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honeyhistory103's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a lovely, simple read - definitely a great mini-mystery summer beach read. I loved now normal being abnormal was in Leno's world - the casual acceptance of members of the LGBTQ community, magic, and general oddness (Vira's gothness, the birdpeople's fixation) was a breath of fresh air. The problems that drove the story weren't caused by folks' oddness. Instead, the plot was gently compelling, keeping the novel chugging ahead at a steady pace. There was never a "gotcha" moment, and Leno gives you plenty enough clues to figure out the mystery on your own. The prose is well-written and immersive in its description without being superfluous.
*Spoilers* What truly made this book worth 4 stars instead of 3 to me was the absolutely beautiful way Leno handled the topic of rape, especially within a YA novel. The subtle character shifts that caused confusion for other characters in the story, the secretive nature surrounding it rang with a truth to them. What I loved most was the no-nonsense, absolute accountability that came for the perpetrator in the end - the ending that was deserved.
*Spoilers* What truly made this book worth 4 stars instead of 3 to me was the absolutely beautiful way Leno handled the topic of rape, especially within a YA novel. The subtle character shifts that caused confusion for other characters in the story, the secretive nature surrounding it rang with a truth to them. What I loved most was the no-nonsense, absolute accountability that came for the perpetrator in the end - the ending that was deserved.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Vomit, and Drug use
Minor: Death of parent, Drug use, and Gun violence
hmatt's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Okay wow I just stumbled into this book as a rec on TSG and it blew me away. Perfect dark YA fairytale with real social commentary that doesn't feel forced.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Grief, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Child abuse, Gun violence, and Vomit
laurenwerlinger's review
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book is a beautiful story about trauma, magic, and love.
While the themes of the story are clear, they often come across as heavy-handed where author Katrina Leno had the opportunity for more subtlety. The middle of the book felt aimless and unfocused. Leno tries to incorporate different storylines and characters, but often they are disjointed. The romance that occurs between two characters is rushed and not very compelling.
However, the book is redeemed by the atmosphere it creates. Leno draws the reader in to the island of By-the-Sea with beautiful, grounded descriptions of the island and its people. I also loved the soft magic system and the way the magic tied into the theme of trauma.
While the themes of the story are clear, they often come across as heavy-handed where author Katrina Leno had the opportunity for more subtlety. The middle of the book felt aimless and unfocused. Leno tries to incorporate different storylines and characters, but often they are disjointed. The romance that occurs between two characters is rushed and not very compelling.
However, the book is redeemed by the atmosphere it creates. Leno draws the reader in to the island of By-the-Sea with beautiful, grounded descriptions of the island and its people. I also loved the soft magic system and the way the magic tied into the theme of trauma.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Drug use, Sexual assault, Rape, Vomit, and Gun violence
Slut shaming, victim blaming
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