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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
well written, but it took a while to really connect to any of the characters. it was also pretty easy to guess the major twist. I definitely enjoyed this book, though!
9/10.
The pros: Spellbook of the Lost and Found is a truly captivating, moving story that will surprise you and keep you enthralled with every spellbinding chapter. I didn't know what to expect from this. I picked it up because I read the Proud anthology compiled by Juno Dawson, and this author's story was my favourite in terms of how beautiful I found her writing to be. I got that and so much more from this book. Whimsical, magical and very cleverly plotted, I adored her writing and the atmosphere of this book. It also features 2 bisexual and a lesbian lead and an f/f romance which was seamlessly weaved into the story. The setting is in Ireland, and it's a perfect one in which to tell this story that feels as though it was birthed by its history and folklore.
The cons: If you're a more practical person, or you're not a fan of fabulism/magical realism, you might miss out on the atmosphere of this story and not really get it the way I did. Just be aware of that.
The conclusion: Go into this book with an open mind, connect with the characters, and feel the story. You might realise you've found something you didn't know you had lost.
The pros: Spellbook of the Lost and Found is a truly captivating, moving story that will surprise you and keep you enthralled with every spellbinding chapter. I didn't know what to expect from this. I picked it up because I read the Proud anthology compiled by Juno Dawson, and this author's story was my favourite in terms of how beautiful I found her writing to be. I got that and so much more from this book. Whimsical, magical and very cleverly plotted, I adored her writing and the atmosphere of this book. It also features 2 bisexual and a lesbian lead and an f/f romance which was seamlessly weaved into the story. The setting is in Ireland, and it's a perfect one in which to tell this story that feels as though it was birthed by its history and folklore.
The cons: If you're a more practical person, or you're not a fan of fabulism/magical realism, you might miss out on the atmosphere of this story and not really get it the way I did. Just be aware of that.
The conclusion: Go into this book with an open mind, connect with the characters, and feel the story. You might realise you've found something you didn't know you had lost.
emotional
mysterious
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
Just as lyrical and beautiful as her first novel, but with a slightly darker and more mysterious air. I actually liked this one better than The Accident Season, but I think I'm in the minority there.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
2.5 rounded up.
The writing is excellent, but I found the characters unlikable. The plot twist is obvious and predictable. For teenagers who read literature and poetry, they are horribly immature. I also take issue with tropes that reinforce that we're destined to repeat our parent's mistakes.
The writing is excellent, but I found the characters unlikable. The plot twist is obvious and predictable. For teenagers who read literature and poetry, they are horribly immature. I also take issue with tropes that reinforce that we're destined to repeat our parent's mistakes.
After much deliberation, I give it 3.5/5
"if you don't get lost, you'll never be found"
Let me tell ya, this book was hard to get my head around. I finished it last night and I had to sit down and think about it for a while. It wasn't what I was expecting, it was a very complicated story and what you're thinking it is about, it probably isn't.
----
*!*I hope this book isn't categorized as YA, it should be in the Adult section. There are scenes where the author doesn't shy away from what the characters are doing and while it doesn't go into much detail, I don't think teens up until 15 will be comfortable.
----
The story follows a few groups of teenagers that lose their belongings after a summer party. Mysteriously, a spellbook appears to them with a spell to find their lost things. Is it real? Does it work? What's gonna happen? Why is everybody losing their things?
You get the idea.
This is one of the most-if not the most- diverse books I've ever read.
We have bisexual and lesbian representation, a girl with Indian heritage and a hearing-impaired girl. It deals with sexual assault/rape. Also this takes place in Ireland I think?
It was very important to me as a queer woman to read about a romance between two girls, not just that but also how casual it was to be attracted to the same gender. There is no 'coming out' in this story.
It was a very significant, validating experience for me and that's a reason why I think this book matters, to me and to others.
The issue of rape was handled very realistically I feel like. I haven't been through that but I didn't think there was anything problematic about the way it was shown. Consent is essential and I love how Hazel thought about that in that scene (you'll know which if you have read it)
So, moving on from the wonderful rep and diversity overall, I want to talk about the complexity of the story.
