Reviews

3.75 ⭐️
This book was really CUTE. And that is the most accurate adjective I have for it. The characters were quirky, diverse, lovable - BUT I wanted SO much more. More depth, more plot, more time for these relationships to develop. I have nothing bad to say about this book, but it also wasn’t an absolute knock-out. It was light & fluffy and a little bit witchy so if that’s what you’re looking for - than this is a winner!

If you’ve read The House in the Cerulean Sea, this book will feel like a shallower, witchy version and that’s why this book doesn’t quite hit it for me because TJ Klune just did this storyline so much better.

marjorieq's review against another edition

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5.0

What a cozy, lovely book. Like a warm cup of tea and a hug.

angelica95's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

glitterpricked's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

this was so cute! i'd been wanting another cosy fantasy read for a while, because my only other one is howl's moving castle, and this definitely fit the criteria. from the beginning the characters are charming and their relationship dynamics are distinct and entertaining. once the found family aspect is more central, the characters grow all the more loveable.

the book as a whole is so sweet! the stakes are low so it's more about the characters growing around each other, which is really lovely. but it's also got some sentimental moments that tied the book together and solidified the character development. at times it can be a little cheesy, but that cheesiness works with the book's overall tone; it's definitely not for everyone, but when it works, it works! one of the messages is the importance of love and community, a theme that makes me cry in any and all media. i really appreciated how much platonic relationships across generations were underlined in this. the romance was also sweet and worked really well alongside the other relationships.

i was going through a difficult month of uni when i read this, and i needed it. it felt like a warm hug from a friend, which is truly all i ever wanted from it. i buddyread this with angel, and thank god for that, because i have no idea when i would've gotten to it if not for her!

i wanted to add a quote, but if you don't want a single spoiler about the romance or themes, don't read it! i personally don't think it's very spoiler-y though so indulge me hehe

"People are usually like the sea, a constant, unerasable part of something bigger, but I’m more like a single wave that washes over the shore, ebbs away, and doesn’t leave a trace behind.”

He swallowed, his knuckles almost white on the wheel.

Mika looked away. “I’m afraid I’ll never leave a mark on anybody.”

It was quiet for so long that Mika wished she could take the too-reckless, too-honest words back, but then she heard him, rough and uneven and so quiet she almost missed it:

“It’s a little late for that, I’m afraid.”

judy___1's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

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