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alex_watkins's review against another edition
4.0
This was certainly a genre-bending ride, starting out almost like a thriller, swerving to portal fantasy, then mythology, and back again. I was reading on a kindle so I didn't even realize it was 650 pages. Of course I like all books with a library focus, though this was got right up to the edge of all books are very special and no book should ever be thrown away - which like no, sorry Elizabeth, but you are not a librarian.
megguy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Fun read and interesting fantasy but not the best plot or characters. Still enjoyed though.
entomonkey's review against another edition
The quality of the writing is extremely poor.
gabalodon's review against another edition
3.0
This was clearly a well-researched passion project blending ~literary~ and fantasy and it shows in both good and bad ways. For me I consider it a 2-star book sprinkled with 4-star moments, and I rounded up for the ravens and very excellent crocodile. It's definitely not for everyone, but if you're looking for something to sink your teeth into and enjoy a read that's vague and weird and melancholy and a ~commentary on the human experience~ this may be the one for you.
The setting and physical descriptions were meticulous but excessive while plot points and dialog were underexplained and depended on the reader's intuition and institutional knowledge (e.g. about fae lore, Norse mythology, history, and Arthurian legend) to fill in the gaps. The writing style in general was murky and oblique and I'm still not sure what happened or why at several moments in the story. The characters themselves were especially difficult to understand or like or even sympathize with (and it didn't help that they didn't really understand or seem to like or sympathize with each other) which made their actions and reactions truly inscrutable and resulted in almost no emotional tension.
That all being said, the structure, worldbuilding, and plot beats were fascinating, especially in the back half of the book. On paper (lol) the characters are an intriguing collection of backgrounds and motivations (when you can get any handle on motivation at all). And there were some chapters that were enjoyable to read and made the book hard to put down, right up until the plot got distracted or a character made another confusing logic or emotional leap that I couldn't follow.
The setting and physical descriptions were meticulous but excessive while plot points and dialog were underexplained and depended on the reader's intuition and institutional knowledge (e.g. about fae lore, Norse mythology, history, and Arthurian legend) to fill in the gaps. The writing style in general was murky and oblique and I'm still not sure what happened or why at several moments in the story. The characters themselves were especially difficult to understand or like or even sympathize with (and it didn't help that they didn't really understand or seem to like or sympathize with each other) which made their actions and reactions truly inscrutable and resulted in almost no emotional tension.
That all being said, the structure, worldbuilding, and plot beats were fascinating, especially in the back half of the book. On paper (lol) the characters are an intriguing collection of backgrounds and motivations (when you can get any handle on motivation at all). And there were some chapters that were enjoyable to read and made the book hard to put down, right up until the plot got distracted or a character made another confusing logic or emotional leap that I couldn't follow.
noranne's review against another edition
2.0
Picked this up rather blindly at a bookstore. It was not at all what I was expecting—a rather strange book, in all. At times I found it hard to follow, and it was written in a very detached tone that made it hard to relate to the characters.
stressgirl70's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- 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? It's complicated
3.0
saranies's review against another edition
3.0
Probably a 3.5. I liked it a lot but would only recommend it to certain people. I love a book about books and fairies, so this felt like a good choice for me!
ohallows's review
2.5
i loved the characters so much but the plot itself was ..... so hard to follow. and honestly, boring. i still don't actually understand how the tractor tire scene was laid out like it just did not make any sense to me. the overarching story I really enjoyed but just... too much was thrown in for it to feel cohesive for me.
readbydanni's review against another edition
Couldn't follow the story or the characters at all. Felt very disjointed and confusing. Not what I expected unfortunately
ainsleysouthern's review against another edition
1.0
Dnf at 63%
I really tried to get through this book. But it just wasn’t enjoyable. The plot was confusing, the characters were one dimensional and the language was too confusing. I benched it for months but didn’t have the willpower to finish it.
I really tried to get through this book. But it just wasn’t enjoyable. The plot was confusing, the characters were one dimensional and the language was too confusing. I benched it for months but didn’t have the willpower to finish it.