It is very unique. I haven't come across anything like this before. It's intricate. The last 100 pages were full of plot twists and I really was caught unaware. It turns out the story was a lot more well-crafted than I originally thought, with more care put into it than you imagine.
I loved the character of Hazel, she was undoubtedly my favorite to read about and I really appreciated the family issues that troubled her and her brother. She had depth and a great development by the end.
A lot of this story is about losing and finding yourself. It's a story of magical realism, magic existing in our everyday life whether we know it or not. Metaphorically, I felt like this adventure served as a way for our characters to grow and mature. To find themselves.
While all of this is very positive, I have to mention the fact that you need some time to get into the story. At first you are confused, at least I was. There are multiple character point of views and three storylines. You need to follow closely and it might take a while for you to get it sorted. Once two of the groups of people meet, it's a little easier.
I happened to notice a few reviews saying that the writing of the story is one of its strongest points and... I have to disagree. While the structure of the plot and the variety of characters is something I admire, I didn't find myself admiring the writing style. There wasn't anything spectacular about it in my eyes.
I had a problem with the heterosexual relationships in this book. It might seem odd and stupid, but trust me you'll understand in a second.
There are two established relationships by the end. One of them is born out of cheating. I don't have a problem when someone breaks up with their partner to get to be with another person. The issue here is that they didn't break up. The previous partner just knew that they cheated and that their partner didn't like them anymore (I'm using they so I won't spoil anyone) and they just didn't talk about it. The two weren't together anymore but that's because the person who cheated was openly with the person the cheating happened with.
Excuse me? That's problematic, unfair and hurtful.
The other problematic heterosexual..relationship I won't get into because the book tells you it is indeed toxic and manipulative. It could even serve as a good thing because in case anything remotely similar is happening in your life, you'll know that it's bad for you.
So that was the Spellbook of the Lost and Found. A very interesting read and I certainly recommend it if you would like to read a diverse story about magical realism.
"if you don't get lost, you'll never be found"
Let me tell ya, this book was hard to get my head around. I finished it last night and I had to sit down and think about it for a while. It wasn't what I was expecting, it was a very complicated story and what you're thinking it is about, it probably isn't.
----
*!*I hope this book isn't categorized as YA, it should be in the Adult section. There are scenes where the author doesn't shy away from what the characters are doing and while it doesn't go into much detail, I don't think teens up until 15 will be comfortable.
----
The story follows a few groups of teenagers that lose their belongings after a summer party. Mysteriously, a spellbook appears to them with a spell to find their lost things. Is it real? Does it work? What's gonna happen? Why is everybody losing their things?
You get the idea.
This is one of the most-if not the most- diverse books I've ever read.
We have bisexual and lesbian representation, a girl with Indian heritage and a hearing-impaired girl. It deals with sexual assault/rape. Also this takes place in Ireland I think?
It was very important to me as a queer woman to read about a romance between two girls, not just that but also how casual it was to be attracted to the same gender. There is no 'coming out' in this story.
It was a very significant, validating experience for me and that's a reason why I think this book matters, to me and to others.
The issue of rape was handled very realistically I feel like. I haven't been through that but I didn't think there was anything problematic about the way it was shown. Consent is essential and I love how Hazel thought about that in that scene (you'll know which if you have read it)
So, moving on from the wonderful rep and diversity overall, I want to talk about the complexity of the story.
It is very unique. I haven't come across anything like this before. It's intricate. The last 100 pages were full of plot twists and I really was caught unaware. It turns out the story was a lot more well-crafted than I originally thought, with more care put into it than you imagine.
I loved the character of Hazel, she was undoubtedly my favorite to read about and I really appreciated the family issues that troubled her and her brother. She had depth and a great development by the end.
A lot of this story is about losing and finding yourself. It's a story of magical realism, magic existing in our everyday life whether we know it or not. Metaphorically, I felt like this adventure served as a way for our characters to grow and mature. To find themselves.
While all of this is very positive, I have to mention the fact that you need some time to get into the story. At first you are confused, at least I was. There are multiple character point of views and three storylines. You need to follow closely and it might take a while for you to get it sorted. Once two of the groups of people meet, it's a little easier.
I happened to notice a few reviews saying that the writing of the story is one of its strongest points and... I have to disagree. While the structure of the plot and the variety of characters is something I admire, I didn't find myself admiring the writing style. There wasn't anything spectacular about it in my eyes.
