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jacobdums's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lini002's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.0
Only the elite few are allowed to study alchemical magic, so when Ash is rejected, he becomes a groundskeeper instead, studying alchemy in secret. Enter Ramsay Thorne who has every reason to expose Ash until they realize that he is the key to finding the Book of Source. Together they strike a deal, Ash helps them find their book and Ramsay will apprentice them. But as they continue down the path to the book they find themselves embroiled in a plot of nefarious alchemists all gunning for it themselves.
This was fun. I enjoyed the magic system and thought it was interesting to follow. The characters are fine if not predictable in their actions. I did enjoy how queer, trans, and polyamorous this story was though, and mostly enjoyed every romance that we saw. This was a fun romp and I'll probably pick up the sequel when it comes out. 4/5
This was fun. I enjoyed the magic system and thought it was interesting to follow. The characters are fine if not predictable in their actions. I did enjoy how queer, trans, and polyamorous this story was though, and mostly enjoyed every romance that we saw. This was a fun romp and I'll probably pick up the sequel when it comes out. 4/5
katrinaviolet's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
hannahniah's review
2.0
putting aside the weak pacing and world building: that was the most boring love story i’ve ever read. i’ve said it once and i’ll say it again: bring back unhealthy relationships!! i want them CRAZY! not therapized and shit. especially in fantasy!!
chibin00b's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
alex_dourou's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This novel had a lot of potential because the magic system and worldbuilding were undeniably unique. Unfortunately, it was wasted on the romance.
I wish the author had elaborated on the world-building. We could have created a more complicated society in which we would have better understood the political position with the Houses and Alchemy. Some aspects of the plot were also unclear, such as the significance of the triangle and the connection between love/Source and Ash's power.
The love tale was overly dramatic and juvenile for a book in the gloomy acamedia genre. There was no sense to it, no true purpose.
Nonetheless, the novel was not bad at all; the characters were deep, and the representation was unique, with a distinctive gender fluid character. The Source is a fascinating and novel idea for how to think about the energy that flows through all beings, but it was a little too complex and leaves you with questions at the end.
I'm hoping that some answers will be provided in the second volume.
I wish the author had elaborated on the world-building. We could have created a more complicated society in which we would have better understood the political position with the Houses and Alchemy. Some aspects of the plot were also unclear, such as the significance of the triangle and the connection between love/Source and Ash's power.
The love tale was overly dramatic and juvenile for a book in the gloomy acamedia genre. There was no sense to it, no true purpose.
Nonetheless, the novel was not bad at all; the characters were deep, and the representation was unique, with a distinctive gender fluid character. The Source is a fascinating and novel idea for how to think about the energy that flows through all beings, but it was a little too complex and leaves you with questions at the end.
I'm hoping that some answers will be provided in the second volume.
klaculus's review
4.0
tho i appreciate the representation i felt the as the love was forced. chemistry between the characters was lacking for me. some parts were dragging out, while other parts were rushed and i wished we would see more. ash our main character felt frustrating to me from time to time but i enjoyed the book overall. the magic system was unique and nothing i’ve ever read before, i liked how it touched on physics. i also liked the world building tho i missed the politics. LOVED the villain!!
lunatyck's review
Intriguing worldbuilding & mystery, but overall just wasn’t in love with the writing despite most of its features being right up my alley.