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daffodilcherry's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
I liked the central mystery, and the cast of characters that surrounded it were well fleshed out and real. The worldbuilding was just deep enough to keep the book moving, which was fine and explainable as Ivy doesn't understand much either. The heart of this story really was the relationship between Tabitha and Ivy rather than solving the mystery at times. I listened to this as an audiobook and Xe Sands perfected the world weary private detective vibe.
Definitely a great read, 4/5 stars since I'm feeling a little fatigue at American highschool stories. Secondary characters were in sapphic relationships, but the main character is very into a (bi) man, which was written sweetly. Specific content warnings will be explained below.
Wheelhouses: noir detective, snarky and self aware noir detective POV, magic school, highschool through the eyes of an adult, mean girls cliques, chosen one narratives with a twist, sapphic side characters, sister estrangement and reconciliation.
Graphic: Body horror, Abortion, and Blood
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
A major story arc is about Ivy uncovering a teen pregnancy who then has a magical abortion, which itself is a body horror experience without pain:abbiechron's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Medical content, Murder, Medical trauma, and Abortion
Moderate: Death of parent, Gore, Blood, Alcohol, Body horror, Cancer, Terminal illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Vomit, Bullying, and Stalking
turrean's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The audiobook was FANTASTIC.
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Blood, Cancer, Medical trauma, Abortion, and Bullying
Minor: Pregnancy and Terminal illness
jes7037's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
The writing was great, sometimes funny and snarky, sometimes emotional and reflective, sometimes tense and dark. The relationships between characters (especially Ivy and Tabitha) were complex and emotional, with some of Ivy's inner thoughts causing me emotional damage with how poignant and raw they were. The characters felt real in the way they interacted, and I actually enjoyed the romance in this book.
The world and its magic were so interesting, especially the combination of medical and magical.
The audiobook voice actor was absolutely amazing, and I want to listen to more books narrated by them. And of course, I'm going to devour anything else this author has written.
Graphic: Cancer, Body horror, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Death and Pregnancy
Minor: Toxic friendship, Vomit, and Bullying
alithomas's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Abortion and Alcoholism
Moderate: Blood, Pregnancy, and Cancer
bodybeingsoulstl's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
You might like this book if you...
... dreamed of being at Hogwarts
... like being a detective / sleuth
... have a strainted relationship with your sister
Graphic: Blood, Death, Cancer, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Murder, and Abortion
Moderate: Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Grief
bzliz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It seems like Ivy was a divisive character for a lot of people but I don’t mind her characterization. She doesn’t come off as whiny to me; she’s just a person who’s holding on to a grudge that developed in her formative years and was then left behind in a traumatic situation. It would be weird for that to not leave some psychological scars. Anyone who doesn’t understand that should count their blessings. On the flip side- damn, I know she’s a PI not a trained cop but she misses so many little slips as people are talking and it was a little frustrating. There were times I wanted to shake her and tell her to put down the drink and listen!
I’m split 50/50 on the ambiguous ending. On one hand, I’m fine with her choice to let the responsible party own up to their misdeeds. On the other, I would’ve liked a little more hope for her person life, such as Rahul opening the door or meeting her on the steps leaving more room for a potential reconciliation.
Also, if there’s a teacher who’s been the subject of many rumors of involvement with students and he’s a douche to everyone, just get rid of him. He shouldn’t be around children. And why is it always English teachers?
Graphic: Blood, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Body horror, Grief, Abortion, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cancer, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, and Self harm
librarymouse's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Alcohol, Medical content, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Toxic friendship, Abortion, Blood, Death of parent, Gore, and Mental illness
Moderate: Pregnancy and Bullying
sn03's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Pregnancy, Cancer, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, Gore, Alcohol, and Death of parent
arsrose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Pregnancy, Cancer, and Chronic illness