Steve
This is a good reimagining of Harry Potter that stands out for its convincingly different cultural setting. While some may object to the comparison—arguing that shared tropes are inevitable—the story mirrors too many key beats from HP to feel entirely coincidental. That said, this is less a critique and more an observation, as the distinctive setting and cultural influences lend the narrative its own unique identity. However, these parallels can occasionally feel a bit distracting.
One aspect that gave me pause was the handling of violence. As in Binti, the consequences of violence and death seem surprisingly minimal, leaving little in the way of lasting impact. This feels especially incongruous given that, in the UK, the book has been retitled and marketed with a younger audience in mind—an odd choice, as the content and themes seem better suited to an older readership.
Overall, this is a solid fantasy and a quick read, though very much part of a continuing series, so don’t expect a neatly wrapped conclusion. While it has its merits, I am not sure if I’m compelled to continue with the series.
This is a good reimagining of Harry Potter that stands out for its convincingly different cultural setting. While some may object to the comparison—arguing that shared tropes are inevitable—the story mirrors too many key beats from HP to feel entirely coincidental. That said, this is less a critique and more an observation, as the distinctive setting and cultural influences lend the narrative its own unique identity. However, these parallels can occasionally feel a bit distracting.
One aspect that gave me pause was the handling of violence. As in Binti, the consequences of violence and death seem surprisingly minimal, leaving little in the way of lasting impact. This feels especially incongruous given that, in the UK, the book has been retitled and marketed with a younger audience in mind—an odd choice, as the content and themes seem better suited to an older readership.
Overall, this is a solid fantasy and a quick read, though very much part of a continuing series, so don’t expect a neatly wrapped conclusion. While it has its merits, I am not sure if I’m compelled to continue with the series.