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atamano's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, and Classism
Moderate: Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abandonment
ijustreallyliketrees's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Death and Racial slurs
marla_leonce's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racism, and Death of parent
softwindflower's review against another edition
- 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
2.5
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Death
Minor: Slavery
asnecessaryasbread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Graphic: Misogyny and Racism
Minor: Death and Suicide
buttermellow's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Misogyny and Racism
Moderate: Ableism, Slavery, Xenophobia, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Death
aplanetarymind's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexism
Minor: Death and Violence
Period-typical racism and sexism/misogyny. There is recount of the death of the parental figure, and several assassination attempts are described.achingallover's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Grief, and Death of parent
n_asyikin_'s review against another edition
- 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
The aspect to the book that resounds with me most is how it incorporated & addressed issues of racism, sexism & colonialism into the story; something I thought tended to be overlooked in magical realism, especially those told primarily through the White Western lens. In a sense, Cho definitely attempted to move away from that despite the book being set in Regency Britain.
Moreover, I thought that the exploration of the social dynamics were done in a nuanced way, showing & contrasting the experiences of our various key characters with differing backgrounds.
The thematic exploration wasn't necessarily heavy-handed. In fact, I thought one of the highlights of the book was how it showed different approaches to the practice & knowledge of magic, told through the Malayan witch Mak Genggang, the Chinese Sorcerer Hsiang, & even the brief appearance of Prunella's mother,
One story arc I thought deserving of attention was the dynamics shared between Zacharias & his guardian, Stephen. It depicted the possible conflicts which may arise with being a part of a multicultural family,
Cho has a way to surprise you with unexpected poignancy. A lot of the conflicts arising from the intersectional influences of their identities tend to resolve in a quiet manner. This is especially true when it came to Zacharias.
Being that I am not of African descent, my comment relating to his depictions is limited. Zacharias tended to be equanimous in his approach. Although his wisdom & compassion were admirable, I thought he deserved to be just as revolutionary as Prunella was. But I assessed that Zacharias' composure may derived in response to stereotype threat/anxiety; in order not to fulfil others' prejudices of him, he refrained from more explosive pronouncement. But that is not to say he wasn't revolutionary at all. In fact, he was the catalyst to a lot of significant changes.
I was, however, still quite concerned by the sort of hardship he was subjected to via his self-sacrifising tendency; his was much more violent in contrast to Prunella. It brought into mind Thomas' commentary (in The Dark Fantastic, 2019) on how Black characters tend to be brutalized for a mean to an end. I guess I was hoping for more verve & better resolution to the injustices Zacharias himself was subjected to. Also, at times, I felt that his power was restrained while Prunella & Mak Genggang appeared bold & unstoppable. That disappointed me a bit as it felt as if Zacharias' capacity, as someone in a position of power, was undermined. Though I did understand that he might've acted as the voice-of-reason (& compassion) in the story, but again, as I said, I was hoping for more when it came to this plotline (i.e., the racism a Black sorcerer face).
Despite that, the story is primarily lighthearted. Some of the scenes made me laugh out loud, particularly the dramatics our MCs engaged in to defend themselves against the antagonists; the disregard towards the oppressors, & the unforgiving (sometimes even careless) way they dealt with them were rousing to me, as a reader. This is especially true with our two powerful leading ladies, Prunella & Mak Genggang. The way that they played into the sexist system just screamed liberating!
Although there were times where the plot felt draggy, in general, the elements to the world & its characters will keep your interest. I know for a fact that I will never forget Zacharias, Prunella & Mak Genggang. The Sorcerer to the Crown is memorable & colourful with its celebration of multiculturalism. I highly recommend giving this a read!
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Death and Blood
Minor: Slavery
ehmannky's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I don't know how to describe it but this book, CL Polk's Kingston Cycle, and Jo Baker's Longbourn would be friends. They've all got the similar vibe.
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Slavery, and Xenophobia
Minor: Death