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beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Balloon Thief was a story that I have decidedly mixed feelings about. Maybe it was because I had a very stop and start experience with it.
The beginning of the novel was really strong. It had easy-to-follow worldbuilding, snappy and fast-paced plotting, and strong characterisation. I really liked the fact that Aneesa Marufu included atrans character called Anam, I thought that arc was really well done .
I think the problem started when Marufu tried to introduce a secondary male character and make him the MC'slove interest , and despite Marufu's attempts to make it work, I just didn't feel any chemistry between them. When they finally kissI didn't feel it at all.
And while the main conflict between the Ghadaeans and the Hāri was established well - as were the rebel groups that play a key role in the novel - it later became a bit too heavy-handed for my liking. I also felt the ending was rushed.
It was a fun read with some good action scenes, but ultimately I didn't fall in love with it.
The beginning of the novel was really strong. It had easy-to-follow worldbuilding, snappy and fast-paced plotting, and strong characterisation. I really liked the fact that Aneesa Marufu included a
I think the problem started when Marufu tried to introduce a secondary male character and make him the MC's
And while the main conflict between the Ghadaeans and the Hāri was established well - as were the rebel groups that play a key role in the novel - it later became a bit too heavy-handed for my liking. I also felt the ending was rushed.
It was a fun read with some good action scenes, but ultimately I didn't fall in love with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Genocide and Death of parent
Minor: War