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kindra_demi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
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
3.0
This was an alright story and I did like the premise of the story, the way each sister represented a different elemental aspects in the story, and the writing (for the most part) is really good. You are slowly introduced to the world and atmosphere. You are slowly given each piece of the story for the characters to build the puzzle. But there are some aspects I really struggled with.
One of the biggest things I struggled with was how many different perspectives there were (and that may be because I chose to listen to the book as an audiobook). Between having to remember what part of the timeline I was in + who's perspective I was in, I found myself several times needing to pause and take a moment.
This is not the story for someone who wants action packed/fast paced stories. It was definitely all just a build up to one moment with not a lot of little moments. A lot of the story was just world building, and it wasn't necessarily bad, but it did loose my attention a few times (which also contributed to me being lost in the storyline). And the action towards the end of the book is wrapped up quickly in a bow. Like yes there is sorrow and pain, but it feels like we spent all of the book building up to the ultimate ending, for it to just feel like it happened and that's that.
One of the biggest things I struggled with was how many different perspectives there were (and that may be because I chose to listen to the book as an audiobook). Between having to remember what part of the timeline I was in + who's perspective I was in, I found myself several times needing to pause and take a moment.
This is not the story for someone who wants action packed/fast paced stories. It was definitely all just a build up to one moment with not a lot of little moments. A lot of the story was just world building, and it wasn't necessarily bad, but it did loose my attention a few times (which also contributed to me being lost in the storyline). And the action towards the end of the book is wrapped up quickly in a bow. Like yes there is sorrow and pain, but it feels like we spent all of the book building up to the ultimate ending, for it to just feel like it happened and that's that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, and Abandonment
readingelli's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Starts off very slow, but pace picks up around 1/3 of the way through. Cleverly split between present and past POV.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Violence, Murder, and Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, and Sexual assault
deesquared's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
A spin on the Grimm fairy tales, four girls have to make a decision on their eighteenth birthday on choosing between darkness or death.
It's a book that had a lot of potential but didn't lead anywhere.
I did not like that the characters were all 17, but had the lives of people at least in their 20s.I'm talking sole guardian of a small child, university student having an affair with professor or the girl selling her grandmother's cafe after effectively being manipulated by an adult man!
It could have easily been about people in their 20s, the turning point could have been them turning 21, it didn't have to be 18 to fit with fairytale lore if these themes were going to be used!
It's a book that had a lot of potential but didn't lead anywhere.
I did not like that the characters were all 17, but had the lives of people at least in their 20s.
It could have easily been about people in their 20s, the turning point could have been them turning 21, it didn't have to be 18 to fit with fairytale lore if these themes were going to be used!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Dementia, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Eating disorder and Incest
jacquelynjoan's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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
It's not it's fault I didn't love it. It's more YA than I prefer and more conflict than I prefer. Not as witchy as I like and too much time with the girls apart. But definitely all about the power of girls friendships, imperfect parents.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Violence, and Death of parent
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