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cleches's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Medical trauma, and Panic attacks/disorders
amandabethrose's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I love a good dual narrative book, and the spin Khalia Moreau put on this style was fascinating. The story follows two sisters. One, Laine, is the only whole surviving member of her family. Her parents were killed in the same car accident that left her sister, Alyssa, severely disabled, unable to care for herself, and nearly unable to communicate save a few garbled words here and there. She is barely holding it together in the real world, struggling to pay bills, coordinate her sister's care, and preserve her own mental health. Alyssa is trapped in a fantasy world where she thinks herself the younger princess of a kingdom where her parents are trapped in the Dark Forest and danger from a shadowy villain lurks.
The fantasy elements felt almost childish at times, but childish in the way that felt realistic to the imagination of a nineteen year old girl trapped inside her mind. It was the kind of flowery, escapism that felt real. The magic of her world bled over just enough to make you wonder - was the 'real world' completely free from the mysterious and the magical after all?
My one caveat to this book is that there should absolutely be a trigger warning for sexual assault of a disabled character. It is non-graphic and tastefully written, but putting the pieces together was still shocking and felt very, very dark.
With that in mind, I did otherwise find the story to be captivating and I could see it being made into a really compelling film or short series. The alternating POV from reality and fantasy would make for some amazing visuals!
The fantasy elements felt almost childish at times, but childish in the way that felt realistic to the imagination of a nineteen year old girl trapped inside her mind. It was the kind of flowery, escapism that felt real. The magic of her world bled over just enough to make you wonder - was the 'real world' completely free from the mysterious and the magical after all?
My one caveat to this book is that there should absolutely be a trigger warning for sexual assault of a disabled character. It is non-graphic and tastefully written, but putting the pieces together was still shocking and felt very, very dark.
With that in mind, I did otherwise find the story to be captivating and I could see it being made into a really compelling film or short series. The alternating POV from reality and fantasy would make for some amazing visuals!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Rape, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death
2treads's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really enjoyed this debut featuring sisters. The twining of a contemporary world with a fantastical one was also well done, especially the disability rep.
In both worlds we see Laine struggle to take care of her sister who has been severely injured/cursed after their parents are taken. She barely has time for herself or romance and feels guilty for even thinking that she could find someone for her own. On the flip side, Alyssa is concerned about how her condition is hampering Laine and only wantsto be able to communicate both her love, appreciation, and fear.
The way Moreau uses the parallels of the contemporary and fantasy worked really well as readers are able to draw connections between the worlds. The infusion of her cultural folklore also made this read even more enjoyable.
In both worlds we see Laine struggle to take care of her sister who has been severely injured/cursed after their parents are taken. She barely has time for herself or romance and feels guilty for even thinking that she could find someone for her own. On the flip side, Alyssa is concerned about how her condition is hampering Laine and only wantsto be able to communicate both her love, appreciation, and fear.
The way Moreau uses the parallels of the contemporary and fantasy worked really well as readers are able to draw connections between the worlds. The infusion of her cultural folklore also made this read even more enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Grief
Minor: Death and Death of parent
instalovewithbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This was a wild ride. I listened to it on audio, and I highly recommend it in audio! The narrators are brilliant, and it fully immersed you into the story.
The two timelines/realities was such a interesting take on a horrifying story. There are some TW's that you must be aware of before starting it, and the ending isn't what you're going to think it is.
I wished Moreau made the two realities a bit more clear, but it was good to have some confusion on which reality might be the right one.
The two timelines/realities was such a interesting take on a horrifying story. There are some TW's that you must be aware of before starting it, and the ending isn't what you're going to think it is.
I wished Moreau made the two realities a bit more clear, but it was good to have some confusion on which reality might be the right one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
Moderate: Sexual assault, Rape, and Medical content
Minor: Gun violence
literaryintersections's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is wild!!!! And unique and weird and I kinda loved it and kinda didn’t. It is just so strange and different and I needed to know what happened so badly. The two different realms/timelines/multiverses were so interesting and I loved how they mirrored each other. The sexual assault storyline was absolutely horrific. I have to admit the end wrecked me and I was legit sobbing.
I do appreciate that Moreau took from her real life experiences - especially with Alyssa’s experiences and accident. This story had so many beautiful parts and I’m still a little confused lol.
I do appreciate that Moreau took from her real life experiences - especially with Alyssa’s experiences and accident. This story had so many beautiful parts and I’m still a little confused lol.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Death of parent, and Sexual assault
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