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beankels's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
Easiest 5 stars I’ve given. It was a warm hug in a book. I was grinning the whole time and couldn’t stop “reading” (I was listening to the audiobook). I stayed up late finishing it all in one day, ignoring the other responsibilities in my life. I couldn’t put it down, but I also regret not having more days with this book and the characters.
I had turned to “fluff” romantic books because my “literary” deep heavy books were too much. However, I had been disappointed in the rom com plot lately but still didn’t want to turn back to the heaviness of wars and drama of society in other books. I had been waiting for this book for awhile and it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. It was so wonderful. I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time and also searching for whatever books can given me a similar experience.
I had turned to “fluff” romantic books because my “literary” deep heavy books were too much. However, I had been disappointed in the rom com plot lately but still didn’t want to turn back to the heaviness of wars and drama of society in other books. I had been waiting for this book for awhile and it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. It was so wonderful. I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time and also searching for whatever books can given me a similar experience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment and Xenophobia
lee_noel's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Xenophobia
Minor: Fatphobia
hdunscombe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, and Fatphobia
Minor: Toxic relationship
rosa_lina96's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
Maybe it's just because I'm a sucker for the found family trope (and narratives about a character realizing that something that seems completely out of their comfort zone is actually the right thing in their life after all), but this book almost felt like coming home after a long day at work and curling up in front of the fire. It left me with this warm, cozy feeling, and the underlying themes were handled rather respectfully through Linus's character. It reminds me a bit of Good Omens--witty humor and well-developed characters, while also not being afraid to tackle more serious subject matter. Very much looking forward to reading the sequel sometime soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Xenophobia
Moderate: Body shaming and Fatphobia
melist6's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
Really enjoyed it and had 4.5 potential but many things including lack of nb/trans character dev. & other controversial talk surrounding this book (stolen story of Native people retold by the author). For this i give it 4 stars bc still a really cute/ fun/ meaningful story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Body shaming
Moderate: Child abuse
emmagreenwood's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Fire/Fire injury, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Xenophobia, Child abuse, Racism, Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Confinement, Death, Fatphobia, Grief, and Hate crime
electricshe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
I almost never reread books, but with the sequel coming later this year, I knew I’d want a refresher. I thought I’d just pick it up and sort of skim through it to get my bearings. I was immediately fully engaged again thanks to the charming storybook quality of the writing and the total lovableness of Linus. The book does have bits here and there, particularly bits of dialogue, that get repetitive. Lots of “I highly doubt blah blah” and “No, I don’t suppose blah blah” that seem like forcing cleverness into the characters, but I think it probably contributes to the feel of Linus’ POV as an outsider coming in, so it’s just a niche personal gripe. Overall, I love this book. It’s so gentle and, even though it is totally packed with message/lesson for Linus and the reader, it never feels preachy or overshadows the characters and plot. It’s a lovely, easy read. I’m very excited for the sequel!
I will say, having watched/read Good Omens, it’s very hard not to see Michael Sheen and David Tennant as Linus and Arthur. It could almost be read as a fanfic AU. Do with that information what you will.
I will say, having watched/read Good Omens, it’s very hard not to see Michael Sheen and David Tennant as Linus and Arthur. It could almost be read as a fanfic AU. Do with that information what you will.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse and Xenophobia
madjaz217's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
This book is so pure. For all the tough subjects it covers, it still feels incredibly lighthearted and hopeful without minimizing the dark aspects. The romance is so cute and absolutely grew on me. Character development is incredible. Just a great fun read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Religious bigotry, Xenophobia, and Eating disorder
Minor: Hate crime, Death of parent, and Child abuse
cocopom's review against another edition
4.0
Je feel que Linus a commencer a aimer les enfants du jour au lendemain (j’aurais aimer plus voir ca).. arthur etait vraiment un mystere tout le long.. c’est vraiment l’impression que leur bond c’est vraiment developper behind the scene! Les kids etaient tres cutes! Leurs voix en laissaient plus a desirer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Child abuse
haileeraye's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Minor: Child abuse and Physical abuse