A review by mybookishdelights
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater

dark funny mysterious medium-paced

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

4.25

This is a fun historical fantasy romance with some social commentary weaved throughout. The story was compelling enough to keep me turning the pages and the romance sweet enough to make me smile. The characters were a bit flat so it was missing that for me as a character-driven reader. I really liked the main character and her lack of awareness of when she was committing a social faux pax. I hated her aunt. I also didn't like the epilogue at the end. It felt disjointed and

was kind of annoying that Elias fell in love with Dora for exactly how she was, which was romantic, only for it to change in the epilogue that she became "whole" again. Didn't like it.

CAWPILE Score: 7.71 = 4.25 stars
Characters: 7
Atmosphere: 7
Writing: 7
Plot: 7
Intrigue: 7
Logic: 7
Enjoyment: 8

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Classism, and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Violence, War, Slavery, and Physical abuse

Minor: Death of parent and Child death

PTSD and disassociation