Some of my thoughts on Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater

I want to talk about this book so let's go:

This is a regency era cozy fantasy romance novel. I've heard it described as Howl's Moving Castle (the book) meets Jane Austen (sometimes specifically pride and prejudice but there are comparisons to her other books to be made as well so I'm leaving it at that).

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are great, I love the protagonist and the entire main cast. There's a lot of personality there and the story sold me on a lot of these characters pretty much immediately. 

I find the dialogue delightful, there where several points where I laughed out loud. Especially the banter between the main character and the love interest is great. 

Okay here there be spoilers:

A straight romance novel? On my blog? Who would have thunk?

I'm serious if you have not read the book and it sounds like it might be your thing: Go read it! I'll try to keep things vague but still.

Okay so first things first: I like Dora. I know this is probably not intentional but she reads as very autistic to me. Her whole only half a soul thing is just so so relatable as someone with Alexithymia. Yes I too am shit at feeling some feelings and recognizing when I'm cold or hungry. And her whole thing about emotions with long and short tails? Like yes that! Finally someone gets it. She is also just awesome in general. Her no nonsense attitude while still trying to be considerate within reason feels really refreshing to read. Also her character development is great. 

I am not going to lie I really like Elias and I agree with that one random lady: I would also like to date a magician please and thank you. I like Elias. At first I didn't and then I did. Which was the point. His perspective on politeness and manners often covering up the things people don't want to talk about is very interesting to read as well. I liked how his anger at injustice was talked about in a nuanced way. There's a few of his quotes that are so good I wrote them down to talk about with my friend later because jeez.

i don't think there's a single person that didnt see the truth about elias in what isnt really a plottwist but is still a little surprise coming and I think it's an interesting choice that while there is some level of suspense around it the book also does not really treat the reveal itself as a big deal. There's space and time for the reader to puzzle over it and enough hints that the book just expects you to have gotten it at this point. I like that. I guess if you know nothing about fae theres a chance it might come as a surprise but that works too.

I also really liked Albert he was my favorite side character even if Vanessa, Lady Carroway and Miss Jennings were awesome too. I really really enjoyed the conversations he had with Dora, I really liked their dynamic. He's an awesome friend to both Dora and Elias and has a lot of interesting stuff to say. He's also very funny

Also I hate Auntie Frances. She makes me so mad. As someone who was always talked of as a kid as if i wasn't sitting right there at the table hearing them talk about me because I too was quiet and a bit apathetic this woman gets under my skin and just aaah. I hate her. It's been a while since I disliked a character this much.

The books general vibe manages to stay relaxed and cozy even if a lot of heavier topics come up and I enjoyed that a lot

The ending alltough I was happy with it, did feel just a little bit underwhelming though.

9/10 I'd say