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readivine's review against another edition
5.0
THE LOVE CHILD OF FIGHT CLUB, AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER AND, FULL METAL ALCHEMIST Yeah, I know it's a mouthful but Caster does execute well and draws parallel from these 3 works of art. I IMPLORE YOU TO READ THIS. I mean, the amount of reviews for this books is an injustice to its beauty?!?!
ACCESSIBLE WRITING COUPLED WITH A FAST-PACED PLOT
Caster takes off immediately when you read the first chapter. It doesn’t wastes its time with some niceties before diving in. It’s writing is simple, efficient, and utterly beautiful with its clarity. This makes the book more compelling because it shows you the essentials quickly without ever glossing them.
I love how Chapman paces each chapter because it’s not overdone to the point that you’re reeling with the plot sequences. Instead, it’s more visually appealing because you get to see the pauses and appreciate it more as it fleshes out Aza’s family life more rather than just getting high on the action.
I’m saying that this is visually appealing because it feels like watching a movie without the effort which is actually my most favorite thing about reading. I do think that this would be amazing to see on the big screen which is why I feel so frustrated that this hasn’t garnered much attention. THE INJUSTICE!
A REFRESHING CONTAINED STORYLINE WITHOUT THE BURDEN OF THE USUAL LARGE – SCALE END GAME
Most YA Fantasy books are centered in overthrowing a political regime or any form of systemic oppression, one that takes a lot of scheming and betrayal HAHAHA. Caster, on the other hand, offers a fresh take on the genre for me as it only divulges Aza’s struggles in regards to her family’s financial burden as well as the mystery of her sister’s death.
It doesn’t give you the burden of remembering the intricacies of the political system but only a slice of it in Aza’s perspective. I don’t mean that I don’t love large-scale end games in YA but it’s quite amazing to read such a contained storyline in this world which leads me to my next point.
LOGICAL YET INTRIGUING MAGIC SYSTEM
I fcking love this aspect because how casting works in this alternate dystopian China makes a whole lot of sense. It reminded me so much of Full Metal Alchemist, Avatar: The Last Air Bender and even, Jackie Chan Adventures (the cartoon one)!
It’s quite logical that the magic system works in a give and take setup for the caster because it gives the magic here more grounded as they literally draw power from the Earth. Basically, the casters draw a star on their palm and use a starter, the more points it has the more complex AND the more it takes a toll on their physical body.
Of course, my explanation is very generalized here but if you get to read the book you’ll see how much intricate the magic system is without ever being info-dumpy. Alongside this, this also lead me to question the ethical environmental issues here as technically, the casters destroy a little part of the Earth while casting.
The world-building of this book is a whole lot more complex if you try to focus not only in Aza’s life but also the implications of their underground magic tournaments, the people behind it, as well as the future of the Earth. It’s a bleak one my friends, but I wish to see more of this world!
SIMPLE YET SUPERB FIGHT SCENES
ISTG this is also one of the most amazing aspects of Caster! I really love how the fight scenes played out even if they weren’t so flashy and “out of this world”. The system of their “fight club” is so familiar and at the same time so unique because with every fight, we get to see a slice of the magical history of casters fleshed out especially that the Speaker of the game reiterates it. It’s just so intriguing and I can’t help but pine for Aza all the way as if I’m seeing the fight in real time.
LENDS PERSPECTIVE ON THE NARRATIVE OF INHERITED GUILT & FAMILY LEGACY
There’s a chock full of inherited guilt in this one and offers a take on how one process it and how one respond to it externally.
It just so happened that in this story, our MC responds by probing for answers of her sister’s death in an underground magical fighting tournament while also facing the immense pressure of paying debts and keeping the family legacy intact.
I actually felt very sad for Aza most of the time because of the struggles she faced on her own and I love that despite all this her love for her family pervades.
Overall, this is a memorable and easy read! I'm already loving my continuous streak of reading great books this year! :>
ACCESSIBLE WRITING COUPLED WITH A FAST-PACED PLOT
Caster takes off immediately when you read the first chapter. It doesn’t wastes its time with some niceties before diving in. It’s writing is simple, efficient, and utterly beautiful with its clarity. This makes the book more compelling because it shows you the essentials quickly without ever glossing them.
