starrysheep's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-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? No
4.25
kerasalwaysreading's review against another edition
3.0
I was so looking forward to this book for a long time. Magic, star crossed lovers, two boys who work for rivaling magicians making a real connection? I was anticipating this one… but I am saddened to say it fell kind of flat for me.
I appreciate the story and the magic. I enjoyed both Jack and Wilhelm and what they both came from. I thought the idea was impressive, but I was just kind of bored with the execution.
I appreciate the story and the magic. I enjoyed both Jack and Wilhelm and what they both came from. I thought the idea was impressive, but I was just kind of bored with the execution.
piperclover's review against another edition
I can't stomach this. I was intrigued by the premise, I was willing to overlook the fact that I hate historical fiction I got 5% into it, and I was thinking it was probably gonna be okay and then suddenly .
Spoiler
there's abuse of a teenager and a character handcuffs Wilhelm down so he can't run away and there were descriptions of his bloody scabbed wrists and I can't do it. I absolutely cannot listen to a story with multiple underage children being abused and held captive and tortured. I can't do it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
elodiethefangirl's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Kidnapping
bellagothh's review against another edition
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Child abuse, Death of parent, Racism, and Physical abuse
finneas's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
manolitagafotas's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
4.0
chipped_sporks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-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? No
4.0
readergrace's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
I first read this in its short story form as part of a LGBTQ+ anthology of short stories. I think it translated beautifully into a longer story, and I’m glad to have gotten to spend a bit more time with these characters.
arinreads's review against another edition
life's too short and i'm in a slumpy area of reading so let's not waste time
dnf @ 31%
dnf @ 31%