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slinkmalink's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? It's complicated
3.5
I think it's very interesting and cool how the British empire and it's various atrocities seems to be becoming more of a theme in children's books because it's an important thing for kids to learn about that we don't teach about (or if we do probably not from the perspective of this was terrible)
It's a really fun adventurous story with exciting plot twists and compelling characters, with a diverse cast, which also brought a lot of life and depth to the depiction of 19th century London that was representative of a multicultural society some people like to pretend didn't exist until after WWII.
The whole concept of magic as a resource to be exploited by colonialists who also want to undermine more traditional methods/egalitarian values (writing-magic) in order to profit worked really well as a metaphor and I think children will get a lot out of it
It's a really fun adventurous story with exciting plot twists and compelling characters, with a diverse cast, which also brought a lot of life and depth to the depiction of 19th century London that was representative of a multicultural society some people like to pretend didn't exist until after WWII.
The whole concept of magic as a resource to be exploited by colonialists who also want to undermine more traditional methods/egalitarian values (writing-magic) in order to profit worked really well as a metaphor and I think children will get a lot out of it
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Racism, Death of parent, and Colonisation
miles's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Racial slurs, Slavery, and Trafficking
rhensie's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-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
4.25
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautiful middle-grade book that had me hooked the entire time. The magic systems alone are incredibly well-done and thoughtful. Chompa, our protagonist, is very human, flawed, and for the most part, acts as one would expect a child to act - sometimes imperfectly, but always with passion. I really enjoythe aspect of her losing her hair, giving younger kids a heroine who doesn't look 'perfect' by traditional beauty standards, but is bold and inspiring nonetheless .
I initially found the switch in POV a bit jarring, but I think I acclimated to it within a few chapters. I really enjoyed these alternate POVs over time, though there were things I would've preferred to have seen/learnt about via Chompa's point of view.
I do think this is, at times, perhaps too dark for its audience; in particular, what happens to Chompa'smother was pretty disturbing, even for an adult reader without much detail given of the act, what is implied is horrific. Also, I didn't fully understand Amina's motivations for doing what she did. She didn't stop the machine, she didn't kill Moshin, only ended her own life, and left Chompa alone. I'm not sure what she thought she was accomplishing by doing that. I would recommend this to an older middle grade reader.
This is a beautiful middle-grade book that had me hooked the entire time. The magic systems alone are incredibly well-done and thoughtful. Chompa, our protagonist, is very human, flawed, and for the most part, acts as one would expect a child to act - sometimes imperfectly, but always with passion. I really enjoy
I initially found the switch in POV a bit jarring, but I think I acclimated to it within a few chapters. I really enjoyed these alternate POVs over time, though there were things I would've preferred to have seen/learnt about via Chompa's point of view.
I do think this is, at times, perhaps too dark for its audience; in particular, what happens to Chompa's
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Trafficking, and Fire/Fire injury
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