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atamano's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Xenophobia, Misogyny, Racism, and Classism
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Death, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Abandonment
tinyjude's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This was a strong debut, although compared to Zen Cho's later writing that I had the pleasure of reading, was a bit weak. We see a rich intersection between feminism, colonialism and racism in this book, which contrasts with most of these type of fantasy novels usually with a white predominant cast.
Nonetheless, I would have enjoyed more worldbuilding, a faster pace at the beginning and more development for the love story between the main protagonists (as it felt a bit too rushed). I liked the way menstruation was treated in the story, as well as Prunella's power. I would have loved to see more of the familiars and the fairy world. I liked the complicated relationship between Zacharias and Stephen, although I was left disappointed at the fact that Zacharias didn't question him at the end why he didn't also free his parents as well.
Nonetheless, I would have enjoyed more worldbuilding, a faster pace at the beginning and more development for the love story between the main protagonists (as it felt a bit too rushed). I liked the way menstruation was treated in the story, as well as Prunella's power. I would have loved to see more of the familiars and the fairy world. I liked the complicated relationship between Zacharias and Stephen, although I was left disappointed at the fact that Zacharias didn't question him at the end why he didn't also free his parents as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, Sexism, Misogyny, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Slavery, Pregnancy, Hate crime, Genocide, Death of parent, Classism, and Cannibalism
Minor: War and Violence
buttermellow's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Misogyny
Moderate: Slavery, Ableism, Colonisation, Xenophobia, and Classism
Minor: Death
jelliclecax's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Xenophobia, Slavery, Sexism, Racism, Pregnancy, and Death of parent
maryannsophia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
3.75
The setting and characters of this book are extremely unique, quirky, and at times bizarre. The style of the world, especially the Fairyland and magical people, definitely takes some getting used to. Overall, it was an interesting story and well-written, with lots of dry wit and blithe humor. But the characters do make decisions that are questionable and, often, creepy. For one, while Prunella's use of her blood to hatch the familiar eggs makes sense, it felt a little unnecessarily TMI to me... however, one can't really expect anything less than a book that deals in the occult. But the really disturbing aspect was her sacrifice of Nidget to the dragon for her own purposes - and that this betrayal (similar to her mother's own murders, promiscuity, etc) was viewed as acceptable, and even appropriate. Similarly, the book had a rather confused view of religion, heaven, hell, morality, and dealings with spirits.
Overall, I found it a fascinating book, but one with large flaws that make it hard to recommend.
Overall, I found it a fascinating book, but one with large flaws that make it hard to recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Blood, Cannibalism, Cultural appropriation, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Gore, Medical content, Pregnancy, Slavery, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Racism, and Racial slurs
ehmannky's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
- 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
An utter delight of a read. It usually takes me a good 50 pages or so to really get into a book, but this one took me all of 1 page to be fully engrossed. I loved Zacharias, a sweet and gentle protagonist with so much going on underneath, and Prunella, who every day wakes up and chooses chaos and herself. And it gives such room to loving complex parental figures, biological and adopted, and learning to stand on your own from them while valuing what you can from them. The power dynamic I adore in the relationships I love to read. I loved that it delves into colonialism, sexism, racism, slavery, and that the characters are doing what they can to rectify the wrongs to the best of their ability. But also, it's funny and charming and whimsical. Especially when Prunella is on the page. It's just a gem of a book.
I don't know how to describe it but this book, CL Polk's Kingston Cycle, and Jo Baker's Longbourn would be friends. They've all got the similar vibe.
I don't know how to describe it but this book, CL Polk's Kingston Cycle, and Jo Baker's Longbourn would be friends. They've all got the similar vibe.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Sexism, Racism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Death
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