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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
I decided to give up reading the second book in this volume. It's too slow getting anywhere, all the characters are nasty and unlikable, the titular Chrestomanci is once again nowhere to be seen five chapters in, and I have a physical sense of resistance every time I think of reading more. There's not even a cool cat character (yet) to make the reading worthwhile. There are so many more books waiting in my TBR pile that I no longer wish to waste my limited reading time on something that brings me dread rather than joy.
As for the first book in this volume, which I did finish, the story was overall so predictable that I didn't really enjoy it. Even the cat character eventually felt somewhat repulsive, and not particularly charming, since he was described as a feral tomcat reeking of cat pee. As someone with a lifelong, visceral knowledge of that smell, it easily stains the entire story in one's mind, leaving it less than attractive.
I wish I could have enjoyed these stories more, especially seeing how handsome the cover illustration and book design is, but...it is what it is...
As for the first book in this volume, which I did finish, the story was overall so predictable that I didn't really enjoy it. Even the cat character eventually felt somewhat repulsive, and not particularly charming, since he was described as a feral tomcat reeking of cat pee. As someone with a lifelong, visceral knowledge of that smell, it easily stains the entire story in one's mind, leaving it less than attractive.
I wish I could have enjoyed these stories more, especially seeing how handsome the cover illustration and book design is, but...it is what it is...
I sort of consider this book the weakest link when looking at the Chrestomanci series, but that's really only because I'm not too fond of Witch Week - I think it's bad form to get us horribly attached to characters and then suddenly change those characters into slightly different but really maybe the same characters. It's too much for me.
Magicians of Caprona, on the other hand (Romeo and Juliet, anyone?), is fascinating! Look at how differently magic is treated over there, a few countries over from England! They perform it differently and learn it differently and somehow it all just makes sense anyway! It's incredible! I loved Caprona - that book became an on-the-edge-of-your-seat-read-under-the-table book. Definitely.
Magicians of Caprona, on the other hand (Romeo and Juliet, anyone?), is fascinating! Look at how differently magic is treated over there, a few countries over from England! They perform it differently and learn it differently and somehow it all just makes sense anyway! It's incredible! I loved Caprona - that book became an on-the-edge-of-your-seat-read-under-the-table book. Definitely.
adventurous
medium-paced
I enjoyed the first story in this 2 book volume and it would have received a solid four if Goodreads allowed you to rate volumes separately. But unfortunately there's that second book that follows along, I just couldn't get through it. The others just had a spark and this fourth one in the series fell flat for me. So for the volume on a whole 3 stars.
I had more problem getting into these books than the first two. The magicians of Caprona started a bit boring, but got better further on. The great thing is that I had forgotten about everything that happened, unlike the second book, so I could read it as if for the first time. I remembered too much from the second book, so that spoiled the surprises a bit. Plus, I couldn't relate to any of the characters in Witch Week.
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"Magicians of Caprona was very odd and slightly creepy. Will not be re-reading that one. "Witch Week" was much better but I very much like "Volume 1" far better.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I still enjoyed these, but I felt a bit disappointed that the series didn't go deeper into worldbuilding. It's falling into a formula where magic kids get in trouble and call the Chrestomanci. They are fun stories, but I'm not sure I'll keep reading this series.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Self harm
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Racism, Sexism, Violence
“Witch Week” has more bullying, body shaming, self harm, slight racism, and fatphobia. “The Magicians of Caprona” has more violence (it is mild).