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A review by cassidyreadss
Caster by Elsie Chapman
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, so thank you to Scholastic Canada!
Given Goodreads lack of half star rating ability I had to rate this book 3 stars, but a more accurate rating would be 3.5 stars! Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it just lacked a couple elements that would have pushed my rating to a 4 or 5 star. I've seen a lot of people comparing this to The Last Airbender and Fight Club, and I think that's a pretty accurate comparison as this book definitely had elements of both those things.
This story takes place in a dark dystopia/fantasy world that has Chinese cultural influences. Dystopia because the world they live in feels that way, but there is a magic element added to that. I really loved that environment, it was super dark and gritty and everyone was kind of out for themselves. I thought the Chapman did a really good job with world building. I really liked how the aspects of Chinese culture were woven into this story, but I wish the author added even more of that influence!
The fact that magic in this society is forbidden really added a high stakes element that kept you flipping the page. Our main character has magic and enters into a casting competition while trying to figure out how her sister died. Throughout her time in the competition she learns more and more about the secret life her sister was leading and how those secrets may have played a part in her death. Aza was a really good main character and I liked how hard she fought for what she believes in and how she had such unconditional love for her sister. We get a few glimpses into what Aza's grieving process was after her sisters death and I thought that was interesting to read. I also appreciated that a romantic plot was not front and centre (it probably will be in the sequel, but I like when a YA doesn't rely on a romance to make the plot).
The reason I gave this book 3.5 stars is mainly because of the underdeveloped magic system. I found the magic system confusing at most times and could never get a full grasp on it even by the end of the book. I also sometimes felt that Aza was handed a lot of answers, instead of her finding those answers out for herself, so some of the mystery was lost there.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book and I will be picking up the sequel!
Given Goodreads lack of half star rating ability I had to rate this book 3 stars, but a more accurate rating would be 3.5 stars! Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it just lacked a couple elements that would have pushed my rating to a 4 or 5 star. I've seen a lot of people comparing this to The Last Airbender and Fight Club, and I think that's a pretty accurate comparison as this book definitely had elements of both those things.
This story takes place in a dark dystopia/fantasy world that has Chinese cultural influences. Dystopia because the world they live in feels that way, but there is a magic element added to that. I really loved that environment, it was super dark and gritty and everyone was kind of out for themselves. I thought the Chapman did a really good job with world building. I really liked how the aspects of Chinese culture were woven into this story, but I wish the author added even more of that influence!
The fact that magic in this society is forbidden really added a high stakes element that kept you flipping the page. Our main character has magic and enters into a casting competition while trying to figure out how her sister died. Throughout her time in the competition she learns more and more about the secret life her sister was leading and how those secrets may have played a part in her death. Aza was a really good main character and I liked how hard she fought for what she believes in and how she had such unconditional love for her sister. We get a few glimpses into what Aza's grieving process was after her sisters death and I thought that was interesting to read. I also appreciated that a romantic plot was not front and centre (it probably will be in the sequel, but I like when a YA doesn't rely on a romance to make the plot).
The reason I gave this book 3.5 stars is mainly because of the underdeveloped magic system. I found the magic system confusing at most times and could never get a full grasp on it even by the end of the book. I also sometimes felt that Aza was handed a lot of answers, instead of her finding those answers out for herself, so some of the mystery was lost there.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book and I will be picking up the sequel!