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mxawprince's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I could not put this book down!
The main character was beautifully written. A true morally grey character that came off as complex and layered, without being forced or over-the-top. The themes of the book were masterfully and subtly showcased through the plot lines and the characters' choices. We're introduced to a very cool worldbuilding that was expansive without being dispersive, with very authentic and enchanting Celtic folklore that felt very much like an old, oral-tradition fairy tale.
I'll definitely read more of this author's books.
The main character was beautifully written. A true morally grey character that came off as complex and layered, without being forced or over-the-top. The themes of the book were masterfully and subtly showcased through the plot lines and the characters' choices. We're introduced to a very cool worldbuilding that was expansive without being dispersive, with very authentic and enchanting Celtic folklore that felt very much like an old, oral-tradition fairy tale.
I'll definitely read more of this author's books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
sanscha's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Really surprised by how dark this went in comparison to Half a Soul. Absolutely harrowing and sadly very realistic depictions of sexual assault were not what I was expecting but I really did appreciate how those themes were handled.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
libraryindreams's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I liked how this book brought in some stuff from the Regency Faerie Tales series, but this one is darker and more wicked, with a deeper dive into black magic. The Victorian vibe and gothic elements are done well here, and I really liked the main plot, which is all about the trauma and the monstrous man mixed up in the vicious schemes going on at the manor. This drives the main characters to seek out solutions to the problem. I really liked Winnie, she’s probably my favorite because even though she’s a bit bland, she’s got more personality than the fmcs from the earlier series. As for Mr. Quincy, I didn’t get to learn much about him in this book because more is revealed about him around 80% into the story, so he was somewhat forgettable for a while. The romance, like in her previous series (Regency Faerie), wasn't really the focus. It felt like the two of them suddenly became entangled in a romantic bond without much chemistry. Yes, I found some scenes swoon-worthy, but overall, it wasn’t too interesting, just cute. All by all, I liked it and had a good time with it, especially since it touched on some themes I’m into. Also, Olivia’s writing is super easy to read, which made it a breeze to get into the story. I’m pretty sure this is the start of a continuous series, so I really can’t wait for the next book to happen.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment
briely's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Sexual harassment
Minor: Pedophilia
ceruleanshelves's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
“It was somewhat flattering, Winnie realised, to be considered as a worthy opponent, instead of as a woman.”
gothic fantasy romance fairy tale? say less.
atwater never fails to write engaging and driving stories with its victorian charm and aesthetic - and this one has the addition of an eery, spooky vibe. i loved winnifred as a scheming, clever magician who's quickly learned how to carefully manipulate her way around faeries - and the real world.
there are mentions of and connections to characters from the regency faerie tales, so while i rec reading them it's not necessary.
“Innocence is so offensive, isn't it?" he asked her finally. "It is never content in its existence. It must force itself upon the rest of the world, insisting that true horror is a fiction.”
i can't wait for the next book. if you want a summerween or spooky season read, add this to your list!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Death of parent and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
rhall19's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Blood, and Sexual harassment
kimberlite_11711's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
inthebrineydeep's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
lifewithloopy's review against another edition
3.75
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and wanted to give it 4 stars. My reason for knocking off the quarter star is that there are some repetitive descriptions of one of the main supporting characters. That detail can get a little tedious.
Otherwise, this is a fun read with an alternative take on the Gothic Romance genre. To be honest, I was over half way through the book before anything overtly romantic happened. The romance is pretty restrained, closer to something thing in Victorian-era novels, which I really appreciated.
If you saw 'faeries' and 'romance' and thought of ACOTAR, you're going to be disappointed. This book is not that. I think if you liked Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, you might like this book.
I'm interested to see where this world goes and will be reading Rosemary & Thyme when it comes out.
Otherwise, this is a fun read with an alternative take on the Gothic Romance genre. To be honest, I was over half way through the book before anything overtly romantic happened. The romance is pretty restrained, closer to something thing in Victorian-era novels, which I really appreciated.
If you saw 'faeries' and 'romance' and thought of ACOTAR, you're going to be disappointed. This book is not that. I think if you liked Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, you might like this book.
I'm interested to see where this world goes and will be reading Rosemary & Thyme when it comes out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Blood, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal cruelty, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, and Classism
carissareads2anya's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment