Scan barcode
beforeviolets's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
Thank you to Peachtree Teen for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A timeless fairytale in verse about a girl made out of the dreams of men, desperately determined to forge a story of her own.
R.M. Romero seems to have a pattern of centering characters who find themselves trapped by the narratives and projections of the people and the world around them, and have to learn how to rewrite those narratives. And it gets me every time.
In our world, I think most people can relate to feeling weighed down by the expectations of others, whether that be parents, partners, friends, or even strangers on the internet. So much of our society teaches us to find worth in who we can be for other people. And so this book’s messages about self-empowerment and choosing the role we play in the stories that are told about our lives feels incredibly relevant despite the 1880s setting.
Juggling themes about the relationship between humans and nature, and about the tool of fairytales in determining who we view as "monsters" and "heroes", Romero strikes a wonderful balance between subtle literary metaphor and overt conversations.
This story feels precious and kind and hopeful. If you’re looking for a modern fairytale with a diverse cast, knife-sharp prose, and a queer romance, look no further.
Content Warnings: animal death, abusive relationship (emotional, physical), confinement, blood, death, nonconsensual kiss, violence, loss of sibling (past), loss of father, drowning (past), grief
A timeless fairytale in verse about a girl made out of the dreams of men, desperately determined to forge a story of her own.
R.M. Romero seems to have a pattern of centering characters who find themselves trapped by the narratives and projections of the people and the world around them, and have to learn how to rewrite those narratives. And it gets me every time.
In our world, I think most people can relate to feeling weighed down by the expectations of others, whether that be parents, partners, friends, or even strangers on the internet. So much of our society teaches us to find worth in who we can be for other people. And so this book’s messages about self-empowerment and choosing the role we play in the stories that are told about our lives feels incredibly relevant despite the 1880s setting.
Juggling themes about the relationship between humans and nature, and about the tool of fairytales in determining who we view as "monsters" and "heroes", Romero strikes a wonderful balance between subtle literary metaphor and overt conversations.
This story feels precious and kind and hopeful. If you’re looking for a modern fairytale with a diverse cast, knife-sharp prose, and a queer romance, look no further.
Content Warnings: animal death, abusive relationship (emotional, physical), confinement, blood, death, nonconsensual kiss, violence, loss of sibling (past), loss of father, drowning (past), grief
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Animal cruelty, and Confinement
Moderate: Death, Violence, Blood, Sexual assault, and Gun violence
Minor: Grief
bookishfaye's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
5.0
“I like seeking places where I can be free. Where I don’t have to be a boy to thread new paths, or a girl to want flowers blossoming throughout my life. I like discovering places where I can be everything I am at once, where I am not forced into any one shape, or stained by any single colour.”
Thank you Net-galley for providing me with an E-arc for review!!
First and foremost, more retellings of The Last Unicorn is not a want, but a need. This was such a whimsical and folkloric delight, steeped in culture & lore and I was so whisked away by the fairytale storytelling, I binged it all in one sitting & immediately put on the last unicorn film to feel something. This book has so many beautiful conversations throughout, and at times tough conversations, but handled with immense grace, and care. I have another book by this author sitting on my bookshelves & I’m very excited to experience more by them!!
Thank you Net-galley for providing me with an E-arc for review!!
First and foremost, more retellings of The Last Unicorn is not a want, but a need. This was such a whimsical and folkloric delight, steeped in culture & lore and I was so whisked away by the fairytale storytelling, I binged it all in one sitting & immediately put on the last unicorn film to feel something. This book has so many beautiful conversations throughout, and at times tough conversations, but handled with immense grace, and care. I have another book by this author sitting on my bookshelves & I’m very excited to experience more by them!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Bullying, Death, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
More...