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avelinereynard's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5 stars
I thought this was lovely; a short and sweet and well-woven fantasy-romance. Gothic and a bit eerie, dealing with love and loss. I find Chant's prose incredibly easy to read - never something that jars me out of the story, and often as enchanting as the characters and the romance being created. The worldbuilding was surprisingly strong for how few words were used to do it - there was never a struggle to suspend my disbelief. I would definitely recommend!
I thought this was lovely; a short and sweet and well-woven fantasy-romance. Gothic and a bit eerie, dealing with love and loss. I find Chant's prose incredibly easy to read - never something that jars me out of the story, and often as enchanting as the characters and the romance being created. The worldbuilding was surprisingly strong for how few words were used to do it - there was never a struggle to suspend my disbelief. I would definitely recommend!
crossing_wires's review against another edition
4.0
Having now read all of Austin Chant's novellas, I can say that this one is my least favorite, but that doesn't mean it isn't a cute little story. I think my main problem was that it was Very short, so the plot was rushed and the relationship seemed kind of instalovey, since the characters only really interact together in a few scenes over the course of a week or two. The main characters are really interesting and fun to read about, though I think spending a little more time in Cecily's head would have been a benefit, since it's such a short book and by the end of it I still wasn't sure I understood her character as well as Roy. Roy is adorable and I loved his quiet stubbornness, and overall I thought the relationship between the two of them was very sweet. Also, the magic system is really phenomenally interesting and described in such a creative way that I desperately wish the book was longer or had a sequel just so I could learn more about how the magic works. I never knew how much I needed more LGBT westerns until I read this. Highly recommend.
swordsandstacks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
hungryandhappy's review against another edition
fast-paced
5.0
Some time ago I happened to see a gorgeous cover of a book called “Peter Darling” and decided to read it. I fell in love with the quality of writing and the originality of how the story of Peter Pan was retold. I decided to keep an eye on Austin Chant because I knew he was going to give me more magical tales full of representation and fantasy themes.
This is a story about Roy, a trans cowboy who finds himself involved in the life of the town’s witch, Cecily, after a fight resulting in him almost losing his life. Cecily has to put inside Roy the mechanical and magical heart of her long lost lover, Caroline, ruining her chances to resuscitate her with a spell she designed. The book is not about Roy finding out he is trans and it’s not about people finding it out and bullying him, beating him or worst, trying to kill him because he’s different. This is a book about the everyday lives of Roy and Cecily forced to live together until Roy heals completely and adjusts to the new heart. It’s sweet, emotional, and of course, magical.
It wasn't only magical because of Cecily being a witch but mainly because the writing style of Austin Chant is enchanting. One second you’re trying your best not to freeze to death on your couch, then the next second you’re fully immerse in the story you don’t realize you barely feel your nose and fingers. I felt warm and good inside with every page I read. It's a novella so it's short, worth every second you spend reading it. Cecily and Roy are two wonderful characters and, even though Roy doesn’t have magic powers, he is plenty magical himself with his kind nature, sincerity and his optimistic personality. It’s easy to feel for them and want them to be happy and serene.
If you have a couple hours or less to spare, then I recommend you read this novella. Who wouldn’t want to have magic powers to conjure food and clean the house? I know I would. I’m in a lasagna mood right now.
This is a story about Roy, a trans cowboy who finds himself involved in the life of the town’s witch, Cecily, after a fight resulting in him almost losing his life. Cecily has to put inside Roy the mechanical and magical heart of her long lost lover, Caroline, ruining her chances to resuscitate her with a spell she designed. The book is not about Roy finding out he is trans and it’s not about people finding it out and bullying him, beating him or worst, trying to kill him because he’s different. This is a book about the everyday lives of Roy and Cecily forced to live together until Roy heals completely and adjusts to the new heart. It’s sweet, emotional, and of course, magical.
It wasn't only magical because of Cecily being a witch but mainly because the writing style of Austin Chant is enchanting. One second you’re trying your best not to freeze to death on your couch, then the next second you’re fully immerse in the story you don’t realize you barely feel your nose and fingers. I felt warm and good inside with every page I read. It's a novella so it's short, worth every second you spend reading it. Cecily and Roy are two wonderful characters and, even though Roy doesn’t have magic powers, he is plenty magical himself with his kind nature, sincerity and his optimistic personality. It’s easy to feel for them and want them to be happy and serene.
If you have a couple hours or less to spare, then I recommend you read this novella. Who wouldn’t want to have magic powers to conjure food and clean the house? I know I would. I’m in a lasagna mood right now.
chaoticsebby's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
haunted_by_humans's review against another edition
4.0
This is my third novella that I’ve read from Austin Chant and I have yet to be disappointed. This was such a sweet and mildly heart-breaking story, I loved every second of it. The author is truly incredible for having the ability to pack so much feeling into such a short story- I definitely need more!
belsy's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book at, like, 3 in the morning — and couldn't stop until I was finished. It's a very quick read, I think it has less than 100 pages, but it's still super sweet and worth reading. It definitely got into my favorites!
Like... I wasn't planning on falling in love with a cowboy, but... I guess I just did!
The main characters are so lovely! Each of them have their own problems, their own dreams, their own history — and, by chance, it all gets tangled. Roy is absolutely the cutest cowboy I have ever seen. He is sweet, caring, and it's endearing how he is drooling on the floor everytime Cecily shows up. It has a beautiful contrast with Cecily's poise and elegance, making them a lovely couple.
All the main topics in the book are taken in such a delicate way! Grieve, fear of being rejected by your own peers, disphoria...
I really appreciate the author for writing this book. It was short, but really pleasing to read. When I finished, I was basically silently screaming (???), holding my kindle and going "YES!!! YES PLEASE!!!!". I wanted a good old happy ending after reading a tragedy, and this was everything I needed. I really recommend it.
Also: Roy, please, marry me???? gosh darn it, i melt everytime he calls Cecily "ma'am"!!!
Like... I wasn't planning on falling in love with a cowboy, but... I guess I just did!
The main characters are so lovely! Each of them have their own problems, their own dreams, their own history — and, by chance, it all gets tangled. Roy is absolutely the cutest cowboy I have ever seen. He is sweet, caring, and it's endearing how he is drooling on the floor everytime Cecily shows up. It has a beautiful contrast with Cecily's poise and elegance, making them a lovely couple.
All the main topics in the book are taken in such a delicate way! Grieve, fear of being rejected by your own peers, disphoria...
I really appreciate the author for writing this book. It was short, but really pleasing to read. When I finished, I was basically silently screaming (???), holding my kindle and going "YES!!! YES PLEASE!!!!". I wanted a good old happy ending after reading a tragedy, and this was everything I needed. I really recommend it.
Also: Roy, please, marry me???? gosh darn it, i melt everytime he calls Cecily "ma'am"!!!