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yourbookishbff's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
This is cozy magical realism/light fantasy at its absolute best. I love this blend of witchcraft and necromancy with cottage core, and I felt so soothed by the story. The romance itself actually deals with some heavier themes - specifically attempts to start a family and fears of infertility - and the relationship between our primary couple feels fully realized and tender. I appreciated the sharp edge the selkie brings to their seemingly idyllic life and the ways in which they have to navigate new desires and expectations. This is like a beautifully queer (and erotic) Practical Magic.
Graphic: Infertility and Sexual content
Moderate: Medical content, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, Grief, and Pregnancy
Minor: Transphobia
Notes on consent: because we are introduced to a long-time couple (married and with each other for more than 10 years), a lot of the consent throughout their intimacy will start with verbal initiation and then it's largely assumed from there. Scenes between all three characters are written in more of a surreal style and don't show every interaction or conversational beat. The primary couple are attempting pregnancy throughout and there is brief discussion of how the third character can interact with them.
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