Scan barcode
rwalker101's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
As far as I can tell, this was Rogerson's first published novel, and in my opinion it matches that designation.
This is not to disparage Rogerson or the idea of first books generally - every author must start somewhere, and even though this book is imperfect, Rogerson's potential as an author is clear. She seems passionate about the genres of YA and fantasy, and has plenty of exciting ideas to utilize. However this book, for all its genuinely interesting concepts and its rich tone, suffers from a pacing and a scope problem (pacing in that I grew bored around the halfway mark, scope mostly in that I wish it were bigger. It's probably best that she kept it small, it's an appropriate size for a first novel.) Now that Rogerson has the experience of publishing a book under her belt, I hope she can take what she's learned and use it to expand the scope of her future books, pushing deeper into the themes she seems interested in but only managed to scrape here.
This is not to disparage Rogerson or the idea of first books generally - every author must start somewhere, and even though this book is imperfect, Rogerson's potential as an author is clear. She seems passionate about the genres of YA and fantasy, and has plenty of exciting ideas to utilize. However this book, for all its genuinely interesting concepts and its rich tone, suffers from a pacing and a scope problem (pacing in that I grew bored around the halfway mark, scope mostly in that I wish it were bigger. It's probably best that she kept it small, it's an appropriate size for a first novel.) Now that Rogerson has the experience of publishing a book under her belt, I hope she can take what she's learned and use it to expand the scope of her future books, pushing deeper into the themes she seems interested in but only managed to scrape here.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore and Animal cruelty
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
💠My thoughts ðŸ’: This book was fun. I enjoyed the read even though I'm not the target YA audience. Sure, it had many of the characteristics of YA fantasy that made me roll my eyes as a teenager, but it also had a lot of interest and charm that kept me reading even so. I really wished there was more about Isobel's family and her goat siblings.
📚 The gist 📚: Portrait artist Isobel lives in a dangerous world where the Fae regularly visit her human village because they crave human crafts in exchange for perilous enchantments. Isobel succeeds in laying low for a long time, until her unique artistic abilities capture the attention of the Fae court.
📒Representation📒: N/A
💕 For readers looking for 💕: magic, scary but enchanting fae, interesting human-fae relationships, cunning female characters, curses, political intrigue (but make it fae)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Violence, Gore, and Body horror
Moderate: Grief and Kidnapping
thecourtofreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
"walking along a blade's edge was only fun until the blade stopped being a metaphor."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Violence, and Gore
Moderate: Death
Minor: Animal death, Drug use, and Sexual content
theaylien's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Grief, Kidnapping, and Torture
Minor: Death of parent and Suicide attempt
inesreads's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book should have been longer and some plot points definitely needed some editing, but I am honestly willing to overlook that because the characters were likeable, the writing was beautiful and the portrayal of fairies was just so interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Body horror
emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I had high expectations for this book and sadly I was let down. Having read Sorcery of Thorns back in January and LOVING it, I thought it would be a similar experience here. In reality, this book was really underwhelming. The plot was incredibly weak, relying on the romance to carry it. But I couldn't get behind the romance, either, as it's an Edward-Bella situation where the guy, Rook, is at least a centenarian, and the girl Isobel is only 17. It was also instalove, which I really don't like. Finally, there were also unresolved elements once the book had ended. While Rook and Isobel end up being "legally" together as the Good Law no longer exists, Isobel is still a mortal who will age and die and this was never really addressed. Also, nothing was really done with the storyline relating to painting the Fair Folk with human emotions, and how they responded to that.
However, this book had some redeeming qualities. It was relatively enjoyable, and very easy to read. I also liked Rogerson's writing style. Rook and Isobel as characters were entertaining and felt real, though they weren't quite loveable (although March and May were). Finally, the world building was unique and fascinating, as it was in Sorcery of Thorns.
However, this book had some redeeming qualities. It was relatively enjoyable, and very easy to read. I also liked Rogerson's writing style. Rook and Isobel as characters were entertaining and felt real, though they weren't quite loveable (although March and May were). Finally, the world building was unique and fascinating, as it was in Sorcery of Thorns.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, and Vomit
Minor: Ableism, Alcohol, Animal death, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide
literarypenguin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was such a delightful and enjoyable book.
The writing was so exquisitely beautiful and made the atmosphere of this book just a wonder to read. I loved the way Margaret Rogerson described fae and the fae world. I never once felt lost or confused and everything felt well thought out and clear. The humor in this book was witty and charming and at times truly unexpected. It felt natural and not forced even the slightest bit.
Isobel was a joy as a main character. I loved how passionate she was about her art and her painting. She is also very loyal and protective of her family and would do anything for them and give anything to make sure their safe. She was willing to do anything to keep and protect her Craft and the thought of her losing it was a fate worse then death to her. I loved how compassionate and intelligent she is, knowing how to talk to a Fair Folk and see past their glamour and honeyed words.
Rook was a very charming character. He was the perfect blend of cocky and vulnerable. No matter what he said or did he always care for Isobel and would go to great heights to protect her. He was also a very skilled fighter and was definitely no pushover when it came to a fight. I couldn’t help but fall in love with his character.
I feel like the beginning of the romance was a bit too fast and love at first sightish but both of the characters were so adorable and sweet that I couldn’t help but adore their relationship. The chemistry was definitely there and interactions between the two of them were so cute. I loved them traveling together in the forest and the challenges they faced.
The plot was very good but at times it did drag a bit especially toward the end. I also really loved the side characters and enjoyed them just as much as the main characters. I felt like they offered a lot more to the story and made the world so lively.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more from this author and hopefully more stories set in this world.
The writing was so exquisitely beautiful and made the atmosphere of this book just a wonder to read. I loved the way Margaret Rogerson described fae and the fae world. I never once felt lost or confused and everything felt well thought out and clear. The humor in this book was witty and charming and at times truly unexpected. It felt natural and not forced even the slightest bit.
Isobel was a joy as a main character. I loved how passionate she was about her art and her painting. She is also very loyal and protective of her family and would do anything for them and give anything to make sure their safe. She was willing to do anything to keep and protect her Craft and the thought of her losing it was a fate worse then death to her. I loved how compassionate and intelligent she is, knowing how to talk to a Fair Folk and see past their glamour and honeyed words.
Rook was a very charming character. He was the perfect blend of cocky and vulnerable. No matter what he said or did he always care for Isobel and would go to great heights to protect her. He was also a very skilled fighter and was definitely no pushover when it came to a fight. I couldn’t help but fall in love with his character.
I feel like the beginning of the romance was a bit too fast and love at first sightish but both of the characters were so adorable and sweet that I couldn’t help but adore their relationship. The chemistry was definitely there and interactions between the two of them were so cute. I loved them traveling together in the forest and the challenges they faced.
The plot was very good but at times it did drag a bit especially toward the end. I also really loved the side characters and enjoyed them just as much as the main characters. I felt like they offered a lot more to the story and made the world so lively.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more from this author and hopefully more stories set in this world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Blood and Gore
Minor: Sexual content
naomidanae's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Gore, and Violence
Minor: Animal death and Death of parent
More...