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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.
Moderate: Rape, Vomit, and Drug use
Minor: Death of parent, Drug use, and Gun violence
serendipia's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Moderate: Rape, Animal death, and Death of parent
nandakandabooks's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Moderate: Rape, Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Vomit
Minor: Death of parent
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.
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Grief, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Child abuse, Gun violence, and Vomit
guiltyoftsundoku's review
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Rape, Death of parent, and Murder
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