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longstorysteph's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Death of parent
shantastic_reads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
What an enchanting read! I decided to request the audiobook from Netgalley after it was predicted to be Illumicrate's October selection. I like fairytale retellings, but I must admit that I wasn't sure if Hansel and Gretel was one that really interested me. But this book is a whole afterstory of the lives of Hansel and Gretel as adults, coping with their childhood trauma and economic hardship in their rural village struggling with the aftermath of war. This was a dark and compelling adult storyline I wasn't necessarily expecting, and I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself drawn in.
What I loved:
- Creative premise and storytelling that entwines multiple fairytales.
- The writing style is gorgeous and elegant.
- The setting made me feel I was immersed in this magical woodland.
- The audiobook narration by Esther Wane was on point! Melodic and captivating.
- That gorgeous cover and esthetic!
Some cautions:
- Violence against animals - essential to the story but be aware before you dive in because there are some gruesome scenes.
- There are some feminist themes but would have enjoyed if it was more subversive.
- You will be hungry and craving gingerbread!
What I loved:
- Creative premise and storytelling that entwines multiple fairytales.
- The writing style is gorgeous and elegant.
- The setting made me feel I was immersed in this magical woodland.
- The audiobook narration by Esther Wane was on point! Melodic and captivating.
- That gorgeous cover and esthetic!
Some cautions:
- Violence against animals - essential to the story but be aware before you dive in because there are some gruesome scenes.
- There are some feminist themes but would have enjoyed if it was more subversive.
- You will be hungry and craving gingerbread!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape
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