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directorpurry'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
3.0
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, Confinement, and Blood
Moderate: Car accident
oliverreeds's review
- 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
Graphic: Animal death, Alcohol, Blood, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Confinement, Cursing, Kidnapping, Car accident, Death of parent, and War
longlost's review
- 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
5.0
I knew I had to read this book the minute I read the "no-love-interest, found family adventure you’ve been searching for," tag in the summary. And while it took me a little while to really get into the story, I'm glad I stuck it out because it was all worth it for that ending.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is its characters. The development between the Guardians' relationship was incredible, both heartwarming and heartbreaking when it needed to be. I adored each and every one of them; Blythe for her determination to rescue her family, Cordelia for how
Ashia Monet crafts a rich inner world just beyond the reach of the Common - where magic sings in your veins, and where dangers lurk in every corner. While I was incredibly attached to the Guardians and their characters, the other characters that Monet places into this world were just as full of depth and each provided a new window into this world of magic that the book draws us into. Despite their brief appearance, I loved reading about Jamie and their attempts to befriend Blythe, and Katia was frustratingly endearing even if I still don't understand a lot of her character.
You can really feel the love Monet has for this world in her writing. The fondess for the characters, the detail for the world they inhabit, the power behind this found family adventure that comprises of queer POC teenagers finding themselves and finding each other. Every word is crafted with such care, such indisputable respect for each of the characters and their stories. I can't stress enough how much I loved reading about the Guardians and their storylines. Definitely a book I'd recommend to anyone fond of the found family trope, and to anyone who's looking for a road trip rescue mission with a lot of bonding and some bombass worldbuilding.
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, Cursing, and Gore
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Drug use, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Car accident, and Grief
Minor: Death, Transphobia, Death of parent, and Panic attacks/disorders
Content warnings from the author: Discussion of deceased parents, siblings, and potential parental and familial death. Description of mild bloodshed in violent scenes. Mention of drugs and drug use, primarily marijuana. Gun use. Supernatural horror in the form of monsters, primarily found in Chapters 6, 12, and 25. Car accident in Chapter 19 Discussion of anxiety disorders and panic disorders primarily found in Chapters 22, 23, and 25 Racial n-word slur, ending in -a, found in Chapter 21 (before you drag me, yes, I am Black). Mild anxiety attack in Chapter 25. GRAPHIC: Cursing: The characters curse quite often. Kidnapping: The book is about Blythe's journey to rescue her family after they are kidnapped. Violence / gore: There are various fight scenes throughout the book. MODERATE: Adult/minor relationship: Blythe makes the observation thatmargotnelson's review
- 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
3.0
I'd say if you're looking for a fun, slightly corny book of magic antics with a diverse cast of goofy teenagers, this is a good pick!
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, and Cursing
Moderate: Stalking, Blood, Car accident, and Confinement
Minor: Gun violence, Grief, Death, and Death of parent