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_amberviegas_'s review
5.0
<< I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. >>
Ahhhh! I am extremely happy with Airy Nothing. Shakespearean style romance? Sold! Clarissa's writing captured the essence of YA so nicely. Also fantasy is one of my fav genres so I kept high hopes throughout. :D
Ahhhh! I am extremely happy with Airy Nothing. Shakespearean style romance? Sold! Clarissa's writing captured the essence of YA so nicely. Also fantasy is one of my fav genres so I kept high hopes throughout. :D
amandafw's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- 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
5.0
sofiadanielle's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
4.0
I got this book on a whim, enjoying the cover and the book synopsis seemed promising. I will say, I enjoyed the book, but there are some hitches, hence my rating.
The language used seemed a bit confusing at first, trying to figure out what John is “seeing” versus what’s actually real life, but once you get a hang of this, you can navigate the story a bit easier.
Another qualm I have is that the plot “peak” The Butcher’s death scene, and surrounding scenes seemed rushed and maybe too quick. Though I suppose many scenes in the novel are written in similar fashion with how fast they go.
I also wish the ending was longer, but the final chapter was a quick and sweet ending. I loved both Black Jack and John, and the magical elements (whether only in John’s head or not) were a nice touch to the storyline. Excited to read more of Pattern’s work in the future :)
The language used seemed a bit confusing at first, trying to figure out what John is “seeing” versus what’s actually real life, but once you get a hang of this, you can navigate the story a bit easier.
Another qualm I have is that the plot “peak”
I also wish the ending was longer, but the final chapter was a quick and sweet ending. I loved both Black Jack and John, and the magical elements (whether only in John’s head or not) were a nice touch to the storyline. Excited to read more of Pattern’s work in the future :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, and Homophobia
Moderate: Vomit and Violence
faesissa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
I received this book in The Storygraph giveaway.
It's written beautifully, very descriptive language and I like the inclusion of the faeries and their imagery. Especially with how it links to the the Shakespearen elements.
I'm a little sad that you're sold early on in the novel that the story is about John getting to London, finding the Faerie Queen, and getting her to help him transform. Instead it's more of a coming of age story for an lgbt runaway. Which isn't bad, just not what I thought I was getting into so I don't think I read this at the right moment for myself. I also kind of wish we saw more of the post-Jack years as little flashes, maybe finish off the thought about transformation and the faerie queen (unless the Faerie with Shakespeare is intended to be she). And the ending, although sappy was also sweet so I liked that.
It's written beautifully, very descriptive language and I like the inclusion of the faeries and their imagery. Especially with how it links to the the Shakespearen elements.
xpressionless's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- 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? Yes
4.0
vanitzas's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
lemonsandligaments's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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? Yes
4.75
I’ve read a lot of books this year that have decent plots but main characters that I don’t care for. This book reminds me that main characters CAN be likeable.
Some of the themes in this book are tough, especially in today’s world. They’re deftly handled through the eyes of young boys, while being informative at the same time.
Black Jack. Holy shit, that dude is literally flawless (minus the wanting to keep John for himself, which is like a GOOD flaw. Black Jack being the closest thing to an angel might be the only reason this is not 5 stars as it kinda plays into the “mc meets miracle man” trope.
John’s your typical character that is shy and thrown into a whole new world. His mien makes it easy to care for his wellbeing as he is nice to most.
The relationship that develops between them both if of course lovely.
By the end, any major plot points like Jack possibly heading to the gallows and their reunification were major emotional moments and benefitted from the strong building of their relationship beforehand.
And the whole bit about John seeing Jack pick a gift for him and settling on BUYiNG the ring was so JJSKSOAO.
The dynamic between them and the other characters like Bess and Molls are fun!
Having a sole antagonist, the Butcher, that just dies is alright I guess. I’m not clamouring for him to be more fleshed out and have more time, I enjoy how Jack and John were the focus of the book.
This book was adorable and a great read. The author clearly knows Shakespeare and the scattered references made me apprehensive at first as I am no Shakespearephile. When snippets of his plays were used for major plot points, it makes it worthwhile.
