Lib

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)

This was a cute, cozy story! I read it for book club and honestly was hesitant because I have a very difficult time reading regency. I think it’s because I typically read to escape the horrors of the world, and the potential loss of women’s rights is one of those horrors, so putting myself willingly into a story world with that is not always enjoyable to me. This book thankfully barely touched on that, so it was a delight!

I LOVED this book and am so curious to hear others’ perspectives. My mind immediately drew a connection between the main character and those with autism, and I was initially concerned with the “half a soul” notion that it would be presented in a negative light. The direction it took of her instead coming to love herself and finding fullness in her halfness was beautiful. The writing was a whimsical reflection of the story itself, and tugged at my heartstrings in ways I didn’t expect. It is a fairly quick read, but the language definitely draws from a more proper English vibe than the more relaxed writing styles we see in contemporary romantasies.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this light yet deep story.
 

“She had little effort to spare for making unpleasant men more comfortable”

Em

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)

One of the reviews on the back of the book says “Half a Soul is the definition of a comfort read” — and I couldn’t agree more! Such a cozy, whimsical faerie tale.

I really enjoyed the writing. As with almost all of my experiences with regency stories, I ask myself “why don’t we still talk like this!” But it wasn’t SO over the top that it was hard to read—the story and dialog still felt easy to read and connect with.

I felt all the feels when Elias professed his love, and I was so happy with the fact that Dora did not end up with a whole soul at the end. That Elias fell in love with her just as she was, and that she learned to love herself as she was too.

Just a lovely book!