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hosuli's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jz23q's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
heddas_bookgems's review against another edition
4.0
The House Witch sequel serves up exactly what fans of the first book will love, a warm, cozy, banter filled experience that’s like wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket. Picking up right where we left off, this book delivers plenty of chuckles, the occasional tear, and a general sense of loveliness. If you enjoyed the first book, this will feel like coming home.
One of the standout elements is the balance between lighthearted fun and deeper themes, like grief and discrimination, which sneak in under layers of magic and comfort food. Think of it as being emotionally ambushed by a marshmallow, soft and sweet, but still packing an unexpected punch.
But let's talk about the real star of the show: Kracken, the cat. He’s endearing, he’s sassy, and frankly, he deserves way more stage time. More Kracken equals more laughs, and honestly, if a cat can steal the spotlight in a book about magic and witches, you know he's got something special going on.
Now, for the critiques: the book does have a habit of switching points of view mid-chapter, which can feel a bit like the narrative equivalent of a sneeze attack, you’re not sure how it got there, and it’s slightly disorienting. But if you can roll with it, you’ll likely find it just a minor hiccup in an otherwise charming tale.
Also, this sequel is a bit shorter than the first, thankfully so, as the first one occasionally dragged like it was being asked to run a marathon. Here, the pacing is more in line with its relaxed, cozy vibe.
Don’t pick this up expecting an intricate plot twist or fast-paced action. The plot is there, but it’s wrapped in a fluffy, slow paced slice of life where characters take center stage. It’s more of a slow burn, ideal for readers who want to sip, not chug.
In short: it’s cute, cozy, will make your heart ache and swell, and you might just wish for more of Kracken’s feline sass.
One of the standout elements is the balance between lighthearted fun and deeper themes, like grief and discrimination, which sneak in under layers of magic and comfort food. Think of it as being emotionally ambushed by a marshmallow, soft and sweet, but still packing an unexpected punch.
But let's talk about the real star of the show: Kracken, the cat. He’s endearing, he’s sassy, and frankly, he deserves way more stage time. More Kracken equals more laughs, and honestly, if a cat can steal the spotlight in a book about magic and witches, you know he's got something special going on.
Now, for the critiques: the book does have a habit of switching points of view mid-chapter, which can feel a bit like the narrative equivalent of a sneeze attack, you’re not sure how it got there, and it’s slightly disorienting. But if you can roll with it, you’ll likely find it just a minor hiccup in an otherwise charming tale.
Also, this sequel is a bit shorter than the first, thankfully so, as the first one occasionally dragged like it was being asked to run a marathon. Here, the pacing is more in line with its relaxed, cozy vibe.
Don’t pick this up expecting an intricate plot twist or fast-paced action. The plot is there, but it’s wrapped in a fluffy, slow paced slice of life where characters take center stage. It’s more of a slow burn, ideal for readers who want to sip, not chug.
In short: it’s cute, cozy, will make your heart ache and swell, and you might just wish for more of Kracken’s feline sass.
sagali's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
herphoenixloves's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
redheadsuperpowers's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
This literally picks up at the end of the first book. We are continuing the same storyline. This is the first author I have come across that does this, other than Tolkien. We step right in where we left off. I love it.
We continue with the adventures of Fin, his familiar Kraken, Lady Annika, and the motley assortment of people who dwell in the castle. Fin continues to be a charming main character, and his adventures serving his king, in and out of the kitchen serve delight, laughter and a teeny bit of tears. There were some powerful moments in this one, and we get to know Fin's mother Kate better. I loved reading about Kate's healing, and arguments with the Royal Physician, who clearly never trained with a midwife.
My favorite moments in this were the antics Kraken got up to away from the humans. He is a fully fleshed out personality all his own.
I didn't like that this once again was a cliffhanger. That's okay, I have the next one cued up already!
We continue with the adventures of Fin, his familiar Kraken, Lady Annika, and the motley assortment of people who dwell in the castle. Fin continues to be a charming main character, and his adventures serving his king, in and out of the kitchen serve delight, laughter and a teeny bit of tears. There were some powerful moments in this one, and we get to know Fin's mother Kate better. I loved reading about Kate's healing, and arguments with the Royal Physician, who clearly never trained with a midwife.
My favorite moments in this were the antics Kraken got up to away from the humans. He is a fully fleshed out personality all his own.
I didn't like that this once again was a cliffhanger. That's okay, I have the next one cued up already!
emspider's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The summary of this could legitimately be “wacky shenanigans ensue”. Nothing else really happens plot-wise.
imajelly's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ciphertextx's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0