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racheldiep's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Objectively, this book is probably a 2 or 3, but bc of my affection for Poison Study and the speed at which I blew through Magic Study, I'll give it a 4.
The only good thing I really have to say about this book is that I flew through it. I'm still trying to figure out why and how lol. Probably just sentimentality for the old characters from Book #1.
Why is it bad?
- The character development: Yelena's strength and resolve from Book #1 is something shown to the reader over time. In this book, she suddenly becomes the MOST powerful magician EVER / Mary Sue trope, and it's such a disservice to her previous development. I like reading about strong female characters as much as the next person, but it's not earned here.
- The other side characters were bland AF (with the exception of Yelena's mentor and Yelena's horse. Yes, her horse.)
- Valek has been downgraded from Yelena's equal to Yelena's simp. Don't get me wrong, I love a good simp, and ofc I think Yelena can and should exist without a man. But so much of the intrigue in Book #1 was from their dynamic and partnershship, which is nonexistent in Book #2.
- The pacing. I.e., there is none. Truly, it's all over the place.
So....is Magic Study a good book? No. Did I enjoy reading it? Ehh sure, why not.
The only good thing I really have to say about this book is that I flew through it. I'm still trying to figure out why and how lol. Probably just sentimentality for the old characters from Book #1.
Why is it bad?
- The character development: Yelena's strength and resolve from Book #1 is something shown to the reader over time. In this book, she suddenly becomes the MOST powerful magician EVER / Mary Sue trope, and it's such a disservice to her previous development. I like reading about strong female characters as much as the next person, but it's not earned here.
- The other side characters were bland AF (with the exception of Yelena's mentor and Yelena's horse. Yes, her horse.)
- Valek has been downgraded from Yelena's equal to Yelena's simp. Don't get me wrong, I love a good simp, and ofc I think Yelena can and should exist without a man. But so much of the intrigue in Book #1 was from their dynamic and partnershship, which is nonexistent in Book #2.
- The pacing. I.e., there is none. Truly, it's all over the place.
So....is Magic Study a good book? No. Did I enjoy reading it? Ehh sure, why not.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
Minor: Cultural appropriation
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