dissociationbybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
willdarlingg's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was a wonderful and magical read! Williams's writing was engaging and immersive, and her characters stole my heart immediately upon opening the book. I adored Joan as a main character – with her will, anger, tenderness, and bravery – she was a treat to read about. The magic system felt fresh and the world expansive, especially the way it was explored in little horror-esque snippets of other characters unrelated to the main plot. The historical side was equally as well-written as the magical side; I really felt the stench of 17th century London in my mind.
The discussions of racism and sexism were measured and meaningful, and really added to the character journey Joan was on. Her attempts at regaining some form of control over her life were emotional to read about, just as the instances where her power was wrestled away from her were infuriating. And the queerness! The representation was vast and varied, and I loved seeing it.
I cannot recommend this enough. A powerful, fast-paced, entertaining, and fun read. If you ever wanted to see Shakespeare's London through the eyes of a Black and Queer teenager with magical powers gifted to her from an Orisha god – then this is for you. And if it never occurred to you that that was something you'd want, I think you'll find that you in fact do. So read this book.
The discussions of racism and sexism were measured and meaningful, and really added to the character journey Joan was on. Her attempts at regaining some form of control over her life were emotional to read about, just as the instances where her power was wrestled away from her were infuriating. And the queerness! The representation was vast and varied, and I loved seeing it.
I cannot recommend this enough. A powerful, fast-paced, entertaining, and fun read. If you ever wanted to see Shakespeare's London through the eyes of a Black and Queer teenager with magical powers gifted to her from an Orisha god – then this is for you. And if it never occurred to you that that was something you'd want, I think you'll find that you in fact do. So read this book.
cbell8104's review
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
4.25
goodcoffeeandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
autumn_reading's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
kodyreadseverything's review
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.0
jesscoryn's review against another edition
The book made it hard for me to follow which character im reading into. Each chapter made it more and more confusing.
ledtasso's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5