tookish_by_nature's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I wish I could like this book more than I do, however, there are a lot of small flaws that built up to the point it really dragged down the experience for me.
The magic system is very interesting and quite unique from what little we get to see of it, and for the first quarter of the book thats the main focus- we're along for the ride as our heroine learns to work magic with paper. If there was more of that I would love this book.
Quite quickly however it launches into the main plot that includes MANY flashbacks that almost feel like exposition dumps and the hint of a romance that felt forced and sudden- appearing out of nowhere with little apparent chemistry between the leads.
Its short enough that if you've any interest in the premise theres no harm in reading it, but it was a bit of a let down.
Hopefully other books in the series will expand on the magic system and be more worth the time.
The magic system is very interesting and quite unique from what little we get to see of it, and for the first quarter of the book thats the main focus- we're along for the ride as our heroine learns to work magic with paper. If there was more of that I would love this book.
Quite quickly however it launches into the main plot that includes MANY flashbacks that almost feel like exposition dumps and the hint of a romance that felt forced and sudden- appearing out of nowhere with little apparent chemistry between the leads.
Its short enough that if you've any interest in the premise theres no harm in reading it, but it was a bit of a let down.
Hopefully other books in the series will expand on the magic system and be more worth the time.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder, Self harm, Sexual harassment, Suicide, and Violence
dodie_sullivan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book started out strong. The magic system is cool, and I feel like it had good potential. That being said, I got bored once
Ceony was an okay character. I kept forgetting that Ceony was 19 because she acted liked a young teen. It would have been a four with all that but then the romance thing started. She, a nineteen-year-old, likes Thane (her teacher who is in his thirties) and while she doesn’t actively encourage, Ceony doesn’t do anything to stop. Thane does not initiate encounters or reciprocate the feelings in this book. At the end of the book, it’s implied that
I’m not sure I want to read to the other ones due to this.
Spoiler
Ceony goes to retrieve Emery’s heart. Witnessing his happiest memories, hopes, worst moments, and doubts was a cool way to explore Thane’s character but it felt like a shift away from the stuff that made me want to read the book in the first place.Ceony was an okay character. I kept forgetting that Ceony was 19 because she acted liked a young teen. It would have been a four with all that but then the romance thing started. She, a nineteen-year-old, likes Thane (her teacher who is in his thirties) and while she doesn’t actively encourage, Ceony doesn’t do anything to stop. Thane does not initiate encounters or reciprocate the feelings in this book. At the end of the book, it’s implied that
Spoiler
they’ll get together and have kids.I’m not sure I want to read to the other ones due to this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Gore, and Injury/injury detail
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Murder, Sexual harassment, Vomit, Pregnancy, and Animal death
kat1105's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Injury/injury detail, Toxic relationship, and Violence
thelizzielibrary's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
4.0
Were you looking for a Magic School Bus look inside of the heart? This is that book. Typically, one character on a solo mission can be boring, but this was great! I wish I hadn't had the Magic School Bus theme song in my head the whole time though...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gaslighting, Murder, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Violence
malkavian's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this. Gave me cottagecore vibes before stuff went down. Also, there's a paper dog so that's a plus.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Child death, Death of parent, Gore, Murder, Suicide, Violence, and Vomit
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