Some of the themes in this book are tough, especially in today’s world. They’re deftly handled through the eyes of young boys, while being informative at the same time.
John’s your typical character that is shy and thrown into a whole new world. His mien makes it easy to care for his wellbeing as he is nice to most.
The relationship that develops between them both if of course lovely.
By the end, any major plot points like Jack possibly heading to the gallows and their reunification were major emotional moments and benefitted from the strong building of their relationship beforehand.
And the whole bit about John seeing Jack pick a gift for him and settling on BUYiNG the ring was so JJSKSOAO.
The dynamic between them and the other characters like Bess and Molls are fun!
Having a sole antagonist, the Butcher, that just dies is alright I guess. I’m not clamouring for him to be more fleshed out and have more time, I enjoy how Jack and John were the focus of the book.
This book was adorable and a great read. The author clearly knows Shakespeare and the scattered references made me apprehensive at first as I am no Shakespearephile. When snippets of his plays were used for major plot points, it makes it worthwhile.
It’s not because I’m good or kind. It’s just that being with you makes me so.
geno's review
After starting this book two times, I decided to shelve it.
It sounds promising but the way it's written it's not working for me.
It sounds promising but the way it's written it's not working for me.
onimichael's review
5.0
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was incredible! I didn’t know I wanted a queer Shakespearean period piece until I read it, but now that I have, it’s like eating a very filling meal.
The language used and the transition between the faerie world and the real world made it a bit difficult to understand what was going on at some points, but once you get past that, it really is an enchanting story. John and Jack are both lovable characters, but I felt like I resonated with John a lot more as a trans individual. (Note: His pronouns are he/him throughout the novel, so I’ll refer to him as such.) I was put off at first about the ambiguity of his gender identity - not knowing exactly what his experiences were made me question how much I could really relate to him - and I decided to read him as a trans man. However, I’ve decided I actually like that ambiguity. It adds to John’s character because you get to see him more for who he wants to be rather than how he may have originally been. Additionally, I think the potential for someone to read John as a trans woman, a trans man, genderfluid, etc. depending on how they see him is very positive for any trans readers who want someone to relate to (just like I did).
I also enjoyed how John’s experience with gender tied into the theater plot, since he was able to see men dressed as female characters and the blending of gender. I appreciate the author’s choice to use Twelfth Night as the main play of the novel, since it is about a women who dresses as a man - basically a mirror of John, which made the story much more rounded out.
I would love to see more of Pattern’s writing in the future. They really do have quite a way with words that feels unique from other authors, and I’d jump at the chance to have another experience like this!
This book was incredible! I didn’t know I wanted a queer Shakespearean period piece until I read it, but now that I have, it’s like eating a very filling meal.
The language used and the transition between the faerie world and the real world made it a bit difficult to understand what was going on at some points, but once you get past that, it really is an enchanting story. John and Jack are both lovable characters, but I felt like I resonated with John a lot more as a trans individual. (Note: His pronouns are he/him throughout the novel, so I’ll refer to him as such.) I was put off at first about the ambiguity of his gender identity - not knowing exactly what his experiences were made me question how much I could really relate to him - and I decided to read him as a trans man. However, I’ve decided I actually like that ambiguity. It adds to John’s character because you get to see him more for who he wants to be rather than how he may have originally been. Additionally, I think the potential for someone to read John as a trans woman, a trans man, genderfluid, etc. depending on how they see him is very positive for any trans readers who want someone to relate to (just like I did).
I also enjoyed how John’s experience with gender tied into the theater plot, since he was able to see men dressed as female characters and the blending of gender. I appreciate the author’s choice to use Twelfth Night as the main play of the novel, since it is about a women who dresses as a man - basically a mirror of John, which made the story much more rounded out.
I would love to see more of Pattern’s writing in the future. They really do have quite a way with words that feels unique from other authors, and I’d jump at the chance to have another experience like this!
oceanvvaves's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.25