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A review by clarag
City of Broken Magic by Mirah Bolender
2.0
This book was so similar to the Lockwood & Co books that I felt this author was walking a thin line of plagiarism. There were times I felt like I was again reading one, and I think Jonathan Shroud may want to look into this. It did NOT read like an adult, more like a middle grade.
Here are the similarities I noticed:
1. There is a relatively new apprentice.
2. There is a very grumpy and unfriendly boss that won't get close because he lost too many apprentices before her
3. There is a newer apprentice that the old apprentice feels jealous about and fears they will be replaced
4. They work for an organization that was once in huge favor but now local politicians want to end through any means necessary, but mostly through false narratives and lies
5. A shady business man that wants to destroy the safety net so they can make more money
6. There are only a handful of them so when the shit hits the fan, suddenly the city has to look to them to save the day!
7. Almost forgot: the boss has a deep family tragedy that is hinted at by the empty rooms in his living space, but he won't talk about it. Personally, I felt that the mystery could have been kept for another book, but at the end all answers are handed to you in a nice little box leaving no need to continue with the series.
It is also clear this author loves Japan judging by the map and the whole "evil people from the main land wanting the island, and trying to destroy local natives who are 'magical and mystical' peoples.
There were only a few elements of this story that were interesting such as the source of the original infestation and the secrets about the city. But not much more, and the characters aren't all that likable.
Would not recommend, if you are looking for a fun mystical and supernatural adventure I would recommend the Lockwood &Co by Jonathan Shroud.
Here are the similarities I noticed:
1. There is a relatively new apprentice.
2. There is a very grumpy and unfriendly boss that won't get close because he lost too many apprentices before her
3. There is a newer apprentice that the old apprentice feels jealous about and fears they will be replaced
4. They work for an organization that was once in huge favor but now local politicians want to end through any means necessary, but mostly through false narratives and lies
5. A shady business man that wants to destroy the safety net so they can make more money
6. There are only a handful of them so when the shit hits the fan, suddenly the city has to look to them to save the day!
7. Almost forgot: the boss has a deep family tragedy that is hinted at by the empty rooms in his living space, but he won't talk about it. Personally, I felt that the mystery could have been kept for another book, but at the end all answers are handed to you in a nice little box leaving no need to continue with the series.
It is also clear this author loves Japan judging by the map and the whole "evil people from the main land wanting the island, and trying to destroy local natives who are 'magical and mystical' peoples.
There were only a few elements of this story that were interesting such as the source of the original infestation and the secrets about the city. But not much more, and the characters aren't all that likable.
Would not recommend, if you are looking for a fun mystical and supernatural adventure I would recommend the Lockwood &Co by Jonathan Shroud.