Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - La Chasseuse et l'Alchimiste

Reviews tagging 'Emotional abuse'

La Chasseuse et l'Alchimiste by Allison Saft

80 reviews

craftysnailtail's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.75

This took me far too long to get through. I wouldn't say this book is bad, but neither is it good. The plot drags on so slowly that I was convinced this book was over 500 pages, but it's actually a perfectly normal length.

Wes and Margaret as characters are just... fine. Wes is described in extreme detail as having ADHD and Margaret struggles with PTSD. While I appreciate the representation, I disliked the execution. Their neurodivergence and mental illness were presented as if that was all they were as people and that really bothered me. However, there was some character development and the romance was sweet and angsty.

Every once in a while I'd notice prose that were beautifully written, so it's a shame the rest of the writing didn't stand out to me. For a book that claims to be about a magical hunt, I got 90% of the way through and it STILL hadn't started. The pacing was all wrong. I also found the religious parallels to real life a bit unnecessary. As a background kind of book, it was fine. But it's not one that I'll be recommending to friends.

Content Warnings

doodeedoda's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

kaigar96's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes

Margaret spends her days isolated in her family’s manor waiting for her mother’s long overdue return when she spots the last hala, a magical being, to exist. It’s time for the Halfmoon Hunt, but she requires a partner. Westin Winters, an alchemist who’s failed every apprenticeship he’s faced, suddenly arrives at her doorstep in need of another chance. Searching for the unimaginable possibilities the hunt can unlock, the two agree to enter together. But the hunt may also come at an unimaginable risk, leading Margaret and Westin to form their own destinies separate from their pasts, their families, and their fears.

A Far Wilder Magic is a tender novel following two young adults who have been marginalized by their communities. Westin searches for a way to help people like his family while Margaret centers her life around retuning her mother to the person she once new. The story centers around like grief, death, religion, xenophobia, abuse, and love.

While AFWM is not a personal favorite, I highly recommend it. Alison Saft has a way of turning out a tale full of magic and rich atmosphere which made me feel like I was returning to a story forged deep within my mind. I found myself immersed in the lives of our characters and the love they grow.

*although I understand the pain and trauma of the characters, there were some parts that prevented my from falling in love with this story

I hate stories while the characters point out that the other isn’t attractive but then realize that they just didn’t see their beauty. I also didn’t like how many times Margaret pointed her gun at Westin?

Content Warnings