I had a problem with the heterosexual relationships in this book. It might seem odd and stupid, but trust me you'll understand in a second.
There are two established relationships by the end. One of them is born out of cheating. I don't have a problem when someone breaks up with their partner to get to be with another person. The issue here is that they didn't break up. The previous partner just knew that they cheated and that their partner didn't like them anymore (I'm using they so I won't spoil anyone) and they just didn't talk about it. The two weren't together anymore but that's because the person who cheated was openly with the person the cheating happened with.
Excuse me? That's problematic, unfair and hurtful.
Spoiler
this is the reason why I don't like Olive, she knew Rowan and Ivy had something going on and Rowan had told her that they had kissed and done more than that (but not sex) yet she still went ahead and had sex with him! What the fuck?! Every time she talked about how she wanted Rowan and how good he felt I was just disgusted because that was hurting Ivy! The saddest thing is Ivy knew what they were doing and didn't say anything.. don't tell me it's because she knew she was his half sister because if she did, she wouldn't have began dating him anyway.The other problematic heterosexual..relationship I won't get into because the book tells you it is indeed toxic and manipulative. It could even serve as a good thing because in case anything remotely similar is happening in your life, you'll know that it's bad for you.
Spoiler
I'm obviously talking about Jude and Laurel, Holly, Ash. He got each under his thumb and took turns between them. Laurel was the only one with a voice of reason still echoeing and thankfully convinced the others. I still don't know what to think of Ash because what she did was shitty, then she was insane and then we learned that she had regrets..Spoiler
at first I wanted Ivy to be with Hazel, because Hazel had been in love with her for a while and I thought that was where the story was going. But then she met Rose became infatuated with her in like one sentence! We are told Hazel falls in love very fast and very often but that doesn't really help, in my opinion because it downgrades their relationship and it's importance. They were really cute together but I was just surprised and I didn't want Ivy to end up alone! I was very conflicted. But then the end happened and it turned out Ivy is her half sister and I can support Hazel & Rose being together 100%. I love them together but I do wish it wasn't so rushed. By the way, anyone else get Luna Lovegood vibes from Ivy? I really liked her and even though it was maddening that she kept the fact that Rowan and Hazel's mom is alive I can understand why she did it.So that was the Spellbook of the Lost and Found. A very interesting read and I certainly recommend it if you would like to read a diverse story about magical realism.
I feel like I missed something in the ending because it feels like everything was just suddenly done and fine. Some things were never explained and certain things that were brought up (things that seem big to me) were not resolved. If the characters weren't so interesting and the magic wasn't so mysterious and strange, this would have been two stars unfortunately. I was intrigued enough to read the whole thing but it really feels like there should be a second book or at least another few chapters. The super creepy boy in the woods (Jude) made be think of the creepy demon thing from Sawkill Girls for a while but then it really fell flat for me.
I loved the relationships between the characters and how the two storylines came together. However, a good portion of this book just fell flat sadly.
I loved the relationships between the characters and how the two storylines came together. However, a good portion of this book just fell flat sadly.
content warnings: discussions of sexual assault and domestic violence, alcoholism, murder, loss of a loved one, sexism, racism, bullying
representation: hard of hearing chubby bisexual main character, lesbian main character, bisexual side woman of colour, side f/f relationship
“Be careful what you wish for; Not all lost things should be found.”
My thoughts on this book are extremely complicated. There were some things I really enjoyed, some things that made me really bored, some things I loved, some things I hated.
Spellbook of the Lost and Found is set in Ireland and follows a group of different teenagers as they discover a spellbook that is supposed to help them recover lost things, but there is a price to pay for getting their things back.
This book has three POV characters, and several side characters for each POV.
⇢ Olive wakes up after a party, not remembering much from the night before and unable to find her best friend. When she does find Rose, Olive starts to realise that something about her has changed and has to try to help her friend.
⇢ Hazel is a teenage runaway who is squatting in an abandoned house and illegally working at a pub with her brother, Rowan, and their best friend, Ivy, the girl that they're both in love with.
