Scan barcode
lfmccune's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've read YA fantasy novels similar to the "novel within the novel" here, so I felt like I could connect the dots and read between the lines regarding the characters' backstories when this author suddenly found herself living in their world...HER world that she had created. How cool would that be?!! In the typical fantasy novel I like to read, there may be a main character that has to examine their life and find the key to overcoming their obstacles. In this novel, it is the novelist herself who unintentionally inhabits her main character, and dang it, she has to examine HER life in order to overcome the obstacles. Whoa. I'm fine with harsh fantasy, not so good with harsh reality, so while I can typically read a YA fantasy novel overnight, no problem, I did find myself having to put it down and step away just to catch my breath. So it took me two days to read it. The characters are so awesome, and the story is so compelling, that I kept reading. And yes, I did think about the times I thought of giving up. And yes, I was grateful for my own internal voices like the author's characters who strive to give me hope. There ARE triggers in this novel. The author's self-examination will likely lead to the reader's self-examination. If it helps even one reader to realize that living is the only way to prevail, that it DOES get better as long as you survive, then the author will have achieved their goal of making a difference. ❤️️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Vomit
More...