Scan barcode
mintcake's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
shanndelier's review
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
I received an ARC of this book for free and truly enjoyed it from start to finish. This was a really engaging book that blended fantasy with West African civilization in a way that felt very natural and that was honestly, very fun. Often, with YA fantasy, I find myself unable to move past glaring plot holes. This book was so well-rounded in every aspect that I didn't really notice any plot holes that kept me from moving forward.
There's a genuine sweetness to be found in this book - from the romance to the found family aspects - and it really buoyed my heart along. What stops this book from being overly saccharine are the very real world problems that the author weaves in, like abuse of power and child labor.
I was rooting for the main character while also being invested in all the secondary characters, which is a hard balance to strike. My only real criticism of this book is that parts of the ending felt like it wrapped up a little too neatly (and easily) for some characters but that's a personal preference.
There's a genuine sweetness to be found in this book - from the romance to the found family aspects - and it really buoyed my heart along. What stops this book from being overly saccharine are the very real world problems that the author weaves in, like abuse of power and child labor.
I was rooting for the main character while also being invested in all the secondary characters, which is a hard balance to strike. My only real criticism of this book is that parts of the ending felt like it wrapped up a little too neatly (and easily) for some characters but that's a personal preference.
misanthropic_bibliophile's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
5.0
*I got this as an arc from netgalley
I absolutely am obsessed with this book. I love the world and characters so much. It was so wonderful to return to Aritsar and to see another side to life there. This book contains such depth of themes about both societal issues and personal struggles to see yourself as worthy. I loveeee how it connects to Raybearer and Redemptor!! It’s absolutely genius and I’m going to be shouting from the rooftops about it until it comes out and then after. 🦎
If you love Howl’s Moving Castle you must read The Maid and the Crocodile. It is written in the deep laws of the universe.
More spoilery thoughts:
- The fact that Sade is telling the story TO TARISAI the whole time!!! I started suspected but when it was confirmed aaaaaaaah
- I just love the details of Sade’s spirit cleaning and I love the joy she has in it, and I loved how she decided to leave the dream moss and joy moths and nurture them ughhh this magic is so specific and wonderful I LOVEEEE ITTT
- When Sanjeet was there to help her at the end and he remembered her
- Ye Eun and Dele
- the only disappointment was I didn’t get to see Dayo but it’s ok
- Kirah is off preparing for her WEDDINGGGG
- the romance was so freaking adorable I found myself giggling I love them so much
- Croc is very stylish
- the canes he made for her 😭 the elevator 😭 the shower 😭
- i want a found family like the Amenities awwww they are the best!!!
- i have never seen a fantasy book address the harsh treatment of domestic workers quite like this one. I loved the scene where Sade used her voice to get the crowd of people to join together. Ughh I could write an academic paper on this and it’s so seamlessly woven into the fantastical elements and character arcs it’s just PERFECTION.
- this is getting long but I LOVE I LOVE I LOVE
I absolutely am obsessed with this book. I love the world and characters so much. It was so wonderful to return to Aritsar and to see another side to life there. This book contains such depth of themes about both societal issues and personal struggles to see yourself as worthy. I loveeee how it connects to Raybearer and Redemptor!! It’s absolutely genius and I’m going to be shouting from the rooftops about it until it comes out and then after. 🦎
If you love Howl’s Moving Castle you must read The Maid and the Crocodile. It is written in the deep laws of the universe.
More spoilery thoughts:
- The fact that Sade is telling the story TO TARISAI the whole time!!! I started suspected but when it was confirmed aaaaaaaah
- I just love the details of Sade’s spirit cleaning and I love the joy she has in it, and I loved how she decided to leave the dream moss and joy moths and nurture them ughhh this magic is so specific and wonderful I LOVEEEE ITTT
- When Sanjeet was there to help her at the end and he remembered her
- Ye Eun and Dele
- the only disappointment was I didn’t get to see Dayo but it’s ok
- Kirah is off preparing for her WEDDINGGGG
- the romance was so freaking adorable I found myself giggling I love them so much
- Croc is very stylish
- the canes he made for her 😭 the elevator 😭 the shower 😭
- i want a found family like the Amenities awwww they are the best!!!
- i have never seen a fantasy book address the harsh treatment of domestic workers quite like this one. I loved the scene where Sade used her voice to get the crowd of people to join together. Ughh I could write an academic paper on this and it’s so seamlessly woven into the fantastical elements and character arcs it’s just PERFECTION.
- this is getting long but I LOVE I LOVE I LOVE
bookishwitherin's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
Can I give this book 6 stars!!!! AMAZING. PHENOMENAL. SHOW STOPPING. Seriously Jordan writes the BEST found family and she has just a great way of hitting you right in the gut at the end of each chapter. She will definitely be an auto-buy author for me! So so grateful I received this ARC! Everyone go read this when it comes out in August. Sade was just perfect and the book covered so many important themes!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Domestic abuse
More...