marshmallowbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This is a fantasy story set in a part of the world I havent read much about: the Czech Republic (or maybe Czechoslovakia, given the period it's set in?) Anyway, it was an interesting read. People may or may not be gifted with a magical talent. Some can "speak" with inanimate objects, or contain the uncontainable, or sweat acid. But even with a magical talent, they may or may not be allowed into the Academy to develop that gift. Some of those who are not gifted, may be super jealous of those that are; people like Prince Rodolpho, for instance, who hires Petra's father to create a truly magnificent clock, then steals his eyes so he can never replicate it, or build anything beautiful again.
I liked the story and I found it pretty interesting. This is the first book of a trilogy and I am intrigued about the rest of the books. I'm eager to find out more about the Academy. It was briefly mentioned as a school of magic, more or less, but not much was said other than that Petra's chances of getting in were slim to none. I feel like there is potential for this to have been just the beginning of something that could be developed more in the subsequent books.
I also liked her relationship with Neel. When she does not fall for his invisible fingers - sensing them picking her purse, when no one has ever felt them before - they are put into a bit of a predicament with each other, not sure what to think of the other, but end up working together and becoming friends. I wouldn't be surprised if we learn more about Neel's Roma people, who I think will end up helping Petra even more in the future.
I liked the story and I found it pretty interesting. This is the first book of a trilogy and I am intrigued about the rest of the books. I'm eager to find out more about the Academy. It was briefly mentioned as a school of magic, more or less, but not much was said other than that Petra's chances of getting in were slim to none. I feel like there is potential for this to have been just the beginning of something that could be developed more in the subsequent books.
I also liked her relationship with Neel. When she does not fall for his invisible fingers - sensing them picking her purse, when no one has ever felt them before - they are put into a bit of a predicament with each other, not sure what to think of the other, but end up working together and becoming friends. I wouldn't be surprised if we learn more about Neel's Roma people, who I think will end up helping Petra even more in the future.
blakehalsey's review against another edition
2.0
This book did a nice job of incorporating a little history into the plot. The action wasn't as robust as what I was expecting and the "last getaway" was a little too easy. I do have the give the author props for her storyline--it is very unique. All in all, a fun summer fantasy.
mrfroggy's review against another edition
2.0
Reread this bc i remembered loving this series as a kid but unfortunately it does not live up to my memories :(
The plot moved slowly and the mc had little agency in the actions she took, often getting carried along by the plans of others or convenient plot points that served her goals. The mc was boring and one dimensional, presenting no unique characteristings that made her an intereseting perspective to explore the world from.
The world building has a lot of potential with the magic system based in natural born affinities to different crafts and elements, and the school system of elite education to train these skills reserved for nobility gives an interesting dichotomy of trained artisans and magic workers, but this isnt explored at all in the story.
Overall very boring and disappointing, but it did get me into reading rutkoski who has since become one of my favorite authors <3
The plot moved slowly and the mc had little agency in the actions she took, often getting carried along by the plans of others or convenient plot points that served her goals. The mc was boring and one dimensional, presenting no unique characteristings that made her an intereseting perspective to explore the world from.
The world building has a lot of potential with the magic system based in natural born affinities to different crafts and elements, and the school system of elite education to train these skills reserved for nobility gives an interesting dichotomy of trained artisans and magic workers, but this isnt explored at all in the story.
Overall very boring and disappointing, but it did get me into reading rutkoski who has since become one of my favorite authors <3
hiii_ris's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book when I was much younger and I know for a fact I enjoyed it then.
catladylover94's review against another edition
4.0
good first book, doubt i will ever get to read the others though
tobyyy's review against another edition
4.0
Four dazzling, startling blood-red (blood-read?) stars from this fairytale-myth-alternative history-fantasy novel! This was my first book by Rutkoski but it definitely will not be my last (I have two more from the library currently waiting for me! so I don't say that lightly).
This was an interesting read, an alternate history that takes place in and around Prague. It was more gory than I expected from the reading level/cover (it's an older MG/early YA) but not to the level of horror. It just reminded me a bit of the uncensored/real fairytales (not the Disney-softened nonsense). Brutal, harsh, gory, and frighteningly eerie. But lovely.
Rutkoski also initiates a brief conversation about racism in this book, which starts with Petra's use of the phrase "Gypsy," Neel's correction of it, and how Petra learns how people treat Neel differently because of the color of his skin and because he is Roma. I liked how she brought awareness to this while keeping it of a tone that still allowed me to suspend disbelief. It didn't feel like a blaring lecture, as it so easily could have.
Book 2 is on my shelf waiting for me. I'm excited to pick it up!
This was an interesting read, an alternate history that takes place in and around Prague. It was more gory than I expected from the reading level/cover (it's an older MG/early YA) but not to the level of horror. It just reminded me a bit of the uncensored/real fairytales (not the Disney-softened nonsense). Brutal, harsh, gory, and frighteningly eerie. But lovely.
Rutkoski also initiates a brief conversation about racism in this book, which starts with Petra's use of the phrase "Gypsy," Neel's correction of it, and how Petra learns how people treat Neel differently because of the color of his skin and because he is Roma. I liked how she brought awareness to this while keeping it of a tone that still allowed me to suspend disbelief. It didn't feel like a blaring lecture, as it so easily could have.
Book 2 is on my shelf waiting for me. I'm excited to pick it up!
cierailana's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
joelleandthebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nukie19's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to this in the car with my 9 year old, who gave it 9 out of 10 stars. It was good enough that I didn't mind the story but wasn't the most engaging to me. There is a lot of build up to what the Cabinet of Wonders actually is and how it plays into the story. Plus, the whole idea of the dad and his eyes being removed was a little graphic for kids.