Reviews

I had high expectations for this book, the cover is pretty and I heard it was gay and light-hearted. Pls dont come for me but it ended up being disappointing in many ways (i'm looking at you Mário).
First, it's a book inspired by a real genocide where in the end everything is solved by the nice guy in the system (who honestly was SO FUCKING BLAND) and, of course, the power of friendship (??). Some of the most popular reviews explain this in a more articulate way than I could ever do).
Second, I hate it can' t be a happy ending without everyone being coupled up. This to say I didn't buy any of the romance in this book. It felt like it came out of nowhere and falls into the narrative of amatonormativity. It shoud have just been about found family.
All the scenes where the kids were confronted with discrimination were just not believable. The world building was weak af.
Lastly, I want to say I liked the whimsical vibes, and the kids I LOVED THE KIDS. I really felt I got know them along with the main character and they were really sweet (there were too many of them tho).

crepes2511's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

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

4.25

fallingautumn's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

calvin_k_ho's review against another edition

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5.0

“A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with. You may not live on the island, but you can’t tell me it’s not your home. Your bubble, Mr. Baker. It’s been popped. Why would you allow it to grow around you again?”

Lovely, truly all the feels. This is definitely Klune's best work. I feel like I was just given a family hug that I didn't even know I was looking for let alone needed.

sarahbass's review against another edition

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5.0

i loved this book it was so sweet and cute

astehling's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

abbie_o's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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