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emilydoty's review against another edition
4.0
Magic comes at a price. Some promises cannot be kept. In the first book, we get the start of a family that is blessed with magic but also cursed. For Elva, a girl born with a gift to see the future, she’d life is forever changed by an unexpected friendship. Her family told her to hide her gift as it was unwelcome in her town. However, when she saw a vision that could devastate her home and family, she was determined to change fate. For her family, there is always a bad occurrence for every two good happenings.
I really enjoyed Elva. Elva is a strong protagonist, who would do anything for her loved ones. People in her town are fearful of magic and of people different from their ideals. Elva’s character grows and blooms into a woman of one that chooses to be herself despite what others or her family want her to be. She finds a friend who has long been shuttered away due to fear and rejection. Elva discovers that a broken promise from long ago can cause hurt, pain, and distrust.
I read this book in 5 hours. I haven't read a book in that short of time in a long, long time. I just loved it. I love the fairy tale feel of the book. Some of the books’ aspects remind me of certain Disney stories while still creating a whole new world. The book was fast paced while still drawing a complete picture in my mind. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed Elva. Elva is a strong protagonist, who would do anything for her loved ones. People in her town are fearful of magic and of people different from their ideals. Elva’s character grows and blooms into a woman of one that chooses to be herself despite what others or her family want her to be. She finds a friend who has long been shuttered away due to fear and rejection. Elva discovers that a broken promise from long ago can cause hurt, pain, and distrust.
I read this book in 5 hours. I haven't read a book in that short of time in a long, long time. I just loved it. I love the fairy tale feel of the book. Some of the books’ aspects remind me of certain Disney stories while still creating a whole new world. The book was fast paced while still drawing a complete picture in my mind. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
thepurplegiraffe's review against another edition
3.5
okay genuine question, why does anyone live in Hanau, this place seems terrible, pffft.
this was fine! the ending surprised me (in a good way, I think?), and I'm curious to continue the series. not bad for picking it up on a whim!
this was fine! the ending surprised me (in a good way, I think?), and I'm curious to continue the series. not bad for picking it up on a whim!
nerdylibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
I just happened upon this book while cataloging at the library and I am so glad I brought it home. A good, old fashioned fairy tale. I enjoyed this so much and look forward to the other books coming in this series.
booksofkings's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
cierailana's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
671227cat's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
My heart can't take the ending.
jrv45's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
sometimesleelynnreads's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
4.0
sapphic_swiftie's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 3.5 stars
this book was pretty good! here are my thoughts:
things i liked:
- it was a quick, easy and fun read!
- there wasn't exactly a happy ending which i actually liked in this case. it was one of the few things that made the book seem a little less cliche.
- the characters were relatable and there were definitely some awesome friendships and bonds between some of the characters that I loved!
- i loved the setting, both the physical setting and time period!
- the theme is timeless and definitely very important and relevant to today's society!
things i disliked:
- some parts were a bit cliche. i would say that the book would stand out more if it had more unique elements/qualities to it.
- the writing/diction was very basic, almost middle-grade. i wish the author had also went into further detail on some aspects and used more descriptive language.
- the plot and characters lacked full development. that's not to say i didn't enjoy the book, but with a little more development , i would have been even more captivated and interested!
i would definitely recommend giving it a try yourself! excited for the next book, [b:Shattered Midnight|57007816|Shattered Midnight (The Mirror, #2)|Dhonielle Clayton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1620329338l/57007816._SY75_.jpg|79185925] to come out in october!
2021 rating: book 20/37
this book was pretty good! here are my thoughts:
things i liked:
- it was a quick, easy and fun read!
- there wasn't exactly a happy ending which i actually liked in this case. it was one of the few things that made the book seem a little less cliche.
- the characters were relatable and there were definitely some awesome friendships and bonds between some of the characters that I loved!
- i loved the setting, both the physical setting and time period!
- the theme is timeless and definitely very important and relevant to today's society!
things i disliked:
- some parts were a bit cliche. i would say that the book would stand out more if it had more unique elements/qualities to it.
- the writing/diction was very basic, almost middle-grade. i wish the author had also went into further detail on some aspects and used more descriptive language.
- the plot and characters lacked full development. that's not to say i didn't enjoy the book, but with a little more development , i would have been even more captivated and interested!
i would definitely recommend giving it a try yourself! excited for the next book, [b:Shattered Midnight|57007816|Shattered Midnight (The Mirror, #2)|Dhonielle Clayton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1620329338l/57007816._SY75_.jpg|79185925] to come out in october!
2021 rating: book 20/37