I love how Chapman paces each chapter because it’s not overdone to the point that you’re reeling with the plot sequences. Instead, it’s more visually appealing because you get to see the pauses and appreciate it more as it fleshes out Aza’s family life more rather than just getting high on the action.
I’m saying that this is visually appealing because it feels like watching a movie without the effort which is actually my most favorite thing about reading. I do think that this would be amazing to see on the big screen which is why I feel so frustrated that this hasn’t garnered much attention. THE INJUSTICE!
A REFRESHING CONTAINED STORYLINE WITHOUT THE BURDEN OF THE USUAL LARGE – SCALE END GAME
Most YA Fantasy books are centered in overthrowing a political regime or any form of systemic oppression, one that takes a lot of scheming and betrayal HAHAHA. Caster, on the other hand, offers a fresh take on the genre for me as it only divulges Aza’s struggles in regards to her family’s financial burden as well as the mystery of her sister’s death.
It doesn’t give you the burden of remembering the intricacies of the political system but only a slice of it in Aza’s perspective. I don’t mean that I don’t love large-scale end games in YA but it’s quite amazing to read such a contained storyline in this world which leads me to my next point.
LOGICAL YET INTRIGUING MAGIC SYSTEM
I fcking love this aspect because how casting works in this alternate dystopian China makes a whole lot of sense. It reminded me so much of Full Metal Alchemist, Avatar: The Last Air Bender and even, Jackie Chan Adventures (the cartoon one)!
It’s quite logical that the magic system works in a give and take setup for the caster because it gives the magic here more grounded as they literally draw power from the Earth. Basically, the casters draw a star on their palm and use a starter, the more points it has the more complex AND the more it takes a toll on their physical body.
Of course, my explanation is very generalized here but if you get to read the book you’ll see how much intricate the magic system is without ever being info-dumpy. Alongside this, this also lead me to question the ethical environmental issues here as technically, the casters destroy a little part of the Earth while casting.
The world-building of this book is a whole lot more complex if you try to focus not only in Aza’s life but also the implications of their underground magic tournaments, the people behind it, as well as the future of the Earth. It’s a bleak one my friends, but I wish to see more of this world!
SIMPLE YET SUPERB FIGHT SCENES
ISTG this is also one of the most amazing aspects of Caster! I really love how the fight scenes played out even if they weren’t so flashy and “out of this world”. The system of their “fight club” is so familiar and at the same time so unique because with every fight, we get to see a slice of the magical history of casters fleshed out especially that the Speaker of the game reiterates it. It’s just so intriguing and I can’t help but pine for Aza all the way as if I’m seeing the fight in real time.
LENDS PERSPECTIVE ON THE NARRATIVE OF INHERITED GUILT & FAMILY LEGACY
There’s a chock full of inherited guilt in this one and offers a take on how one process it and how one respond to it externally.
It just so happened that in this story, our MC responds by probing for answers of her sister’s death in an underground magical fighting tournament while also facing the immense pressure of paying debts and keeping the family legacy intact.
I actually felt very sad for Aza most of the time because of the struggles she faced on her own and I love that despite all this her love for her family pervades.
Overall, this is a memorable and easy read! I'm already loving my continuous streak of reading great books this year! :>
mbincolor's review against another edition
Took me forever to get through this, but I enjoyed Caster. The magic system and the consequences of using magic is solid; I enjoyed the tournament and I like the city's set up.
I'm looking forward to learning more about the rise of Saint Willow; how the people will remedy the Earth's destruction; who is in the Guild; and what happens to Jihen, Finch, Oliver and Embry.
I'm looking forward to learning more about the rise of Saint Willow; how the people will remedy the Earth's destruction; who is in the Guild; and what happens to Jihen, Finch, Oliver and Embry.
charlotte_reads_reviews's review against another edition
5.0
I. Loved. It.
I have never heard of the author before but I might just have to go and find some of her other books.
I have never heard of the author before but I might just have to go and find some of her other books.
missprint_'s review against another edition
3.0
Magic killed Aza Wu's sister. Shire had more experience and more innate talent as a caster than Aza. She was able to work in secret, completing illegal full magic spells for customers to help keep Wu Teas open and pay their required tributes to Saint Willow--the gang leader overseeing their sector of Lotusland.
Shire has been dead for almost a year and Aza is no closer to fully controlling her own abilities as a caster or paying back her family's mounting debts.
