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kusvandemus's review
5.0
Where do I start?
No really, honestly, seriously: where do I start explaining how brilliant this book is? How happy it made me and how much the story sucked me in?
I've got not a clue, but here's to trying!
My journey with this book started on the day I got my hands on it, without knowing where it came from. No one has admitted to ordering this book for me, so I've settled on the explanation that I did it myself and forgot about it (which seems unlikely, but I couldn't tell you what else could've happened).
I started reading this big big book that fit perfectly in my small vintage bag, and I took it with me wherever I went, for about a week, and finished it too quickly for my tastes.
Don't get me wrong: The whole story (beginning, middle and ending) is very complete and I wouldn't change a thing about it, but...I wanted more and more and more. I wanted to keep reading this forever.
I'm starting to realise that's not just because of this particular book/story, but that it's also an effect Cindy Paul seems to have on me. I really 'vibe' with their writing style, and it's a wondrous feeling.
The representation in this book is once again done with such love and care, it always feels like a breath of fresh air. I loved the contrast between the inclusivity and the sometimes ignorant and stubborn way of thinking you encounter in this story.
This book made me really happy, and without a doubt deserves my 5 stars.
So, ready to talk about the actual story after all this rambling? Yea? Great! (I'm doing most of this from memory and I'm dreadful with names, but know that I'm doing my best)
We start our journey with our first person of interest ''Saga''! Saga's narration is a very interesting one, and I was delighted to see her outside of it as well. Even though I needed a bit more time to become smitten with this book, Saga's part kept me intrigued and built a solid foundation to fall deeply in love with they entirety of the story.
The second narrator is Pid. And let me tell you: Pid is the best. Pid kicks ass. And if she doesn't, I'll kick ass for her happiness. Her story and interactions were so important to me (feels a bit strange admitting to that). And can we also just talk about the whole "I might regret this, but I'm going to do it anyway'' thing? I screamed.
3rd up is Keen who is a total sweetheart. You know that fancy word ''Endearing''? I'm pretty sure it was invented to be able to describe what Keen does to people's heartstrings. There's so much development in this narration, and it's heartbreakingly wonderful to see such a positive person run into such ignorant behaviour in a strange new place and have this weight of being a good and dutiful child to their parents whilst wanting to stray from that path altogether.
4th narration goes to the Baker's boy. I was so hoping he'd be in the narration cycle, so I was delighted he was actually a part of it! This one was so beautifully done as well, and, I must admit, quite sexy. I loved that self-reflection was a big theme here and my heart broke for Raid. Worth had some work to do, but I'm pretty sure he came through in the end and at least showed the motivation to look at the world with different eyes.
Then our last one, where so many elements of our other stories start overlapping and coexisting and where the ending knocks you completely off your feet and even folds your socks for you after losing them to this bizarre sensation that's called ''A good book''.
It's so difficult for me to explain how much the story, the characters, the inclusivity, the plot, and not to forget: the writing style really made me love this book. But I tried.
SO: 5 ducking stars to this gentle giant book with all my love <3
No really, honestly, seriously: where do I start explaining how brilliant this book is? How happy it made me and how much the story sucked me in?
I've got not a clue, but here's to trying!
My journey with this book started on the day I got my hands on it, without knowing where it came from. No one has admitted to ordering this book for me, so I've settled on the explanation that I did it myself and forgot about it (which seems unlikely, but I couldn't tell you what else could've happened).
I started reading this big big book that fit perfectly in my small vintage bag, and I took it with me wherever I went, for about a week, and finished it too quickly for my tastes.
Don't get me wrong: The whole story (beginning, middle and ending) is very complete and I wouldn't change a thing about it, but...I wanted more and more and more. I wanted to keep reading this forever.
I'm starting to realise that's not just because of this particular book/story, but that it's also an effect Cindy Paul seems to have on me. I really 'vibe' with their writing style, and it's a wondrous feeling.
The representation in this book is once again done with such love and care, it always feels like a breath of fresh air. I loved the contrast between the inclusivity and the sometimes ignorant and stubborn way of thinking you encounter in this story.
This book made me really happy, and without a doubt deserves my 5 stars.
So, ready to talk about the actual story after all this rambling? Yea? Great! (I'm doing most of this from memory and I'm dreadful with names, but know that I'm doing my best)
We start our journey with our first person of interest ''Saga''! Saga's narration is a very interesting one, and I was delighted to see her outside of it as well. Even though I needed a bit more time to become smitten with this book, Saga's part kept me intrigued and built a solid foundation to fall deeply in love with they entirety of the story.
