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snookums311 's review for:
Of Blood and Aether
by Harper Hawthorne
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In some ways the book was really refreshing. There is so much representation in this book, as both main characters are openly bi-sexual and there are same-sex relationships all throughout. The romance between the main characters starts out really great, with actual communication and (mostly) honesty. It grows naturally from physical attraction and really has almost no angst whatsoever. The problem comes when in spirals down into the very typical I-must-break-their-heart-to-protect-them trope. I had such high hopes...
The magic system is interesting, but I find the class system they have (non-Resonants, Conduits, Aetherborne, Elders, etc.) to be a little confusing, but this may be done purposely for a reveal of who's who later.
The pacing is really slow, as this book is mostly character driven without a whole lot happening plot-wise. This seems to be setup for the rest of the series, so it's forgivable for now. However, be prepared for pretty much nothing but dialogue for the first 60% of the book.
The next book is supposed to come out later this year, and I'll keep it on my TBR for now as I'm interested to see where this going to go and if it will get plottier as it goes along.
The magic system is interesting, but I find the class system they have (non-Resonants, Conduits, Aetherborne, Elders, etc.) to be a little confusing, but this may be done purposely for a reveal of who's who later.
The pacing is really slow, as this book is mostly character driven without a whole lot happening plot-wise. This seems to be setup for the rest of the series, so it's forgivable for now. However, be prepared for pretty much nothing but dialogue for the first 60% of the book.
The next book is supposed to come out later this year, and I'll keep it on my TBR for now as I'm interested to see where this going to go and if it will get plottier as it goes along.