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earthurnreads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
alannator's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
issianne's review
5.0
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. I was so excited about it and it lived up to my expectations (for once in my life, am I right??) I loved the politics, the magic, the angsty slow-burn romance, the mystery! But most of all: I loved the pro-crying stance this book took. I'm a massive crier, and, wow, this story made feel seen and understood. Our main character Wren's biggest fault in others' eyes is her emotions. But, man, do we see that empathy is so incredibly necessary! Yeah, loved it and would totally recommend to everyone...
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.