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flowchelle's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Child death, Miscarriage, Suicide attempt, Alcoholism, Car accident, Cursing, Death of parent, and Suicidal thoughts
obviousidentity's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Car accident, Death, Suicide attempt, Child death, Death of parent, Miscarriage, Blood, Murder, Grief, Animal death, and Mental illness
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis and Sexual assault
thisiscourt's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Animal death and Car accident
Minor: Pregnancy, Murder, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, and Vomit
velsbooknook's review against another edition
5.0
I read Once There Were Wolves last year and really enjoyed it so I was very excited to read McConaghy's debut novel. In the beginning I did not think that I would be so invested in the last migration of the Arctic Terns but oh well I was! The writing style was so eerie and atmospheric having me turn page after page. The topics of climate change and animal extinction were so real and scary. I was invested in all timelines and I loved to find out everything about the main character Franny. Seeing her in the present and in past events that made her the woman she is now. This story was dark and cruel, yet also beautiful and breathtaking. Be sure to check trigger warnings since some events were very heavy. I loved this book a lot and it has a special place in my heart. If it sounds like something you would enjoy I encourage you to give this one a go.
Graphic: Child death, Murder, Blood, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Grief, Violence, Death, and Sexual assault
kates_books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The characters were so unique and original, while still being realistic. The tension between Franny and the fisherman was beautifully written — as she actually gets to know these characters, her once firm convictions become less black and white. I think the author captured the complexities and nuances of humanity. No one is all good or all evil; we are all just trying to get through it and find some beauty along the way.
Franny’s life is full of trauma and most of the book immerses the reader in her depression. Yet the story ends with hope, which I believe is what the authors wants us to take away. The world can be cruel and we need to be help accountable for the harm we have caused it, but we must not lose hope for if we do we won’t work towards making it better.
The non-linear timeline of the novel was interesting and made it feel more mysterious. However, the revelation was a bit anticlimactic.
Overall, the story made you feel the darkness but it was a thought-provoking and tender read.
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Car accident, Confinement, Cursing, Miscarriage, Murder, and Sexual assault
onceandfuturereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Blood, Animal death, Miscarriage, Medical trauma, and Murder
oceanxbluess's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Abandonment, Blood, Car accident, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Murder, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, and Vomit
Minor: Animal death, Police brutality, and Grief
janelleaimi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Mental illness
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent, and Murder
genny's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
McConaghy works magic with her words. I'm so thankful I took a chance on this. I look forward to reading Once There Were Wolves, but I need breathing space first. 😅
Graphic: Animal death and Car accident
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Animal cruelty, and Murder
clara_mai's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Miscarriage, Car accident, Death, Grief, Murder, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt