mimmixoxo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.75
I do agree with a lot of the comments that it feels as if something is missing or the end is underdeveloped especially with Clara’s mother. Overall a fun and quick read that helped me through my latest reading slump. (Although be wary of content warnings)
Graphic: Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Addiction
Moderate: Body horror, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Vomit, and Chronic illness
bohemianhermit04's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
medium-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
4.5
Minor: Drug use, Vomit, Body horror, and Abandonment
nutmegandpumpkin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
5.0
A cozy fantasy that still has stakes and dark moments perfect for spring (also it gives off major Ghibli vibes which is always a plus)
✿
Overview
Writing Quality: 5/5
Pace: 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
Description: 5/5
Ease of Reading: 5/5
Ending: 5/5
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5
✿
✿
Overview
Writing Quality: 5/5
Pace: 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
Description: 5/5
Ease of Reading: 5/5
Ending: 5/5
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5
✿
Something about this book emanated comfort for me. It felt like going outside after too much time spent inside, feeling the sun on your face and taking a deep inhale. I’d also like to add that the description was ✨scrumdiliumcious✨
I was immediately into the story from the start which is very rare for me. There were a lot of aspects to the story that I was pleasantly surprised by such as a sensitive & nervous male love interest, a plus-sized bi main character, and mental health rep through the magic.
I would classify it as a cozy fantasy that still has stakes and dark moments. The entire time I was reading it I imagined that it took place in the same universe as Howl’s Moving Castle.
I think that this book is not everyone’s cup of tea, but based on the lower rated reviews I’ve seen, most of them are due to expectations being largely different from the reality of what this book is. It is not a fantasy story that dives deep into worldbuilding, characters, or a complex plot. This is not to say these things don’t exist, they’re just much more subtle and Bakewell allows things to be left unsaid.
I found it to be a great light read that doesn’t get bogged down by larger-than-life concepts while still having an enjoyable plot.
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Body horror, Mental illness, and Vomit
Minor: Drug abuse, Medical content, and Fire/Fire injury
marleywrites's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
5.0
This was such a wonderful book. I loved the magic system and I adored the characters. Catherine Bakewell gave us a beautifully depicted work of art.
I could see this book charming any reader of any age, but it does work wondrously as a YA novel. It had just the right amount of angst to pure joy and love ratio.
I loved the non-binary and trans characters, and that our main character is bisexual/pansexual.
Overall, 5 beautiful stars to a beautiful book.
And thank you to NetGalley for an eArc of this book!
I could see this book charming any reader of any age, but it does work wondrously as a YA novel. It had just the right amount of angst to pure joy and love ratio.
I loved the non-binary and trans characters, and that our main character is bisexual/pansexual.
Overall, 5 beautiful stars to a beautiful book.
And thank you to NetGalley for an eArc of this book!
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Drug use and Vomit
Minor: Medical content
ezwolf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I thought this book was absolutely lovely. Even though there were intense events that happen it still had a soft feel to it that I liked.
In particular I really adored the relationship that Clara has with her father. The backstory of Clara and Xavier’s relationship didn’t feel as convincing as the obvious love and affection that Clara and her father have for each other.
The casualness of the queer characters was also handled very well I think. Labels aren’t given to everyone but Clara herself is bi or pan or etc, her beloved teacher is trans, and her teacher’s apprentice is trans as well and uses they/them pronouns. It’s only briefly touched on as an actual subject but it’s not in terms of discrimination only in how having a trans teacher can be helpful for a trans student.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
In particular I really adored the relationship that Clara has with her father. The backstory of Clara and Xavier’s relationship didn’t feel as convincing as the obvious love and affection that Clara and her father have for each other.
The casualness of the queer characters was also handled very well I think. Labels aren’t given to everyone but Clara herself is bi or pan or etc, her beloved teacher is trans, and her teacher’s apprentice is trans as well and uses they/them pronouns. It’s only briefly touched on as an actual subject but it’s not in terms of discrimination only in how having a trans teacher can be helpful for a trans student.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Blood and Vomit
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