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littleduckreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
dpombal's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ashley_apairofreaders's review against another edition
4.0
4.25/5
I really enjoyed this gritty and fantastical mystery with fantasy and romance elements. The characters fit well into the world. Though I really wish we had gotten an Adrius POV mixed in. I needed certain scenes from his perspective.
I liked the whole themes of trust, corruption, ambition, and loss present in the book. Can’t wait to see where the final book in the duology goes. Because that ending was something. I legit went “wait, that’s it?!”
I really enjoyed this gritty and fantastical mystery with fantasy and romance elements. The characters fit well into the world. Though I really wish we had gotten an Adrius POV mixed in. I needed certain scenes from his perspective.
I liked the whole themes of trust, corruption, ambition, and loss present in the book. Can’t wait to see where the final book in the duology goes. Because that ending was something. I legit went “wait, that’s it?!”
sdematos1443's review
adventurous
mysterious
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
3.5
lyakimov's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
The world was pretty interesting! I feel like we didn't really get that much world building, but we got just enough to follow the story. I am much more interested in the marshes and the criminal underworld of the city, and not the Evergarden. The "fake dating" was a little ridiculous, it kind of just felt thrown in there, and there really wasn't a reason for that to happen because Marlow could have been investigating Adrius's curse mostly outside of the Evergarden, and there were clear ways that she could have held the investigation without the fake dating. It wasn't completely necessary, but it was fine how it was. I do enjoy some fake dating and I did enjoy the drama that occurred, but it got a little frustrating by the end because everyone at the Evergarden kept repeating how Marlow didn't belong there. We get it!! It just felt a little repetitive.
I think that the relationship between Adrius and Marlow did have some good pieces, but it was so odd to me. When Adrius tells her about why he was so horrible and rude to her, it's like we are supposed to blame Marlow. How is it Marlow's fault that Adrius behaved poorly and took out his anger on her? All of it is because she is a lower-class girl, and it's not like she could change that. How is he blaming her for being born poor....whatever, it's just ridiculous. He was super classist and didn't develop his opinions and learn others' perspectives - he just kept being his same annoying self the whole book, so I don't really like him because he can't accept Marlow for who she is.
I do like Marlow's friendships with Swift and Gemma! I always like friendships much more than romances. Also, the plot was pretty entertaining and I liked the mystery. I am definitely going to read the sequel because I am really curious how the plot is going to play out.
The world was pretty interesting! I feel like we didn't really get that much world building, but we got just enough to follow the story. I am much more interested in the marshes and the criminal underworld of the city, and not the Evergarden. The "fake dating" was a little ridiculous, it kind of just felt thrown in there, and there really wasn't a reason for that to happen because Marlow could have been investigating Adrius's curse mostly outside of the Evergarden, and there were clear ways that she could have held the investigation without the fake dating. It wasn't completely necessary, but it was fine how it was. I do enjoy some fake dating and I did enjoy the drama that occurred, but it got a little frustrating by the end because everyone at the Evergarden kept repeating how Marlow didn't belong there. We get it!! It just felt a little repetitive.
I think that the relationship between Adrius and Marlow did have some good pieces, but it was so odd to me. When Adrius tells her about why he was so horrible and rude to her, it's like we are supposed to blame Marlow. How is it Marlow's fault that Adrius behaved poorly and took out his anger on her? All of it is because she is a lower-class girl, and it's not like she could change that. How is he blaming her for being born poor....whatever, it's just ridiculous. He was super classist and didn't develop his opinions and learn others' perspectives - he just kept being his same annoying self the whole book, so I don't really like him because he can't accept Marlow for who she is.
I do like Marlow's friendships with Swift and Gemma! I always like friendships much more than romances. Also, the plot was pretty entertaining and I liked the mystery. I am definitely going to read the sequel because I am really curious how the plot is going to play out.
bethanyyoung86's review against another edition
5.0
I received an ARC of Garden of the Cursed and I am so glad I did. The premise sounded like so much fun, and it did not disappoint. I especially enjoyed the unique magic system. High society fake dating, territory and gang battles, curse breaking, heists and mystery are the perfect combination for a new fast paced series. I loved Marlow as a character and the found family she has in Swift. I found Adrius as a love interest from her past and present to be a perfect foil for her Marlow's feelings as they reunited to figure out the mystery of her mother's disappearance and all that was happening behind the scenes. I was surprised by some of the twists and that cliffhanger leaves me itching for the next book .
mushumom124's review
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
I found the main character to be really immature and reckless for no good reason. While I realize this allows for more character growth, she was just too foolish to me. There were multiple times she jumped to hasty/bad conclusions that were not supported and were justified as her protecting herself when really it was her not wanting to think things through. This said the plot premise was interesting, I just don’t know that I’ll continue on.
cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Well, this was highly entertaining. The plot was interesting, and while romance was full of logging, misscomnication was aggravating. I'm so glad I have an arc for the second book because I want answers.
Well, this was highly entertaining. The plot was interesting, and while romance was full of logging, misscomnication was aggravating. I'm so glad I have an arc for the second book because I want answers.