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A review by omnombailey
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Absolutely phenomenal. I had a difficult time putting it down once I dove in.
For something that's marketed to young adults, this felt like a mature read and touched on so many topics that speak to many regardless of age. I loved the fantastic world this took place in and all the worldbuilding gems throughout. I loved the diverse, complex female characters. I loved the plot constantly making me think one thing and leaving me pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I loved how the darker themes in the story were tastefully written and came from a place of quiet understanding and solidarity. I laughed, I gasped, I grumbled, I teared up. I loved Lei and so many other characters and related with all of them at once in an odd way.
My only complaints were that the first few chapters were a bit difficult to get into and that the story eventually ended.
I did not expect to fall so hard in love with this book as I did. Also the first time I immediately sought the second book and pre-ordered it instantly. Can't wait for November! Definitely one of the best novels I've read in a damn long time.
For something that's marketed to young adults, this felt like a mature read and touched on so many topics that speak to many regardless of age. I loved the fantastic world this took place in and all the worldbuilding gems throughout. I loved the diverse, complex female characters. I loved the plot constantly making me think one thing and leaving me pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I loved how the darker themes in the story were tastefully written and came from a place of quiet understanding and solidarity. I laughed, I gasped, I grumbled, I teared up. I loved Lei and so many other characters and related with all of them at once in an odd way.
My only complaints were that the first few chapters were a bit difficult to get into and that the story eventually ended.
I did not expect to fall so hard in love with this book as I did. Also the first time I immediately sought the second book and pre-ordered it instantly. Can't wait for November! Definitely one of the best novels I've read in a damn long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Bullying, Confinement, Grief, Kidnapping, Slavery, and Death
Moderate: Rape, Sexual content, Violence, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent
Sexual assault/rape survivors and the trauma associated with it is a HUGE part of this book. The author even talks about it towards the end of the book. I found it was handled well, though if even mentioning it in a safe space doesn't sit well with you, please avoid this book/series.