melthebookworm's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
melabanana's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
emmelee5's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
annacharlottes's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A great YA romp with an undercurrent of wisdom about trauma and families.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Antisemitism, Abandonment, Child death, Religious bigotry, and Death
cuteasamuntin's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-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
3.75
Despite the fantastical world and bold choice of early modern setting, this story is far more focused on the all-too-mundane process of growing up. That sounds like a criticism, but it really isn’t. Saft does an amazing job illustrating the survival techniques we make for ourselves in the wake of trauma, the pain of coming to terms with the harm done to us by those we love, and the fear dogging every step of the healing process.
While her prose sometimes leans a little hard into floweriness, I enjoyed the highly-descriptive, almost poetic phrasing and its ability to get the point across so perfectly. I did find the climax of the novel to be a bit of a letdown, but I think I had a hard time letting go of my expectations for fantasy (especially YA fantasy), even though it was made pretty clear by the narrative that I needed to do so.
All in all, a great YA read and worthwhile for new adult and adult readers looking for something fresh.
While her prose sometimes leans a little hard into floweriness, I enjoyed the highly-descriptive, almost poetic phrasing and its ability to get the point across so perfectly. I did find the climax of the novel to be a bit of a letdown, but I think I had a hard time letting go of my expectations for fantasy (especially YA fantasy), even though it was made pretty clear by the narrative that I needed to do so.
All in all, a great YA read and worthwhile for new adult and adult readers looking for something fresh.
stephjl's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
the very niche target demographic for this book is me. realistically this is more of a 4 or 4.5 star read, but my god if there wasn't a novel so sharply pointed at me.
yes, this is obviously full metal alchemist fanfiction.
i do not care.
yes, the ending could have used a bit more pages and time. the lore needed a bit more flesh. it leaned quite a bit on the bones of the story that obviously inspired it.
i do not care. this book was simply written for me, it's so for me I'm honestly shocked I didn't write this myself. if this novel doesn't have an audience I am dead.
not to mention the unique fears and flaws that plague margaret that also plague me. it's like Saft reached into my head and conjured up something tailor made for me to plummet into and enjoy.
this is a standalone that I wish had a sequel simply to I can spend more time with these characters. this book is a shining example of how light-fantasy character driven stories can really shine.
yes, this is obviously full metal alchemist fanfiction.
i do not care.
yes, the ending could have used a bit more pages and time. the lore needed a bit more flesh. it leaned quite a bit on the bones of the story that obviously inspired it.
i do not care. this book was simply written for me, it's so for me I'm honestly shocked I didn't write this myself. if this novel doesn't have an audience I am dead.
not to mention the unique fears and flaws that plague margaret that also plague me. it's like Saft reached into my head and conjured up something tailor made for me to plummet into and enjoy.
this is a standalone that I wish had a sequel simply to I can spend more time with these characters. this book is a shining example of how light-fantasy character driven stories can really shine.
parsnipsnap's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
marro98's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0