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thunderthighs's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
antivancrowe's review against another edition
It just felt very mediocre, and too young for me. I felt like I'd like it if I was still in the demographic.
maddierandolph's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Death and Gun violence
Minor: Blood and Panic attacks/disorders
baronvonwaffle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
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
4.0
adrzeck's review against another edition
2.0
Sci-Fi noir-ish end-of-the-world story. There are unmagic people, hackers, tech people who use tech to manipulate a magic-like element, and pure elemental magic-ers. Lots of corporation conspiracy and such.
I really liked the Disasters so It might just be me, but I just didn't really fall in love with the characters or their dynamics.
I really liked the Disasters so It might just be me, but I just didn't really fall in love with the characters or their dynamics.
owlyreadsalot's review against another edition
3.0
This was such a fun read, with a lot of fantasy mixed with bits of sci-fi, making this novel tons better. I’m already a fan of both genres so it worked out perfectly. But, what made this an even more interesting read, were the characters included in here. I appreciated the diversity and originality of them, and the story that was created for the reader. Aside from Diz, we see the three others that made this story what it is.
“We already have Ania for a techwitch, and Remi the spellweaving prodigy, and I have all our hardware needs covered. Jaesin rounds out the group with most of the mundie skills, like keeping us from starving to death. And hitting people. But only sometimes.”
The other areas of this book that kept me invested were all the talks of magic, plus the maz that made up most of the world within these pages. There were so many variations of maz, and how dangerous it all was to distribute. That created the setting for all of this, what it meant for everyone that lived with it, and without it. Along, with what it mean for Diz and her friends, as it became more dangerous to be a part of. Even more so, as their time together was coming to an end.
“I shove Ania’s shoulder, and the elevator fills with our laughter. I can’t wait to get home, even as I feel a weird sort of nostalgia for those little vials of maz we just left behind. Ten years of friendship, two years running jobs together, and now it’s over. The others are understandably ecstatic, brimming over with the thrill of getting away with one last haul and looking forward to their shiny futures. Futures that require moving away. In seven days.”
That’s where everything gets even more interesting, with their team getting mixed up in more than they can handle. A special maz like no other shows up, leading them all into more perilous situations, but also bringing them closer together. I really loved their interactions and how this moved along. Yes, there was a bit of profanity at times, and Diz’ stubbornness got in the way of some of the enjoyment, but it didn’t keep it from being a pretty spellbinding read.
“Beyond the city’s wards, around the whole world, contaminated maz is dispersed in the very air, the way clean, natural maz, used to be. In the past, a spellweaver would have been able to draw trace maz from thin air and spin it into threads to use on the spot. Free, like it should be. To be fair, they could still do that… but they’d probably die of the plague before the day was out.”
It’s that second half that kept it all going. There was a discovery of a certain maz that could change everything, finding the truth to a disaster that left many frazzled and several dead, and what it all meant for each friend as they get closer to their departure date. You’re not going to want to miss out on this novel, or the ending. There might just be a happily ever after for everyone involved, well mostly everyone. You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out.
***I received this copy from HarperCollins Children’s Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
“We already have Ania for a techwitch, and Remi the spellweaving prodigy, and I have all our hardware needs covered. Jaesin rounds out the group with most of the mundie skills, like keeping us from starving to death. And hitting people. But only sometimes.”
The other areas of this book that kept me invested were all the talks of magic, plus the maz that made up most of the world within these pages. There were so many variations of maz, and how dangerous it all was to distribute. That created the setting for all of this, what it meant for everyone that lived with it, and without it. Along, with what it mean for Diz and her friends, as it became more dangerous to be a part of. Even more so, as their time together was coming to an end.
“I shove Ania’s shoulder, and the elevator fills with our laughter. I can’t wait to get home, even as I feel a weird sort of nostalgia for those little vials of maz we just left behind. Ten years of friendship, two years running jobs together, and now it’s over. The others are understandably ecstatic, brimming over with the thrill of getting away with one last haul and looking forward to their shiny futures. Futures that require moving away. In seven days.”
That’s where everything gets even more interesting, with their team getting mixed up in more than they can handle. A special maz like no other shows up, leading them all into more perilous situations, but also bringing them closer together. I really loved their interactions and how this moved along. Yes, there was a bit of profanity at times, and Diz’ stubbornness got in the way of some of the enjoyment, but it didn’t keep it from being a pretty spellbinding read.
“Beyond the city’s wards, around the whole world, contaminated maz is dispersed in the very air, the way clean, natural maz, used to be. In the past, a spellweaver would have been able to draw trace maz from thin air and spin it into threads to use on the spot. Free, like it should be. To be fair, they could still do that… but they’d probably die of the plague before the day was out.”
It’s that second half that kept it all going. There was a discovery of a certain maz that could change everything, finding the truth to a disaster that left many frazzled and several dead, and what it all meant for each friend as they get closer to their departure date. You’re not going to want to miss out on this novel, or the ending. There might just be a happily ever after for everyone involved, well mostly everyone. You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out.
***I received this copy from HarperCollins Children’s Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
prettyplease247's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nikitaah's review against another edition
3.0
What this book lacks in world building and plot, it makes up in heart. In theory, the premise is intriguing and exciting- a group of law-breaking queer teens stumbling on a conspiracy during their last heist. However, the magic system leaves a lot to be desired. It comes off as half-baked and some types of 'maz' are mentioned once and are not explained. The plot is also predictable, and at times feels contrived.
The representation is great, and Spellhacker is a nice, quick read if you are able to look past its shortcomings.
The representation is great, and Spellhacker is a nice, quick read if you are able to look past its shortcomings.