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bookish_withsky's review
3.0
3.5
First and foremost, the author made sure to send a list of trigger warning before I read it, which I think is such an important practice. Essentially, our mc is an author who is struggling with depression, intrusive thoughts, and suicidal ideations. I think reading from this perspective, while hard because she is not likable in the slightest sometimes, is kind of a weight-lifting experience. She is our worst side of ourselves when we are struggling. This is a story of mental illness and trying to heal set into a somewhat fantasy setting that's used as a tool for telling this story, not the as the actual story itself if that makes sense. It did lag a bit at times and I have a difficult time rating this because the concept and conversation within it are phenomenal, but the execution lacks a bit for me.
First and foremost, the author made sure to send a list of trigger warning before I read it, which I think is such an important practice. Essentially, our mc is an author who is struggling with depression, intrusive thoughts, and suicidal ideations. I think reading from this perspective, while hard because she is not likable in the slightest sometimes, is kind of a weight-lifting experience. She is our worst side of ourselves when we are struggling. This is a story of mental illness and trying to heal set into a somewhat fantasy setting that's used as a tool for telling this story, not the as the actual story itself if that makes sense. It did lag a bit at times and I have a difficult time rating this because the concept and conversation within it are phenomenal, but the execution lacks a bit for me.
helynalc's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Forgive me, old friend, but we won't win the Shadow War."
"No, I don't think we will."
When I first saw stuff about this book, I was immediately intrigued: authors getting sucked into their imaginary worlds is exactly my jam. And there's mental illness rep? Even more so. I was so very happy to receive an ARC and jumped in immediately. The novel started out sort of how I expected: it was sad, mostly through the narration of the author and what little glimpses we get about her real life, but there was this magical world to get lost in too, and cool characters, so I was like okay. I can roll, just like the author did! I lost myself in the magic of it, like her, even though darker things always hovered in the background, barely seen. Solera is a fantasy world that is familiar but still distinct enough to be memorable - what makes it stand out, as always, is the stories of its characters (and that includes the author this time). There's magic and epic battles, there's dragons, there's a fearsome dark foe...and secrets and quests! It took me some time to grab onto what will be the structure of the novel, but it does all come together in the end. A hero's journey: save Solera and her friends, learn some lessons, get back home somehow. I also appreciated mentions of writing tropes, fantasy cliches and not-cliches, and comments about publishing and author life a lot. The author's language is modern, quippy, but deeply introspective at times, peppered with simple but awesome descriptions of the world. She knows Solera inside out and she's not afraid to show it.
Also, the "a word" was said. Several times! You know, the one that rhymes with uh...abexual? x)
Then, for the last third, the book becomes something different. The same, to be honest, but different. And um, I wasn't prepared to be seen this kind of way.
As someone whose imaginary world(s) has pushed her withering soul through some spicy times also, this last part of the novel was quite...harrowing. I mean I should have known! I really should have. But I didn't, because I intentionally let myself to be bamboozled, that's just who I am as a person. Anyway, this book made me cry and lose all hope and man, that warning in the beginning about unkind narrative voice is no joke. But that's what the darkness does. And looking at it all, I wasn't sure there will be light at the end of the journey. I recognized myself, not in everything, because oh the darkness is so good at tailoring itself to each and every one of us, but I did, and boy, it hurt. Depression sucks. Real life sucks double. And there are times we suck too. And there's no easy answer. Sometimes there's no answer at all.
But.
We can always try. And we do. And in the end, there is a tiny teensy glimmer of hope.
This is a book I would love to have written, and I really don't say that all too often. I'm having all the emotions, and I love everything about it. This book will save lives. And every single agent can be sorry they didn't decide to champion it. Fools. Absolute buffoons.
Preordered, shelved as favourite, will re-read when I need a good existential crisis I mean catharsis.
P.S. Also I love dragons and Cendrion is the best.
"Forgive me, old friend, but we won't win the Shadow War."
"No, I don't think we will."
When I first saw stuff about this book, I was immediately intrigued: authors getting sucked into their imaginary worlds is exactly my jam. And there's mental illness rep? Even more so. I was so very happy to receive an ARC and jumped in immediately. The novel started out sort of how I expected: it was sad, mostly through the narration of the author and what little glimpses we get about her real life, but there was this magical world to get lost in too, and cool characters, so I was like okay. I can roll, just like the author did! I lost myself in the magic of it, like her, even though darker things always hovered in the background, barely seen. Solera is a fantasy world that is familiar but still distinct enough to be memorable - what makes it stand out, as always, is the stories of its characters (and that includes the author this time). There's magic and epic battles, there's dragons, there's a fearsome dark foe...and secrets and quests! It took me some time to grab onto what will be the structure of the novel, but it does all come together in the end. A hero's journey: save Solera and her friends, learn some lessons, get back home somehow. I also appreciated mentions of writing tropes, fantasy cliches and not-cliches, and comments about publishing and author life a lot. The author's language is modern, quippy, but deeply introspective at times, peppered with simple but awesome descriptions of the world. She knows Solera inside out and she's not afraid to show it.
