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A review by snowwhitehatesapples
The Gifts That Bind Us by Caroline O'Donoghue
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Review can also be found at Snow White Hates Apples.
Friends, I think this sequel is perhaps the best sequel I’ve read in a long, long time. Seriously, there’s not one as brilliantly written as The Gifts That Bind Us, which not only enriches and builds upon the foundations in the first book but challenges it and expands.
After reading the first book (my review here) that left me slightly unsatisfied because of some loose ends, I’m delighted that those loose ends get picked up in the sequel. Continuing from the events of the first book, the group of friends is working on harnessing their magic and getting ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives. However, while Roe, Lily, and Fiona know how to proceed to that next chapter, our main character Maeve is floundering, unsure of what to do and fearing that she will lose them.
This sequel is more character-driven than plot-driven, allowing the characters space to grow and gain new depths. I liked the introspection in the book and the directions the friendships between Maeve, Lily, and Fiona went. There wasn’t as much Rose in this sequel, so I hope we get more of Maeve and them in the next book. Also, even though the drama wasn’t my cup of tea, it was executed well. Sure, there were some convenient moments, but it’s easy to ignore them because of the well-written characters.
Another thing I liked was how we got to learn more about Aaron and see different sides to him. Instead of the more defined black and white we had in the first book, things become greyer in this sequel, and I’m all for it!
By the end of The Gifts That Bind Us , we have a better understanding of how the magic system works, a complex main character facing the consequences of their actions, and an ending that compels you to read the next book. I cannot wait to find out where the third book takes us!
Friends, I think this sequel is perhaps the best sequel I’ve read in a long, long time. Seriously, there’s not one as brilliantly written as The Gifts That Bind Us, which not only enriches and builds upon the foundations in the first book but challenges it and expands.
After reading the first book (my review here) that left me slightly unsatisfied because of some loose ends, I’m delighted that those loose ends get picked up in the sequel. Continuing from the events of the first book, the group of friends is working on harnessing their magic and getting ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives. However, while Roe, Lily, and Fiona know how to proceed to that next chapter, our main character Maeve is floundering, unsure of what to do and fearing that she will lose them.
This sequel is more character-driven than plot-driven, allowing the characters space to grow and gain new depths. I liked the introspection in the book and the directions the friendships between Maeve, Lily, and Fiona went. There wasn’t as much Rose in this sequel, so I hope we get more of Maeve and them in the next book. Also, even though the drama wasn’t my cup of tea, it was executed well. Sure, there were some convenient moments, but it’s easy to ignore them because of the well-written characters.
Another thing I liked was how we got to learn more about Aaron and see different sides to him. Instead of the more defined black and white we had in the first book, things become greyer in this sequel, and I’m all for it!
By the end of The Gifts That Bind Us , we have a better understanding of how the magic system works, a complex main character facing the consequences of their actions, and an ending that compels you to read the next book. I cannot wait to find out where the third book takes us!
Thank you so much Pansing for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review! The Gifts That Bind Us by Caroline O’Donoghue will be available at all good bookstores.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia