Reviews

Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet by Charlie N. Holmberg

jenbruton's review against another edition

3.0

This book dragged on and on for me. I usually love Holmberg's books, but this one wasn't my favorite.

imogen76's review against another edition

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

nicolesbookcase's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad slow-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? Yes

3.25

A very interesting novel... definitely makes me more interested in the author's other work. I was definitely not expecting how dark this novel would be... also wasn't expecting the twist of who Maire was. The fantastical elements intrigued me, I really liked the fairy tale "easter eggs", and I did really love the conclusion. Glad I've bought some more of this author's work as I am definitely intrigued to see what other fantasy she has cooked up. 

aya1081's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

keauen's review against another edition

2.0

I started this book after loving Charlie N. Holmberg’s “Whimbrel House” series and while patiently waiting for it’s third installment. I would like to start this review with honestly saying that I must not have looked to hard into this book’s synopsis because I am not a fantasy reader. I really don’t enjoy different worlds or sci-fi-esque scenery. Because of this preference of mine, I immediately did not enjoy the storyline. Now, I am well aware that that one is on me, but I don’t think that it has enough impact that my rating would change one way or another. I felt immediately that the story was choppy and moved way too quick. We were at the bakery, we learned about the family (just a little bit), we learned even less about Maire herself, then she was outside, then there was a ghost, all of the sudden the three characters we know (besides the main character) are completely gone, the town is in shambles, and Maire is taken because she’s, what? Able bodied? Interesting. This all seemed to happen within the first two chapters which is just poor pacing in my opinion. Not only did the pacing and plot feel rushed, the main character is just kind of annoying. She just kind of complains and does nothing more about it, her strong point, which is her magic, she has little to no faith in. She gets asked to do anything for Allemas/Alger/Shah/etc. and immediately says “lol no I can’t, sorry bucko”. Which, fair I guess, but in a situation where the person asking could treat you about a million times worse, I feel like you may as well try first. Maire knows little about herself and nothing beyond four years ago, but somehow steel is the first almost-memory she is able to grasp? This ghost waited four years to show up to offer any semblance of help? The story continues and loose ends get tied up, making sense of a few of the confusing portions, but there really is little that redeems this book for me. Overall, ⅖ - I think maybe if I liked fantasy or knew what I was getting myself into, maybe it would rate higher for me.

ceena's review against another edition

5.0

*I received this book at netgallery in exchange for an honest review*

This book is not what it seems. It is better than whatever you might think. But, it is definitely bitter and sweet.

Maire has forgotten her memory and been living without it for over 4 years. So, she works in a bakery in the village where she bakes magic into her creations. Things go wrong for Maire before they get good and through it all she will learn what she is capable of and who she is.

I really wasn't expecting this. I thought it would be a light and fluffy story but, that is definitely not what I received. It is dark and gritty at times. There is pain and loss but, there is hope and light.

This book is really a journey and I loved it.
The small passages at the beginning of the chapters were a really good touch and gave insight-- once you realize what they were.

Loved the epilogue too. So many emotions!!

On a side note, I love the cover of the book and I thought the title really encompasses what the book is about.

amyhungerford's review against another edition

2.0

The problem with this book isn't the writing. Overall, its pretty well written (with the exception of the occasional confusing metaphor). There just... isn't any fucking plot . At all.
It was 300 pages of


But no one who knows can tell you for reasons? (I guess?)

I really liked how the author managed to mix in a couple of references to famous fairy tales.
Maybe if the author picked one of those to build a story on this would be a different kind of review.

themisscaitlin's review against another edition

slow-paced

3.0

rusereviews's review against another edition

3.0

I think I would have liked the book better if it didn't have an epilogue.

asl4u's review against another edition

5.0

This book is so totally different than the Paper Magician series- its not light, its not “easy”... its so dark and stressful and suspenseful - it was very emotional to read. I wasnt sure i liked it... and then the clouds parted and the sun came out and it was spring... and things were just fine. Its like waking up.
I loved this book! definitely worth the read!