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A review by martuchi
Las Chicas Grimrose by Laura Pohl
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
This was terrible.
The novel presents with some group of girls. And you read it right, girls, not friends. These people need to get better friends, please.
I love this type of fantasy genre. Retellings, dark fairytales, but omg. What happened to the potential of this novel?
I hated Rory up until the middle of the book. After she stopped mentioning Ariel—I mean, Ariane, every two sentences, I began to like her. I believe she was the best character in terms of development. I have not a lot of complaints about her other than the fact that I didn’t like how the Pippa thing went nowhere (I know there’s a sequel but I’ll expand later). However, she is a lesbian icon and I love her for that. Good for her.
Yuki was by far the weakest character. Her monologue was repetitive and tiring. I get that the author wanted to show how she struggles to keep up with being perfect and all that, but I just didn’t like how it was put through. She said she wanted to be perfect ALL THE TIME, but I didn’t see it, you know? Also, her powers were such bullshit. I began laughing the moment I read about them. Like wtf? I get this is a fantasy but it was RIDICULOUS. that literally made no sense and I can’t believe how disappointed I am.
Ella was okay. IMO she was the real main character but she still lacked a lot of depth. We know she has OCD but at the same time it was badly written. It felt fake. And I feel awful for feeling like this. Also, please, the whole deal with the stepmother and stepsisters could have been waaaay better handled than this. There wasn’t enough info.
Her relationship with Freddie was cute too. They were the best couple out here. Well developed and close enough to the “real story”.
Nani… poor Nani. She had the WORST development I’ve ever seen. Because there was nothing there. Yes, she changed, but I didn’t see it. It just happened. She was wronged by Laura Pohl. Why? I wouldn’t be able to tell you.
I like her relationship with Svenja, yet it felt rushed. They spoke, and I counted, four times (that we know of). The fifth time was their kiss. It was okay, I saw it coming, but the TIME AND PLACE OMG. My girl Laura really was on a schedule and she needed to speed things up, huh.
Nani had by far the most interesting storyline. It’s a shame we couldn’t see it here at all.
I couldn’t even guess which was her true book story.
This book was not good. And the sole reason is that Laura Pohl wanted a sequel, and probably a whole saga. And that’s not okay. Because you can’t just write this and leave with blank spaces, loop wholes everywhere, and just random fantasy-things all around. It’s just weak even with its excellent concept of fairytales gone wrong.
Also, I think Penelope’s story was never mentioned so I had to guess the Princess and the Pauper ~ Barbie’s version (? Maybe I’m wrong.
I will read the sequel, though. I just need these characters to have a redemption arc. And so please the author too.
The novel presents with some group of girls. And you read it right, girls, not friends. These people need to get better friends, please.
I love this type of fantasy genre. Retellings, dark fairytales, but omg. What happened to the potential of this novel?
I hated Rory up until the middle of the book. After she stopped mentioning Ariel—I mean, Ariane, every two sentences, I began to like her. I believe she was the best character in terms of development. I have not a lot of complaints about her other than the fact that I didn’t like how the Pippa thing went nowhere (I know there’s a sequel but I’ll expand later). However, she is a lesbian icon and I love her for that. Good for her.
Yuki was by far the weakest character. Her monologue was repetitive and tiring. I get that the author wanted to show how she struggles to keep up with being perfect and all that, but I just didn’t like how it was put through. She said she wanted to be perfect ALL THE TIME, but I didn’t see it, you know? Also,
Ella was okay. IMO she was the real main character but she still lacked a lot of depth. We know she has OCD but at the same time it was badly written. It felt fake. And I feel awful for feeling like this. Also, please, the whole deal with the stepmother and stepsisters could have been waaaay better handled than this. There wasn’t enough info.
Her relationship with Freddie was cute too. They were the best couple out here. Well developed and close enough to the “real story”.
Nani… poor Nani. She had the WORST development I’ve ever seen. Because there was nothing there. Yes, she changed, but I didn’t see it. It just happened. She was wronged by Laura Pohl. Why? I wouldn’t be able to tell you.
I like her relationship with Svenja, yet it felt rushed. They spoke, and I counted, four times (that we know of). The fifth time
Nani had by far the most interesting storyline. It’s a shame we couldn’t see it here at all.
I couldn’t even guess which was her true book story.
This book was not good. And the sole reason is that Laura Pohl wanted a sequel, and probably a whole saga. And that’s not okay. Because you can’t just write this and leave with blank spaces, loop wholes everywhere, and just random fantasy-things all around. It’s just weak even with its excellent concept of fairytales gone wrong.
Also, I think Penelope’s story was never mentioned so I had to guess
I will read the sequel, though. I just need these characters to have a redemption arc. And so please the author too.