The problem with reading this epic ‘saga’ month by month from day 1 is I just don’t remember the intricacies of how these characters are connected. I want to be involved in reading each issue as it comes out, but I think I would be enjoying the overall story more if I waited and binged.
I appreciate the quasi retcon or at least explanation of how our beloved characters believe they got to this point. And I like how MJ stood up for herself in this run.
If you love fantasy and you love regency romance novels, this is absolutely for you. I only love one of those things, and I thought the fantasy would say the slow slow slow slow slow burn of this book but it just didn’t. I can’t do regency books. A couple of dangling plot holes, but otherwise a good story.
Compulsively readable. A really, really well done whodunnit inside a whodunnit! Makes me want to read Agatha Christie. Also a really fun way for an author to demonstrate their ability to use multiple writing styles and exaggerate obnoxious writing tropes by having a book editor as the POV. I highly recommend!
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I really enjoyed this book and I’m excited to read more Carissa Broadbent. I’m glad I read this book first before her super popular current series because I anticipate her writing has gotten much better. That being said, there were a lot of really profound and masterful storytelling moments in this novel. Definitely for fans of SJM and TOG specifically. Lost 3/4 of a star because I felt the book could have been a little bit shorter. The last quarter of the book went a little long.
I haven’t had a book infuriate me in a long time. I’m always more frustrated with books when they have the potential to be amazing and they just fall by the wayside. The writing was so readable and quick which was a good thing, but the plot was too scattered. Some characters were so detailed and then they were just dismissed from the story in 2 sentences. Any twists that arose toward the end fell completely flat and had no emotional heft. I wished so much more for this.
I adored this story. I saw a TikTok where it was described as ‘cozy fantasy adjacent’ and I would completely agree. Perfect spooky fall vibes with a very dark premise, but the story evolves into found family and a cozy quest. One of the more unique books I’ve read and I highly recommend!
Not at all suspicious and definitely very cute. This was a really fast YA read from a romance author I love, and she writes beautifully complex characters. I wish there had been more to the survival course, and the ending was wrapped up a little too quickly. Otherwise, loved it!