tinyelfarcanist's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Do you want to be a hero?" Bloody Fingers asked. "Or would you rather be the blank line between the words of those silly stories you're always poring over?"
It pains me to not give this book 5 stars. This gay fairytale is witty and funny and picked my interest by making me laugh from page 1. But, for all the speech on breaking society's expectations, there's a problematic depiction of the female characters still waiting for the men to save them. The princess was toxic to her handmaid and their relationship was romanticized.
The interactions between the MCs were my favorite, but the rest of the characters were a little underdeveloped. I wanted so much to love the prince! He's got the recipe to be one of my favorite characters, but he was so self-absorbed and insensitive to others that I can't get past it.
Another HUGE issue is that the only non-binary character is THE VILLAIN. While those traits aren't related, it's a harmful representation the queer community has suffered and I expected more from this type of story.
Despite the previously stated problems, I really enjoyed The Prince And The Puppet Thief. It's a charming (and queer) tale of found family and following your dreams, and I hope to read more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Lesbophobia, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Classism, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, Transphobia, Gaslighting, Sexism, and Child abuse
Moderate: Misogyny
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