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azuoliukas_wordpress_com's review
Thank you author and TheStoryGraph for a chance to win this novel in a giveaway.
I enjoyed it most of the time, but the illogic-ness of certain plot points was nagging at me. I could suspend my disbelief most of the time, and excused the illogicness arguing that without it, the book wouldn't happen, but then the culmination played entirely on those plot points and so I couldn't really enjoy the book any more. Which is a pity, because until then it was a fun, immersive read with a unique premise, and I found MC really relatable.
Well, I'm just the kind of person who wants her sci fi and fantasy be realistic.
The resolution came out of the blue, but it was cute enough. BUT. If Gabby would have actually studied genetics, she wouldn't have called a calico cat "he". Calico and turtleshell cats are always female, because the orange and black colours are coded in the X chromosomes. To have both black and orange, the cat has to have two X chromosomes, which means, they are female. Therefore you can always refer to calico and turtleshell cats as "she", as the chances for the cat to have Klinefelter syndrome (XXY male) are pretty slim. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk. Assuming that a calico cat is male always sets me off. But hey, dear reader, now you know!
In order to not to end this review in such a grating tone, I want to emphasise that I enjoyed this book most of the time. Hey, it's YA, and I've finished it, and even liked it, so it's something!
I enjoyed it most of the time, but the illogic-ness of certain plot points was nagging at me. I could suspend my disbelief most of the time, and excused the illogicness arguing that without it, the book wouldn't happen, but then the culmination played entirely on those plot points and so I couldn't really enjoy the book any more. Which is a pity, because until then it was a fun, immersive read with a unique premise, and I found MC really relatable.
Well, I'm just the kind of person who wants her sci fi and fantasy be realistic.
The resolution came out of the blue, but it was cute enough. BUT. If Gabby would have actually studied genetics, she wouldn't have called a calico cat "he". Calico and turtleshell cats are always female, because the orange and black colours are coded in the X chromosomes. To have both black and orange, the cat has to have two X chromosomes, which means, they are female. Therefore you can always refer to calico and turtleshell cats as "she", as the chances for the cat to have Klinefelter syndrome (XXY male) are pretty slim. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk. Assuming that a calico cat is male always sets me off. But hey, dear reader, now you know!
In order to not to end this review in such a grating tone, I want to emphasise that I enjoyed this book most of the time. Hey, it's YA, and I've finished it, and even liked it, so it's something!
saniyamuz's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, Death, Self harm, Suicide attempt, and Abandonment
lilbirdh's review
5.0
This was an excellent fantasy book as a starter to the series! Great writing, characters, and story.
I received a free copy via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
lails_x's review
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
chaoticbookgremlin's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
elsie_af's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This coming of age story mixes magic into the normal struggles of a teenage girl, Gabby. I think I might just be too old for this story, the premise was great and there are lots of plot threads to pull at, but I struggled to resonate with any of the characters.
jrhans's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
I typically don’t read coming of age stories anymore but this was fun. The humor was laugh out loud funny, the relatability in having to make difficult decisions that nobody can help you make and the cute young romance. This was a fun book from start to finish.
writing_bear's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Darkhaven is superb, jam-packed with action and relatable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed following Gabby's journey and really related to her because she kind of reminded me of myself back in high school, struggling with decisions and devouring chocolate. Looking forward to reading the rest of the Lightless Prophecy!
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide attempt and Self harm
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