reindeerbandit's review against another edition
5.0
my god she builds such interesting worlds. i’m terribly glad i don’t live in this one but equally excited to read more in it.
freesien's review against another edition
4.0
It's a bit difficult to get into this book, into this unknown world. There's a lot of information, worldbuilding thrown at you not only at the beginning but throughout the whole book. The world is very elaborate und very interesting but I have to admit that I probably only understand 50 %, but that doesn't diminish my love for this book.
The main character is very interesting and I was immediately taken with her sarcasm and approach to the world. The side characters (apart from Orion Lake) are not really fleshed out. I hope it's because our main has no friends at the beginning and hast just gained some, so that in the following book(s?) they will have a more prominent role.
The concept of this professorless school is, no doubt, very intriguing but also: WTF?! What a dark and dangerous world that is, the students just die so easily, they can never catch a break, can they?
Very excited to see where this story is heading. Although, I've got to admit, that "cliffhanger" at the end, or at least that ominous last sentence is not working on me. I do not take that seriously. It felt like a cheap trick to squish that in there.
The main character is very interesting and I was immediately taken with her sarcasm and approach to the world. The side characters (apart from Orion Lake) are not really fleshed out. I hope it's because our main has no friends at the beginning and hast just gained some, so that in the following book(s?) they will have a more prominent role.
The concept of this professorless school is, no doubt, very intriguing but also: WTF?! What a dark and dangerous world that is, the students just die so easily, they can never catch a break, can they?
Very excited to see where this story is heading. Although, I've got to admit, that "cliffhanger" at the end, or at least that ominous last sentence is not working on me. I do not take that seriously. It felt like a cheap trick to squish that in there.
freesien's review against another edition
4.0
Update November 2022:
Besitze nun auch Band drei und lese deshalb nochmal alles von vorne. Ich liebe diese Reihe wirklich, jedes Mal aufs Neue habe ich echt viel Spaß beim Lesen und die Zeit vergeht wie im Flug.
Update Oktober 2021:
Meine Meinung gegenüber dem Buch hat sich nach dem zweiten Lesen nicht geändert. Ich habe aber das Gefühl, dass ich die magische Welt nun doch besser verstehe. Jetzt ist aber mein Gedächtnis genügend aufgefrischt, um mich in Band zwei zu stürzen.
Original review:
It's a bit difficult to get into this book, into this unknown world. There's a lot of information, worldbuilding thrown at you not only at the beginning but throughout the whole book. The world is very elaborate und very interesting but I have to admit that I probably only understand 50 %, but that doesn't diminish my love for this book.
The main character is very interesting and I was immediately taken with her sarcasm and approach to the world. The side characters (apart from Orion Lake) are not really fleshed out. I hope it's because our main has no friends at the beginning and hast just gained some, so that in the following book(s?) they will have a more prominent role.
The concept of this professorless school is, no doubt, very intriguing but also: WTF?! What a dark and dangerous world that is, the students just die so easily, they can never catch a break, can they?
Very excited to see where this story is heading. Although, I've got to admit, that "cliffhanger" at the end, or at least that ominous last sentence is not working on me. I do not take that seriously. It felt like a cheap trick to squish that in there.
Besitze nun auch Band drei und lese deshalb nochmal alles von vorne. Ich liebe diese Reihe wirklich, jedes Mal aufs Neue habe ich echt viel Spaß beim Lesen und die Zeit vergeht wie im Flug.
Update Oktober 2021:
Meine Meinung gegenüber dem Buch hat sich nach dem zweiten Lesen nicht geändert. Ich habe aber das Gefühl, dass ich die magische Welt nun doch besser verstehe. Jetzt ist aber mein Gedächtnis genügend aufgefrischt, um mich in Band zwei zu stürzen.
Original review:
It's a bit difficult to get into this book, into this unknown world. There's a lot of information, worldbuilding thrown at you not only at the beginning but throughout the whole book. The world is very elaborate und very interesting but I have to admit that I probably only understand 50 %, but that doesn't diminish my love for this book.
The main character is very interesting and I was immediately taken with her sarcasm and approach to the world. The side characters (apart from Orion Lake) are not really fleshed out. I hope it's because our main has no friends at the beginning and hast just gained some, so that in the following book(s?) they will have a more prominent role.
The concept of this professorless school is, no doubt, very intriguing but also: WTF?! What a dark and dangerous world that is, the students just die so easily, they can never catch a break, can they?
Very excited to see where this story is heading. Although, I've got to admit, that "cliffhanger" at the end, or at least that ominous last sentence is not working on me. I do not take that seriously. It felt like a cheap trick to squish that in there.
clauleesi's review against another edition
4.0
This started REALLY rough but then I honestly started enjoying it so much?? So not completely sure about the rating
spiremire's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
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
5.0
isisotherme's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
j7msjen's review against another edition
3.0
I feel like this book knew exactly what it was and wasn't. What it was being a massively fun bingeable read that doesn't take it's self too seriously. I'm fine with giving it five stars for that. I'd says it's best in show for cheesy fantasy romps.
protestmyboredom's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
really enjoyed this! It’s a very original take on the Chosen One trope, especially with one destined for goodness and villainy it seems. This book handles the trope with humor and in that way reminds me of Carry On but both are unique great books. I’m not sure why it doesn’t feel like a five star but I’d definitely say 4.5 at least. I can’t wait to read more, especially with that tease at the end.
kcoveles's review against another edition
5.0
This book can be read on different levels (world building/magic, relationships/romance, politics, psychology) and I thoroughly enjoy all of them. El is a rare example of a main character I can really relate to and the way her attitude is infused into her detailed explanations of the workings of her world is a particular delight and distinguishing factor in another tale of a “special” kid at a magical school.
elim's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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