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A review by shimaira
Lovelorn by April-Jane Rowan
5.0
If you love the fantasy world of Pan's Labyrinth and want to read an entire book that offers that setting, albeit with even darker creatures... This is the book you've been looking for!
TL;DR review:
The kingdom of Lovelorn is intriguing, magical, utterly terrifying, and dark--yet oh so pretty. Mabel's character explores grief and finding your strength, whereas Harry is about accepting yourself and growth. Be prepared to be surprised by where this book will take you ♥
Longer, more in-depth review:
On grief & Mabel:
Mabel deals with the grief of having lost her husband--if he died or ran away remains uncertain at the start, but you'll find out the truth along the way. The way her process of grief is told, of how she comes out of her "stupor" was vividly real and accurate.
She's a really interesting character because of how she *needs* to change in order to go after her lost child, and any parent would relate to her determination. I couldn't help but root for her the entire journey long.
On disability & Harry:
Harry was a detestable character. I hated him almost from page 1--as was clearly intended. The fact that he had a bad leg from an accident did nothing to make me care for him, simply because of his backstory and all the bad stuff he'd done and his personality. Yet, somehow, along the way... My feelings changed. I can't say I liked him at the end, but I did no longer hate him. That's some really great writing ♥
His disability was written well. The accident that caused it had made him fall from grace, lost him the pedestal he'd been on. He was a proud man and he clung to his pride with all he got as it ensured he remained in power--all that he ever cared about. Power and being revered. During his journey, he... learns. He grows. And it was so well written, so gradual... It was natural. I doubt many writers would be able to pull off an unlikeable character and make it a great read.
On LGBTQ+:
This is a queer book. There is a queer relationship. But, to avoid spoilers, I won't elaborate further
TL;DR review:
The kingdom of Lovelorn is intriguing, magical, utterly terrifying, and dark--yet oh so pretty. Mabel's character explores grief and finding your strength, whereas Harry is about accepting yourself and growth. Be prepared to be surprised by where this book will take you ♥
Longer, more in-depth review:
On grief & Mabel:
Mabel deals with the grief of having lost her husband--if he died or ran away remains uncertain at the start, but you'll find out the truth along the way. The way her process of grief is told, of how she comes out of her "stupor" was vividly real and accurate.
She's a really interesting character because of how she *needs* to change in order to go after her lost child, and any parent would relate to her determination. I couldn't help but root for her the entire journey long.
On disability & Harry:
Harry was a detestable character. I hated him almost from page 1--as was clearly intended. The fact that he had a bad leg from an accident did nothing to make me care for him, simply because of his backstory and all the bad stuff he'd done and his personality. Yet, somehow, along the way... My feelings changed. I can't say I liked him at the end, but I did no longer hate him. That's some really great writing ♥
His disability was written well. The accident that caused it had made him fall from grace, lost him the pedestal he'd been on. He was a proud man and he clung to his pride with all he got as it ensured he remained in power--all that he ever cared about. Power and being revered. During his journey, he... learns. He grows. And it was so well written, so gradual... It was natural. I doubt many writers would be able to pull off an unlikeable character and make it a great read.
On LGBTQ+:
This is a queer book. There is a queer relationship. But, to avoid spoilers, I won't elaborate further