⇢ Laurel discovers the spellbook along with her two best friends, Ash and Holly, and they decide to cast the spell to recover their missing diaries. They end up finding more than their diaries, though, including a mysterious boy called Jude.
Personally, I didn't find the amount of characters confusing or overwhelming because I'm used to reading books with large ensemble casts, but I can definitely understand how that could be confusing for some.
I found myself unable to really connect with any of the characters, though. I didn't dislike any, and I have my favourites (Hazel, Rose and Olive), but they ended up feeling too mysterious for me. And until the last quarter of the book when there are some plot twists, I just didn't care about Laurel's portion of the story because it mostly just boiled down to how infatuated these girls were with Jude.
On that: the romance in this book really didn't do it for me, any of it. For one, everyone's a complete horndog in situations where they should clearly be focusing on other things. Hazel and Rowan are both in love with Ivy, and Ivy and Rowan are actually hooking up, but then Olive and Rowan have a connection, and Hazel and Rose are catching feels, then there's Ash, Holly and Laurel who are all in love with Jude and all having sex with him. It just became way to much and it made the story really drag for me.
Moving on to things I actually really enjoyed, I liked Olive and Hazel's portions of the plot. I liked the family drama that was woven into the overall story about the spellbook, and the ways in which their families connected to the spellbook and the links between the past and the present. The writing of this book is also gorgeous. It's so luscious and everything is described in a way that makes it beautiful, which could get annoying but Moïra Fowley-Doyle never overdoes it so it's just right.
There was a twist at the end that I just didn't need.
Overall, this was just okay, if mostly for the writing and setting, and I probably won't pick up another book by this author.
representation: hard of hearing chubby bisexual main character, lesbian main character, bisexual side woman of colour, side f/f relationship
“Be careful what you wish for; Not all lost things should be found.”
My thoughts on this book are extremely complicated. There were some things I really enjoyed, some things that made me really bored, some things I loved, some things I hated.
Spellbook of the Lost and Found is set in Ireland and follows a group of different teenagers as they discover a spellbook that is supposed to help them recover lost things, but there is a price to pay for getting their things back.
This book has three POV characters, and several side characters for each POV.
⇢ Olive wakes up after a party, not remembering much from the night before and unable to find her best friend. When she does find Rose, Olive starts to realise that something about her has changed and has to try to help her friend.
⇢ Hazel is a teenage runaway who is squatting in an abandoned house and illegally working at a pub with her brother, Rowan, and their best friend, Ivy, the girl that they're both in love with.
⇢ Laurel discovers the spellbook along with her two best friends, Ash and Holly, and they decide to cast the spell to recover their missing diaries. They end up finding more than their diaries, though, including a mysterious boy called Jude.
Personally, I didn't find the amount of characters confusing or overwhelming because I'm used to reading books with large ensemble casts, but I can definitely understand how that could be confusing for some.
I found myself unable to really connect with any of the characters, though. I didn't dislike any, and I have my favourites (Hazel, Rose and Olive), but they ended up feeling too mysterious for me. And until the last quarter of the book when there are some plot twists, I just didn't care about Laurel's portion of the story because it mostly just boiled down to how infatuated these girls were with Jude.
On that: the romance in this book really didn't do it for me, any of it. For one, everyone's a complete horndog in situations where they should clearly be focusing on other things. Hazel and Rowan are both in love with Ivy, and Ivy and Rowan are actually hooking up, but then Olive and Rowan have a connection, and Hazel and Rose are catching feels, then there's Ash, Holly and Laurel who are all in love with Jude and all having sex with him. It just became way to much and it made the story really drag for me.
Moving on to things I actually really enjoyed, I liked Olive and Hazel's portions of the plot. I liked the family drama that was woven into the overall story about the spellbook, and the ways in which their families connected to the spellbook and the links between the past and the present. The writing of this book is also gorgeous. It's so luscious and everything is described in a way that makes it beautiful, which could get annoying but Moïra Fowley-Doyle never overdoes it so it's just right.
There was a twist at the end that I just didn't need.
Spoiler
I have no problem with Ivy being Hazel and Rowan's half-sister, but the twins being in love with her felt so unnecessary, especially as they both get different love interests anyway.Overall, this was just okay, if mostly for the writing and setting, and I probably won't pick up another book by this author.