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kayceeisbookish's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Death, Car accident, Sexual content, Animal death, Death of parent, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Mental illness, Alcohol, Grief, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Racism
soniajoy98's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Cursing, Xenophobia, Drug use, Mental illness, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexual content, Rape, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, and Death
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Bullying, Colonisation, Stalking, Domestic abuse, Classism, Abandonment, Animal death, and Gun violence
readwithria's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
While it’s technically a fantasy novel, I would categorize this as more literary in feel than a typical fantasy book. I think that it’s important to know that ahead of time, because my incorrect expectation definitely impacted my experience with the book.
Ava Reid’s writing is, as usual, so beautifully lyrical. There are so many quotes that I highlighted, and I can’t get enough of their dialogue. I think that given the themes of storytelling and truth in this book, that lyricism was very well used and a necessary element of the story.
The pacing was slow and deliberate, which is not what I usually like but it definitely was needed to build the level of tension that Reid achieved. If you like a fast paced book this is definitely not that, but for all the slow burn readers out there this will be right up your alley.
The characters in this were intriguing, and I’m sure that many people will absolutely love them, but it took me until about halfway through the book to fully feel connected to them. The first half of the book felt a bit… maybe disassociated is the right word? A little off, not quite 100% there. For reference, it took me a week to read the first 52% and a day to read the last 48%.
This book is beautiful, and there’s lots of things to love about it, but it wasn’t what I usually look for in a book that I love. I think that lots of people will really enjoy it though. Ava Reid’s YA debut will enthrall its ideal reader, I’m just not quite that person. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Graphic: Sexism and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
Minor: Cursing, Racism, Alcohol, Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, and Suicidal thoughts