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zimmerlemon's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
4.0
I’m not sure how I feel. In some ways this was so beautifully written! In other ways I felt like I was very aware that I was reading a story and was kind of consciously suspending disbelief to get through certain sections towards the resolution. I’m satisfied with how it ended though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Death, and Grief
nzmerchant's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Breathtaking, bewitching, and utterly magical. This is the first time in a long time that I’ve been so caught up in a book that I haven’t noticed the time (or the fact that I have to cancel my gym session because it’s way too late in the night). Truly kept me at the edge of my seat and even now, my heart is beating wildly as I type my review.
This book was gorgeous from start to end. The reviews are right - the setting was crazy atmospheric, with incredibly complex characters. And the ending - omg the ending!! I was a little underwhelmed at the jump from chapter 59 to 60 but right when I felt an inkling of disappointment, Young drew me back in with her hauntingly beautiful magic. I love stories where there are so many layers of secrets, drama, and it all boils down to the ugliest human traits (which are also the most raw). Perhaps my favourite character was Saoirse itself and the looming presence it had throughout the entire book.
This book was gorgeous from start to end. The reviews are right - the setting was crazy atmospheric, with incredibly complex characters. And the ending - omg the ending!! I was a little underwhelmed at the jump from chapter 59 to 60 but right when I felt an inkling of disappointment, Young drew me back in with her hauntingly beautiful magic. I love stories where there are so many layers of secrets, drama, and it all boils down to the ugliest human traits (which are also the most raw). Perhaps my favourite character was Saoirse itself and the looming presence it had throughout the entire book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy
catorureads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I've read a lot of Adrienne Young's work and with the majority of them, I've had a really good time. This one definitely had the autumn witchy vibes I was looking for. I've seen a few complaints that there wasn't really 'witchy' or 'magic' vibes. The magic in this book is not the kind where people wave with their wands or conjure fire out of nowhere. It's more the wicca kind of spells with herbs, the moonphases et cetera. I enjoyed the magic part but there could have been a bit more of it.
The main story is more a mystery novel than a witchy novel. I've read most of this on the bus and while waiting for the train. It did its job of keeping me occupied and interested. I wanted to know who had done what. I don't dislike this book but with her other books, especially Fable and Namesake, I enjoyed it a lot more. I had fun with those books while this one was just good for the autumn vibes. I willl still read Adrienne Young's other works because I do really love her as an author.
The main story is more a mystery novel than a witchy novel. I've read most of this on the bus and while waiting for the train. It did its job of keeping me occupied and interested. I wanted to know who had done what. I don't dislike this book but with her other books, especially Fable and Namesake, I enjoyed it a lot more. I had fun with those books while this one was just good for the autumn vibes. I willl still read Adrienne Young's other works because I do really love her as an author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, Hate crime, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Pregnancy, Alcoholism, and Animal death
puddleshoes's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Grief, Domestic abuse, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Murder
phoenixlovesbooks's review
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I loved the story and the mystery of it all, but the thing that made me the most frustrated was all the talk of secrets. It felt like everyone had a secret and it got to the point where I didn't even care anymore
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Child death, Violence, Physical abuse, Death, Murder, Grief, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
Minor: Cancer and Suicide
czoltak's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
Perfect Autumn Vibes 🍂🍁🍂
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse, Pregnancy, Animal death, and Death of parent
brewdy_reader's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Atmospheric and autumnal with a side of spooky.
Lyrical prose transports us to an island off the coast of Cascadia, where tourists ferry to the local orchard for apple picking, sampling locally made tea and herbal remedies from the local apothecary, and admiring the fall foliage. Where there's an apothecary, there are tea readings, and the local folklore whispers of magic and witchery.
But before you think this is a small town romance where nosy neighbors manufacture drama, spread gossip, and generally are up in each others' business (which they are), get ready for an ominous edge: a local girl was murdered 14 years ago and the prime suspect is back in town. Is this an opportunity for rekindling first loves or is something more sinister abrew...
The twists and turns were a wild ride, the pacing is on target, and the beautiful descriptions and love story made this a really fun read. I wanted more spells and magic and for the adults to grow up and start communicating. Despite that, Adrienne Young has quickly become one of my must-buy authors. Beautiful fall read.
Lyrical prose transports us to an island off the coast of Cascadia, where tourists ferry to the local orchard for apple picking, sampling locally made tea and herbal remedies from the local apothecary, and admiring the fall foliage. Where there's an apothecary, there are tea readings, and the local folklore whispers of magic and witchery.
But before you think this is a small town romance where nosy neighbors manufacture drama, spread gossip, and generally are up in each others' business (which they are), get ready for an ominous edge: a local girl was murdered 14 years ago and the prime suspect is back in town. Is this an opportunity for rekindling first loves or is something more sinister abrew...
The twists and turns were a wild ride, the pacing is on target, and the beautiful descriptions and love story made this a really fun read. I wanted more spells and magic and for the adults to grow up and start communicating. Despite that, Adrienne Young has quickly become one of my must-buy authors. Beautiful fall read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Death of parent, Child abuse, Murder, Misogyny, and Alcohol
downtown_kb's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A small magical town off the coast of the Pacific NW has its day to day normal rocked when August Salt returns to town. It’s been 14 years since he suddenly left after a girl turned up murdered and his return is stirring up long buried secrets.
The best thing about this was the atmosphere and the mystery and how it was slowly weaved and revealed around “that one night when everything changed.” It’s not particularly unique but it definitely kept me turning pages. The romance was sweet with several tropes I love but there wasn’t anything outstanding about it. I think the hardest thing about second chance childhood friends to lovers is marrying the “how could you leave?” and a romance I can buy as powerful enough to have lasted all that separation. This didn’t quite get there for me. However, I enjoy AY's writing, and it kept my attention. I was left with some questions at the end, just a few back of the brain itches about why exactly it got so out of hand, but I guess making a bigger mess when cleaning up the mess is pretty human.
This is a great full cast audio and again, lovely autumn/witchy atmosphere.
The best thing about this was the atmosphere and the mystery and how it was slowly weaved and revealed around “that one night when everything changed.” It’s not particularly unique but it definitely kept me turning pages. The romance was sweet with several tropes I love but there wasn’t anything outstanding about it. I think the hardest thing about second chance childhood friends to lovers is marrying the “how could you leave?” and a romance I can buy as powerful enough to have lasted all that separation. This didn’t quite get there for me. However, I enjoy AY's writing, and it kept my attention. I was left with some questions at the end, just a few back of the brain itches about why exactly it got so out of hand, but I guess making a bigger mess when cleaning up the mess is pretty human.
This is a great full cast audio and again, lovely autumn/witchy atmosphere.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Domestic abuse
fionamatilda's review
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Gaslighting, Murder, and Toxic friendship
mary_stormageddon's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is an incredibly beautiful story. I fell in love with the island, the magic, and the mystery that surrounded everything.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Child abuse
Minor: Domestic abuse and Abandonment