bex_knighthunterbooks's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
A solid sequel with a standalone plot - I really enjoyed being back following Ropa Moyo. Ropa is an unpaid intern, but still needs to pay the bills so is investigating a mysterious illness at the healing house 'Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments' and also working for an American trying to follow a paper trail to restore his family fortune. I love how much personality comes across in the writing style, and Ropa's distinctive vernacular. The world is also really distinctive and feels expansive - like we just get to see a glimpse but there is a lot more going on, which is exactly as it should be. I am still very intrigued to find out more about the 'catastrophe' and was slightly disappointed we didn't find about more in this novel, but I enjoyed seeing more of the Library of the Dead and other magical institutions (although I would have liked a little more development of the magic systems). The characters are also really good fun although there is so much action that it doesn't feel like we get much time for them to just 'be' together (not really a criticism because others will love how action-packed this is but doesn't match my personal taste). I wasn't able to follow the mysteries enough to predict any of the twists and got some names mixed up (could be my fault for multitasking while listening to this on audio), but the plot seemed a little clearer than in the first book which I appreciated. Will be continuing this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Medical content, Gore, and Classism
Minor: Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Cursing
plantybooklover's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
Oh this is my best book of the year... It is just a good solid series- I am so frustrated that book three is still in progress...described as stranger things meets harry potter and I think that's accurate..
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Violence
Moderate: Death
Minor: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Classism, and Gore
eldritch_archivist's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-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
4.0
Like the first book in the series, this a good all around fantasy detective story from a unique perspective. I found the pace to be a little slower than ideal for my own reading preferences, but Huchu always delivers on a complex mystery that is deeply interconnected.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Death, Violence, Murder, Gore, and Medical content
Minor: Chronic illness, Fire/Fire injury, and Drug use
sabrinz's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Ropa is back - this time with a gig with the actual Magic Society, with Sir Callander as her mentor. Unfortunatley, it's an unpaid internship and Ropa has to figure out a way to get some money. Priya needs her help with a patient - and Ropa is just the person to figure out the cause of the mysterious illness.
Of course, things being as they are, everything is somehow connected and the case she is working for the Society becomes tangled up in her investigation for Priya.
The second book throws some light on what happend to Scotland back then and the relationship to England now (way too little in my opinion - I need an entire book about this!) and teases with hints and things half-said about Ropa's Gran (I also need to know so much more).
I love Ropa's unique voice and the way she tells the story. However, I thought I would get more information on England and Scottish magic as well as Ropa's Gran.
The case is solved in the end (with some turns and connections I did not really see coming) but there are some things that are left slightly open for another time.
Of course, things being as they are, everything is somehow connected and the case she is working for the Society becomes tangled up in her investigation for Priya.
The second book throws some light on what happend to Scotland back then and the relationship to England now (way too little in my opinion - I need an entire book about this!) and teases with hints and things half-said about Ropa's Gran (I also need to know so much more).
I love Ropa's unique voice and the way she tells the story. However, I thought I would get more information on England and Scottish magic as well as Ropa's Gran.
The case is solved in the end (with some turns and connections I did not really see coming) but there are some things that are left slightly open for another time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Blood
More...