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bi_n_large's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I have a lot of “why” questions.
WHY did this book end with a sequel hook??
As soon as I realized we were headed for sequel territory, I immediately stopped caring about how the book would end.
WHY was my favorite character killed off?
Cora was my favorite of the MANY POV characters because of her ambition and brutality. I would have preferred to read an entire book about her. Sadly, she unwittingly sacrifices herself in the climax and is possessed by a goddess?? Probably?? She was the only character I really liked, so my investment in the sequel is compromised.
WHY did Dayna’s ex-boyfriend have a POV???
At no point did I feel like Sam needed to be in the narrative AT ALL. His true crime obsession didn’t add much to the plot and, OH, HE OUTED DAYNA. AND some of the comments he made throughout the book revealed a biphobic belief system? FUCK this guy!! Why should I care about him??
Because this book tried to set up so much, the plot felt chaotic throughout. I did like the OCD and bisexual rep, though, as well as Dayna’s relationship with her very religious father. If either of those elements had been explored in more depth (as was promised in the plot synopsis), this could have been one of my favorite reads of the year.
I’m of two minds about the sequel. I wouldn’t mind reading more about these messy magic girls.
If, however, it means stomaching 400 more pages of Sam the biphobe, I’ll pass.
WHY did this book end with a sequel hook??
As soon as I realized we were headed for sequel territory, I immediately stopped caring about how the book would end.
WHY was my favorite character killed off?
Cora was my favorite of the MANY POV characters because of her ambition and brutality. I would have preferred to read an entire book about her. Sadly, she unwittingly sacrifices herself in the climax and is possessed by a goddess?? Probably?? She was the only character I really liked, so my investment in the sequel is compromised.
WHY did Dayna’s ex-boyfriend have a POV???
At no point did I feel like Sam needed to be in the narrative AT ALL. His true crime obsession didn’t add much to the plot and, OH, HE OUTED DAYNA. AND some of the comments he made throughout the book revealed a biphobic belief system? FUCK this guy!! Why should I care about him??
Because this book tried to set up so much, the plot felt chaotic throughout. I did like the OCD and bisexual rep, though, as well as Dayna’s relationship with her very religious father. If either of those elements had been explored in more depth (as was promised in the plot synopsis), this could have been one of my favorite reads of the year.
I’m of two minds about the sequel. I wouldn’t mind reading more about these messy magic girls.
If, however, it means stomaching 400 more pages of Sam the biphobe, I’ll pass.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Outing, Bullying, Mental illness, and Animal death
Moderate: Murder, Violence, Death, and Blood
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