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pugluver11's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I read this book in middle school and rated it 5 stars. Rereading it today in my early twenties, I have to say that it didn't stand the test of time. Don't get me wrong. It's a solid book, and I had a good time while I was reading it.
Pros:
The setting. Anna does a great job of painting the scene of Victorian era New York. She describes the dresses in great detail. The story felt like Gossip Girl set back in time.
The drama. This book is full of backstabbing, conniving, catty girls, and I'm here for it! There was plenty of drama to keep me entertained. It sometimes bordered on soap opera level. This is one of those books that requires you to suspend your disbelief.
Cons:
Pacing. I feel like this book didn't need to be that long. There were stretches of time where nothing was happening, and I was waiting for the action. It starts off quite slow.
Characterization. While I saw potential, the characters could've had more depth. Perhaps we'll get some further insight into all the characters in later books. I just didn't feel connected to them. I think the issue is that there were so many characters to keep track of.
Pros:
The setting. Anna does a great job of painting the scene of Victorian era New York. She describes the dresses in great detail. The story felt like Gossip Girl set back in time.
The drama. This book is full of backstabbing, conniving, catty girls, and I'm here for it! There was plenty of drama to keep me entertained. It sometimes bordered on soap opera level. This is one of those books that requires you to suspend your disbelief.
Cons:
Pacing. I feel like this book didn't need to be that long. There were stretches of time where nothing was happening, and I was waiting for the action. It starts off quite slow.
Characterization. While I saw potential, the characters could've had more depth. Perhaps we'll get some further insight into all the characters in later books. I just didn't feel connected to them. I think the issue is that there were so many characters to keep track of.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
hazydazywaffles's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is a ride. It is a no-spice book and there are MANY love triangles. It's very well-written and I enjoyed a lot of this book. But, there are 3 scenes that are fade-to-black kinda scenes where they kinda elude to the idea of spice. Overall, was ok.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content and Cursing
Again, as I said before, there is no spice, it's just eluded to.
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