debussy's review
Really difficult to get a sense of the world building and felt lost.
fantasticmrethan's review against another edition
3.0
A very twisty turny book. I didn’t always get the characters but I enjoyed most of the journey.
themosquitoqueer's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
oiriley's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
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? Yes
4.5
iovefmz's review
4.0
this book moves slow. like, something will happen and you will wait for the payoff only to find out that “oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway”. and i dont think that's even a bad thing, but. when nothing happens for the most part and then something finally does, it's a bit disappointing when it doesn't really amount to anything
the characters are fine, the magic and world building is amazing and for that alone it had me hooked. but ira? that's princess. is she the primary reason i pushed through this to finish the book? yes!
all this to say, i will be tuning into the sequel idk
3.5 stars (iraya u will always be famous)
the characters are fine, the magic and world building is amazing and for that alone it had me hooked. but ira? that's princess. is she the primary reason i pushed through this to finish the book? yes!
all this to say, i will be tuning into the sequel idk
3.5 stars (iraya u will always be famous)
bumblefee's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
charliauthor's review
4.0
Having read a lot of inclusive or diverse books recently that focused on African cultures and influences, I was extremely excited to get a book that focused on Caribbean and more specifically Jamaican influences which is where my family originates.
From the first to last page this book is overflowing with Jamaican inspired words, foods, folklore and language that was such a joy to read and experience.
The cultural element aside, I really enjoyed this book. It took me a little while to get into but once I finally took some time to settle down and get into it without any work distractions, I found myself flying through the pages filled with intrigue and magic.
My favourite character is definitely Iraya. Although there are many similarities between she and the opposing witch Jazmyne, Iraya's sarcastic attitude and much more powerful/aggressive nature was more exciting to read than Jazmyne's inner musings about not being good enough.
The subtle love triangle was a personal fave and loved the jibes between the two woman over the guy who holds their affections, whether they want to admit this or not. It was a different take on it although i would have personally liked a bit more spice in that regard lol
The tagline 'Trust No Witch' was perfect for this book because the amount of betrayal and not really knowing who was on whose side until the last minute, was a great addition.
The magic system was a little unclear for me in the use of conduits and why the Obeah are restricted in some ways but not in others but I may go over this to make sure if I really took it in properly to understand. I was also a little confused about the difference between Aiyca and Xaymaca as they sound like the same place and i know historically, the latter is Jamaica's original name.
The language and description is rich and colourful and the characters all have a distinct and interesting part throughout.
I'd recommend this book so that readers can get a taste of Caribbean fantasy which we definitely need more of!
From the first to last page this book is overflowing with Jamaican inspired words, foods, folklore and language that was such a joy to read and experience.
The cultural element aside, I really enjoyed this book. It took me a little while to get into but once I finally took some time to settle down and get into it without any work distractions, I found myself flying through the pages filled with intrigue and magic.
My favourite character is definitely Iraya. Although there are many similarities between she and the opposing witch Jazmyne, Iraya's sarcastic attitude and much more powerful/aggressive nature was more exciting to read than Jazmyne's inner musings about not being good enough.
The subtle love triangle was a personal fave and loved the jibes between the two woman over the guy who holds their affections, whether they want to admit this or not. It was a different take on it although i would have personally liked a bit more spice in that regard lol
The tagline 'Trust No Witch' was perfect for this book because the amount of betrayal and not really knowing who was on whose side until the last minute, was a great addition.
The magic system was a little unclear for me in the use of conduits and why the Obeah are restricted in some ways but not in others but I may go over this to make sure if I really took it in properly to understand. I was also a little confused about the difference between Aiyca and Xaymaca as they sound like the same place and i know historically, the latter is Jamaica's original name.
The language and description is rich and colourful and the characters all have a distinct and interesting part throughout.
I'd recommend this book so that readers can get a taste of Caribbean fantasy which we definitely need more of!