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naimar's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Even though I first read this in middle school, it still holds up. In particular, the depiction of Verity’s depression and the effect it had on her daughter struck home. This is an atmospheric book that doesn’t always try to explain itself, and I really enjoyed that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Misogyny
lilifane's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
So much about this book was unexpected. Even my rating in the end.
(I have just one question for the person responsible for this cover: Why?)
First of all, this was the second book I read this year taking place in a small town, with witchy vibes, an apple orchard, a family feud, a girl's death in the past... Just way more hard hitting with a focus on trauma and mental health rather than a romance. Now that I think about it, there wasn't really a romance plot here. So refreshing.
The setting and atmosphere were amazing, and I was super invested in the mystery. And then the emotions hit really hard. The character work is truly remarkable, so many flawed characters with their own stories and problems. Just thinking about the family dynamics and some of the scenes makes me want to cry again.
As always, please look up trigger/content warnings. There are quite a few.
(I have just one question for the person responsible for this cover: Why?)
First of all, this was the second book I read this year taking place in a small town, with witchy vibes, an apple orchard, a family feud, a girl's death in the past... Just way more hard hitting with a focus on trauma and mental health rather than a romance. Now that I think about it, there wasn't really a romance plot here. So refreshing.
The setting and atmosphere were amazing, and I was super invested in the mystery. And then the emotions hit really hard. The character work is truly remarkable, so many flawed characters with their own stories and problems. Just thinking about the family dynamics and some of the scenes makes me want to cry again.
As always, please look up trigger/content warnings. There are quite a few.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Eating disorder, Death, Mental illness, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Grief, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death of parent, Cancer, Car accident, and Gun violence
lei_reads's review
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Lesbophobia, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Violence
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