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bookcheshirecat's review against another edition
4.5
“I have known many human beings with a full soul to their name who do not have half so much compassion or practicality as you.”
➽ Half a Soul was such a whimsical, funny book and the perfect blend of Fantasy, Romance and Historical Fiction! The story follows Theodora 'Dora' Ettings, a woman with only half a soul who's lacking a sense of what's appropriate. Ever since a fae almost stole her away, she has been struggling to feel strong emotions. When she accompanies her cousin Vanessa to the London Season, Dora has little hope of snaring a husband. Her aunt is determined to keep her on the sidelines where she can't embarrass anyone and Dora knows her condition makes it hard to navigate polite society. I absolutely loved Dora, she was such an endearing and unintentionally funny character. Despite struggling to feel emotions in the moment, she's still compassionate and more accepting than most people.
➽ I loved the strong bond she shared with her cousin Vanessa, who has always been her champion and doesn't mind her strangeness. Others aren't so kind and Dora still feels the weight of rejection and being told that she's defective. I also loved her developing friendship with Albert, a young physician who lost an arm in the war. His family has a good standing in society, but most people overlook him for his brothers because of his disability. He was so kind and warm towards Dora and his best friend Elias, it was impossible not to like him! The ending was touching
➽ The romance swept me away!! In London, Vanessa is determined to help Dora regain her soul and consults the Lord Sorcier. Elias Wilder is a grumpy magician, who doesn't care for polite society and often drives others away with his brash words. His only friend is Albert, whom he fought in the war with. Dora is of course immune to his rudeness and attempts to drive her away, as she's not easily offended. It was so funny to see her rile up and bicker with Elias, they were truly a great match! He decides to help her regain her soul, as he knows a lot about magic and the Fae. Dora never had any hopes of being courted, but can't help growing closer to Elias, especially once she sees his hidden kindness! Overall, this was just such a funny, charming Romance and I had such a good time!
“There is such a thing as evil in this world,” Elias told her quietly. “It does not help to look away from it. It does not even help, necessarily, to look at it.” His fingers brushed through her hair, and she shivered. “But sometimes, when you cannot force the world to come to its senses, you must settle only for wiping away some of the small evils in front of you.”
Graphic: Ableism, Terminal illness, and Kidnapping
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and War
valpuri's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Ableism and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Blood, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, and Pregnancy
kelleykamanda's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Confinement, Abandonment, and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Child abuse, and Terminal illness
Minor: Child death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and War
evarinya's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Slavery, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, and Kidnapping
Minor: Ableism, Child death, Death, Terminal illness, Medical content, Death of parent, and Alcohol
solacelight's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Terminal illness, Medical content, Trafficking, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Misogyny, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent and War