crimeanddramabookaholic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sour_wolf's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
splendidinsect's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.75
nickyalex23's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
katiedoodle's review against another edition
4.0
Naomi Novik has a writing style that sweeps me right through her stories without wanting to stop to breathe. This is a tremendous asset. There are many incredible stories that I struggle with simply because I don't easily connect with the way they are written.
One thing I really enjoy about her stories is that they often have a romantic plot at the center, but that the main characters are usually focused on resolving the actual life-affecting problems they face. I wouldn't call this a love story- moreso a story about friendship and societal injustice- but there is a growing romance in there that was sweet and funny and not too outsized for the main plot.
The concept of this school is dark and exhausting and made bearable by the wry humor El injects into every scene. I really love the way she describes magic, too- there are clear rules about what kind of power is necessary to perform magic, but those rules are affected by the introduction of affinities, faith, etc. to create a system that is tricky to work with but believable. Just like science and baking are impacted by so many factors in our world, so is magic in theirs.
I am delighted to see that the sequel is already out, and I'll be trying to get my hands on it at the first opportunity.
One thing I really enjoy about her stories is that they often have a romantic plot at the center, but that the main characters are usually focused on resolving the actual life-affecting problems they face. I wouldn't call this a love story- moreso a story about friendship and societal injustice- but there is a growing romance in there that was sweet and funny and not too outsized for the main plot.
The concept of this school is dark and exhausting and made bearable by the wry humor El injects into every scene. I really love the way she describes magic, too- there are clear rules about what kind of power is necessary to perform magic, but those rules are affected by the introduction of affinities, faith, etc. to create a system that is tricky to work with but believable. Just like science and baking are impacted by so many factors in our world, so is magic in theirs.
I am delighted to see that the sequel is already out, and I'll be trying to get my hands on it at the first opportunity.
mjordan1434's review against another edition
3.0
The school in this books is terrifying! I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
ellamc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lhbyrne94's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
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
4.0
likesoup's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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