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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It is so surprising to be that this was Harrow’s debut because it is so well-written. I really loved her style, and how the two books within the book came together. My only issue is that it just wasn’t too exciting for such a long time. I honestly would like to have a sequel to pick up where this book left off because I think it would have ended up being more engaging.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
cute. might be better as YA? focuses on young characters and little to no explicit content
This book was stunning in regards to world-building, setting, and character development, and it’s homage to books shone through beautifully. In many ways, the writing style and decision to tell multiple stories in tandem until they matched up reminded me a lot of The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, which I also thoroughly enjoyed. January is such an interesting character to follow and I loved watching her grow from a spirited young girl to a subdued adolescent until finally she blossomed into the strong, independent young woman that was able to break free of the binds that the world tried to place around her spirit.
All this being said, I feel as though this book will be one of those that becomes better upon rereading. I feel this way because there were so many details that were probably lost on me in the beginning simply because I didn’t yet have all the puzzle pieces to work out what was really going on. This led to the beginning feeling very slow since I wasn’t able to appreciate it as much. Because of this, though, I’m looking forward to reading this book again at some point to see how my perceptions of the story change.
All this being said, I feel as though this book will be one of those that becomes better upon rereading. I feel this way because there were so many details that were probably lost on me in the beginning simply because I didn’t yet have all the puzzle pieces to work out what was really going on. This led to the beginning feeling very slow since I wasn’t able to appreciate it as much. Because of this, though, I’m looking forward to reading this book again at some point to see how my perceptions of the story change.
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Stories of longing are my favorite kind of stories. This book is about longing for family, for home, for adventure and for that place or person who makes you feel like you belong. It’s also a story of people with stolen power, people who are oppressed and how, occasionally, a person can step fully into their own power. The setting and character descriptions are lush like a painting that can knock you off your feet or an armload of flowers you want to sink your nose into. Listening to the audiobook did both to me. This is the epitome of a 5 star read and a new favorite book.
(For sensitive readers: the dog doesn’t die.)
(For sensitive readers: the dog doesn’t die.)
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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:
Complicated
Okay, so this was absolutely beautiful. I could see the twists coming, but that didn't even matter. A gorgeous portal fantasy, elegant framing, delightful characters, this is truly a delight.
adventurous
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
YESSSSS! A story about stories and doors and adventure and love and being strong and bold and yes.
I highly recommend this one.
Strong female protagonists.
I highly recommend this one.
Strong female protagonists.