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liamliayaum's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Death and Blood
bendrury_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Torture
blewballoon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, and Kidnapping
emma_sky's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Death, Torture, Blood, and Abandonment
tlskayte's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Moderate: Confinement, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death
yvo_about_books's review against another edition
5.0
"That, Rowan had told her once, was what magic meant. A chance of something better."
I had a fantastic first experience with The Unlikely Escape Of Uriah Heep back in 2020, and I've been looking forward to read more of H.G. Parry's work ever since. I'm not sure why it took me this long, but this newest story couldn't have come at a better time... I adored every single minute I spent with The Magician's Daughter, and I couldn't give it any less than the full 5 stars it deserved. While completely different than her debut, I fell in love with this historical fantasy story straight away. The Magician's Daughter almost has that magical realism feel, which can go both ways for me, but in this case it hit the nail on the head. I loved the idea and descriptions of both Hy-Brasil and the magic itself, and the historical references are well incorporated. This wasn't the only thing I loved though... This book also stood out for me both due its impeccable writing and the development of the main characters. There was something enchanting about the writing style, and I found myself glued to the pages and unable to stop reading. Biddy makes for such a fantastic main character, and I loved learning more about the world through her eyes... Especially when she starts seeing the 'real' world for the first time in her life. The rest of the cast all added a little something special to the plot as well, although I think I loved Hutch the most of all of them. The plot is well structured, and there are plenty of twists and moments of danger along the way... Biddy's mission almost has that quest vibe, and I loved both how the plot evolved and how everything was wrapped up in the end. There is no doubt that The Magician's Daughter will appear on my list of 2023 favorites!
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Sexism, Death of parent, and Classism
oceana_bookworm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Torture
words_and_dreams's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Birdy has grown up on a magical hidden island off the coast of Ireland, raised by magician Rowan. When Rowan goes missing she has to travel to the mainland for the first time. Magic is in danger of disappearing from the world completely so Birdy, Rowan and his familiar rabbit Hutch set out to save the day.
It was more magical realism than full on fantasy. I liked the magic system in the story and the characters were all entertaining. I really enjoyed the writing itself, very lyrical without being over flowery.
Minor: Death and Injury/Injury detail
ijustreallyliketrees's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Confinement, Torture, and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexism and Death of parent
imaginaryalchemist's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
In my opinion the main antagonist, Vaughn, in particular suffered from this. He's mostly just talked about and doesn't take too active of a role in the story.
I would've also liked to see Anna get more screentime, I liked the moments with her Biddy. They were sweet, and the characters had good chemistry.
Hutchincroft is hands down my favorite character. He's such a kind, gentle soul who truly cares about those around him.
Rowan was a very interesting character, and I wish we could have had chapters from his POV. He felt like one of the more three-dimensional characters out all of them.
I will admit that I am a sucker for a good found family story, so I did really enjoy that aspect. Rowan, Biddy, and Hutch clearly cared deeply for each other and I loved the scenes with all of them together in Hy-Brasil.
The world building was quite interesting, I liked the magic and lore with Hy-Brasil and would have liked to learn more about it. One of the big draws for me was its Irish setting but we didn't get to see much of that.
Overall, it was a fun read. I was left feeling like I wanted more from the story, but I enjoyed what I got.
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Kidnapping, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death and Death of parent
Honestly, there wasn't much in this book that I'd add a content warning for. The scenes in the orphanage are quite depressing, showing how destitute the girls truly were, but it didn't go into any graphic detail. Characters are tortured off screen and it can be disturbing, but again it doesn't go into any graphic detail. The ravenstone could count as body horror. Especially with Storm, who was left half-transformed by it. It also describes how Biddy feels as she transforms between raven and human.