Reviews

Threadneedle was one of my favorite 2021 novels. It had such a rich magical world, such intriguing and layered characters and such a brutal plot-line. I was therefore very excited that we were gonna get more books in this world! Of course, I had hoped for the sequel, but while waiting for that I take what I can get, among which this novella.

What I really loved about this novella is the magic. There is so much magic! In the first book in the series our heroine is kept away from magic and we're seeing a little of it, but never its full capacity. This novella absolutely makes up for it. All sorts of magic are being shown and that also gives an idea of the endless possibilities within this world.

Rowan was also a great main character for this story. Mainly because she's in every way possible a typical teenager. She wants to belong. She wants some excitement. She wants a boyfriend and her first kiss. She doesn't want to be an outsider any longer. And that means that at times she does typical stupid teenage things. And then at times she doesn't, which makes her likable.

The plot of this novella isn't that big or strong. I have the impression it's mostly about the magic and showing the possibilities of it, making sure we understand how the system works. However, at the end of the book there are some very nice life lessons given. And I like how for once there is a very supportive adult present to actually do a good job parenting.

sarah_bookshelf's review

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hopeful reflective relaxing slow-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

4.25

Surprised myself with how much I enjoyed this! It's witchy and botanical and adorable - and my favourite part is the main character and her quest for True Love ; but especially her eventual realisation that romance isn't the most important thing. I also found her terrible judge of character to be very realistic and relatable! I have a sudden desire to learn more about hedgerows and UK platlife in general. And I feel a warmth after reading about a teenage girl who feels like an outsider but has also learned to believe in herself.

gillothen's review

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A charming novella, a prequel to Threadneedle in which we find out what Rowan did the summer before sixth form. (No exam results, though.) The result is an entertaining look at adolescence complicated by magic.

ennakym's review

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I listened to this as an audiobook and it might have been a mismatch on the narrator for me. Will probably try again in ebook form.

xcrissy67x's review

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

After reading Threadneedle, I was captured by the world that Cari Thomas had built. And with the upcoming release of the sequel, I knew I just had to read this little novella before I receive the sequel.

This book follows Rowan a few years before the sequences in Threadneedle occured. During one of her summer holidays, she has been sent off to the Welsh countryside where she is staying with her batty Aunt Winifred. Though her social opportunities have been crushed, she may learn more than she expected whilst staying with aunt Winnie.

In my Threadneedle review, I mentioned how the book seemed to flick between YA and adult. However, this book is very YA. Rowan is a teenager and it very much shows. However, I wouldn't say this is necessarily a bad thing as it is the realit of many teenagers out there: worrying about social status, having friends, getting their first kiss etc. Even though it is a good representation, be aware that it also comes with the usual stupid teenager things that may annoy you. Oh and Rowan is VERY dramatic, there were a few things that had me cringing a little.

I did like the fact that you got to see different types of magic a bit more. It's not as secretive as Threadneedle and opens up all the possibilities that magic can provide you with. Though heavily focused on plant magic, you do see small aspects of other types of magic.

However, being a novella, the book is incredibly short (129 pages) and therefore, there isn't a massively complicated plot. A lot is focused on teenage issues and a lot of Rowan's inner narrative which I personally didn't find the most appealing. There is a little bit of mystery that was just about enough to keep my attention, but I wasn't too hooked or invested in it. This book was more of a coming of age story for Rowan.

I think this is a quick and easy read and is a good way to get to know Rowan a bit more which may be good to know for the sequel of Threadneedle. However, don't expect a strong plot and massive twists etc. Also be aware of the YA nature of the book as it is VERY YA. Maybe best to avoid if you're not a fan of the YA genre.

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