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marieintheraw's review
3.0
This book absolutely excels at being an atmospheric read. Amy Rose Capetta is very capable of making you feel like you're there. Unfortunately, the plot of this falls a little flat for me. Overall, this is an enjoyable queer and atmospheric witchy read, but nothing truly exceptional.
I received an ecopy of this through netgalley; however, all opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this through netgalley; however, all opinions are my own.
gabalodon's review
4.0
This book was extremely savory and sensual and all about the *atmosphere*, sometimes at the expense of moving the plot along and developing character relationships, which kept it just shy of something I would read again. But it was truly beautifully written. Clearly a deeply personal love letter by the author, and that love suffuses the writing. Such a dynamic cast of characters to work with, such a spooky set-up in a beautiful place. I was fascinated by the way the book bounces between chapters from a group perspective (the theme of belonging to a group, or flock, or stand of redwoods is extremely prevalent), those from a single perspective (I think always Danny, whose entire journey is about finding somewhere to belong), and pair chapters (in which we dive deep into how different pairs of characters relate to each other independently of the groups of which they are a part). I also enjoyed navigating the time jumps and the web of narratives.
For reference: this reminded me a lot of the Raven Cycle, mostly in that I felt like this was everything I wanted the Raven Cycle to be, because it didn't have that biting, malicious, barbed edge the characters have in the RC, but the RC has more of the adventure and fun and drive that I wanted this to have. I also feel like this has the same vibes as Sawkill Girls, so if you have read and enjoyed either of those or if the idea of a spooky witchy mystery exploring identity and full of strong, loving, growing friendships appeals to you, highly recommend.
For reference: this reminded me a lot of the Raven Cycle, mostly in that I felt like this was everything I wanted the Raven Cycle to be, because it didn't have that biting, malicious, barbed edge the characters have in the RC, but the RC has more of the adventure and fun and drive that I wanted this to have. I also feel like this has the same vibes as Sawkill Girls, so if you have read and enjoyed either of those or if the idea of a spooky witchy mystery exploring identity and full of strong, loving, growing friendships appeals to you, highly recommend.
lunaballz's review
4.0
It was a bit of a struggle at the beginning, with too many people introduced at once and a poetic way of writing making it hard to figure out what was happening, but it worked itself into a really interesting book.
I really loved how natural everything was: their magic was more of a natural feeling and not spellwork, their love for each other, and the way Danny and Rush fell in love. I also loved the mystery aspect of it and it was really great watching the characters figure out what happened to Imogen.
I really loved how natural everything was: their magic was more of a natural feeling and not spellwork, their love for each other, and the way Danny and Rush fell in love. I also loved the mystery aspect of it and it was really great watching the characters figure out what happened to Imogen.
caitlinxreads's review against another edition
2.0
This was really weird. It definitely wasn’t what I was looking for or expecting.
eileenononono's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
5.0
mimi_chartier's review against another edition
When I first heard about this book I was really excited and thought the premise sounded interesting. I don't think we were given a lot of witch books in the last years and am glad they might be coming back a bit. Unfortunately for me this one did not meet my expectations. This book felt a lot like magical realism to me which is a genre that I struggle with at times. The writing was very flowery and took me out of the story. I didn't really get what was happenting and just couldn't follow the story. I wasn't able to get pass the 20% mark even though I really wanted to love this one.
catinaflatcap's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
ekunes's review
adventurous
hopeful
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
4.5
whatsmacksaid's review against another edition
4.0
The prose was sort of precious in parts, but there were lots of pretty turns of phrase. And honestly, I wish I’d had this book in high school.