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bushraboblai's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
joeyg896's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kimbermorgan's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book. I think the story itself was lovely, I just think the writing was a little repetitive at times, and could also be predictable in places. I enjoyed it, but didn’t find the end shocking or page turning.
thefantasticalworldofsara's review against another edition
3.0
This book had such a cool promising premise (a magical murder mystery with a PI) but sadly it was not as exciting and cool as I thought it was going to be. I loved the first 1/4 where the mystery is started and you begin to learn how the universe works, but I found the end disappointing.
Overall, an okay read but not my favourite.
ps. The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the the views of Indigo Books & Music Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. #IndigoEmployee
Overall, an okay read but not my favourite.
ps. The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the the views of Indigo Books & Music Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. #IndigoEmployee
hsbean's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kivt's review against another edition
3.0
kind of like the magicians (what if magic school but depression?), from a different perspective and with a noir aesthetic. not sure i liked it, but i didn't hate it.
sejireads's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.25
I wish there was more tension throughout, I didn't really get invested until over halfway through.
daffodilcherry's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
Magic for Liars is a fun, noir inspired mystery set in a magical school. Ivy, a 32 year old private detective, is contracted by her sister Tabitha's school to uncover the murderer of a teacher who died in the library. The school is a typical American highschool, except that it teaches magic to young mages. Ivy doesn't have magic, while her sister is a very talented teacher.
I liked the central mystery, and the cast of characters that surrounded it were well fleshed out and real. The worldbuilding was just deep enough to keep the book moving, which was fine and explainable as Ivy doesn't understand much either. The heart of this story really was the relationship between Tabitha and Ivy rather than solving the mystery at times. I listened to this as an audiobook and Xe Sands perfected the world weary private detective vibe.
Definitely a great read, 4/5 stars since I'm feeling a little fatigue at American highschool stories. Secondary characters were in sapphic relationships, but the main character is very into a (bi) man, which was written sweetly. Specific content warnings will be explained below.
Wheelhouses: noir detective, snarky and self aware noir detective POV, magic school, highschool through the eyes of an adult, mean girls cliques, chosen one narratives with a twist, sapphic side characters, sister estrangement and reconciliation.
I liked the central mystery, and the cast of characters that surrounded it were well fleshed out and real. The worldbuilding was just deep enough to keep the book moving, which was fine and explainable as Ivy doesn't understand much either. The heart of this story really was the relationship between Tabitha and Ivy rather than solving the mystery at times. I listened to this as an audiobook and Xe Sands perfected the world weary private detective vibe.
Definitely a great read, 4/5 stars since I'm feeling a little fatigue at American highschool stories. Secondary characters were in sapphic relationships, but the main character is very into a (bi) man, which was written sweetly. Specific content warnings will be explained below.
Wheelhouses: noir detective, snarky and self aware noir detective POV, magic school, highschool through the eyes of an adult, mean girls cliques, chosen one narratives with a twist, sapphic side characters, sister estrangement and reconciliation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Abortion, and Blood
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
A major story arc is about Ivy uncovering a teen pregnancy who then has a magical abortion, which itself is a body horror experience without pain:soubhi's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
kyra_c_c's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this: pure entertainment. I enjoyed the weaving together of magic and murder mystery. I thought the well worn stereotype of tough-and-emotionally-distant alcoholic PI was slightly overdone, which is why 4 stars.