Enne's Reviews > Sugar and Spite

Nobody:
Enne, any time they review a middle grade: did you know that I really love middle grade that’s focused on friendships and unique family dynamics?

So, anyways, I really love middle grade that’s focused on friendships and unique family dynamics. I thought the premise for this was really cute! I loved the idea of it being a love spell that manifests in a friend crush and not a romantic crush. I also thought that it led to some very fun dynamics between the two girls! I also liked the discussion of ethics and morality that came along with that!! And the way it was resolved!!

As mentioned previously, I also really liked the family dynamics! I think the relationship between Jolina and her parents was really interesting to read about and I loved the dynamic between Jolina and her grandfather! On the other hand, I also really liked the way Claudine’s relationship with her parents was explored!

While the plot did move a little fast for me and I didn’t find myself as invested in it as I would have liked to be, I do think that it did what it was intending to do really well, so I can’t fault it for that. I also will admit that I wanted a little more detail when it came to the magic. But, overall, I thought this was a really cute middle grade with a great message and some incredible characters! Definitely recommend!

content warnings: tropical storm, animal death
rep: Filipino MC & largely Filipino cast