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book_gremlin42's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Colonisation, and Body horror
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
chattie_the_mad_chatter's review
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book was so perfect for me ticking many boxes. It is definitly worthy of "Jane Austen but with magic" tag line.
If you enjoy: regency period books with light hearted wittisism; amusing characters and protagonists who find their way around the rules of society and snobbery; are happy to throw magic in to historical time periods; then you will love this book.
The plot is simple, enjoyable with enough intrigue to keep you reading as to how it will all fall out. There is danger and prejudice our characters must grapple with and a need for social reform.
But the frothy delightful writing style gives me all the Georgette Heyer I need, but without class prejudice or problematic casual racism involved.
I love both protagonists, the relationship between them and the side characters, and all enjoyable banter. Our female protagonist flies her feminist flag by being her unashamed true self and getting things done. And for all those reasons I love this book. It has an abundance of charm, whilst having darker moments due to the fey world and I ate it all up. Can't wait for the next one.
If you enjoy: regency period books with light hearted wittisism; amusing characters and protagonists who find their way around the rules of society and snobbery; are happy to throw magic in to historical time periods; then you will love this book.
The plot is simple, enjoyable with enough intrigue to keep you reading as to how it will all fall out. There is danger and prejudice our characters must grapple with and a need for social reform.
But the frothy delightful writing style gives me all the Georgette Heyer I need, but without class prejudice or problematic casual racism involved.
I love both protagonists, the relationship between them and the side characters, and all enjoyable banter. Our female protagonist flies her feminist flag by being her unashamed true self and getting things done. And for all those reasons I love this book. It has an abundance of charm, whilst having darker moments due to the fey world and I ate it all up. Can't wait for the next one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Misogyny, Racism, Animal death, Classism, and Colonisation
Minor: Slavery and Suicide
griffinthief'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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, Death of parent, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, War, and Suicide
Minor: Pregnancy, Slavery, Kidnapping, and Murder
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