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adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
I loved this book so much! The characters are incredibly endearing and I found myself attached to all of the children that were at the orphanage. The romance is sweet, and all in all, I couldn't recommend it enough. Fantastic LGBTQ+ romance with lovely magical realism, and I'd LOVE a sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Xenophobia
Minor: Physical abuse
The main character has body image issues (this is manifested in slightly disordered eating, though in my opinion this is used to further explain the dystopian world and the effect it has on this character) and his weight and body are mentioned further throughout the book in a more positive light. There is a passing reference to one of the children being physically abused in the past. I wasn't sure what else to tag it, but the magical children as a whole face societal discrimination.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Physical abuse
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Abandonment
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Fatphobia, Xenophobia
Minor: Confinement, Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Absolutely superb story driven by Amazon characters and what it means to understand who we are and seeing beyond the things that divide us to the people beneath.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Minor: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Worldbuilding: 3.5 stars
Themes: 5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Worldbuilding: 3.5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Fatphobia, Hate crime, Religious bigotry
Minor: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Death of parent
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
This book is sweet, but I think it’s best suited to a young adult audience. The simple writing and the fact that everything was clearly stated in the dialogue felt almost patronizing at times. I would call it a light read despite some of the heavy topics just because of the style. Overall, it’s a good light book with positive morals and cute magical kid characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Racism
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Cute at times but ultimately lots of critiques
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Death
Minor: Animal death, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Death of parent
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Edited: It has come to my attention recently that Klune was inspired by what happened to the Canadian indigenous children. Though I did not change the ratings as I believed it is not a telling of their history, I believe potential readers should be aware of this appropriation of the trauma of groups made to be marginalized. Also, I acknowledge some readers might be completely turned off from wanting to read it for that fact. I think if you have read the story, another thing you can do is to also read-up on the history of Canadian's indigenous people. Amplify indigenous voices & support the community. You can start by going through the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation website.
Review: It's so very hard to feel hopeful in the world, and in the situation, that we live in today, what's with neglect & apathy in abundance. From others, I knew this book could provide me with an escape I desperately needed. I have my expectations. It fulfils my expectations. It surpasses them.
Klune has a way to say things in the simplest of way, but have them packed with meaning the depth of the ocean. I adore the celebration of children's innocence, depicted through the sincerity & honesty of Lucy, Talia, Phee, Sal, Chauncey & Theodore. They were love. They reminded me to how pure things could be. Like Linus, I so (helplessly & happily) adore them! The offhanded, often dry humour provided a great reprieve. But really, this whole book is a balm for my wearied soul. You have wise, witty characters (Shoutout to the awe-everything, Zoe & awesome, Helen). Sometimes clueless, but well-meaning adults. And just god honest people whose heart are full, full of care & love - despite everything in this world trying to snuff that out. Yes, the story does get idealistic. But in Arthur & Linus' own words, it's neither here nor there. My heart burst with so much joy & hope, warmth - and just, all things in celebration of life from reading this. For those who are weary, whom have yet to allow cynicism to harden your heart into stone, let this book be your resting place. I know it was mine. I will remember them all, & I think that is a testament to the cast of incredible characters I have the pleasure to know in this moving story.
Review: It's so very hard to feel hopeful in the world, and in the situation, that we live in today, what's with neglect & apathy in abundance. From others, I knew this book could provide me with an escape I desperately needed. I have my expectations. It fulfils my expectations. It surpasses them.
Klune has a way to say things in the simplest of way, but have them packed with meaning the depth of the ocean. I adore the celebration of children's innocence, depicted through the sincerity & honesty of Lucy, Talia, Phee, Sal, Chauncey & Theodore. They were love. They reminded me to how pure things could be. Like Linus, I so (helplessly & happily) adore them! The offhanded, often dry humour provided a great reprieve. But really, this whole book is a balm for my wearied soul. You have wise, witty characters (Shoutout to the awe-everything, Zoe & awesome, Helen). Sometimes clueless, but well-meaning adults. And just god honest people whose heart are full, full of care & love - despite everything in this world trying to snuff that out. Yes, the story does get idealistic. But in Arthur & Linus' own words, it's neither here nor there. My heart burst with so much joy & hope, warmth - and just, all things in celebration of life from reading this. For those who are weary, whom have yet to allow cynicism to harden your heart into stone, let this book be your resting place. I know it was mine. I will remember them all, & I think that is a testament to the cast of incredible characters I have the pleasure to know in this moving story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism
Moderate: Confinement, Fatphobia
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Physical abuse
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Physical abuse