Fantastic look at the plot structure I've inherently loved and written myself over the years without having the vocabulary to describe it succinctly. An easy read that pulls helpful, topical references from pop culture, making it easy to start to see the structure for yourself.

Tight writing, impressive world building that is neither too much nor too little. Really enjoyed this story and its cast of characters.

Reading very much as if Georgette Heyer decided to write fantasy, this book was charming and fun, full of flowery language and round about way of saying simple things that require you to read dialog twice to make sure you're understanding what characters say to one another. Great to have POC main characters, but annoying how obsessed the narrative was with how "other" they were, given the author is also POC. I don't feel we learned anything with this preoccupation other than in order to break free, one must be audacious and assume success until proven otherwise.

Great primer for creators wanting to avoid the broad strokes and stereotypes culture embeds in the subconscious. I do believe there is an error on page 2 (the Uncle Tom stereotype comes from Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, not Huckleberry Finn) but otherwise as a mixed creator myself, I agree with their references, resources, and general advice for someone who had no access or insight into the diaspora.

The magically-focused political thriller continues, along with an exploration of morality, ethics, disguised identities, intentions, and more. First half felt a little slow; not sure we needed to spend that much time with "Plan B." I loved the irony of the name, btw. Second half made up for it at a roaring pace, though! Very curious to see how this trilogy ends, which says a lot because I generally dislike series and sequels.

I read this back when it was first published as a teenager, and I enjoyed it as much as I did then. Jena Gemcutter, shy and afraid of causing offense or trouble, takes a surprise journey of self-discovery and magical abilities. Perhaps because I've been marginalized myself, I appreciated that the book doesn't end with her winning everything she wants, the way she wants. Jena is left with personal battles to wage and decisions to make, even while the main plot of the story has concluded. And so refreshing that her magic doesn't include romance! This is a true coming of age story, with politics and intuition playing a heavy part.

Solid and satisfying ending to a well-thought out, alternate reality, political thriller fantasy. Some of the writing near the end felt rushed. Sometimes I couldn't tell who the "he" or "she" was that a character was looking at and the previous paragraph didn't provide the right clues. Ultimately, the character and plot strength won. Great finale for Crowley's debut trilogy.