emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
3.25
I really liked the writing style of this one. It was descriptive and poetic without being too over-the-top and ridiculous. For that reason alone I’d be interested in checking out more books by this author. This particular story ended up falling a bit flat, though.
The plot started off super strong but kind of waned at the halfway point. Everything ended up feeling half-baked or unrealistic. I was left confused about the motives of those involved, and the resolution was downright unbelievable.
The world-building was so plain. There was nothing compelling or captivating about it.
Eliza’s character development was rushed, so that it felt unnatural. She was so firmly set in her ways that I didn’t believe her change in character could have happened within a few days. I will say that Anna and Nathaniel’s development WAS well done, however. In both cases it felt like a long time coming and the events of the plot provided that catalyst for change, so the development felt earned.
Even though the quality of this book wasn’t great, I did actually enjoy reading it! And as I said, the writing style was fab. So this author is definitely not a write-off for me!
Rep: sapphic MC, lesbian (word not used even though there were opportunities to use it, and words like aromantic and asexual exist) MC, aroace MC
Rep: sapphic MC, lesbian (word not used even though there were opportunities to use it, and words like aromantic and asexual exist) MC, aroace MC
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Grief, Medical content, Ableism, Blood, Child death, Death, Murder, Violence, Child abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit, Alcohol, Gun violence, Classism, and Pregnancy
Moderate: imprisonment, loss of a loved one, fainting Minor: sick loved one, blackmail, theft, capital punishment, child birthlaurenleigh's review
adventurous
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? Yes
4.0
I found this title for the “science fantasy” prompt in the Queer Lit Readathon. I guess I assume that science fiction and fantasy genres always overlap, but I’m realizing that’s not necessarily so! Definitely lots of steampunk vibes in this one, where clockwork hearts keep people alive but are also outlawed. I really grew to care for our three main characters, and I like novels where we get to jump between perspectives in each chapter. I enjoyed seeing the same event through different lenses, as well as watching the relationships unfold. I could have maybe used more exposition, and I would have liked more world building. But I’m also not the kind of fantasy reader that needs every potential plot hole to be filled! I had a fun ride with these characters, and that’s enough for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Medical content
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Child death
Minor: Death of parent and Pregnancy
readingelli's review
adventurous
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
I enjoyed this, especially having an explicitly aromantic/ asexual character, one lesbian and one bisexual (they are described as kissing a boy and then like a girl).
I thought the plot was good, I liked the twists and the character development.
I thought the plot was good, I liked the twists and the character development.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Violence, Death, Child death, and Medical content
Moderate: Violence and Ableism
Minor: Sexual content
massivepizzacrust's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A very quick read but worth it. I'll be picking up the next book from this author for sure. There are definitely some loose threads in the plot and I think the pacing could be more even, but I loved the characters and how they dealt with the expectations placed upon them. Also own voices ace rep!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Death, Grief, Pregnancy, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Medical content
mxfahrenheit's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Violence, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Blood and Medical content
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