Also, the "a word" was said. Several times! You know, the one that rhymes with uh...abexual? x)
Then, for the last third, the book becomes something different. The same, to be honest, but different. And um, I wasn't prepared to be seen this kind of way.
As someone whose imaginary world(s) has pushed her withering soul through some spicy times also, this last part of the novel was quite...harrowing. I mean I should have known! I really should have. But I didn't, because I intentionally let myself to be bamboozled, that's just who I am as a person. Anyway, this book made me cry and lose all hope and man, that warning in the beginning about unkind narrative voice is no joke. But that's what the darkness does. And looking at it all, I wasn't sure there will be light at the end of the journey. I recognized myself, not in everything, because oh the darkness is so good at tailoring itself to each and every one of us, but I did, and boy, it hurt. Depression sucks. Real life sucks double. And there are times we suck too. And there's no easy answer. Sometimes there's no answer at all.
But.
We can always try. And we do. And in the end, there is a tiny teensy glimmer of hope.
This is a book I would love to have written, and I really don't say that all too often. I'm having all the emotions, and I love everything about it. This book will save lives. And every single agent can be sorry they didn't decide to champion it. Fools. Absolute buffoons.
Preordered, shelved as favourite, will re-read when I need a good existential crisis I mean catharsis.
P.S. Also I love dragons and Cendrion is the best.
beautyandthebookcase's review
5.0
I couldn’t put it down! It took me longer to read than I would have liked due to adulting responsibilities. So, I’m going to warn you, make time to sit and devour this one in one sitting if you’re able because it’s going to suck you in. The imagery is exceptional! Drawing you in to the point you can see yourself within the fantastical world.
Could you imagine, being sucked into a world of fantasy? To live as your beloved character in their world? Then this is the book for you!
Could you imagine, being sucked into a world of fantasy? To live as your beloved character in their world? Then this is the book for you!
jabberwockystories's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was what I would call a "realistic fantasy". What would happen if you suddenly woke up in your favorite fantasy world? Could you take over the hero's job and save everyone?
In Kill Your Darlings, the author finds herself as her main character Kyla. At first it all seems very exciting seeing her friends and her darlings she has been writing about for years. Then she remembers the horrible ending where she killed everyone off....oops. Well lets try to save them! However in doing so, she discovers it's not them she needs to save it's herself.
If you're expecting a happy fantasy with dragons and love turn around. This book is filled with depression, but in a skilled and beautiful way that showcases it's okay to struggle. To summarize the book in one sentence: "It's okay to have the bad days and the worse days, as long as you remember there can be light if you allow it." It's honestly refreshing to not have a fantasy story with the main character defeating all the villains without suffering; war sucks and this highlights it!
I loved all the characters and how they supported the "little author" in her battle. It was also heartening to not have romance as a subplot and to finally see asexual representation!!! <3
In Kill Your Darlings, the author finds herself as her main character Kyla. At first it all seems very exciting seeing her friends and her darlings she has been writing about for years. Then she remembers the horrible ending where she killed everyone off....oops. Well lets try to save them! However in doing so, she discovers it's not them she needs to save it's herself.
If you're expecting a happy fantasy with dragons and love turn around. This book is filled with depression, but in a skilled and beautiful way that showcases it's okay to struggle. To summarize the book in one sentence: "It's okay to have the bad days and the worse days, as long as you remember there can be light if you allow it." It's honestly refreshing to not have a fantasy story with the main character defeating all the villains without suffering; war sucks and this highlights it!
I loved all the characters and how they supported the "little author" in her battle. It was also heartening to not have romance as a subplot and to finally see asexual representation!!! <3
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
_kvjones_'s review
3.0
It feels very strange to rate a book so intimate and personal, but I am giving it a 3 (in the most positive of ways, I promise a 3 is not awful for me).
It's very emotional, and explores topics very personal to me as well. I could get into depth with it, but I feel uncomfortable doing so right now. Maybe if I come back, I'll edit this to have more information.
It's very emotional, and explores topics very personal to me as well. I could get into depth with it, but I feel uncomfortable doing so right now. Maybe if I come back, I'll edit this to have more information.
whatnolareads's review
4.0
"Kill Your Darlings" by L.E. Harper takes readers on a captivating journey into the intertwined worlds of reality and fantasy. As someone who battles with depression myself, I found Kyla's struggles to be deeply relatable. Harper's portrayal of mental illness is both honest and empathetic, making Kyla a compelling protagonist from the start.
The concept of being transported into one's own fictional world is intriguing, and Harper executes it masterfully. The realm of Solera comes alive with vivid descriptions and rich world-building, drawing readers into its magical depths alongside Kyla. I felt like I was right there with her, experiencing the wonder and danger of this fantastical land.
