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farfetched's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
A fantastic debut novel, it leaps right into tackling racism, prejudice and discrimination. Khadija definitely got her chance to shine, and I loved that this book made a point of saying that racial discrimination is not the only kind that exists. There is a prominent transgender character who is respected by the main characters and the narrative. I never quite knew how it was going to end, or that anyone was safe until the end of the book, the action running right up until the end, but didn't feel that rushed in my opinion. I'm looking forward to the sequel!
Moderate: Death, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Minor: Transphobia
beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Balloon Thief was a story that I have decidedly mixed feelings about. Maybe it was because I had a very stop and start experience with it.
The beginning of the novel was really strong. It had easy-to-follow worldbuilding, snappy and fast-paced plotting, and strong characterisation. I really liked the fact that Aneesa Marufu included atrans character called Anam, I thought that arc was really well done .
I think the problem started when Marufu tried to introduce a secondary male character and make him the MC'slove interest , and despite Marufu's attempts to make it work, I just didn't feel any chemistry between them. When they finally kissI didn't feel it at all.
And while the main conflict between the Ghadaeans and the Hāri was established well - as were the rebel groups that play a key role in the novel - it later became a bit too heavy-handed for my liking. I also felt the ending was rushed.
It was a fun read with some good action scenes, but ultimately I didn't fall in love with it.
The beginning of the novel was really strong. It had easy-to-follow worldbuilding, snappy and fast-paced plotting, and strong characterisation. I really liked the fact that Aneesa Marufu included a
I think the problem started when Marufu tried to introduce a secondary male character and make him the MC's
And while the main conflict between the Ghadaeans and the Hāri was established well - as were the rebel groups that play a key role in the novel - it later became a bit too heavy-handed for my liking. I also felt the ending was rushed.
It was a fun read with some good action scenes, but ultimately I didn't fall in love with it.
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Genocide and Death of parent
Minor: War
rackle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death, Racism, Sexism, Transphobia, Grief, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Confinement, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
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