The second narrator is Pid. And let me tell you: Pid is the best. Pid kicks ass. And if she doesn't, I'll kick ass for her happiness. Her story and interactions were so important to me (feels a bit strange admitting to that). And can we also just talk about the whole "I might regret this, but I'm going to do it anyway'' thing? I screamed.
3rd up is Keen who is a total sweetheart. You know that fancy word ''Endearing''? I'm pretty sure it was invented to be able to describe what Keen does to people's heartstrings. There's so much development in this narration, and it's heartbreakingly wonderful to see such a positive person run into such ignorant behaviour in a strange new place and have this weight of being a good and dutiful child to their parents whilst wanting to stray from that path altogether.
4th narration goes to the Baker's boy. I was so hoping he'd be in the narration cycle, so I was delighted he was actually a part of it! This one was so beautifully done as well, and, I must admit, quite sexy. I loved that self-reflection was a big theme here and my heart broke for Raid. Worth had some work to do, but I'm pretty sure he came through in the end and at least showed the motivation to look at the world with different eyes.
Then our last one, where so many elements of our other stories start overlapping and coexisting and where the ending knocks you completely off your feet and even folds your socks for you after losing them to this bizarre sensation that's called ''A good book''.
It's so difficult for me to explain how much the story, the characters, the inclusivity, the plot, and not to forget: the writing style really made me love this book. But I tried.
SO: 5 ducking stars to this gentle giant book with all my love <3
fpwoper's review
5.0
Oh my God, it's such a good book. Honestly, I love how the five stories connect but are also still separate and how each character is developed throughout all five of the stories.
I still can't pick a favorite story. It's not that I love all five equally, but all five are amazing and give me different feelings. The book has so many stunning scenes that blew me away, and I'm glad to have read it again.
Cindy's prose is very convincing and I love the inclusivity of this book. Renée's illustrations are frigging stunning and they really add to the experience of the book. I love it, you guys.
Two minor points: the dragon could have been more prominent, and where's the coloring book????
I still can't pick a favorite story. It's not that I love all five equally, but all five are amazing and give me different feelings. The book has so many stunning scenes that blew me away, and I'm glad to have read it again.
Cindy's prose is very convincing and I love the inclusivity of this book. Renée's illustrations are frigging stunning and they really add to the experience of the book. I love it, you guys.
Two minor points: the dragon could have been more prominent, and where's the coloring book????
annemaried's review
5.0
All I knew about this book before reading was that it was fantasy and lgbt, and those two things won me over. The book is separated into 5 different sections, with different stories that blend in together at the end. This is definitely a book where I would reread one story just to experience it again. I can't wait to read more from the author (I'm hoping to get her new book at Facts fall).
willemke's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a wonderful fairytale-esque atmosphere. It's a collection of five short stories, so each story is a bit simple, but enjoyable and satisfying nonetheless.
The stories feel very closely connected because of the overarching theme, the overlap in the characters, and the fact that each preceding story influences the next.
I found the characters well thought out and distinct from each other, even though you don't get to spend much time with each.
The stories feel very closely connected because of the overarching theme, the overlap in the characters, and the fact that each preceding story influences the next.
I found the characters well thought out and distinct from each other, even though you don't get to spend much time with each.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Child abuse and Panic attacks/disorders
tommiewreath's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is a series of 5 short stories each focusing on a different character in the same kingdom. I honestly don't want to spoil a thing -but you definitely should read this if you are in the mood for something light, adventurous, queer-as-heck, and fun. I know that this is a self-published book and because of that it can be somewhat difficult to find here in the States but you can easily get your hands on an ereader/kindle copy. I will say this though, I did order a physical copy and it cost a lot of shipping since I did not have a book store nearby that could order it for me (please check if you want a printed copy, it will be a lot cheaper is a store is able to order if for you) -but the book is gorgeous. The picture of the book you see is what you get -and it has purple ribbon bound within the book and everything!
Each story is great and I love how they came together in the end -and the art is absolutely adorable! I especially loved the second story but I don't want to give away the twists so I won't say anymore. Each of the stories deals with different topics including lesbians, gays, trans, genderfluid/non-binary (depends on how you read into it), and so much more.
I look forward to reading more from this author and artist in the future!
Merry, meet!
Each story is great and I love how they came together in the end -and the art is absolutely adorable! I especially loved the second story but I don't want to give away the twists so I won't say anymore. Each of the stories deals with different topics including lesbians, gays, trans, genderfluid/non-binary (depends on how you read into it), and so much more.
I look forward to reading more from this author and artist in the future!
Merry, meet!
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