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A review by stephdaydreams
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft
5.0
I feel so lucky to have been given an arc for this book. It genuinely was on my list for most anticipated reads of 2022, so it's a dream to have the opportunity to read it ahead of its release. I have already preordered a hardcover copy to add to this arc edition.
Everything in this story just clicked so, so well. From plot, to tone, to atmosphere, to individual arcs...to that beautiful slow burn romance. So many emotions were drawn from me as I immersed myself within this narrative.
I adored Maggie. I adored Wes. Equally, individually, and together. I loved them. They were each well rounded individuals with both flaws and virtues; they weren’t perfect characters but their triumph is in their perseverance and acceptance of growth. They were absolutely the heart of this story and carried the plot forward beautifully. I love a slow burn romance– there is no instant attraction, rather we get to know each character just as they get to know each other, and slowly– through a gain of confidence, trust, and camaraderie– something more is born. Their chemistry is electrifying and ever so satisfying. Something else I appreciated is how well balanced their relationship is, with neither holding more power over the other. They stand on equal ground.
The plot is also another example of a good balance. The romance doesn’t overtake the plot, nor does the plot hide the romance. There’s the right amount of each. The author has an excellent grasp in knowing just that right amount of each to give.
In terms of non-romance plot, there were some heavy topics at hand, the most explored being the religious prejudice against a Jewish coded character. While other names and terms are used, the religious prejudice explored is a clear mirror to anti-semitism that exists in our world. In this narrative we see how prejudice can poison and blind one to the extent of hurting others--marginalizing and demonizing them. I thought it was a topic handled quite respectfully throughout the entire book. It wasn’t glossed over, but rather highlighted when it needed to be, emphasizing the cost and consequence of hate. It was very well done.
Allison Saft set the tone brilliantly in every facet of this story. I 100% recommend you all check this title out when it’s released this Spring.
You won’t regret it.
Everything in this story just clicked so, so well. From plot, to tone, to atmosphere, to individual arcs...to that beautiful slow burn romance. So many emotions were drawn from me as I immersed myself within this narrative.
I adored Maggie. I adored Wes. Equally, individually, and together. I loved them. They were each well rounded individuals with both flaws and virtues; they weren’t perfect characters but their triumph is in their perseverance and acceptance of growth. They were absolutely the heart of this story and carried the plot forward beautifully. I love a slow burn romance– there is no instant attraction, rather we get to know each character just as they get to know each other, and slowly– through a gain of confidence, trust, and camaraderie– something more is born. Their chemistry is electrifying and ever so satisfying. Something else I appreciated is how well balanced their relationship is, with neither holding more power over the other. They stand on equal ground.
The plot is also another example of a good balance. The romance doesn’t overtake the plot, nor does the plot hide the romance. There’s the right amount of each. The author has an excellent grasp in knowing just that right amount of each to give.
In terms of non-romance plot, there were some heavy topics at hand, the most explored being the religious prejudice against a Jewish coded character. While other names and terms are used, the religious prejudice explored is a clear mirror to anti-semitism that exists in our world. In this narrative we see how prejudice can poison and blind one to the extent of hurting others--marginalizing and demonizing them. I thought it was a topic handled quite respectfully throughout the entire book. It wasn’t glossed over, but rather highlighted when it needed to be, emphasizing the cost and consequence of hate. It was very well done.
Allison Saft set the tone brilliantly in every facet of this story. I 100% recommend you all check this title out when it’s released this Spring.
You won’t regret it.