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stargazer_ley's review
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? Yes
4.5
Set in a fantasy world in country without a concept of gender this story about 3 young individuals and their relationship to a particular library is compelling in the realism of how a workplace might feel in such a setting. Many of the characters are ace and the romantic relationships are second to the plot of locating a lost book and the upcoming Head Librarian trials. 2 of our MCs are in a plationic relationship and I love that. It's actually quite hard to describe this book without spoiling it and I would recommend you read it if you are interested in queer books by queer authors.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Chronic illness, Cursing, and Death
Minor: Alcohol and Cancer
One of the main characers experiences manipulation from eir boss and it drives some of the plot. There's content warnings for the book on the author's website and I believe details are given.jainabee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
I want to live in this world where libraries are the most revered and cherished of all human creations and folx are gently and wonderfully diverse and find the support they need on all levels of reality. I am in love with these characters, compelled by their interweaving stories, and CAN'T WAIT FOR THE PREQUEL!!! I started reading this from the beginning as soon as I was done, meanwhile…
OK, I read it again, and it was even better than the first time. So… I'm reading it a third time now!!!
Third time I slowed down even more to enjoy the nuances of the different voices of the three protagonists. Noticed even more special little details and even a few significant ones that I'd missed the first two times through.
I study this book like an instructions manual, because it teaches as it tells the tale. From how to practice grounding and centering techniques to how to heal from trauma and develop trust in relationships to how to grind ink or bind a book and so on, basic skills are described in a way that can actually help someone understand the how of the what the characters are doing. I suspect many sections were edited out to move the story forward, however I would be delighted to read all the outtakes!
OK, I read it again, and it was even better than the first time. So… I'm reading it a third time now!!!
Third time I slowed down even more to enjoy the nuances of the different voices of the three protagonists. Noticed even more special little details and even a few significant ones that I'd missed the first two times through.
I study this book like an instructions manual, because it teaches as it tells the tale. From how to practice grounding and centering techniques to how to heal from trauma and develop trust in relationships to how to grind ink or bind a book and so on, basic skills are described in a way that can actually help someone understand the how of the what the characters are doing. I suspect many sections were edited out to move the story forward, however I would be delighted to read all the outtakes!
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Gaslighting
Moderate: Grief, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Minor: Terminal illness
The author includes a comprehensive content warning page and extended version on their website: https://numinousspiritpress.com/t3b-cw
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