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A review by kaitie_reads
This Fatal Kiss by Alicia Jasinska
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This was great. It was whimsical, fun, and true to the YA age classification.
I love stories rooted in folklore, so this Slavic Folklore-based story hits the mark. It's told through three different POVs (third person) with a sassy and spirited FMC (Gisela), a no-nonsense exorcist MMC (Kazik) and a handsome charismatic boy that they've both set their sights on.
It has some wonderful lgbtq+ representation and a little bit of polyamorous pining. The banter was cute, the plotline of a water nymph trying to regain her humanity was fun, and the characters were quirky. I also felt that this story has a fairytale retelling type of vibe.
I did feel like some of the folklore aspects and worldbuilding could've been a little bit more fleshed out. I'm assuming there will be a continuation of this book as we are left with some unresolved conflict, but this isn't very clear from the marketing. Another thing I struggled with is that there are things that are unsaid and overlooked - including some miscommunication - that almost doesn't feel realistic for the characters, at times.
Overall, it is a very good YA fantasy, fairytale-esque, and lighter than anticipated while also beautifully handling some darker themes. I do hope there will be a sequel!
I love stories rooted in folklore, so this Slavic Folklore-based story hits the mark. It's told through three different POVs (third person) with a sassy and spirited FMC (Gisela), a no-nonsense exorcist MMC (Kazik) and a handsome charismatic boy that they've both set their sights on.
It has some wonderful lgbtq+ representation and a little bit of polyamorous pining. The banter was cute, the plotline of a water nymph trying to regain her humanity was fun, and the characters were quirky. I also felt that this story has a fairytale retelling type of vibe.
I did feel like some of the folklore aspects and worldbuilding could've been a little bit more fleshed out. I'm assuming there will be a continuation of this book as we are left with some unresolved conflict, but this isn't very clear from the marketing. Another thing I struggled with is that there are things that are unsaid and overlooked - including some miscommunication - that almost doesn't feel realistic for the characters, at times.
Overall, it is a very good YA fantasy, fairytale-esque, and lighter than anticipated while also beautifully handling some darker themes. I do hope there will be a sequel!