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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
This was such a beautiful book. I really enjoyed the light witchy theme, it wasn't overbearing.
The romance story between Em and August was incredibly sad at first. I was angry on his behalf that she went for his bestfriend after he left, but when I realized how Em truly felt about Dutch, I knew her and August were end game. This isn't a "spicy" book, but it was almost wholesome despite a lot of the sad and negative emotions.
The one thing I was confused on, and honestly I'd need to reread the parts to double check this theory, were the starlings. I'm fairly certain starlings are a sign of love. To me, it felt like the more Emery delved into the past and her feelings with August, the more starlings showed up despite the season being too late. Just a really cool thing, I noticed!
I did not expect the town to respond as they did, but I was happy with the ending.
I really liked this book, Young is one of the authors I will read whatever they publish!
The romance story between Em and August was incredibly sad at first. I was angry on his behalf that she went for his bestfriend after he left, but when I realized how Em truly felt about Dutch, I knew her and August were end game. This isn't a "spicy" book, but it was almost wholesome despite a lot of the sad and negative emotions.
The one thing I was confused on, and honestly I'd need to reread the parts to double check this theory, were the starlings. I'm fairly certain starlings are a sign of love. To me, it felt like the more Emery delved into the past and her feelings with August, the more starlings showed up despite the season being too late. Just a really cool thing, I noticed!
I did not expect the town to respond as they did, but I was happy with the ending.
I really liked this book, Young is one of the authors I will read whatever they publish!
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This book was gorgeously written, with a spooky and magical atmosphere, interesting characters, and an intriguing mystery at the forefront. I immediately fell in love with the quiet magic and the gloomy island, and I stayed up all night to finish this. Unfortunately, the plot twists and reveals are the reason why this is not an absolute favorite, as I had expected at the beginning of the novel, but I still really love this story and Emery and August in particular.
What I didn’t love about the ending: Lily accidentally killing herself instead of Emery was an interesting twist and definitely shocking, but I just absolutely hate that at the core of everything is a girl hating her “best friend” because of a boy. A lot of the flashbacks were there to show us that Lily was dramatic, self-centered, and really kind of awful, which felt cheap to me. Like the author was saying, “don’t worry too much about Lily being dead, she wasn’t that great anyway … oh, and don’t worry about Dutch being left behind either, he also sucks”.
This is just my personal taste, but I think the story would have benefited from a few more likable characters or, if we’re really crazy, a strong friendship group that has to grapple with August’s return together.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Slow burn and not very plot driven. Relies heavily on atmosphere and aesthetic. Just couldn’t keep me captivated.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Before I finished the book I saw a review that said “That was a lot of drama for a bunch of apples” and I can confirm that that was a lot of drama for a bunch of apples.
I liked the book but it could’ve been better. I love the two main characters Emery and August and the magic and history of the island but I think the plot could’ve gone deeper.
All that murder just because the orchard used to belong to the Morgans but now belongs to the Salts just seems a bit dumb to me, I wish the stakes were a bit higher. Even Lily trying to murder Emery just because she likes August, like maybe it could’ve been because her grandma manipulated her to do it or something???
Also the ending was a little unsatisfying. I think the plot twist could’ve been revealed sooner and we could read about the fallout after it was revealed. I wanted to read about Emery’s reaction to all these people who she trusted lying to her, murdering Calvin, and almost August. The plot twist was revealed then the next chapter was August and Emery 6 years later. Personally I would’ve liked more than a we don’t talk and you don’t talk kind of ending. I wanted it to be revealed to the island/police even just some of the secrets and proof August didn’t kill Lily.
Also surely arresting Henry for abusing his grandchild who’s a minor and doesn’t want the orchard would’ve been a good way of getting rid of him?? I get that it was the orchard that brought in money and tourists but I was a confused about why he had soooooo much power over the island.
August and Emery are cuties tho and I’m glad they’re off that weird island.
I liked the book but it could’ve been better. I love the two main characters Emery and August and the magic and history of the island but I think the plot could’ve gone deeper.
All that murder just because the orchard used to belong to the Morgans but now belongs to the Salts just seems a bit dumb to me, I wish the stakes were a bit higher. Even Lily trying to murder Emery just because she likes August, like maybe it could’ve been because her grandma manipulated her to do it or something???
Also the ending was a little unsatisfying. I think the plot twist could’ve been revealed sooner and we could read about the fallout after it was revealed. I wanted to read about Emery’s reaction to all these people who she trusted lying to her, murdering Calvin, and almost August. The plot twist was revealed then the next chapter was August and Emery 6 years later. Personally I would’ve liked more than a we don’t talk and you don’t talk kind of ending. I wanted it to be revealed to the island/police even just some of the secrets and proof August didn’t kill Lily.
Also surely arresting Henry for abusing his grandchild who’s a minor and doesn’t want the orchard would’ve been a good way of getting rid of him?? I get that it was the orchard that brought in money and tourists but I was a confused about why he had soooooo much power over the island.
August and Emery are cuties tho and I’m glad they’re off that weird island.