Reviews

Grave Importance by Vivian Shaw

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angela_bays's review against another edition

5.0

Loved the final book. Wish there was just one more with a baby or two or even Greta being turned by Varny. The books seemed to get better as I read each one. I loved the relationships that evolved.

christym's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

nikshelby's review against another edition

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4.0

Shaw’s writing is lovely. Her characters are endearing.

But — the deus ex machina in this book irked me. I don’t know what else could have resolved the major conflict…but at a certain point in the escalating situation, I realized that there would probably be only one solution…and it bothered me.

I’m sure it would be totally fine for other readers. For me, I should’ve known better. There had already been religious undertones (and overtones)…but the inescapable religious themes, characters, and storyline bugged me.

I’m started these books because a competent and practical doctor to supernatural creatures (who are usually the villains) sounded like a fun romp. And, for the most part these books delivered on that premise.

I’m an atheist. That doesn’t mean I cannot handle others’ religions in their books. However, I usually avoid it when it’s a glaring aspect of a novel. The religious inclusion of ancient Egyptian belief systems contained herein was no problem for me. But, then, it was a portion of the story…not the increasingly overriding part.

Again…all of this is just me. Shaw’s writing is lovely. And, her characters are endearing (though I certainly wish there were significantly more females).

worththecandle's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

whatsmacksaid's review against another edition

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5.0

This book--this entire series--is SO excellent. They're clever and funny and heartwarming, and Grave Importance in particular has excellent formatting. (Read it, you'll see what I mean.) And they have nothing to do with the craft or the story whatsoever, but I also love all the illustrations at the beginning of each book. I borrowed all three of these books from the local library, but they're of the rare breed that I actually plan to reread and might just splurge and buy my own copies.