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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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
I enjoyed so much of this. Now, I did not realize it wasn't a standalone and the ending caught me off guard. WOO BISEXUALS! Woo polyamory! However, it didn't feel like the romance was equally developed between all three. I really enjoyed the folklore and how it made the story without being the full the story. Gisela is probably one of my recent favorite YA heroines. The vibes were immaculate, I felt like I was part of the story. I couldn't tell what time period the story took place in though, and I felt like it was strange that the language felt so modern but the setting felt retro at the same time. I'll will definitely need the second book immediately.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Biphobia, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness
Minor: Child abuse, Homophobia, Death of parent
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-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
With an atmosphere reminiscent of Sue Lynn Tan, this book enchanted me from its first moments. I want to drown in this world, breathe it in, let its mysticism fill my lungs and become all that I am. It lured me into its depths with characters ripe with internal conflicts, a diverse cast of spirits I've never before encountered, and a misty little town with hot springs so relaxing they're quite litterally divine. The comparison to a Ghibli film and the comfort that is to be found there is an apt one, to be sure.
My only qualm with this piece was that in an effort to remain timeless, it will surely become dated. I had trouble pinpointing the time period in which this book was intended to be set, finding seemingly conflicting descriptions of technology and development that made it difficult to say. Bits of language stuck out as uncharacteristically modern, and certain references felt out of place, wrenching me from the story I longed to submerge myself in. Perhaps the author had something in mind when she was writing it, but I was unable to discern it in the novel's current state. But all in all, it was a small thing.
I am hoping so desperately for a sequel; this is a world that is begging to expanded upon. If I'm to live there, more stories simply must be written. I don't make the rules.
My only qualm with this piece was that in an effort to remain timeless, it will surely become dated. I had trouble pinpointing the time period in which this book was intended to be set, finding seemingly conflicting descriptions of technology and development that made it difficult to say. Bits of language stuck out as uncharacteristically modern, and certain references felt out of place, wrenching me from the story I longed to submerge myself in. Perhaps the author had something in mind when she was writing it, but I was unable to discern it in the novel's current state. But all in all, it was a small thing.
I am hoping so desperately for a sequel; this is a world that is begging to expanded upon. If I'm to live there, more stories simply must be written. I don't make the rules.
Very cute read!! A tad cringey at times, and I wish certain things had been handled better, but overall this hit the spot. Gisela's gender situation is also a whole mood.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This story had me right up until the ending. I'm sorry, I like a good open ended story, but there's a big difference between open ended and just now answering anything. Not a single plotline outside of Giselas human wish and the relationship between her and Kazik answered. Like what? We don't get to see her family? We don't get to see them confront Aleskey? We don't get to know if Aleskey decides to stay human? Or get revenge now that Kazik isn't wearing his medallion? Is a war going to start since they killed the bies? Like what the heck, you don't get to leave ALL THAT open and call it open ended. The main girl even says she's has unfinished business and needs questions answered. SO DO THE READERS! It doesn't look like there's going to be a sequel and that's what prevented me from giving this a higher rating because too much was left unsaid. It was good book and I enjoyed every second of it, even the parts that were repeated too many times as if the reader couldn't remember anything, but that ending? Absolutely not. I hope a novella or something is created because that was very unfair.