A review by faerieoftheforest
Modern Divination by Isabel Agajanian
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I picked this book up a month ago but could not get past the first few pages. The writing was unnecessarily verbose and dense. I feel like the author used way too many descriptors to the point that some scenes were confusing and muddled. I immediately dnfed but decided to try again. I picked up right where I left off the first time. I enjoyed the story much more than before after I got used to the writing. Despite the issues I had with it, this author is definitely talented and had some very beautifully written lines. I just think it needed better editing.
The main character, Aurelia, was a little insufferable in the beginning. A little bit of "woe is me"/"nobody has it harder than me" vibes. ✨ I felt that her hatred for Teddy was uncalled for. It was to the point of obsession really and it made me uncomfortable. She was very obviously projecting her own inadequacies and resentment onto him. They would bicker for seemingly no reason. I suppose this was the point though because it gave her an opportunity to grow and be more comfortable with vulnerability. Even though she frustrated me at times, I did honestly relate to her character. She is flawed but that's what makes her human. She and Teddy were really cute together once they stopped "hating" each other. Because of the slow burn, their love felt intense and genuine. The romance is easily the best part of the book and was very well done. 💞
The plot is basically non-existent/ underwhelming. It is a very slow-paced and character-driven story. It is quiet, cozy, and magical. It mostly takes place in a cottage in a small town so there is little to no action or adventure. If it had a stronger plot and antagonist I would have easily given this five stars! I recommend if you like witches, fall/wintertime, cottagecore, and/or academic rivals to lovers.
The main character, Aurelia, was a little insufferable in the beginning. A little bit of "woe is me"/"nobody has it harder than me" vibes. ✨ I felt that her hatred for Teddy was uncalled for. It was to the point of obsession really and it made me uncomfortable. She was very obviously projecting her own inadequacies and resentment onto him. They would bicker for seemingly no reason. I suppose this was the point though because it gave her an opportunity to grow and be more comfortable with vulnerability. Even though she frustrated me at times, I did honestly relate to her character. She is flawed but that's what makes her human. She and Teddy were really cute together once they stopped "hating" each other. Because of the slow burn, their love felt intense and genuine. The romance is easily the best part of the book and was very well done. 💞
The plot is basically non-existent/ underwhelming. It is a very slow-paced and character-driven story. It is quiet, cozy, and magical. It mostly takes place in a cottage in a small town so there is little to no action or adventure. If it had a stronger plot and antagonist I would have easily given this five stars! I recommend if you like witches, fall/wintertime, cottagecore, and/or academic rivals to lovers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Animal death, Sexual content, and Murder
Moderate: Vomit