Reviews tagging 'Chronic illness'

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

36 reviews

ellenwilberg's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, Sexism, Sexual content, Vomit, and Violence

espiargrant's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious 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

4.25

This book was a very enjoyable read! The world building was colorful and descriptive without becoming dense and the magic system was well-crafted and unique. I loved both MCs and felt that their relationship developed fairly naturally, though I felt that some of the steamy scenes could've begun in a more organic way (still good though). The plot was well-developed, but with some aspects the reader is kept in the dark for a bit longer than seems logical. 
This book also touches on some darker topics regarding family, relationships, sex, and sexuality, and handles them tactfully, which I appreciated. In short, this book is a fun, magical adventure with heartwarming characters and a lovely queer romance. I'd recommend this to fans of Edwardian fantasy and mlm romance. 
 
Positional Dynamic: 

Both Vers

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Bullying, Homophobia, Sexual content, and Violence

Moderate: Misogyny and Chronic illness

Minor: Torture and Medical content

therainbowshelf's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense 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

5.0

I loved this book so much that I don’t think I can adequately convey how much I liked reading it. I was in absolutely no hurry to finish because I didn’t want it to end. Beautiful prose, charming and emotive characters, great world building, and an excellent story. I enjoyed this on the same level as my all-time favorite Nightrunner series, which is the only novel series I’ve read multiple times.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Torture, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Blood, Physical abuse, Abandonment, Bullying, Death, Murder, Grief, Homophobia, Chronic illness, Child abuse, Confinement, and Death of parent

valpuri's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Blood, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Outing, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, Classism, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Violence

Minor: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Grief, Racism, and Vomit

casreads's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious 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

4.5

This book had all my favorite things - magic, mystery, and m/m romance, all in Edwardian England. The world building was intricate, the characters vivid, and the romance steamy. Marske's dry humor and piercing turns of phrase were delightful, and the mysterious magical history at the heart of the novel intriguing. I can't wait to learn more about this fascinating world, and see more of Robin and Edwin. Calling it 4.5 because the only thing missing is that x factor that takes it from great to an obsession.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Blood, Bullying, Murder, and Sexual content

Minor: Chronic illness and Homophobia

dariusmortee's review against another edition

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I’m conflicted about this book because I don’t think it’s bad but I did feel bored every now and then while reading it. I think part of it, is that this book isn’t my normal go to genre. Which I don’t mind, but which did result in me wanted something to… happen? 

I’m not sure if I feel the need to read the second book once it’s out. The story has potential, but I’m not sure if the writer has priorities for her story the same way I would have them for this story. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Classism, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Chronic illness

Minor: Ableism

wanderonwards's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious 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

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Sexual content

Moderate: Chronic illness and Murder

anntharai's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny mysterious 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? No

5.0

From page one I enjoyed the writing and from about page 30 I cared about the characters. By the end I was ready to buy every book in the series only to find out book two is being released in six months. 

 

It’s a fantastic story with an interesting magical system and delightful characters - all written with a light hand and marvellous turn of phrase. 

 

I can’t wait to read more. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, and Chronic illness

Moderate: Cursing and Torture

Minor: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Alcohol, and Emotional abuse

clarabooksit's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Classism, Emotional abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, and Violence

Moderate: Blood, Sexism, Homophobia, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Chronic illness and Mental illness

ehmannky's review against another edition

emotional hopeful fast-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

5.0

 This was, as the kids say, a banger. A delight from beginning to end, with an excellent romance front and center and the set up to what seems to be a really fun fantasy series (I cannot wait to get Maud being gay on a murder boat in book 2).

 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse

Moderate: Homophobia, Violence, Murder, and Chronic illness