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ashtheaudiomancer's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was really fun! The idea of an eleven-year-old chemist obsessed with poisons as the amateur sleuth in this cozy series is inspired, and I am excited to read more of it. I could've done without the grossly exaggerated, and extremely racist, illusion story. Yes, it's integral to the plot, but having the stereotyped character was not.
Still going to read more in this series though!
Still going to read more in this series though!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs
sterlingreads's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
sarahagna's review
Flavia in this book is a little bit racist. Nothing absolutely horrific, but there are some slurs and micro-aggressive comments. I think the author probably tried to stay true to the setting of the the book, with it being set in the 1950s. But if a book is fiction, then it’s absolutely unnecessary for there to be racist language. It’s not the worst racism I’ve ever read, and definitely not worse than what they made us read in school (I’m looking at you Huckleberry Finn), and it can probably be overlooked if things like that don’t bother you. But if I am reading a fictional book, I don’t want any unnecessary racism, especially if it is nonessential to the story. I did however love the chemistry references in the book, as well as Flavia’s commentary on things. I have heard that the rest of the books in the series do not have anything derogatory in them, so I might try to continue the series, but I haven’t decided yet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Minor: Racism and Racial slurs
heatherinjapan's review against another edition
There were consistent racial micro aggressions and it got way too much when her father started talking about dressing like the racist stereotype of a Chinese man... 😬😬
Also why is this 11 YEAR OLD making creepy comments that only old men would make 👀 I don't think a child would be actively going around comparing furniture to lovers and mistresses and victim blaming girls who have been assaulted...
Also why is this 11 YEAR OLD making creepy comments that only old men would make 👀 I don't think a child would be actively going around comparing furniture to lovers and mistresses and victim blaming girls who have been assaulted...
Content Warnings
Minor: Cultural appropriation, Racial slurs, and Racism
lbutcher's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
kefowler's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
purplepenning's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Confinement
Moderate: Misogyny, Classism, Death, Xenophobia, Grief, Murder, Racism, Racial slurs, Suicide, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal death, Colonisation, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, Torture, Bullying, Cultural appropriation, Sexism, Death of parent, and War
About halfway through the book there's a long monologue that features an extended depiction of racist stereotypes, with a few others scattered throughout.
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