Reviews

Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

lollyreadsabook's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced

3.75

cwkhalil's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Howl’s Moving Castle with sprinkles of Polish Mythology/Folklore really is the best way to capture what this story is like. There were some instances where the similarities were a little too much (how much inspiration is too much inspiration?), but there was plenty of originality throughout this story that gave it its own flavour. While the world building was good, I felt that the relationship building was too minimal for this type of story, so my attachment to certain characters was basically nonexistent throughout the book; I didn’t love that because the potential was there and felt entirely untapped. Despite this, I do still think it was a lovely and enjoyable read and definitely worth exploring for those who enjoy whimsical stories.

briannagates's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of those books that's truly fun to read. I was curious about the pronunciation of some of the words, so I switched from reading to listening to the audiobook about 4 chapters in and I am SO glad I did! The audiobook version immersed me into the world so fully that I had to force myself to pause and get things done at work. Beautiful from start to finish.

kendal_reads's review against another edition

i never wanted to pick it up and it was interesting in theory but whenever i was reading i just wanted to do anything else

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood and Death

Moderate: Bullying and Confinement

ashreads42's review

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

loetje's review

Reading slump, overall weird vibe. Didn't catch me.

lottie1803's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

sammyem's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

hr13's review against another edition

emotional mysterious

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

libraryoflindsay's review against another edition

dark slow-paced

2.75

The first 3/4s of this book nothing happened. Only thing I really

Enjoyed was the sentient Driada. The ending doesn’t make any sense, this guy made a bargain knowing the cost and yet expected to not have to pay it? And she just helped him get out of the bargain for what, love? Twin souls? I just don’t think I was the right reader for this one.