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catmom2192's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
tencutepuppies's review
4.0
(4.25) This book was almost exactly what I was expecting, but in a good way. As in, it met the standards I had for it and gave me everything I wanted in a creepy gothic enemies to lovers stand-alone.
I don’t read many stand-alones because I prefer the more in-depth character work that can be done over a series, but this book was about the best character work I think a plot-driven standalone like this could have done. Did we know a ton about Wren’s deeper motivations? Nope, not at all! Was Hal’s backstory a little too cliche and cheesy for the darker tones I was anticipating?? Yes!! But the way I was glued to this book for the day and a half it took me to read it overrides those surface-level characterizations for me. The creepiness of the mansion, Una and Wren’s whole dynamic as both child soldiers and mutual pining bffs, and the descriptions of anatomical workings correlating to Wren’s healing power really sold it. Though the story ties up very neatly at the end, I think it also could have been really cool as maybe a duology. That way, it could have expanded upon those things I wanted to get more of.
I don’t read many stand-alones because I prefer the more in-depth character work that can be done over a series, but this book was about the best character work I think a plot-driven standalone like this could have done. Did we know a ton about Wren’s deeper motivations? Nope, not at all! Was Hal’s backstory a little too cliche and cheesy for the darker tones I was anticipating?? Yes!! But the way I was glued to this book for the day and a half it took me to read it overrides those surface-level characterizations for me. The creepiness of the mansion, Una and Wren’s whole dynamic as both child soldiers and mutual pining bffs, and the descriptions of anatomical workings correlating to Wren’s healing power really sold it. Though the story ties up very neatly at the end, I think it also could have been really cool as maybe a duology. That way, it could have expanded upon those things I wanted to get more of.
mapey's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
devynbrown's review
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Cute story, fun magic system. A little bit slow moving for my taste, but some cool world building
alexa336's review against another edition
4.0
The more I think about it, I did like it a lot. Not gonna lie, was a bit confused at times about the motivations and all, but Alison Saft is a good writer and this book is good. Wren is a really interesting character and I liked how hers and Hal’s relationship developed.
vonderbash's review
4.0
I received an advanced copy of this through Goodreads giveaways.
This is such a wonderful book. If you like ACOTAR or The Cruel Prince, add this to your TBR.
The writing is beautiful. So many wonderful metaphors! Wren is a diverse, strong character and I love her narration.
I want more! I want to know what happens next. I hope this is the start to a series. I love the world and the blend of science and magic. It has the right amount of action and romance in a dark atmosphere.
This is such a wonderful book. If you like ACOTAR or The Cruel Prince, add this to your TBR.
The writing is beautiful. So many wonderful metaphors! Wren is a diverse, strong character and I love her narration.
I want more! I want to know what happens next. I hope this is the start to a series. I love the world and the blend of science and magic. It has the right amount of action and romance in a dark atmosphere.
booloney's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
Enemies to lovers and sunshine/grumpy in a magical world where two countries are at war.
courtney_saba's review
5.0
Overall: 4.5 stars, rounded up.
Wow, yes! 2021 book slump is redeemed with this book! I'm so happy this wasn't a disappointment.
Some viewers may be writing that this book isn't Gothic enough, isn't dark enough, doesn't have enough horror elements in it, or is potentially predictable. But you know what? I really freaking enjoyed this book. I didn't need it to be the best Gothic book or the best dark book I've ever read. I didn't need it to be something it wasn't, or something that would cater to all readers. I needed to be entertained and believe in the story itself. And the author executed this brilliantly and I wouldn't change anything.
I loved the setting, the magic rules and limitations, the history, culture, and religion of these warring countries, the plot, and the worldbuilding. Was it extremely detailed? Not really, but I didn't need it to be because I couldn't put this book down. I thought it was really unique how the magic system worked and how science contributed and influenced the realism of the magic system. My career is in the medical field and so I really enjoyed all the medical jargon and anatomical references. You could tell that the author did some research, and I appreciated that.
The strongest and most entertaining part of this book was the romance. It was an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn deliciousness that kept me glued to the page. They talked about philosophy, their own prejudices, who they are with and without their magic, and how forgiveness, compassion, and working for peace can mean sacrifice and hard work. It was genuine, so very intimate, gentle, and meaningful. Their relationship is everything I look for, and I was very pleased with the outcome.
Was this book original? There were unique elements and styles, and there was a maturity to the writing that I really appreciated, but in the end, no, this book wasn't 100% original. Did I need it to be 100% original? No, because I enjoyed the hell out of this book and sometimes good writing and storytelling can trump the original status. There were not any major tropes or cliches that I can think of, any that would make it unbearable to read. There were no Mary Sues or special snowflakes. The gothic genre is not as familiar to me as other genres, but there definitely was a Gothic tone to the book. The overarching plot and execution of the idea were superb, and I couldn't really ask for more.
Would I re-read this book? Yes.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I think anyone would enjoy this book if they enjoy a slow-burn romance, a magical system that's unique, and genuine intimacy and maturity between characters, not to mention storytelling.
Was I entertained? Yes. I couldn't put the book down.
Enjoy, Goodreads fiends.
Wow, yes! 2021 book slump is redeemed with this book! I'm so happy this wasn't a disappointment.
Some viewers may be writing that this book isn't Gothic enough, isn't dark enough, doesn't have enough horror elements in it, or is potentially predictable. But you know what? I really freaking enjoyed this book. I didn't need it to be the best Gothic book or the best dark book I've ever read. I didn't need it to be something it wasn't, or something that would cater to all readers. I needed to be entertained and believe in the story itself. And the author executed this brilliantly and I wouldn't change anything.
I loved the setting, the magic rules and limitations, the history, culture, and religion of these warring countries, the plot, and the worldbuilding. Was it extremely detailed? Not really, but I didn't need it to be because I couldn't put this book down. I thought it was really unique how the magic system worked and how science contributed and influenced the realism of the magic system. My career is in the medical field and so I really enjoyed all the medical jargon and anatomical references. You could tell that the author did some research, and I appreciated that.
The strongest and most entertaining part of this book was the romance. It was an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn deliciousness that kept me glued to the page. They talked about philosophy, their own prejudices, who they are with and without their magic, and how forgiveness, compassion, and working for peace can mean sacrifice and hard work. It was genuine, so very intimate, gentle, and meaningful. Their relationship is everything I look for, and I was very pleased with the outcome.
Was this book original? There were unique elements and styles, and there was a maturity to the writing that I really appreciated, but in the end, no, this book wasn't 100% original. Did I need it to be 100% original? No, because I enjoyed the hell out of this book and sometimes good writing and storytelling can trump the original status. There were not any major tropes or cliches that I can think of, any that would make it unbearable to read. There were no Mary Sues or special snowflakes. The gothic genre is not as familiar to me as other genres, but there definitely was a Gothic tone to the book. The overarching plot and execution of the idea were superb, and I couldn't really ask for more.
Would I re-read this book? Yes.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I think anyone would enjoy this book if they enjoy a slow-burn romance, a magical system that's unique, and genuine intimacy and maturity between characters, not to mention storytelling.
Was I entertained? Yes. I couldn't put the book down.
Enjoy, Goodreads fiends.
soupe's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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
3.5