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thereadingrogue's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
thereadingwren's review
2.0
2/5
The premise was great but the execution wasn't the best. I don't know how to describe it but the story didn't hook me, I basically skim read the whole thing. I normally love a good quest with tests and trials but the way it was handled here wasn't engaging. Each trial was solved far too easily and the reasons for the trials weren't explained well enough. The characters were also very bland and I didn't care for them at all.
The premise was great but the execution wasn't the best. I don't know how to describe it but the story didn't hook me, I basically skim read the whole thing. I normally love a good quest with tests and trials but the way it was handled here wasn't engaging. Each trial was solved far too easily and the reasons for the trials weren't explained well enough. The characters were also very bland and I didn't care for them at all.
noras_tales's review
3.0
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This in no way influences my opinion of the book.
I have to say, this would be excellent for anyone looking for a quick, sweet, fantastical read. Unfortunately, I wish this had been longer so that it could have properly developed the characters, the plot, and the worldbuilding. I think all three of these elements were okay, but could have left a larger, more satisfying impact had they simply been given more time. I didn't let the fact that this is a novella effect my rating, but I'm starting to realize I'm just not really a fan of novellas in general.
I still sympathized with the characters despite my brief time with them, and I loved that - though this had dark and grim moments - this had such cozy, 'curled up on the couch with tea and a sleeping cat in a witch's cottage surrounded by dried herbs, potted plants on a rainy day while my wife is concocting potions and healing salves' vibes. As mentioned by a previous reviewer on Goodreads, this had a similar tone and feeling to Ghibli films. It's whimsical and fantastical, and as mentioned before, very cozy. I liked our main characters and the world they lived in - I simply wanted more and was left feeling only somewhat satisfied.
I have to say, this would be excellent for anyone looking for a quick, sweet, fantastical read. Unfortunately, I wish this had been longer so that it could have properly developed the characters, the plot, and the worldbuilding. I think all three of these elements were okay, but could have left a larger, more satisfying impact had they simply been given more time. I didn't let the fact that this is a novella effect my rating, but I'm starting to realize I'm just not really a fan of novellas in general.
I still sympathized with the characters despite my brief time with them, and I loved that - though this had dark and grim moments - this had such cozy, 'curled up on the couch with tea and a sleeping cat in a witch's cottage surrounded by dried herbs, potted plants on a rainy day while my wife is concocting potions and healing salves' vibes. As mentioned by a previous reviewer on Goodreads, this had a similar tone and feeling to Ghibli films. It's whimsical and fantastical, and as mentioned before, very cozy. I liked our main characters and the world they lived in - I simply wanted more and was left feeling only somewhat satisfied.
raebrock's review
3.0
Novellas are hit or miss for me. I liked the premise of this one and the characters and the writing was beautiful. I actually felt the flashbacks were executed really well, despite what other reviewers have said. And the world building was actually not bad for such a short book in a fantasy world.
What it lacked was the emotional connection, and I honestly think there just wasn’t enough time to tell the story and fully develop the characters and their relationships. The journey into The Bone Way would have been so much more climatic, the stakes so much higher, if we were already invested in their love story. I also think there is so much more to be told about the princess - her story could be so much more intricate, her choices more ethically ambiguous than they appear on the surface. I think there’s enough story here for a full book so I don’t know why the author went the novella route. I enjoyed it but would have enjoyed it more if I could’ve connected with the characters prior to their journey.
What it lacked was the emotional connection, and I honestly think there just wasn’t enough time to tell the story and fully develop the characters and their relationships. The journey into The Bone Way would have been so much more climatic, the stakes so much higher, if we were already invested in their love story. I also think there is so much more to be told about the princess - her story could be so much more intricate, her choices more ethically ambiguous than they appear on the surface. I think there’s enough story here for a full book so I don’t know why the author went the novella route. I enjoyed it but would have enjoyed it more if I could’ve connected with the characters prior to their journey.
widae's review against another edition
3.75
This book lacks a bit of editing (I did actually laugh out loud when someone says "I hate this god forsaken realm" (paraphrasing a bit) and the other answers "same") and it does feel a bit rushed and underdeveloped, even for a short story. However, the premise was great and it was an enjoyable read.
cbfredriks's review
3.0
*Thank you to Netgalley and NYX Publishing for sending me an e-arc in return for my honest review.*
3/5
In general this was a sweet sapphic retelling of the Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, but in the end it lacked in certain areas.
The romance between the main character and her wife was mostly established through flashbacks, which I'm not a huge fan of. Furthermore, there was almost no apparent worldbuilding. I never got the feeling that I could immerse myself into the world because the descriptive part of the story was entirely neglected in favor of a lot of "action".
The writing style in general was nice, but nothing groundbreaking. I did get a little annoyed with the author's habit of starting almost every paragraph with the main character's name.
Nevertheless, the main character was very enjoyable and easy to root for. It took me some time but I came around to the ending after a while. I did expect something a little different though.
3/5
In general this was a sweet sapphic retelling of the Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, but in the end it lacked in certain areas.
The romance between the main character and her wife was mostly established through flashbacks, which I'm not a huge fan of. Furthermore, there was almost no apparent worldbuilding. I never got the feeling that I could immerse myself into the world because the descriptive part of the story was entirely neglected in favor of a lot of "action".
The writing style in general was nice, but nothing groundbreaking. I did get a little annoyed with the author's habit of starting almost every paragraph with the main character's name.
Nevertheless, the main character was very enjoyable and easy to root for. It took me some time but I came around to the ending after a while. I did expect something a little different though.
dragonrawr's review
fast-paced
2.25
I don't wanna be so negative but it didn't do it for me. I think part of it was that it went rather fast. It would have been nice to see more good sides of their relationship and not only hearing about it...
bookswraiths's review
3.5
3.5 stars.
A sapphic spin on Eurydice and Orpheus, I wouldn't exactly call it a retelling but the themes are definitely there.
I found the world whimsical and the lore interesting, the romance was also so sweet although I didn't feel too connected to the characters which made me care less.
A sapphic spin on Eurydice and Orpheus, I wouldn't exactly call it a retelling but the themes are definitely there.
I found the world whimsical and the lore interesting, the romance was also so sweet although I didn't feel too connected to the characters which made me care less.