The way this book is written is like one long poem to me. It was so beautifully written that's how it appears. This book is dark and touches on the subject of loss and unaliving oneself, but the author visits these very well. If you've ever been in a dark space, you'll understand the feelings of the main character as I did. Before you actually know the character, you are feeling what she is feeling and you are invested in her journey, solely for the way this is written, in my opinion. I can't stop thinking about it. It's a must read, especially about the conservation of animals and dystopian nature of this novel, a world without wildlife, and the path we're headed in the destruction of animal populations. It's an eye opening glimpse into the future I hope I never see in my lifetime!

Content Warnings

velsbooknook's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad tense

5.0

I read Once There Were Wolves last year and really enjoyed it so I was very excited to read McConaghy's debut novel. In the beginning I did not think that I would be so invested in the last migration of the Arctic Terns but oh well I was! The writing style was so eerie and atmospheric having me turn page after page. The topics of climate change and animal extinction were so real and scary. I was invested in all timelines and I loved to find out everything about the main character Franny. Seeing her in the present and in past events that made her the woman she is now. This story was dark and cruel, yet also beautiful and breathtaking. Be sure to check trigger warnings since some events were very heavy. I loved this book a lot and it has a special place in my heart. If it sounds like something you would enjoy I encourage you to give this one a go.

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kates_books's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative mysterious medium-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? Yes

4.0

While I didn’t love this as much as ONCE THERE WERE WOLVES, it was a very interesting book with lots of genre bending elements. Again, the authors commentary of the environment and conservation were my favorite.

The characters were so unique and original, while still being realistic. The tension between Franny and the fisherman was beautifully written — as she actually gets to know these characters, her once firm convictions become less black and white. I think the author captured the complexities and nuances of humanity. No one is all good or all evil; we are all just trying to get through it and find some beauty along the way.

Franny’s life is full of trauma and most of the book immerses the reader in her depression. Yet the story ends with hope, which I believe is what the authors wants us to take away. The world can be cruel and we need to be help accountable for the harm we have caused it, but we must not lose hope for if we do we won’t work towards making it better.

The non-linear timeline of the novel was interesting and made it feel more mysterious. However, the revelation was a bit anticlimactic.

Overall, the story made you feel the darkness but it was a thought-provoking and tender read.

Content Warnings

nosfy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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oceanxbluess's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad

5.0

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amberinbookland's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

kateph's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

eligru's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging reflective 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

5.0

Wow, this was so special <3
So many things in one story, so many amazing characters. So much swimming and fighting for nature, for sanity and for survival. Loved it.

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