TW: book contains some forced kisses/sexual assault and drinks being drugged
*I requested this from Net Galley*
"To Kill a Fae" by Jamie A Waters is a rTW: book contains some forced kisses/sexual assault and drinks being drugged
*I requested this from Net Galley*
"To Kill a Fae" by Jamie A Waters is a really fun book: there are different types of faeries, intrigue, witty banter and a really satisfying romance. The book starts off at a run with Sabine being tracked and her killing several people and the pace doesn't slow until the book suddenly ends and you are left scrambling to find a release date for book two.
Sabine is a really fun main character: she has so many aspects of her personality and they are all so fun to see as she interacts with the world around her. Other than her relationship with her love interest, my favourite relationship is with her and her pixie friends who braid her hair and put flowers in it when she isn't paying attention. It is so fun. Sabine's relationship with her love interest is really lovely and while they both are clearly lusting for each-other, the narration makes it clear how much mutual respect there is for one another. It is so fun and he is not toxic at all.
My one gripe with this book (besides my usual note that most books could use more disabled, LGBTQ+, and PoC characters), is that most of the male main characters are incredibly controlling and toxic to Sabine. While I do not think the author entirely supports the actions of these characters, it seems like some of the behaviour (like drugging someone and then kissing them when they are in a drug induced haze) is not really addressed as unacceptable. The male characters treat her alternately between an object to fight over or a person to control when they disagree with her actions and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I do think part of it is to contrast and show how great the love interest is, but I think this could be done in other ways-- controlling behaviour can be shown without sexual assault.
While I do take issue with the behaviour of some of the male characters, I still very much enjoyed this book. Sabine's interactions with those around her are incredibly developed and there is definitely an undertone of 'not all those who are a part of an oppressive regime are oppressive, but if they are truly working on eliminating oppression they won't be upset with your misgivings of their intentions.' The love interest expects and accepts everyone to be reticent around him and instead of him being a jerk about it he just does his best to have his actions boost his words. This is definitely not seen enough either in literature or in real life and was a joy to see.
I very much look forward to the sequel!
Merged review:
TW: book contains some forced kisses/sexual assault and drinks being drugged
*I requested this from Net Galley*
"To Kill a Fae" by Jamie A Waters is a really fun book: there are different types of faeries, intrigue, witty banter and a really satisfying romance. The book starts off at a run with Sabine being tracked and her killing several people and the pace doesn't slow until the book suddenly ends and you are left scrambling to find a release date for book two.
Sabine is a really fun main character: she has so many aspects of her personality and they are all so fun to see as she interacts with the world around her. Other than her relationship with her love interest, my favourite relationship is with her and her pixie friends who braid her hair and put flowers in it when she isn't paying attention. It is so fun. Sabine's relationship with her love interest is really lovely and while they both are clearly lusting for each-other, the narration makes it clear how much mutual respect there is for one another. It is so fun and he is not toxic at all.
My one gripe with this book (besides my usual note that most books could use more disabled, LGBTQ+, and PoC characters), is that most of the male main characters are incredibly controlling and toxic to Sabine. While I do not think the author entirely supports the actions of these characters, it seems like some of the behaviour (like drugging someone and then kissing them when they are in a drug induced haze) is not really addressed as unacceptable. The male characters treat her alternately between an object to fight over or a person to control when they disagree with her actions and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I do think part of it is to contrast and show how great the love interest is, but I think this could be done in other ways-- controlling behaviour can be shown without sexual assault.
While I do take issue with the behaviour of some of the male characters, I still very much enjoyed this book. Sabine's interactions with those around her are incredibly developed and there is definitely an undertone of 'not all those who are a part of an oppressive regime are oppressive, but if they are truly working on eliminating oppression they won't be upset with your misgivings of their intentions.' The love interest expects and accepts everyone to be reticent around him and instead of him being a jerk about it he just does his best to have his actions boost his words. This is definitely not seen enough either in literature or in real life and was a joy to see.
* I chose this book on Net Galley and I have not read the first one*
This book was so outrageously fun! I have not read the first one (but am now eager* I chose this book on Net Galley and I have not read the first one*
This book was so outrageously fun! I have not read the first one (but am now eager too!) and although there were events referenced that I was not entirely aware of, it did not lessen my enjoyment of the book.
One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so thoroughly was how hilariously Molly Harper writes. The characters have their own voices but all of them are so interesting and sassy. Not everyone in the book is white and the issues of social classes (in this it is those with magic and those without) is addressed in a way that is non-confrontational but still pointed. It is so interesting to see the power dynamics happening between the different magical families and how members within those families use that power.
I really enjoy the Sarah/Ivy/Alicia relationship. They are all different people but love and support each other in a way that seems completely genuine. It is really nice to see female relationships where they are not competing with each-other but will still call each other out if one of them is doing something they should not.
The plot is fun and most of the characters are interesting even if they are not agreeable-- with the exception of Alicia's mom, Sarah's sister Mary and Sarah's maid Jenny. Alicia's mom is the typical mother figure that does everything she can to prevent her son from forming romantic relationships. While this does not inherently make an uninteresting character, there is nothing about her other than her being a blocking figure between Sarah and Gavin. The same goes for Sarah's sister Mary-- it is hard to see her motivations for her actions. Without delving into spoilers, the situation with Jenny is confusing. The set up was fine but then her part in the end of the novel seemed rushed and confusing. Many other minor characters such as Wallace and Nurse Waxwing are fully developed even though they are minor characters.
I wish the book had been longer and I cannot wait to read the next one as this left off at quite a dramatic point!
Merged review:
* I chose this book on Net Galley and I have not read the first one*
This book was so outrageously fun! I have not read the first one (but am now eager too!) and although there were events referenced that I was not entirely aware of, it did not lessen my enjoyment of the book.
One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so thoroughly was how hilariously Molly Harper writes. The characters have their own voices but all of them are so interesting and sassy. Not everyone in the book is white and the issues of social classes (in this it is those with magic and those without) is addressed in a way that is non-confrontational but still pointed. It is so interesting to see the power dynamics happening between the different magical families and how members within those families use that power.
I really enjoy the Sarah/Ivy/Alicia relationship. They are all different people but love and support each other in a way that seems completely genuine. It is really nice to see female relationships where they are not competing with each-other but will still call each other out if one of them is doing something they should not.
The plot is fun and most of the characters are interesting even if they are not agreeable-- with the exception of Alicia's mom, Sarah's sister Mary and Sarah's maid Jenny. Alicia's mom is the typical mother figure that does everything she can to prevent her son from forming romantic relationships. While this does not inherently make an uninteresting character, there is nothing about her other than her being a blocking figure between Sarah and Gavin. The same goes for Sarah's sister Mary-- it is hard to see her motivations for her actions. Without delving into spoilers, the situation with Jenny is confusing. The set up was fine but then her part in the end of the novel seemed rushed and confusing. Many other minor characters such as Wallace and Nurse Waxwing are fully developed even though they are minor characters.
I wish the book had been longer and I cannot wait to read the next one as this left off at quite a dramatic point!...more
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