Spectacular by Stephanie Garber

In short: Spectacular really comes through with the magic - there’s magic in everything from the holiday sweets to the clothes they wear to the literal atomisphere (like the weather). For me, the setting is really what kept me in this book, and I loved the magical ball, and toy shop. That said, it’s definitely young adult fiction and that is most evident in the stilted romance (although I did appreciate that there was some romance without any spice I’d hide from a kid). There was on whole section of the book that I just didn’t enjoy the plot and wish it had gone another direction (better use of that toy shop!). I read Caraval in one sitting and would have skipped meals to finish it, lol, but this one I kept walking away from. It was good but it didn’t grab me and keep my attention in the same way. 

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Meandering form: 
I was wandering through B&N when the cover caught my eye. I love the red and green edition, and saw it was connected to Caraval so I had to get it as my Christmas read. 

I read Caraval years ago, and enjoyed it. It’s an easy read, with lovely illustration, full of magic, and managed to be dark and sinister while still light and playful. On the whole those things are true of Spectacular too. I didn’t read books 2 or 3, and I there was probably some backstory that I would have helped me enjoy the subtext. 

This is a solid novella that’s mostly delightful. It’s whimsical, magical, beautifully illustrated, and easy to read. It would be a great book to snuggle in with and finish in one sitting with the snow falling outside. 

I love the descriptions of the food, the ball, and the toy shop. If only the toy shop had played a more important role! What a missed opportunity. No spoilers so I’ll say that the bit after the toy shop left me wishing for a different plot point. It felt dull, and didn’t live up to my magical expectations until the very end of the game, so I was glad to get the bright descriptions from the ball to break that monotony. 

3⭐️s for me. It was good, but I was expecting more.

ooof

TW: assault, sexual assault, dubious consent/non-consent, kidnapping, drugging, gaslighting. 

This made me feel uncomfortable. It was not romantic. This should absolutely not be advertised as YA. Also, I greatly dislike Legend. The artwork was beautiful, however. This Novella was not worth the read. I do not recommend it.

0.5 🌶️

I’m sorry Tella but that boy does Not love you.

Really disappointed. Hated the story. Kidnapping and terryfing your girlfriend was portrayed as romantic and the half-baked excuse at the end was absolutly not working. Besides, for a christmas themed novella I really expected something different regarding overall theme and topic. I wanted lighthearted fluff and got dark romance when it wasn't labeled as such.
The beautiful illustrations are the only reason it's not just a zero star rating.

um ew the consent was so dubious like this is disgusting