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24th September 2021
SYNOPSIS: A girl full of heart
A thief touched by darkness
A boy with a fiery temper
An unwitting servant of evil
The era of magic was once thought to be a myth, but after the Reemergence ushered forces both dark and light into the mundane world, it has since become a harsh reality. Now those affected by this strange power—a specialized group of Empowered called Jokers, known collectively as Cardplay—must protect their world from the darkness that threatens to consume it, all the while fighting for equality in a society clinging to normalcy.
But the Reemergence was only the beginning.
When another influx occurs on the seventh anniversary of that fateful event, an unfortunate encounter at ground zero lands Iori Ryone, a teenage boy in possession of a corrupt and legendary magic, in the care of recent Joker graduate Ellen Amelia Jane. From him, she learns the Reemergence may not have been the inevitable natural disaster it first seemed.
Someone is trying to tear down the barrier that separates the magical realms from the mundane. The question is, can Cardplay stop them before it’s too late.
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BOOK REVIEW
Genre: fantasy
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5
Overall Rating: 16/20
First off, I love the world the author has created: after an event known as the 'Reemergence' magic suddenly exists in the world yet only surfacing in some and not others. Breeding fear and resentment in those who are not 'empowered' or those with power who are 'enlightened' resulting in heavy policing and restrictions. I enjoyed exploring what a world like that looks like; where people with certain abilities are seen as monsters and not superheroes. I really loved the magic system, and coupled with the suits (like deck of cards) and the keepers, it all felt very unique. Ive heard some describe it like Anime and Manga and I can really see why they came to this conclusion. I can easily see this being made into either of those, and it would be so exciting to see it as such! but as I don't really consume these types of media regularly, I liken it to superheroes!
The characters are multi dimensional. They are all dealing with repercussions and consequences from the Reemergence event. Our characters have deep trauma from the event. Which manifests in different ways and they all have different ways of coping (or not coping!) As we have several POVs we get an intimate insight into their thoughts and feelings. We have Iori Ryone, a petty thief who lurks in the shadows moving from place to place like the stray cat his ears and tail resemble. We also have the siblings Alexander and Ellen who are really interesting in their own right. with a whole host of other characters. All the characters are really engaging and easy to like and root for. There is really great queer rep too; we have Pansexual/ Asexual and Aromantic representation that is just shown to exist in this world. which always lovely to see.
I thought the plot was well paced and very immersive. I found it completely plausible and therefore easy to get lost in. and though we have a conclusion of sorts the last chapter left me anxious to see where the story will go in book 2! definitely recommend to fans of superhero stories with a twist.
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INTL Tour-wide Instagram Giveaway!
Head over to my Instagram account to enter the tour giveaway where you can win 1 of 5 digital copies of Bloody Spade! Ends on October 2nd, 2021. Winner will be announced on @mtmctours’ Instagram account.
Tour Schedule:
September 20
@paperfury - Bookstagram + Book Blog
September 21
@calmdust - Bookstagram
September 23
@thereaderandthechef - Bookstagram + Book Blog
September 24
@dreaminginpages - Bookstagram
September 25
@nelthewhichcraftsbooks - Bookstagram + Book Blog
September 26
@jenniaahava - Bookstagram
September 27
@regal_leaves - Bookstagram + Book Blog
September 28
@readmeinpastel - Bookstagram
September 29
@celiamcmahonreads - Bookstagram + Book Blog
September 30
@clockwork.bookdragon - Bookstagram
About Brittany M. Willows:
Brittany M. Willows is a bisexual/asexual author and digital artist living in rural Ontario, Canada. Inspired initially by video games and the stories they told, she began building her own fictional universes and has no plans of stopping any time soon. When she's not writing about post-apocalyptic lands, wild magic, or people gallivanting through the stars, she can be found hunched over a tablet drawing the very same things. To keep up with the latest news regarding both current and future stories, and to find out more about Brittany or to delve deeper into the worlds she has created, check out the links below! She can also be contacted directly via these platforms.
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