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taliahsbookshelf's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
If you’re anything like me, you probably have some sort of collection. It could be small, it could be big, it could be made of anything. Books, DVD’s, potato chip cans, I don’t know. But I want you to think about that collection. This stuff that means a lot to you, even if it isn’t worth a lot. Then I want you to think of the hidden gem in that collection. The thing you might not think of first when asked about your collection, that you might not think of as the most important one in your collection, that doesn’t necessarily stand out from your collection at first glance. But it’s the one that hidden deep beneath, is secretly your favorite. It’s the one you default to when you’re a little sad, or when you have to remind yourself why you started this collection in the first place.
That’s what reading this book felt like. That little kernel of pure, unbridled joy that feels childlike and limitless. With a plot that packs a punch and characters ready to stand up to it all, The Last Cuentista now sits in its rightful place of honor on my bookshelf.
When I first picked up this book at my local bookstore, it was the cover that drew me in. The bright colors, the whimsical nature tied in with some sci-fi elements. Then I read the summary, and was intrigued by the Latinx culture as seen in a sci-fi genre, with spaceships and aliens. But when I was reading it, it was the story that kept me captivated. The last storyteller, our main character, Petra, was simultaneously a badass and a beautiful, relatable character. She might only be thirteen, but she feels so real that you forget she isn’t standing right next to you.
This book gave off the vibes of the movie Passengers, the book series Percy Jackson, and strangely, somehow, the city of Chicago. I can’t really explain that last one, just like I can’t really explain the way this book was perfection in a beautiful casing.
Read it. Now. I promise you that you will get lost in the story and stay invested until the very last word.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Colonisation, Animal death, Ableism, Gaslighting, and Kidnapping
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? No
4.5
This book is such an interesting blend of science fiction and story-telling, which actually isn't what I would really guess from the cover. I love it when authors go across different genres, and this is a great example of that. I think it definitely trends a little older middle grade, and the writing is beautiful throughout. The writing itself is emotionally powerful and really focuses on the power of stories. Having also just read [book:Fahrenheit 451|13079982], that was an interesting juxtaposition.
Generally, while this is categorized as middle grade, I think the writing, the story, and the characters trend a little older to me. At least, that's how they felt reading through it. There are some gorgeous lines throughout this book, and Petra's emotions come through so well on the page. And in the audiobook. Because of the storytelling aspect of the story, I actually highly recommend the audiobook!
Generally, while this is categorized as middle grade, I think the writing, the story, and the characters trend a little older to me. At least, that's how they felt reading through it. There are some gorgeous lines throughout this book, and Petra's emotions come through so well on the page. And in the audiobook. Because of the storytelling aspect of the story, I actually highly recommend the audiobook!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Confinement, and Grief
Moderate: Medical content, Death, and Ableism
Minor: Alcohol and Violence
breadwitchery's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
Moderate: Ableism, Medical content, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol
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