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reader_2000's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
its_catherine's review against another edition
5.0
I absofuckinglutely loved this book it was quick, comedic, and heartfelt.
alexandramerkert's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
library_breeder's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book because it was so highly rated and because the idea of a "cozy fantasy" appealed to me. One of my favorite authors/series is Anne Bishop's "The Others". One of the reasons why I liked it so much is because in had small, easily overcome conflicts. The It was simple and now that I have the term to go with the feeling I would say it was cozy. That warm blanket feeling was what I was expecting with this book.
Honestly? It didn't really resonate with me. While I liked the characters, I found myself skipping or bored during some of the scenes. I understand that it wasn't supposed to be action or anything, but overall, it didn't really get me in. I thought the characters were well written, the story was interesting, but I got tired of some of them constantly saying the same type of things. Lucy consistently saying things to get attention or to shock people got on my nerves. It was like the kid couldn't say anything else.
I got this book from the library and have already returned it so I don't have it available to reference specific names or portions. I struggled with the rating because I didn't want it to get a low rating just because it didn't really hit that spot that I was expecting it to. I tend to be an emotional reader and when a book grabs me, I will sink in and almost disassociate while reading. This book didn't do that for me. While I read it pretty much straight through, I was struggling.
Now, that all being said, I don't expect that this review should prevent other readers from enjoying it. This is a case of "It's not you it's me". A true case of that. I suggest that my normal reading fare might be so outside my normal reading that it didn't really stand a chance.
Honestly? It didn't really resonate with me. While I liked the characters, I found myself skipping or bored during some of the scenes. I understand that it wasn't supposed to be action or anything, but overall, it didn't really get me in. I thought the characters were well written, the story was interesting, but I got tired of some of them constantly saying the same type of things. Lucy consistently saying things to get attention or to shock people got on my nerves. It was like the kid couldn't say anything else.
I got this book from the library and have already returned it so I don't have it available to reference specific names or portions. I struggled with the rating because I didn't want it to get a low rating just because it didn't really hit that spot that I was expecting it to. I tend to be an emotional reader and when a book grabs me, I will sink in and almost disassociate while reading. This book didn't do that for me. While I read it pretty much straight through, I was struggling.
Now, that all being said, I don't expect that this review should prevent other readers from enjoying it. This is a case of "It's not you it's me". A true case of that. I suggest that my normal reading fare might be so outside my normal reading that it didn't really stand a chance.
paigewetzel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book was delightful, which is not a word I have typically used to describe my feelings about a book. I started this book in audio format but quickly realized that I was going to enjoy it much better as a hard copy, and I’m so glad I made the switch.
This book does not apologize or try to explain away why each character is so securely their own. In my view, there is not much character change that occurs during the story. Rather characters find themselves refracting their identities in new or strengthened ways. All their core elements are still there, but the kaleidoscope has shifted. I love this idea: that in a new environment or a changed situation that our core character elements can show up in new, even more beautiful ways. I see this most in Linus but I think is true of all the characters.
Certainly the commentary on creating a more accepting society is poignant. I think it is a little more difficult to feel the hope portrayed in this book during these days of laws against the transgender community, especially children. But it doesn’t change the fact that we each have power and agency to exert on the behalf of others.
elliepeagram1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
ljwatt's review against another edition
The entire book was left-wing preaching and boring.
nataliestorozhenko's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a simple and heartwarming read. While there were some naive parts, it was full of kindness and love. This rating is based on my personal experience, and I must say that I had a good time reading it with a smile on my face.
“We should always make time for the things we like. If we don't, we might forget how to be happy.”
Later on, I found out that the book was inspired by the Sixties Scoop, a traumatic and terrible government initiative in Canada that affected Indigenous children. However, before reading, I had no idea about this and simply enjoyed the story of orphans with magical abilities. Even after learning about its inspiration, my perception of the book has not changed much. I expected the book to touch lightly upon minority issues, but it was not intended to be a serious discussion of such topics.
“Hate is loud, but I think you'll learn it's because it's only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as you remember you're not alone, you will overcome.”
While the book could have gone deeper into the different species presented and their issues with representation, or the problematic government initiative that had a "big brother is watching you" vibe, it was not written to discuss genocide. Its message is about enjoying ourselves and being kind to everyone, regardless of race, nationality, or gender. It emphasizes that by being virtuous ourselves, we can make small but important impacts.
“Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.”
“We should always make time for the things we like. If we don't, we might forget how to be happy.”
Later on, I found out that the book was inspired by the Sixties Scoop, a traumatic and terrible government initiative in Canada that affected Indigenous children. However, before reading, I had no idea about this and simply enjoyed the story of orphans with magical abilities. Even after learning about its inspiration, my perception of the book has not changed much. I expected the book to touch lightly upon minority issues, but it was not intended to be a serious discussion of such topics.
“Hate is loud, but I think you'll learn it's because it's only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as you remember you're not alone, you will overcome.”
While the book could have gone deeper into the different species presented and their issues with representation, or the problematic government initiative that had a "big brother is watching you" vibe, it was not written to discuss genocide. Its message is about enjoying ourselves and being kind to everyone, regardless of race, nationality, or gender. It emphasizes that by being virtuous ourselves, we can make small but important impacts.
“Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.”
lunasea_dream's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
ofclumsywords's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
"The things we fear the most are often the things we should fear the least. It's irrational, but it's what makes us human. And if we're able to conquer those fears, then there is nothing we're not capable of."
What a beautifully charming book. I absolutely devoured this book in a matter of days; something that I have not done in a while. And its all thanks to the beautiful writing and incredible story. This book has one of my favorite tropes: found family. It is the main focus of the book where even outcasts can find family and love, especially when they least expect it. This book will instantly be added to my reread list and I cannot wait for the sequel to come out in the fall.
What a beautifully charming book. I absolutely devoured this book in a matter of days; something that I have not done in a while. And its all thanks to the beautiful writing and incredible story. This book has one of my favorite tropes: found family. It is the main focus of the book where even outcasts can find family and love, especially when they least expect it. This book will instantly be added to my reread list and I cannot wait for the sequel to come out in the fall.