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bookishsleepyhead 's review for:
The Sapling Cage
by Margaret Killjoy
adventurous
dark
hopeful
fast-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
I found the world of this book utterly gripping. I want to go there.
I'm not sure if it was the use of first person pronouns, but I found the main character a little blank. We know she's not fond of killing, willing to take risks to express herself, and is loyal to her friends. But something just felt... a little lackluster. Similarly, none of the romances were lingered on or examined closely so they felt a little forced at times. (I also kept confusing two minor characters, Haim and Henomi, as the author doesn't often mention physical characteristics to distinguish between characters.)
I am hesitant to say if romance is even necessary to the book. I think if the author focused on the character bonds in greater depth, with only brief allusions to romance, the emotions between the characters would've been clearer.
Still, the witchy world that has been built is vivid with a well defined magic system-- using leylines in a way I've never seen before. The conflicting knight orders was also quite fascinating.
I hope the author keeps writing. I want to see Lorel do magic!
I'm not sure if it was the use of first person pronouns, but I found the main character a little blank. We know she's not fond of killing, willing to take risks to express herself, and is loyal to her friends. But something just felt... a little lackluster. Similarly, none of the romances were lingered on or examined closely so they felt a little forced at times. (I also kept confusing two minor characters, Haim and Henomi, as the author doesn't often mention physical characteristics to distinguish between characters.)
I am hesitant to say if romance is even necessary to the book. I think if the author focused on the character bonds in greater depth, with only brief allusions to romance, the emotions between the characters would've been clearer.
Still, the witchy world that has been built is vivid with a well defined magic system-- using leylines in a way I've never seen before. The conflicting knight orders was also quite fascinating.
I hope the author keeps writing. I want to see Lorel do magic!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, War
Minor: Transphobia