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itwasmagicc's Reviews (17)
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was told to expect dark gothic fantasy but maybe I misunderstood those terms because I ended up with a tepid, medieval-themed fantasy with a confusing magic system and childish rhymes. When I think gothic I think Victorian period, but this book had a weird mix of corsetry and jerkins and steampunk tools. Maybe I'm just not the target audience. Maybe the characters needed more room to sit and grow so things could build and be explained. As it stands, both Elspeth and Ravyn felt underdeveloped outside of the narrative. Like what do they like to do outside of plot relevant activities? Mope in dilapidated gardens?
Altogether, the book kinda feels like a lot of tropes shoved together that are meant to evoke a spooky, dark setting, without really exploring any of them and what they mean to the characters and the world they live in. Ruins of a castle? check. Menacing fog? check. Monsters? check. But none of it is given room to breathe.
Altogether, the book kinda feels like a lot of tropes shoved together that are meant to evoke a spooky, dark setting, without really exploring any of them and what they mean to the characters and the world they live in. Ruins of a castle? check. Menacing fog? check. Monsters? check. But none of it is given room to breathe.
adventurous
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked this book a lot. I think there are some, lets say, problematic, elements of its premise and conflict, but it's not really something I can personally speak on.
What I can say is that if your favourite part of historical fiction or fantasy is NOT the epic battles, intriguing magic systems, or heartwrenching love stories, BUT INSTEAD the overly complicated and difficult to follow courtly dramas and politics, YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK LIKE I DID.
What I can say is that if your favourite part of historical fiction or fantasy is NOT the epic battles, intriguing magic systems, or heartwrenching love stories, BUT INSTEAD the overly complicated and difficult to follow courtly dramas and politics, YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK LIKE I DID.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Homophobia, Racism
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Lovely to read a classic and find it so approachable! It's clear to see how many fantasy writers have pulled elements from his writing in so many new and different directions. It was like reading the source text after only having read the adaptations and translations. Comforting, lovely, and a shocking amount of songs. But I think that has to do with Tolkien's understanding of oral storytelling traditions and I get it. His linguistic focus has my heart <3
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Was fun until the novel reminded me Sanderson is a mormon.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not a lot of books can instill anxiety in me but this one certainly did. Tensions rose slowly but hinted at future events enough to make me have to put the book down and step away sometimes. Still, with all that, the ending was a bit too quick. I would have liked a few more pages to really linger with the characters and the aftermath. I'd still recommend it to everyone I know, though.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence, Violence, Cannibalism