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electrikreads's review against another edition
5.0
This was an absolute masterpiece of a book. So many beautiful messages woven through this story. I'm surprised I only recently heard of this book, and I'm so glad I read it. It's one of the best I've read so far this year.
whatabetty's review against another edition
5.0
This is probably my favourite book that I've read so far this year. It was strange and gripping and had a lovely dreaminess to it. One thing a good novel has to have is a great ~atmosphere and this one had it in spades. It really benefited from the careful restraint in the writing and when I was done reading I felt completely satisfied. I'm so glad it didn't suck, seeing as I was really looking forward to reading it and had high hopes. Christopher Barzak deserves a nice gift hamper. One with million different types of fancy crackers and cheeses and preserves.
lirael83's review against another edition
2.0
An odd read. On the one hand very readable, in that it kept you turning, but on the other problematic (for me) in some of it's content. Also, it felt at the end that relatively little of any importance had happened. Nice prose, not much plot...there was a plot, and it wasn't a bad one, just felt like it was lacking in something. Still, not a bad read, but not one I would go out of my way to recommend, nor would I read it again.
deegullz's review against another edition
5.0
A very unique novel. The characters aren't as developed as they could be, but the story is engaging. It is quirky, creepy, and at times, beautiful.
sidneyellwood's review against another edition
4.0
This was nice. The writing was, at times, very beautiful; I haven't read a book so strong in prose in a while. I'm not normally a magical realism person - usually the narration feels too hazy and vague for me, but this struck a good balance. The mystery surrounding the Lockwoods was really interesting and another strong point of the book. It reminded me of Holes but it was really unique and good to read about.
I liked that Barzak chose to have Aidan's love interest be a boy. While I do wish his and Jarrod's relationship was fleshed out more, I liked it a lot. This is the sort of relationship that could just have easily been fulfilled by a girl and it wasn't, which is what I'd like from a lot of LGBT fiction. The characters - apart from Aidan's mother - weren't as developed as I would have liked them to be, but it was still good.
I liked that Barzak chose to have Aidan's love interest be a boy. While I do wish his and Jarrod's relationship was fleshed out more, I liked it a lot. This is the sort of relationship that could just have easily been fulfilled by a girl and it wasn't, which is what I'd like from a lot of LGBT fiction. The characters - apart from Aidan's mother - weren't as developed as I would have liked them to be, but it was still good.
annapsxx's review against another edition
4.0
This was really good and weird, and I liked it for that. I think the story was very well done and very original, how all these stories got connected and with each one we understood more about everything going on. The elements of the sight and seeing more than the visible, the "psychic" vibe it had, and the weirdness of everything was 10 points.
The relationship between Aidan and Jarrod was also super cute, and I liked how it was part of the story but not the main focus. They never have drama or "broke up" for the sake of the plot (which is one of the things I hate the most when is not absolutely necessary), but rather Jarrod was there to help Aidan in everything.
The writing is another think that I liked. The only negative thing, is that is was a little slow; or maybe it was me wanting to finish it sooner.
Overall very good book!
The relationship between Aidan and Jarrod was also super cute, and I liked how it was part of the story but not the main focus. They never have drama or "broke up" for the sake of the plot (which is one of the things I hate the most when is not absolutely necessary), but rather Jarrod was there to help Aidan in everything.
The writing is another think that I liked. The only negative thing, is that is was a little slow; or maybe it was me wanting to finish it sooner.
Overall very good book!
summerxstars's review against another edition
5.0
Really original story. Great way to combine fantasy with contemporary. And it has a cute gay couple.
readivine's review against another edition
3.0
[b:The Raven Boys|17675462|The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, #1)|Maggie Stiefvater|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477103737s/17675462.jpg|18970934] meets [b:The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender|18166936|The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender|Leslye Walton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397110326s/18166936.jpg|21445699]. Just imagine Adam and Ronan as a legit couple and mix that with a lot of family curses and psychic references. I've listened to the audiobook all throughout and I honestly just want to marry Michael Crouch, even if its just his voice. HAHAHAH. I think I'm going to listen to more audiobooks he voiced. Anyway, full RTC when I get my sht sorted out at school :(
crystal_reading's review against another edition
5.0
This was such an interesting book. I went in expecting a contemporary book, but slowly discovered that it's got supernatural elements. Also there's a great friendship and relationship that unfolds. Loved this book for many reasons.
pziemlewicz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.25