Desperate and just a little reckless, Aza's efforts to investigate Shire's death leads her to an underground casting tournament. Winning could be solve most of Aza's problems. But losing could leave her dead in Caster (2019) by Elsie Chapman.
Caster is a gritty urban fantasy set in a world where magic--that is, full magic--taps into the earth's energy and is slowly destroying it. Desperate to stave off further disasters, full casting has been declared illegal. But that doesn't change that some people still have the ability to cast--or the fact that it's the only option Aza sees for keeping her family afloat.
Stark prose, restrained world building, and suspense immediately draw readers into Aza's world and the web of intrigue surrounding her sister's death. High action and detailed fight scenes bring the casting tournament to life.
Caster seamlessly blends mystery and fantasy elements in this story where organized crime and full magic go hand in hand. Based on the ending, readers can only hope that this is but the first of Aza's adventures.
Possible Pairings: White Cat by Holly Black, The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, Devil's Pocket by John Dixon, Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst, The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, Unwind by Neal Shusterman
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration at BookExpo 2019*
Shire has been dead for almost a year and Aza is no closer to fully controlling her own abilities as a caster or paying back her family's mounting debts.
Desperate and just a little reckless, Aza's efforts to investigate Shire's death leads her to an underground casting tournament. Winning could be solve most of Aza's problems. But losing could leave her dead in Caster (2019) by Elsie Chapman.
Caster is a gritty urban fantasy set in a world where magic--that is, full magic--taps into the earth's energy and is slowly destroying it. Desperate to stave off further disasters, full casting has been declared illegal. But that doesn't change that some people still have the ability to cast--or the fact that it's the only option Aza sees for keeping her family afloat.
Stark prose, restrained world building, and suspense immediately draw readers into Aza's world and the web of intrigue surrounding her sister's death. High action and detailed fight scenes bring the casting tournament to life.
Caster seamlessly blends mystery and fantasy elements in this story where organized crime and full magic go hand in hand. Based on the ending, readers can only hope that this is but the first of Aza's adventures.
Possible Pairings: White Cat by Holly Black, The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, Devil's Pocket by John Dixon, Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst, The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, Unwind by Neal Shusterman
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration at BookExpo 2019*
monstersound's review against another edition
5.0
What the Hunger Games should have been
Gritty, tragic distopia, no hope, no redemption. This is a story of struggle and revenge, mounting consequences, grief, desperation, and survival. Once you start... it’s like a drug. Beware, or it will control you.
Gritty, tragic distopia, no hope, no redemption. This is a story of struggle and revenge, mounting consequences, grief, desperation, and survival. Once you start... it’s like a drug. Beware, or it will control you.
dragoneyes451's review against another edition
2.0
It's rare that I give a book 2 stars. It's probably a 2.5, but u just couldn't bring myself to give it 3. This book COULD have been amazing, the premise sounded great - the price of magic casting is destruction of the world.
I wanted so much more from the worldbuilding, and sadly that's where one-off fantasy usually fails. The book spent so much time focused on all of Aza's growing problems, when I just wanted more about the world and the tournament and the Guild and... You get the picture.
I think had it been written as multiple books, it would have given the writer more time to expand on all the really cool aspects. Unfortunately I have to say don't pick this one up.
I wanted so much more from the worldbuilding, and sadly that's where one-off fantasy usually fails. The book spent so much time focused on all of Aza's growing problems, when I just wanted more about the world and the tournament and the Guild and... You get the picture.
I think had it been written as multiple books, it would have given the writer more time to expand on all the really cool aspects. Unfortunately I have to say don't pick this one up.
ofliterarynature's review against another edition
3.0
If I’m being honest this probably deserves four stars, but I just really didn’t enjoy it. If I hadn’t already been halfway through and trying to finish my reading challenge I probably would have DNF’d.
shealea's review
5.0
Layered. This book is so beautifully, astonishingly layered. And it’s complemented by a powerful punch that quite literally took my breath away. And just when I thought it couldn’t possibly get any better, Elsie Chapman effortlessly pulled off a “ha bitch you thought” and set up a wildly fascinating premise for the sequel.
Not to exaggerate but the moment I finished Caster, I sat quietly for minutes, asked myself if this was a stand-alone novel, and then sent Elsie Chapman a message on Instagram that said:
I forgot about [the announcement of its sequel]. Djdnsjsjs. But tbh, if this /was/ a standalone, it would singlehandedly be the cruelest but also the most iconic thing anyone has ever done.
