Reviews

Even though a lot of friends have been talking about this movie, I've never seen it. I'm not sure why, because I can remember a few occasions it has crossed my path. I guess I've just always decided for something else, probably because the posters had something scary and terrifying. And it's only recently that I discovered that I'm much better at handling scares than I used to be.

But this book was the perfect opportunity to discover this story for the very first time. I've made sure not to look anything up that I didn't know yet. I didn't read summaries, didn't listen to the music, didn't see movie clips. I started this book completely fresh and as a blank slate. And the story for sure didn't disappoint.

The story has a very unique feel. It has a lot of fairytale elements, fairies, fauns, magical labyrinths, a missing princess, magical items, witches. But it also has a lot of realistic dramatic elements that keep the story very grounded. I hadn't expected so much historical elements in this story. Because both the Underworld elements and the Upperworld elements played such an important part, the story somehow did feel realistic. Especially because a lot of the problems were real.

The writing style enhances this. It has both a fairytale vibe and a very realistic vibe. It's hard to pinpoint it. On one hand I wanted to read it quickly to devour the story, but I also wanted to take it slowly, to take in each word, the rhythm, the style and the atmosphere of all those kind of treats that was so carefully crafted.

Because of the different point of views all characters get layers and a little depth. Just like in most fairytales they stay somehow archetypes, but they have an inner motivation, something that moves them, something that made them who they are. And although our sense of good and bad forces us to pick sides, even the villain became very interesting.

I of course can't compare the book to the movie, but the book is very atmospheric, etheric and really has this dark fairytale twist and it's possible to read it in multiple ways. I'm sure that during the discussion, there will be a lot to think and talk about and I'm really looking forward to that!

itsmattiebeck's review against another edition

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5.0

This is one of my all time favorite stories. It’s whimsical, unsettling and creepy, but also filled with hope and love. There are so many bits of magic and wonder thrown into such a dreadful setting. I loved the characters and how alive they felt! This is a story that will last through the ages.

ctocchini's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

sunshine15's review against another edition

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3.5

Such a fantastical story with traces of History that added so much more depth to the whole tale. The short stories here and there kept motivating me to read more and more. It has been so long since I've read a book so quickly. It was also a horrifically gruesome read, sad as well but I was honestly captivated and I have no regrets. Although Ofelia's situation was far more extreme, there are some small things about her and her life that I can relate to.

raspy_reviews's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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