inthebelljar's review against another edition
4.0
I really really loved the world building in this. The culture and society and biology of the atargati were fascinating and so well done, and I loved the main character's determination and dedication to science and curiosity. Having multiple non-binary characters was super exciting, and I loved the exploration of identity and sexuality and gender.
I also really loved the description of the main character's transformation and experience living with the atargati, exploring her new senses; the writing is done so very very well.
What I didn't love was the ending. It follows the original fairy tale's grim ending of the main character dying, which...I didn't enjoy. It felt also very abrupt and just too dark for me. I kept looking through the ebook, trying to make sure I didn't miss a secret ending that at least would give me some hope, but, no. I still enjoyed it, but I felt sad from the ending and not in a satisfying, cathartic way.
I also really loved the description of the main character's transformation and experience living with the atargati, exploring her new senses; the writing is done so very very well.
What I didn't love was the ending. It follows the original fairy tale's grim ending of the main character dying, which...I didn't enjoy. It felt also very abrupt and just too dark for me. I kept looking through the ebook, trying to make sure I didn't miss a secret ending that at least would give me some hope, but, no. I still enjoyed it, but I felt sad from the ending and not in a satisfying, cathartic way.
glitchedcat's review against another edition
3.0
The story was nice until the ending, but that's probably my expectation of a happy ending letting me down. Overall a good book though.
misssusan's review against another edition
4.0
i did not know that what my heart needed above all else was a story about magical girls as adults and all the little bits of life and growing up you go through in your twenties alongside the burden of fighting evil but indeed it did. ty isabel yap
4 stars
p.s. the ending is perfect
4 stars
p.s. the ending is perfect
snazel's review against another edition
I enjoyed the set-up more than the ending. I think I'm just not that into magical girl mythos?
littleghost's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
jlshepherd's review against another edition
2.0
It was okay. I feel like the book would have been better had it not been a short story and not focused around the wedding of one of the girls. It could have been amazing to even just read a straight up short story about how magical girls feel about being magical girls 10 years after they first gained their power. It was really just okay.
angelcwrites's review against another edition
5.0
Sweet baby Jesus, I love this book. It’s a fantastic exploration for the magical girl and friendship and connection, and I had the best time reading it. I also really appreciated the Arashi reference, bless you Isabel.
yayforbooks's review
5.0
AMAZING!
Currently road tripping so this will be short, but I am so happy I decided to read this set of stories. I grew up with Sailor Moon and magical girl stories. I liked that in this book, the magical girls were growing up and dealing with young adult stuff and all the emotions that are normal and kind of finding/affirming their own identities. SO MANY FEELINGS
Currently road tripping so this will be short, but I am so happy I decided to read this set of stories. I grew up with Sailor Moon and magical girl stories. I liked that in this book, the magical girls were growing up and dealing with young adult stuff and all the emotions that are normal and kind of finding/affirming their own identities. SO MANY FEELINGS
cloudslikethis's review
4.0
Gritty magical girl stories are my fave. I loved everything about this but think the writing could’ve been a bit tighter, there were quite a few typos and the transitions into flashbacks were kinda sharp. But really great reflections on growing up as a woman, gaining new powers, and maintaining friendships.