that they need, while also developing the characters and plot accordingly.
2). This is more of a personal preference, so I know this is a bit 'controversial,' I guess, but I really don't like when the whole joke of certain things is that they sound like other things. For example, Floss and co. live in the Angled Empire, so they are Anglish, and I think the 'joke,' is supposed to be that they're essentially from England? But then, why not make it in a fantasy version of England? Also, there were things like they use Goggle maps instead of Google, and I'm like...okay.
At certain times, it was a little confusing. For example, in the beginning of the book, Floss tells Daisy the story of the Minotaur. That's all well and good, but she calls the hero "Thesis" instead of "Theseus." Is that supposed to be a joke? Commentary? Or was it autocorrect working overtime? It could be any of them. Or the fact that there is an Espadrillian Empire. The whole 'joke' there is that espadrilles are a type of shoe. To me, that's not really enjoyable, but I understand that it is a personal preference.
Part 2 of What I liked:
1). ASTERION MY BELOVED! I loved him. He was a perfect compliment to Floss, and such a charming character. I found him so enjoyable. He's such a fun, likeable, sympathetic character. My beloved.
jane_calamity's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
d_night's review
4.0
How To Train Your Goblin King was kind of like a mix between the movie Labyrinth and the story of the Minotaur. I got the setting easily and the relationship with the main protagonist, Floss, was established with me as a reader within the 1st or 2nd chapters. She developed throughout the story and was very multilayered. I believe that many would empathize with and enjoy her, though it would be a lie to say she wasn't quite frustrating at times. I also liked the romantic relationship she developed. It was beautifully symbiotic, unlike the parasitic garbage that’s being produced right now.
I appreciated that the romance was PG (possibly as high as TV14 US rating scale) and that the profanity was kept to a minimum. These being two things that will cause me not to finish a book.
I caught the little nuances suggesting the stories that gave birth to this recreation and liked all the characters, Lorelei was probably my favorite. Her Slavic like accent, hostile resting face, and general antagonism, recommending her highly to this reader. I enjoyed the freshness provided and believe wholeheartedly that anyone who loves these genres would love the book.
My only qualms was the use of modern day ‘social justice’ language in the beginning. It had an immersion breaking effect, it could have used some romanticizing in word selections. Also, I felt the story could have easily supported 1 or 2 more chapters giving a bit more to the antagonist’s development. However, this would not stop me from suggesting the book or reading another from this author. All and all this was a lovely use of time!
I appreciated that the romance was PG (possibly as high as TV14 US rating scale) and that the profanity was kept to a minimum. These being two things that will cause me not to finish a book.
I caught the little nuances suggesting the stories that gave birth to this recreation and liked all the characters, Lorelei was probably my favorite. Her Slavic like accent, hostile resting face, and general antagonism, recommending her highly to this reader. I enjoyed the freshness provided and believe wholeheartedly that anyone who loves these genres would love the book.
My only qualms was the use of modern day ‘social justice’ language in the beginning. It had an immersion breaking effect, it could have used some romanticizing in word selections. Also, I felt the story could have easily supported 1 or 2 more chapters giving a bit more to the antagonist’s development. However, this would not stop me from suggesting the book or reading another from this author. All and all this was a lovely use of time!
bookwyrm32's review
adventurous
funny
reflective
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
enchantedramblings's review
5.0
A new favorite!
Who doesn’t fall in love with a spunky heroine riddle with anxiousness and a compulsion to do good in the world? Floss’ story is charming, captivating and just such a delightful romp through the Underground that you can’t help but want more!
Who doesn’t fall in love with a spunky heroine riddle with anxiousness and a compulsion to do good in the world? Floss’ story is charming, captivating and just such a delightful romp through the Underground that you can’t help but want more!
ammonoids's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A light, fun world with a good setup for complex problems. The characters aren't too rote and I was reasonably invested even though the plot was relatively cliche. I found myself disappointed by the resolution, however. The whole book built up the plight of the goblins as a real oppressed class, and our MC's pre-conceived notions of lawful justice always coming true as a (rightfully) privileged view. It felt cheap to resolve the plot, after all of that, by her just running to the Queen and asking her to pretty please fix it all?
octobersmorning's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
smiti_nathan's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I thought the world-building was interesting. Loved the melanated main protagonist and queen. The character development and love connection were shaky for me, but I'm looking forward to future works by this author.
ch3shir3rcat's review
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
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
Features characters with both physical disabilities (wheelchair) and mental (anxiety). Strong female leads