Because some stories can stand on their own, but Caster made everyone else bow, took the crown, and ran off with it. And then strutted back into the room wearing it.
I swear, all my metaphors would make sense if you read this book. So do it. Do it now.
Full review once I recover.
Highly recommended! (5 stars)
Not to exaggerate but the moment I finished Caster, I sat quietly for minutes, asked myself if this was a stand-alone novel, and then sent Elsie Chapman a message on Instagram that said:
I forgot about [the announcement of its sequel]. Djdnsjsjs. But tbh, if this /was/ a standalone, it would singlehandedly be the cruelest but also the most iconic thing anyone has ever done.
Because some stories can stand on their own, but Caster made everyone else bow, took the crown, and ran off with it. And then strutted back into the room wearing it.
I swear, all my metaphors would make sense if you read this book. So do it. Do it now.
Full review once I recover.
Highly recommended! (5 stars)
victoria1111's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
cassidyreadss's review against another edition
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, so thank you to Scholastic Canada!
Given Goodreads lack of half star rating ability I had to rate this book 3 stars, but a more accurate rating would be 3.5 stars! Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it just lacked a couple elements that would have pushed my rating to a 4 or 5 star. I've seen a lot of people comparing this to The Last Airbender and Fight Club, and I think that's a pretty accurate comparison as this book definitely had elements of both those things.
This story takes place in a dark dystopia/fantasy world that has Chinese cultural influences. Dystopia because the world they live in feels that way, but there is a magic element added to that. I really loved that environment, it was super dark and gritty and everyone was kind of out for themselves. I thought the Chapman did a really good job with world building. I really liked how the aspects of Chinese culture were woven into this story, but I wish the author added even more of that influence!
The fact that magic in this society is forbidden really added a high stakes element that kept you flipping the page. Our main character has magic and enters into a casting competition while trying to figure out how her sister died. Throughout her time in the competition she learns more and more about the secret life her sister was leading and how those secrets may have played a part in her death. Aza was a really good main character and I liked how hard she fought for what she believes in and how she had such unconditional love for her sister. We get a few glimpses into what Aza's grieving process was after her sisters death and I thought that was interesting to read. I also appreciated that a romantic plot was not front and centre (it probably will be in the sequel, but I like when a YA doesn't rely on a romance to make the plot).
The reason I gave this book 3.5 stars is mainly because of the underdeveloped magic system. I found the magic system confusing at most times and could never get a full grasp on it even by the end of the book. I also sometimes felt that Aza was handed a lot of answers, instead of her finding those answers out for herself, so some of the mystery was lost there.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book and I will be picking up the sequel!
Given Goodreads lack of half star rating ability I had to rate this book 3 stars, but a more accurate rating would be 3.5 stars! Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it just lacked a couple elements that would have pushed my rating to a 4 or 5 star. I've seen a lot of people comparing this to The Last Airbender and Fight Club, and I think that's a pretty accurate comparison as this book definitely had elements of both those things.
This story takes place in a dark dystopia/fantasy world that has Chinese cultural influences. Dystopia because the world they live in feels that way, but there is a magic element added to that. I really loved that environment, it was super dark and gritty and everyone was kind of out for themselves. I thought the Chapman did a really good job with world building. I really liked how the aspects of Chinese culture were woven into this story, but I wish the author added even more of that influence!
The fact that magic in this society is forbidden really added a high stakes element that kept you flipping the page. Our main character has magic and enters into a casting competition while trying to figure out how her sister died. Throughout her time in the competition she learns more and more about the secret life her sister was leading and how those secrets may have played a part in her death. Aza was a really good main character and I liked how hard she fought for what she believes in and how she had such unconditional love for her sister. We get a few glimpses into what Aza's grieving process was after her sisters death and I thought that was interesting to read. I also appreciated that a romantic plot was not front and centre (it probably will be in the sequel, but I like when a YA doesn't rely on a romance to make the plot).
The reason I gave this book 3.5 stars is mainly because of the underdeveloped magic system. I found the magic system confusing at most times and could never get a full grasp on it even by the end of the book. I also sometimes felt that Aza was handed a lot of answers, instead of her finding those answers out for herself, so some of the mystery was lost there.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book and I will be picking up the sequel!