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clockworkbee's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is a series of novellas that have been cobbled together into a book. I enjoyed it, but each new chapter had a lot of going over ground that had already been covered. It makes sense that they were published individually but other readers may wonder about it.
I’ve always considered myself a Stephanie Burgis fan, but was really disappointed by an insensitive phrase she used in this story collection. Using the phrase, “made her want to tear her hair out” is punching down at the millions of people who live with that very real form of OCD. You wouldn’t make light of schizophrenia or postpartum depression, so why would you use a phrase that turns OCD into a joke? The author may not have known that Trichotillomania is a real OCD condition, but now that they know better I really hope they will do better in the future. Burgis is a talented writer- I’m sure she can come up with a better way to express that her characters are frustrated.
Otherwise it was an enjoyable romp with fun characters set in an interesting magical world. I wanted to know more about how the magic system worked and what Mia did to upset her previous neighbors. Leander was a charming leading man and I enjoyed the sunshine/grumpy dynamic. It was also nice to see several bisexual characters without any biphobia.
I’ve always considered myself a Stephanie Burgis fan, but was really disappointed by an insensitive phrase she used in this story collection. Using the phrase, “made her want to tear her hair out” is punching down at the millions of people who live with that very real form of OCD. You wouldn’t make light of schizophrenia or postpartum depression, so why would you use a phrase that turns OCD into a joke? The author may not have known that Trichotillomania is a real OCD condition, but now that they know better I really hope they will do better in the future. Burgis is a talented writer- I’m sure she can come up with a better way to express that her characters are frustrated.
Otherwise it was an enjoyable romp with fun characters set in an interesting magical world. I wanted to know more about how the magic system worked and what Mia did to upset her previous neighbors. Leander was a charming leading man and I enjoyed the sunshine/grumpy dynamic. It was also nice to see several bisexual characters without any biphobia.
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism
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