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imlaurenshelton's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book was very enjoyable and I think people are missing out on the growth that the main character experienced. Possibly because they can’t relate or because they weren’t expecting that to be apart of the story. The main character is young, but this story can speak to all ages - and I found that it had just the right amount of humor and suspense. As a former nanny, I also liked a healthy depiction of what a caregiver/family dynamic looks like - yes, relationships like that do exist between nannies and their charges.
Now, onto the content warnings:
There is a scene/chapter that includes transphobia in the book. I didn’t even know one of the characters was trans until this chapter and I don’t think it’s mentioned again after it (which is kinda how it should be right? Just let the character exist without wrapping their identity around one aspect of their life).
Towards the beginning of the book, the main character picks up a book (book inception happens a lot btw) and there is mention of breasts spilling out of corsets. There’s also mentions of make out sessions and smooching and sex (without saying it) throughout when the character reads, for the most part though this book is fairly “clean”. (Which I personally prefer, if you’re going to mention make outs and sex, the way this author did it is a great example.)
There are also scenes that mention alcoholism, stalking, amnesia, heartbreak, abandonment, and mental illnesses. There is a scene at a hospital. There are moments when the character feels she has no control over her life. I personally found the read pretty light, but if you are in a bad head/mental space right now it may not be the time for you to read this book.
Finally, for those of the religious nature (I myself being Christian), there is mention of Greek Mythology in the book. Like a lot but I don’t want to totally give it away. The first time the character said a chant towards some of the Greek characters, albeit just because her drama teacher told her to, I felt uneasy (my gut proved to be right IJS). These characters are made to be real in this book, so if that bothers you then you will not enjoy the book.
Overall: I enjoyed the book! I’m not sorry for it and I’m going to buy a physical copy when I can find one locally. Oh yeah, I listened through Audible, the performance of this book by Amanda Dolan was very good - if you like audiobooks, this is a fun read. I also really love the cover of the book, I just think Shannon Hale did a good job with making this book pretty friendly for all.
Now, onto the content warnings:
There is a scene/chapter that includes transphobia in the book. I didn’t even know one of the characters was trans until this chapter and I don’t think it’s mentioned again after it (which is kinda how it should be right? Just let the character exist without wrapping their identity around one aspect of their life).
Towards the beginning of the book, the main character picks up a book (book inception happens a lot btw) and there is mention of breasts spilling out of corsets. There’s also mentions of make out sessions and smooching and sex (without saying it) throughout when the character reads, for the most part though this book is fairly “clean”. (Which I personally prefer, if you’re going to mention make outs and sex, the way this author did it is a great example.)
There are also scenes that mention alcoholism, stalking, amnesia, heartbreak, abandonment, and mental illnesses. There is a scene at a hospital. There are moments when the character feels she has no control over her life. I personally found the read pretty light, but if you are in a bad head/mental space right now it may not be the time for you to read this book.
Finally, for those of the religious nature (I myself being Christian), there is mention of Greek Mythology in the book. Like a lot but I don’t want to totally give it away. The first time the character said a chant towards some of the Greek characters, albeit just because her drama teacher told her to, I felt uneasy (my gut proved to be right IJS). These characters are made to be real in this book, so if that bothers you then you will not enjoy the book.
Overall: I enjoyed the book! I’m not sorry for it and I’m going to buy a physical copy when I can find one locally. Oh yeah, I listened through Audible, the performance of this book by Amanda Dolan was very good - if you like audiobooks, this is a fun read. I also really love the cover of the book, I just think Shannon Hale did a good job with making this book pretty friendly for all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Transphobia, and Medical content
Minor: Abandonment, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Drug use, and Mental illness
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