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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of this book!
I was immediately sucked in by this GORGEOUS cover. I'm also all in for a fairy tale retelling and was intrigued by the premise of Yzabel turning food into flowers by attempting to eat it. What a horrible curse, having to watch others enjoy a meal while trying to choke yours down before your magic took over. The magic was what I loved about this book. What a beautiful concept -harnessing this curse and being able to look upon it as a blessing instead. Speaks to the power of positive thinking and changing your perspective.
The f/f love story was sweet and I adored Fatyan. If you're looking for a story with a female betrothed to a male she doesn't want to marry/doesnt love and vice versa, this is it. Typical male in charge, doesn't listen to women, etc.
Overall, if you want a new take on magical abilities this book is just the ticket.
I was immediately sucked in by this GORGEOUS cover. I'm also all in for a fairy tale retelling and was intrigued by the premise of Yzabel turning food into flowers by attempting to eat it. What a horrible curse, having to watch others enjoy a meal while trying to choke yours down before your magic took over. The magic was what I loved about this book. What a beautiful concept -harnessing this curse and being able to look upon it as a blessing instead. Speaks to the power of positive thinking and changing your perspective.
The f/f love story was sweet and I adored Fatyan. If you're looking for a story with a female betrothed to a male she doesn't want to marry/doesnt love and vice versa, this is it. Typical male in charge, doesn't listen to women, etc.
Overall, if you want a new take on magical abilities this book is just the ticket.
(3.5⭐️)
Este livro levou-me numa montanha russa de sentimentos: tanto em relação à história como à leitura em si.
A proposta é simplesmente fantástica. Toda a ideia é cativante e bem desenvolvida. A escrita também me agradou bastante (ainda que a tenha sentido um pouco lenta em algumas partes). Todos em Portugal conhecem o milagre das rosas e poder ler esta "versão" com um teor sáfico é revigorante e inovador.
Gostei bastante das personagens e das relações estabelecidas entre elas. Tanto a Isabel, a Fatyan, o próprio Dinis, até à Brites e ao Vasco, todos foram personagens que marcaram esta história de alguma maneira.
Ainda assim, sinto que em alguns momentos desejei que as coisas fluissem mais para mim. Mesmo estando a gostar, acho que demorei a envolver-me com a história, mas a cerca de 60% do livro, a leitura começou a fluir bem melhor para mim.
Gostei do final, mas podia ter sido bem mais explorado. Achei um bocadinho apressada toda a resolução de conflito.
De um modo geral, um livro bom
Este livro levou-me numa montanha russa de sentimentos: tanto em relação à história como à leitura em si.
A proposta é simplesmente fantástica. Toda a ideia é cativante e bem desenvolvida. A escrita também me agradou bastante (ainda que a tenha sentido um pouco lenta em algumas partes). Todos em Portugal conhecem o milagre das rosas e poder ler esta "versão" com um teor sáfico é revigorante e inovador.
Gostei bastante das personagens e das relações estabelecidas entre elas. Tanto a Isabel, a Fatyan, o próprio Dinis, até à Brites e ao Vasco, todos foram personagens que marcaram esta história de alguma maneira.
Ainda assim, sinto que em alguns momentos desejei que as coisas fluissem mais para mim. Mesmo estando a gostar, acho que demorei a envolver-me com a história, mas a cerca de 60% do livro, a leitura começou a fluir bem melhor para mim.
Gostei do final, mas podia ter sido bem mais explorado. Achei um bocadinho apressada toda a resolução de conflito.
De um modo geral, um livro bom
A sapphic OwnVoices historical fantasy!!!
Rating: 3.5/5 stars (rounding up to 4/5)
The sapphic yearning!!! Oh My! Oh My! This was so cute, while at the same time touching on very important topics (see TW at the bottom of this review). The romance, while a bit insta-lovey-was my favorite aspect of this book! Followed closely behind with the unique magic system (although I wish it was elaborated on more).
"Never believe the interpretations of men. They distort the original meaning to suit themselves."
I feel like this is a super important book for anyone questioning their sexuality and struggling with balancing that and their religion. There is just so much to unpack in this book-from the feminist vibes to the scariness of coming out to yourself and others, this book discusses it all amazingly!
Trigger Warnings: religious-based self harm, religious-based eating disorders, and religious-based internalized homophobia
"And with that gift, she would change the country."
Disclaimer: I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All quotes might be changed in the final copy!
Rating: 3.5/5 stars (rounding up to 4/5)
The sapphic yearning!!! Oh My! Oh My! This was so cute, while at the same time touching on very important topics (see TW at the bottom of this review). The romance, while a bit insta-lovey-was my favorite aspect of this book! Followed closely behind with the unique magic system (although I wish it was elaborated on more).
"Never believe the interpretations of men. They distort the original meaning to suit themselves."
I feel like this is a super important book for anyone questioning their sexuality and struggling with balancing that and their religion. There is just so much to unpack in this book-from the feminist vibes to the scariness of coming out to yourself and others, this book discusses it all amazingly!
