The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
nekoshka's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
It does suffer from the usual YA problems like underdeveloped characters and a predictable plot, but otherwise it’s unexpectedly good.Â
Susan, the MC, is very much the "chosen one" with special powers and special parentage but it’s not annoying and they don’t make her overpowered. And she’s punk!
Merlin is a delightful love interest. Loved the approach to his gender and how the fact that he’s questioning it doesn’t make him any less attractive, flirty and self-assured. Again, I would have loved a bit more elaboration on this topic, but maybe we’ll get it in the next book.Â
I thought at first that the constant clothes descriptions would annoy me, but the ended up being a really fun detail.Â
The worldbuilding is interesting but sparse. Not developed enough.Â
Overall, very easy and light read.Â
Graphic: Death, Violence, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit and Confinement
bobbyob's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Minor: Self harm, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Stalking, Car accident, and Vomit
queerreaderchaos's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
It is normal to find this book a bit confusing at first: you're dropped right into the action, with very little info as to how we got there. But don't worry, it's coming. The story is riddled with action, mixed with a lot of explanation and backstories because, like Susan, we know only a fraction of this world. Some readers might finds some parts repetitive (aka the kidnappings, even I thought it started to get off hand) , or slowed by the ever-coming flow of trivia, but it reads well and we are rewarded with a story rich of folklore, history, and magic. I loved the character of Merlin, with his non-gender conforming sense of fashion and his very peculiar personality (balanced by his sister Vivien)! Susan was interesting, although she took in too well what was happening to her. Don't get me wrong, she responded in her own fashion and had a believable learning trajectory, but I would have freaked out if I was in her place (but that's just me :P ). All in all, I really loved the book, and will definetly talk about it to anyone who wants to hear (or not).Â
Moderate: Death, Murder, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit
claudiamacpherson's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Blood, Body horror, Death, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Murder, Violence, and Vomit
Minor: Drug use and Self harm
kimi72714's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Blood and Gun violence
Minor: Kidnapping, Violence, and Vomit