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sunnydale's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Kidnapping, Blood, and Violence
Minor: Animal death, Sexual harassment, Suicide, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Cursing, Classism, and Gun violence
The protagonist is kidnapped as a child, but is unharmed and not sexually abused in any way. The kidnapper's identity is later revealed, and he never intended to hurt her.boothmonkey6's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Suicide and Violence
krhea's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Moderate: Blood, Kidnapping, and Cursing
Minor: Suicide
nouveau's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Suicide
drinaiscold's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Moderate: Violence, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Kidnapping, and Suicide
Minor: Toxic relationship, Ableism, Toxic friendship, Stalking, Racism, and Physical abuse
lilifane's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I thought the synopsis sounded interesting, and I really enjoyed the first 30-40% of the book. I thought the writing style was fun, there was intrigue in the plot, and when Alice and Finch started to work together I had high hopes for the rest of the book. Only... it didn't live up to the expectation. The shift in Alice's narrative voice was disappointing because it's what made me start the book in the first place. But the weirdest part was the pacing of the plot. It just felt so fragmented. The plot started off with a compelling mystery but completely switched to a surreal, nightmarish fairy tale. I actually loved the fairy tales on their own and the idea and atmosphere of the Hinterland. But the actual plot in the Hazel Wood was so rushed and boring, and then suddenly the book was over? And it feels like at the end you have more questions than actual answers. Weird.
The character work... wasn't the best, either. But I liked Finch a lot... which lead to more disappointment about wasted potential. So yeah, amazing world building and really really interesting ideas, but the execution far from perfect.
Graphic: Blood, Kidnapping, Violence, and Death
Minor: Racism and Suicide
sssssoup's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I’m a huge fan of the dark fairy tale aspect of the story. It’s very well developed and interesting, and I love how the author incorporated a story within a story; it’s not something you see very often.
The characters are what really sell it for me. Alice is a very well rounded and complex protagonist; she may not be the most likable character, but her story is engaging and I love how well developed her backstory is. Her memories from her childhood really help to develop her personality for the audience and a lot of depth to her. Finch is one of my favorite characters from recent YA because he’s entertaining and deep at the same time. Like Alice, his trauma and backstory are very well written and really help show his depth.
The writing style is fantastic as well and it’s beautiful to read. It feels very poetic and deep yet realistic at the same time.
Graphic: Blood, Cursing, and Mental illness
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, and Violence
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal death, Bullying, Car accident, Child death, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Suicide, and Stalking
library_of_alexandra_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The first half of this book was great. The resolution was okay. The second half where Alice runs into weird fairytale things in a pile was confusing and excessive. I didn't know who I was supposed to remember and who I wasn't. I think it had lots of potential and a great premise, just didn't stick the landing.
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Gun violence and Kidnapping
Minor: Suicide
sarah_anne's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Blood, Self harm, and Suicide