Scan barcode
krystlethegreat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Love me a good fae story.
Admittedly, these fae, while mildly mischievous, are pretty well behaved compared to most.
Admittedly, these fae, while mildly mischievous, are pretty well behaved compared to most.
kpezza's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
gardenfairyreads's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't write a review for this when I first read it, and looking back, I can see why so many people didn't enjoy it very much. I definitely understand people's complaints of insta-love etc., but I feel like this book actually shows the readers that insta-love isn't a real thing. Attraction at first site is perfectly reasonable, but love takes more time, and if you know nothing about a person other than what they look like it's not really possible to love them. In this book, the main character, Isobel, does find herself infatuated with a mysterious faerie prince, Rook whom she paints, but upon finishing the painting and seeing his reaction, she realizes that the things she thought she felt for him were shallow and illusionary, based off of appearances and charm rather than character.
However, as Isobel and Rook journey forth into the woods, fighting and surviving side by side, Isobel comes to love him for who he is as a being rather than what he looks like. This is exacerbated by the fact that faeries in this world use glamours and illusions to disguise the fact that their true appearance is that of a monstrous creature. Isobel at first finds Rook horrifying and frightful, but as their journey continues she comes to understand him and even love him.
This book, while certainly not perfect, was very sweet and romantic, while also maintaining high levels of excitement, and teaching young readers not to believe in a love based off of appearances alone.
However, as Isobel and Rook journey forth into the woods, fighting and surviving side by side, Isobel comes to love him for who he is as a being rather than what he looks like. This is exacerbated by the fact that faeries in this world use glamours and illusions to disguise the fact that their true appearance is that of a monstrous creature. Isobel at first finds Rook horrifying and frightful, but as their journey continues she comes to understand him and even love him.
This book, while certainly not perfect, was very sweet and romantic, while also maintaining high levels of excitement, and teaching young readers not to believe in a love based off of appearances alone.
nikita_00's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
This was a pretty enjoyable read. A cozy fantasy
The pace of the plot was just the right amount, and the romance was definitely well written. Worth the read
This was a pretty enjoyable read. A cozy fantasy
The pace of the plot was just the right amount, and the romance was definitely well written. Worth the read
wanderinglynn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
3.75
I started reading it and devoured it in one sitting. Sometimes you just read the right book at the right time.
This prose has a dreamlike and fairytale like feel. I love the contrasting atmosphere of the various fae lands and Whimsy with darker scenes and situations lurking underneath the fae glamour. I thought Isobel had good character development, although she came across as older than 17. And IMHO, I think the story would have been a bit stronger had she been in her twenties.
There were some plot issues but nothing so major, at least for me, that weren't overcome by the overarching story and the focus on art and immortality. Two things I wish had been developed more. First, her backstory, particularly what happened to her parents. I had questions that weren't answered and I think fleshing that out more might have helped the story. Second, the ending was a bit rushed and could have been executed better. I thought there could have been more done earlier in the story to bolster and provide more tension for the final battle, which did fizzle and was a bit unsatisfying.
But I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the story.
This prose has a dreamlike and fairytale like feel. I love the contrasting atmosphere of the various fae lands and Whimsy with darker scenes and situations lurking underneath the fae glamour. I thought Isobel had good character development, although she came across as older than 17. And IMHO, I think the story would have been a bit stronger had she been in her twenties.
There were some plot issues but nothing so major, at least for me, that weren't overcome by the overarching story and the focus on art and immortality. Two things I wish had been developed more. First, her backstory, particularly what happened to her parents. I had questions that weren't answered and I think fleshing that out more might have helped the story. Second, the ending was a bit rushed and could have been executed better. I thought there could have been more done earlier in the story to bolster and provide more tension for the final battle, which did fizzle and was a bit unsatisfying.
But I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the story.
ddarla's review against another edition
i wanted to enjoy this so much. but not right after the previous book i've read, i guess. i'd rather witness the relationship develop, not be told. all of it happened and i left with no care at all. maybe i will return to this sometime, or maybe not.
amanda_violet's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25