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lavenderdragons's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I struggled to get through the first half of this book HOWEVER, by the second half I was fully invested, even cried a little at one point and I didn't see the ending coming honestly!
flaffa's review against another edition
4.0
4.5*
This was a very atmospheric, interesting and witchy story. The writing is very unique. It's almost lyrical but not in the typical way we're used to. It is told in first person and the characters are very believable, both in their thoughts and dialogue, aswell as actions. I didn't mind how dark this story was but it is something to keep in mind before you read it. I don't think it's for everyone but I personally loved it and I am glad to have picked it up.
This was a very atmospheric, interesting and witchy story. The writing is very unique. It's almost lyrical but not in the typical way we're used to. It is told in first person and the characters are very believable, both in their thoughts and dialogue, aswell as actions. I didn't mind how dark this story was but it is something to keep in mind before you read it. I don't think it's for everyone but I personally loved it and I am glad to have picked it up.
dl2001's review against another edition
4.0
Really, really enjoyed this book. I'm possibly biased because I love anything gay and witchy but even objectively speaking, this was a super fun read. Maybe would've preferred it in a non-audio format, the narrator did sound way too old. Hearing all the teenage slang in a voice of a woman that's in her 50s just did not feel right lol.
I definitely saw my own experiences reflected in Madeline - Deirdre Sullivan writes queer characters really well and I related a lot! I liked how Maddy and Una didn't necessarily end up together. I thought all the characters were nicely rounded out, especially Madeline and Catlin's mother. To me, Lon was an all-too-familiar representation of an abusive boyfriend that I've seen friends go through time and again. I did think he was a bit cartoonishly evil, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. Also, was expecting him to be a red herring - it was a bit obvious for him to be the serial killer but I suppose not every ending has to be a twist one.
I will say that I would prefer for this to be written more as a stand alone. When authors leave endings open solely for the purpose of writing a sequel, I feel like it's cheapened. This being said, I'm definitely going to be reading Precious Catastrophe.
(Also - Béal Ifreann? I see what you did there)
I definitely saw my own experiences reflected in Madeline - Deirdre Sullivan writes queer characters really well and I related a lot! I liked how Maddy and Una didn't necessarily end up together. I thought all the characters were nicely rounded out, especially Madeline and Catlin's mother. To me, Lon was an all-too-familiar representation of an abusive boyfriend that I've seen friends go through time and again. I did think he was a bit cartoonishly evil, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. Also, was expecting him to be a red herring - it was a bit obvious for him to be the serial killer but I suppose not every ending has to be a twist one.
I will say that I would prefer for this to be written more as a stand alone. When authors leave endings open solely for the purpose of writing a sequel, I feel like it's cheapened. This being said, I'm definitely going to be reading Precious Catastrophe.
(Also - Béal Ifreann? I see what you did there)
carrieat's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to enjoy this. The idea behind it is my kind of book. I’m not sure if it was the fact it took me 2 months to finish or if it was because I wasn’t enjoying it that it too so long. I also feel it could have been about 25% shorter than it was.
I didn’t mind Madaline’s character but really struggled with Catlin’s self centred whining.
The book is very beautiful in parts but when you struggle to be interested in a main characters it overshadows this.
It was ok but not good, certainly not great and defiantly not a favourite read.
Also completely ruined it when Buttons got dragged into it. The Fox was more than enough.
I didn’t mind Madaline’s character but really struggled with Catlin’s self centred whining.
The book is very beautiful in parts but when you struggle to be interested in a main characters it overshadows this.
It was ok but not good, certainly not great and defiantly not a favourite read.
Also completely ruined it when Buttons got dragged into it. The Fox was more than enough.
shivvyslibrary's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
hannahraymond's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
stilesstilinksi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
amotisse's review against another edition
5.0
This was deliciously dark and hauntingly beautiful! Thought provoking, edgy, descriptive writing.
A cautionary tale, coming of age, trust your intuition, don't fight your soul purpose kind of story.
Simply wonderful.
A cautionary tale, coming of age, trust your intuition, don't fight your soul purpose kind of story.
Simply wonderful.