One of the most compelling aspects of the story is Kyla's internal conflict. As she grapples with her depression and doubts her ability to change the course of her story, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster. Harper's exploration of self-doubt and the power of resilience resonates deeply, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope.
The supporting characters in "Kill Your Darlings" are equally well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. From the fearless heroes to the cunning villains, every character feels three-dimensional and adds depth to the story. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Kyla and Prince Charming, whose relationship unfolds in a refreshingly authentic way.
Ultimately, "Kill Your Darlings" is a poignant exploration of the power of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we have the strength to rewrite our own stories and find our own happy endings. L.E. Harper has crafted a truly unforgettable tale that will linger in readers' minds long after the final page.
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of "Kill Your Darlings".
* This review is
voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Content Warnings: Depictions of mental illness including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. The suicide scene is pretty graphic;
The concept of being transported into one's own fictional world is intriguing, and Harper executes it masterfully. The realm of Solera comes alive with vivid descriptions and rich world-building, drawing readers into its magical depths alongside Kyla. I felt like I was right there with her, experiencing the wonder and danger of this fantastical land.
One of the most compelling aspects of the story is Kyla's internal conflict. As she grapples with her depression and doubts her ability to change the course of her story, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster. Harper's exploration of self-doubt and the power of resilience resonates deeply, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope.
The supporting characters in "Kill Your Darlings" are equally well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. From the fearless heroes to the cunning villains, every character feels three-dimensional and adds depth to the story. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Kyla and Prince Charming, whose relationship unfolds in a refreshingly authentic way.
Ultimately, "Kill Your Darlings" is a poignant exploration of the power of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we have the strength to rewrite our own stories and find our own happy endings. L.E. Harper has crafted a truly unforgettable tale that will linger in readers' minds long after the final page.
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of "Kill Your Darlings".
* This review is
voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Content Warnings: Depictions of mental illness including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. The suicide scene is pretty graphic;
anca_antoci's review
4.0
When I first picked up "Kill Your Darlings," it was the intriguing premise that caught my attention. Written in the first-person point of view, the novel follows the journey of an author living in New York City who unexpectedly wakes up to discover herself inhabiting the body of Kyla Starblade, the protagonist of her fantasy series set in an alternate world. Armed with her knowledge of this fictional realm, Kyla embarks on a quest to save it, but soon finds herself entangled in a nightmarish struggle.
Let me begin by stating that this book was not what I initially expected. Rather than being solely a fantasy tale, it serves as a metaphor for mental health struggles. The author's inner monologues illustrate her depression and suicidal thoughts, and reveal her inner struggles..
The crux of the story revolves around the narrator's journey of overcoming self-doubt and battling inner demons. Consequently, the plethora of external threats takes a back seat in terms of the actual menace they pose to the characters.
What I truly enjoyed about "Kill Your Darlings" was its fast-paced and fluid writing, which kept the story engaging and never allowed it to stagnate. However, during the action sequences, there was an abundance of conversations, and I couldn't help but feel that there was an excessive amount of dialogue.
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews/kill-your-darlings-by-l-e-harper-book-review
Let me begin by stating that this book was not what I initially expected. Rather than being solely a fantasy tale, it serves as a metaphor for mental health struggles. The author's inner monologues illustrate her depression and suicidal thoughts, and reveal her inner struggles..
The crux of the story revolves around the narrator's journey of overcoming self-doubt and battling inner demons. Consequently, the plethora of external threats takes a back seat in terms of the actual menace they pose to the characters.
What I truly enjoyed about "Kill Your Darlings" was its fast-paced and fluid writing, which kept the story engaging and never allowed it to stagnate. However, during the action sequences, there was an abundance of conversations, and I couldn't help but feel that there was an excessive amount of dialogue.
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews/kill-your-darlings-by-l-e-harper-book-review
kebyrne2's review
3.0
I was great ful to get an ARC for this book. I will give it a 3.5.
The middle felt like it dragged somewhat. The plot and discussions on depression kept me reading. I was hoping for a happy ending. Maybe not fairytale happy ever after but at least a happy for now. So I kept reading and wasn’t disappointed.
The writing wasn’t my favorite. I can’t put my finger on it; the writing style wasn’t my favorite style.
I differently got very wizard of oz (hit your head and in a new world vibes) as well as Alice in wonderland (fall down a hole and in a new world).
The book had different themes then I normally read and I liked that.
The middle felt like it dragged somewhat. The plot and discussions on depression kept me reading. I was hoping for a happy ending. Maybe not fairytale happy ever after but at least a happy for now. So I kept reading and wasn’t disappointed.
The writing wasn’t my favorite. I can’t put my finger on it; the writing style wasn’t my favorite style.
I differently got very wizard of oz (hit your head and in a new world vibes) as well as Alice in wonderland (fall down a hole and in a new world).
The book had different themes then I normally read and I liked that.