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A review by lookingmuchimproved
Minimum Wage Magic by Rachel Aaron
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
This was an extremely fun read. I loved the descriptions of the Detroit Free Zone (the most magical place in the world where almost anything is legal) and how the author has tech and magic mingle in the same city, opposites but both big business. I love this world she created of gods and dragons that still feels a little bit like our world, even a little bit like what Detroit is actually like, but only if you squint really hard because it's so steeped in fantasy.
I especially love the characters. In Opal, Aaron has created the perfect underdog character that people naturally want to root in, and those initial feelings are only increased as we get to know her more rather than becoming disillusioned. It's not that she never messes up, but the things that are really important to her at the end of the day are values most of us can't exactly dismiss. Her motivations make sense, not selfless but not ruthless either . . . Opal is very human, our plucky underdog.
The other characters are great, too. Aaron is careful to give every character that Opal works with their own motivation which makes them feel real and independent of the main character. This is especially important with the individual she ends up working closely with throughout most of the book because his history, motivations, and tactics are all very different and separate from hers. It made both characters hold up equally well in the partnership without one taking over more than the other or just seeming like they are the accessory to the other.
I usually don't read sequels to books right away, but I have already purchased the next two books in this series because I'm super intrigued and need to read more about these characters.
I especially love the characters. In Opal, Aaron has created the perfect underdog character that people naturally want to root in, and those initial feelings are only increased as we get to know her more rather than becoming disillusioned. It's not that she never messes up, but the things that are really important to her at the end of the day are values most of us can't exactly dismiss. Her motivations make sense, not selfless but not ruthless either . . . Opal is very human, our plucky underdog.
The other characters are great, too. Aaron is careful to give every character that Opal works with their own motivation which makes them feel real and independent of the main character. This is especially important with the individual she ends up working closely with throughout most of the book because his history, motivations, and tactics are all very different and separate from hers. It made both characters hold up equally well in the partnership without one taking over more than the other or just seeming like they are the accessory to the other.
I usually don't read sequels to books right away, but I have already purchased the next two books in this series because I'm super intrigued and need to read more about these characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Minor: Child abuse