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challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The fantastical world of Alhallra was so fun to dive into. I loved the whole beginning, the characters, the story, the setting. However, unfortunately the more I read the harder it was to follow. It was nearly impossible for me to distinguish the passing of time; when Kit first mentioned it had been years I was genuinely shocked because I thought it had only been months.
The description was also lacking in some areas. I feel like I had to spend so much time trying to figure out the timeline and building my own ideas of what things looked like and how they worked that it distracted me from the plot. Also, the sudden introduction to violence was so jarring I had to put the book down for a few days. Overall the book was good, I really enjoyed the beginning and there was enough throughout that I liked to keep me interested enough to finish.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this ebook.
The description was also lacking in some areas. I feel like I had to spend so much time trying to figure out the timeline and building my own ideas of what things looked like and how they worked that it distracted me from the plot. Also, the sudden introduction to violence was so jarring I had to put the book down for a few days. Overall the book was good, I really enjoyed the beginning and there was enough throughout that I liked to keep me interested enough to finish.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this ebook.
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I’m... honestly not sure what to say about this book. The flashbacks were interesting, and I wish they were more developed. The present day felt a bit pointless, and the ending left me unsatisfied. Though it sounds like I didn’t enjoy this book at all, I truly did! The biggest qualm I had was how often Josephine brought up “they were townies and we were divine.” This had the potential to be a really impactful statement but it winds up being overused.
Overall I’d give the writing a 4/5, the plot a 3.5/5, and the characters a 1.5/5. There’s virtually no likable characters, and no major character development or growth. I do highly recommend listening to the audiobook if you decide to pick this one up, the narrator definitely made this way easier to get through.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an ALC of this book.
Overall I’d give the writing a 4/5, the plot a 3.5/5, and the characters a 1.5/5. There’s virtually no likable characters, and no major character development or growth. I do highly recommend listening to the audiobook if you decide to pick this one up, the narrator definitely made this way easier to get through.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an ALC of this book.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is so traditionally romance novel-y in all the best ways. It was cute, sweet, it made me smile, it made me laugh out loud, it got me frustrated on Mae’s behalf. This was just such a feel-good story, and reading it just made me happy. This is the kind of story you read when you just need a bit of escapism and a bit of holiday cheer and silliness.
Definitely interested in checking out other books by them.
Definitely interested in checking out other books by them.
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was witty, adorable, just enough angst without being over the top. I’ve been trying to capture my old love of reading and this book had me feeling like I was back in hs again, not wanting to put it down for even a second!
I’m in love with the portrayal of queer friendship - the group chat titles were some of my favorite little details - and every single character in this was spectacular. I actually laughed loud and cried hard, and was hooked right from the first chapter.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to sink in and just thoroughly enjoy a good book. Definitely one I’ll be coming back to reread at some point!
I’m in love with the portrayal of queer friendship - the group chat titles were some of my favorite little details - and every single character in this was spectacular. I actually laughed loud and cried hard, and was hooked right from the first chapter.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to sink in and just thoroughly enjoy a good book. Definitely one I’ll be coming back to reread at some point!
