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valent1ne's review
2.0
Graphic: Forced institutionalization and Police brutality
msbedelia's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Police brutality, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
doomluz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The main character is unlikable and feels like a stereotypical cop. She prioritizes her work to the detriment of her health and other relationships. She drinks coffee every moment and eats almost no food, which bothered me more than it probably should have. The main issue with her is how problematic she is as a police officer. The end tries to explain why she's considered a trigger happy cop, but it still doesn't explain the fact that she says she beat an inmate just because she was angry.
Graphic: Child death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
poisoned_icecream's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Cancer, Child death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Police brutality
vale_reading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Violence, Police brutality, Death of parent, Murder, and Toxic friendship
sdsmith80's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm originally from the Midwest, so the thought of a fairy tale set in Chicago piqued my interest. Also, with the second book coming out, I wanted to get caught up. I'm so glad I did.
First off, I'm a sucker for stories based in mythology, and I love how Cynthia Pelayo gives the history of the Brothers Grimm, and the tales they collected, then set one of those tales, The Pied Piper, in modern day Chicago. The blending of other mythologies (specifically Greek) was a great touch as well.
My heart broke for Lauren as her story unraveled and the truth came to light. The struggles she had through her whole life, and what she did to survive, made for an excellent, if heart-wrenching, tale. My only gripe, minus one very minor blip (a harmonica described as laser engraved about a century before laser engraving existed), is that the ending leaves so many unanswered questions.
I really hope that the next books in this saga will revisit Det. Medina's story, and not just completely ignore it in favor of the new tales. My public library already has a copy of The Shoemaker's Magician, so hopefully my wait won't be too long to continue this series!
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gun violence and Police brutality
catwhisperer's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail