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annorabrady's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.75
A great middle grade book about accepting the things you can't control and learning healthy ways to control the things you can. This modern fairytale mixes contemporary issues (the pandemic, police corruption, etc), cultural elements (food, folklore, legends, clothes, religion, etc), and settings (both magical and real) to weave together a tale in which every element feels intentional and important. And the themes are ones kids and adults alike can relate to.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Stalking, Death, Dementia, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Violence
aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Hanna Alkaf does it again! I loved The Girl and the Ghost and I love this one as well. It def made me cry and was a little bit tough to read as my own grandmother passed this year and she was struggling with her own memories before passing.
I loved all the Malay myth/legends intertwined in a story that discusses some heavier topics. The characters are overall well written and interesting and the story kept me engaged the whole time. I read another review saying this should be a Ghibli-esque movie and I whole heartedly agree. Either Ghibli-esque or Pixar. I would 10/10 watch a movie adaptation.
Sidenote: loved seeing 2 names of my own family in the story. I don't get to see Malay/indo rep like ever and it's so nice to read from an author who is giving me the representation I've always wanted even though it's a middle grade and I'm a full adult. My inner child is so happy and fulfilled reading from this author every time. I checked out her books from my library but with how much I've loved her stories, I'm going to have to buy copies for myself. Also love the cover, it's beautiful.
I loved all the Malay myth/legends intertwined in a story that discusses some heavier topics. The characters are overall well written and interesting and the story kept me engaged the whole time. I read another review saying this should be a Ghibli-esque movie and I whole heartedly agree. Either Ghibli-esque or Pixar. I would 10/10 watch a movie adaptation.
Sidenote: loved seeing 2 names of my own family in the story. I don't get to see Malay/indo rep like ever and it's so nice to read from an author who is giving me the representation I've always wanted even though it's a middle grade and I'm a full adult. My inner child is so happy and fulfilled reading from this author every time. I checked out her books from my library but with how much I've loved her stories, I'm going to have to buy copies for myself. Also love the cover, it's beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Dementia
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
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