Trigger Warnings: religious-based self harm, religious-based eating disorders, and religious-based internalized homophobia
"And with that gift, she would change the country."
Disclaimer: I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All quotes might be changed in the final copy!
Not only did the premise draw me in, but that cover! The best part? What’s under the cover is great. I was drawn in from the beginning and the story only got better. I loved the way the story unraveled and the inclusion of a sapphic tale. Yzabel and Fatyan’s chemistry is off the charts! I loved it!
From the beginning- Yzabel’s relationship, or should I say arrangement, with Denis was intriguing. He seemed so patient and kind, yet it seemed like she still had doubts about him. My love for Brites, her wisdom, and her wits is infinite. Although I truly think the star of the show is the Moura, Fatyan. While Yzabel’s strength gives us the greatest parts of the novel (hell yeah for badass women MC’s), Fatyan’s ability to be unapologetically herself really shines. The way she teaches Yzabel to grow into herself and her desires is such a beautiful arc. I also really enjoyed the full arc of Denis and how understanding he truly was. It was a little surprising.
What a well crafted story with beautiful, developed characters who stay true to themselves the whole time. You’ll want to read this is you love sapphic fantasy!
Thank you NetGalley & Entangled Teen for the arc and allowing me to write an honest review.
From the beginning- Yzabel’s relationship, or should I say arrangement, with Denis was intriguing. He seemed so patient and kind, yet it seemed like she still had doubts about him. My love for Brites, her wisdom, and her wits is infinite. Although I truly think the star of the show is the Moura, Fatyan. While Yzabel’s strength gives us the greatest parts of the novel (hell yeah for badass women MC’s), Fatyan’s ability to be unapologetically herself really shines. The way she teaches Yzabel to grow into herself and her desires is such a beautiful arc. I also really enjoyed the full arc of Denis and how understanding he truly was. It was a little surprising.
What a well crafted story with beautiful, developed characters who stay true to themselves the whole time. You’ll want to read this is you love sapphic fantasy!
Thank you NetGalley & Entangled Teen for the arc and allowing me to write an honest review.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Okay, I want to begin by stating the cover is stunning, but I don't love the title. It feels like it's a mixture of every popular YA title trend and I'm just not here for it.
HOWEVER, now that I have that negativity out of the way this is a wonderful book! It references some really interesting historical events from Portugal as well as references the culture - something I haven't seen in other books up until now. The characters are wonderful and feel relatable and human while still feeling unique. None of the story felt rushed and it felt consistent in the story telling.
I definitely loved this book and would recommend it for anyone looking for a fantasy standalone as their next read.
HOWEVER, now that I have that negativity out of the way this is a wonderful book! It references some really interesting historical events from Portugal as well as references the culture - something I haven't seen in other books up until now. The characters are wonderful and feel relatable and human while still feeling unique. None of the story felt rushed and it felt consistent in the story telling.
I definitely loved this book and would recommend it for anyone looking for a fantasy standalone as their next read.
Okay, I want to begin by stating the cover is stunning, but I don't love the title. It feels like it's a mixture of every popular YA title trend and I'm just not here for it.
HOWEVER, now that I have that negativity out of the way this is a wonderful book! It references some really interesting historical events from Portugal as well as references the culture - something I haven't seen in other books up until now. The characters are wonderful and feel relatable and human while still feeling unique. None of the story felt rushed and it felt consistent in the story telling.
I definitely loved this book and would recommend it for anyone looking for a fantasy standalone as their next read.
HOWEVER, now that I have that negativity out of the way this is a wonderful book! It references some really interesting historical events from Portugal as well as references the culture - something I haven't seen in other books up until now. The characters are wonderful and feel relatable and human while still feeling unique. None of the story felt rushed and it felt consistent in the story telling.
I definitely loved this book and would recommend it for anyone looking for a fantasy standalone as their next read.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
Oh my heart! This book was brilliant! A coming of age retelling of an old Portuguese legend that both disgusted and overjoyed me.
1/10/21 : This book has stuck with me, even a month later I am still thinking about it. I have upped my rating to a full 5 stars because of this.
12/9/20: Religious topics are a hard one for me but Diana weaved the tale so effortlessly that instead of removing me from the story, made me fall further in love with it.
Yza's struggle to accept herself -both in magic and sexuality- in a world that says both are sins is relatable and endearing. Her love for her future people and those that she holds dear is fierce and beautiful.
Full Review to come on secondhandpages.com!
1/10/21 : This book has stuck with me, even a month later I am still thinking about it. I have upped my rating to a full 5 stars because of this.
12/9/20: Religious topics are a hard one for me but Diana weaved the tale so effortlessly that instead of removing me from the story, made me fall further in love with it.
Yza's struggle to accept herself -both in magic and sexuality- in a world that says both are sins is relatable and endearing. Her love for her future people and those that she holds dear is fierce and beautiful.
Full Review to come on secondhandpages.com!