bhrach 's review for:

Small Favors by Erin A. Craig

3.5

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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It was good, but not what I was expecting. It felt a lot more like a crucible retelling, or strong crucible vibes, rather than a Rumpelstiltskin retelling. It felt like it took way too long to actually Rumpelstiltskin - over half way through.  It was an interesting narrative, and I did like the idea that the darkness was always there in everyone in this perfect society, but I would have said it was inspired by Rumpelstiltkin - all magic comes at a price, guessing the name - rather than a retelling. Sam was worthless from the get-go, and Ellerie was a bit too naive through the beginning for my liking. I liked Whitaker's development, and Merry and Sadie felt like fleshed out siblings rather than filler.