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themildone's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-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
4.0
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
adamm's review against another edition
3.5
The plot was kinda nonsensical but the characters were so cute that I very much enjoyed this one
weirdlittlebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
marzi's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this little collection of stories!
A necromancer, a powerful metal worker, and all sorts of creatures and people. What's not to love?
The first two are really short, and just about perfect for a little happy break at lunch break for example. Those are very easy to read, and due to being so extra short don't manage to give too much depth. They are quirky and whimsical and definitely left me with a smile though!
The other two are much longer, and so they still stay peculiar, odd and fun, but they also give more inside to the characters. I really loved seeing their past expanded on a bit, and starting to get to know each other better. The vamped up action and stakes also made these more than just a quick story bite. They rather turned into characters that'll stay with me for the long run, and I enjoyed the tone of the stories. The hope and light, and people coming together to protect each other.
This is a definite feel-good book that will make the dreary world look a lot brighter when you close it!
A necromancer, a powerful metal worker, and all sorts of creatures and people. What's not to love?
The first two are really short, and just about perfect for a little happy break at lunch break for example. Those are very easy to read, and due to being so extra short don't manage to give too much depth. They are quirky and whimsical and definitely left me with a smile though!
The other two are much longer, and so they still stay peculiar, odd and fun, but they also give more inside to the characters. I really loved seeing their past expanded on a bit, and starting to get to know each other better. The vamped up action and stakes also made these more than just a quick story bite. They rather turned into characters that'll stay with me for the long run, and I enjoyed the tone of the stories. The hope and light, and people coming together to protect each other.
This is a definite feel-good book that will make the dreary world look a lot brighter when you close it!