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mxrumphius's review against another edition
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Blood and Murder
Minor: Child death, Sexual assault, Suicide, Xenophobia, and Police brutality
claudiamacpherson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3. 5 stars
I had high hopes for this book after seeing it on booktok, and while I enjoyed it, it didn't completely live up to those expectations. The world-building was a bit heavy-handed, but I really liked how the setting felt like a book version of a Studio Ghibli movie. It was a bit confusing trying to follow the details of the Arks, families, and magic system, but ultimately it created an interesting universe. The characters also weren't always likable, but Dabos did a good job (almost too good!) creating tension so that I never knew who to trust. Ophelia is not like most YA protagonists; not only is she mostly very quiet and thoughtful, but she barely used her powers throughout the book. I honestly didn't know that this book was originally written in French until about a third of the way through, when I looked it up because the writing style and word choice was often a bit odd. I'm not sure if that's due to the translator or if it's Dabos' writing style, but it definitely added to the tone of the book.
Happy ending meter (no specific spoilers, just my judgement of how happy the ending is because I always wish someone would tell me that before I read books):
Moderate: Bullying, Physical abuse, and Blood
Minor: Death, Incest, Miscarriage, and Murder
aunteaandbiscuits's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Bullying
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Genocide, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Murder
ghiblies's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
As for our protagonists, I really like them, but oh boy, they really do put the slow in slow burn. Ophelia wasn't my favourite of the two but I found her blossoming love and respect for her aunt very heart-warming and I hope this relationship doesn’t fade into the background. I was personally more intrigued by Thorn, who was left as a very enigmatic character even by the end of the book. I will say, their relationship jumped back and forth quite dramatically which I am... scratching my head at a little... The reason for their conflict perhaps feels a little weak considering how pragmatic they both are, but hopefully as they get to know each other better these misunderstandings will be cleared up. (And do I love me some miscommunication and misunderstandings in my stories *rubs hands together gleefully*)
To close, I am looking forward to reading the sequel. I am equally as invested in uncovering the fate of our protagonists as I am in learning more about this universe and its magics!
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Violence
Minor: Child death and Infidelity
peachani's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Physical abuse, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Torture, Toxic relationship, and Blood
incigiru's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, and Sexism
Minor: Fatphobia
emmeviene's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship