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yellowcape's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.5
The gays were gaying!!!!
This is one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long time. I struggle to write a review if not to just use words in a list. Heartwarming, wholesome, paternal, funny, beautiful, fantastic, clear, honest.
I think the subject of discrimination is handled delicately and is well executed. I loved our main character Linus from the first page, J-Bone is also a personal favourite along with Talia.
My sole criticism is that the first half of the book was paced a little too slowly for me but I am SO glad I picked it back up after a break - which I cannot state how rare that is once I put a book back on the shelf usually it is doomed to be ignored. However the characters were just so loveable (calliope I’m looking at you) that I was convinced.
P L E A S E read it. There were so many times I was giddy, grinning at the pages - honestly all but kicking my legs. The positive 2SLGBTQ+ representation is incredible and it’s so nice to read a book with queer characters where the relationship is so realistic and wholesome but not the main focus of the plot nor the characters.
This is one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long time. I struggle to write a review if not to just use words in a list. Heartwarming, wholesome, paternal, funny, beautiful, fantastic, clear, honest.
I think the subject of discrimination is handled delicately and is well executed. I loved our main character Linus from the first page, J-Bone is also a personal favourite along with Talia.
My sole criticism is that the first half of the book was paced a little too slowly for me but I am SO glad I picked it back up after a break - which I cannot state how rare that is once I put a book back on the shelf usually it is doomed to be ignored. However the characters were just so loveable (calliope I’m looking at you) that I was convinced.
P L E A S E read it. There were so many times I was giddy, grinning at the pages - honestly all but kicking my legs. The positive 2SLGBTQ+ representation is incredible and it’s so nice to read a book with queer characters where the relationship is so realistic and wholesome but not the main focus of the plot nor the characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, Hate crime, Racism, Bullying, Confinement, Fatphobia, and Physical abuse
analea_lucille's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
The audiobook was fantastic!! I especially loved the different voices for the children!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Religious bigotry, Death, Torture, Violence, and Racism
moonwaterotter's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Big, dumb heart havers, beware. This will end you.
Edit to add: knocked down from 5 stars after further reflection and learning.
Edit to add: knocked down from 5 stars after further reflection and learning.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Homophobia, and Racism
itsalina's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Body shaming and Hate crime
arshiya_amreen90786's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Body shaming, Colonisation, and Fatphobia
Minor: Homophobia
neronina's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
slow-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
5.0
This book is my new favourite book of all time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
justmys's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
3.0
The story is sweet and soft and very much a "comfort read" sort of book. Centring on found family and soft queer romance, I'd recommend this if you need a gentle story. It's like a cosy blanket and a mug of hot chocolate. All soft edges and warmth.
I did find it lagged a bit towards the end, and I ended up having to put my audio book on double speed to get through, but I don't know if that's the book's fault or the narration.
Which brings me to my biggest gripe. I would have much rather have read this book, and if I were to recommend it, I'd recommend you read it yourself too. Because if you do choose to listen to it, then brace yourself for the narrator.
I found the narration of this book clumsy and cartoonish. And it glossed over many very tender moments between characters, missing nuances and ignoring the tone of scenes entirely. The only time they emoted was during moments where character's cried but even then it was a little ham fisted. Not to mention the ridiculous voices and choices of accents, which came across more as an audition reel than an attempt to convey the characters.
I could go on, simply because I'm really angry about how I consumed this lovely story, but I won't. So, in short, a beautiful book that I'd recommend (to read, not listen to. Sorry.).
I did find it lagged a bit towards the end, and I ended up having to put my audio book on double speed to get through, but I don't know if that's the book's fault or the narration.
Which brings me to my biggest gripe. I would have much rather have read this book, and if I were to recommend it, I'd recommend you read it yourself too. Because if you do choose to listen to it, then brace yourself for the narrator.
I found the narration of this book clumsy and cartoonish. And it glossed over many very tender moments between characters, missing nuances and ignoring the tone of scenes entirely. The only time they emoted was during moments where character's cried but even then it was a little ham fisted. Not to mention the ridiculous voices and choices of accents, which came across more as an audition reel than an attempt to convey the characters.
I could go on, simply because I'm really angry about how I consumed this lovely story, but I won't. So, in short, a beautiful book that I'd recommend (to read, not listen to. Sorry.).
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Child abuse
There are brief mentions of child abuse in this book. Emotional and physical, and the effects this has on the characters. But they are fleeting and give light to the situation of the characters. There is an underlying theme of racism, too, which is part of the world building and is, I think, handled well and discussed maturely and with thought.chanceuxcat's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.75
An incredibly cute story that deals with assumptions versus one's true character and shows the kinds of love people can have for one another. While the plot is something very real and heavy (as the main character is a social worker who decides if orphanages stay open for a living), it is written in a gentle way with a touch of fantasy that pulls you in. It is a hopeful story that can't help but make you smile when you finish it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse and Racism
There is some mention of harmful things like abuse and neglect in some characters' pasts, but it isn't explicit.miagic_tome's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-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
4.5
I absolutely adored this book. It was well written and just so fricking cute. The characters were lovable and well thought-out. For a book with such tense themes it was wholesome and lightheaded. Also very nice to see a book with no homophobia. Exactly what I needed the past few weeks
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Child abuse
Minor: Confinement
bonluvdon's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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? It's complicated
3.5
While this book had many sweet moments, I found the plot very predictable. It seemed more often to be pushing an agenda, rather than exploring characters or creating an interesting story. Since it is a fantasy setting, I found the religious aspects to be out of place and unnecessary--frankly it took me out of the immersion and felt indulgent, or maybe convenient, for the author to include. I still enjoyed the book for what it is.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, and Physical abuse