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librarianlouise 's review for:

Motheater by Linda H. Codega
4.0
dark mysterious tense medium-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: Complicated

Codega! What a debut novel! This queer fantasy was not what i expected at all, although, I don't really know what I expected to be fair. 
It was wonderfully written, strong and powerful. 
The characters were three-dimensional and emotionally resonant with their accents and the two timelines.
 I was wholly endeared to Bennie, she was realistic, compelling and deeply layered. 

I'd almost describe it as Gothic Fantasy. A mashing of genres so beautifully achieved and refreshing... well, refreshing in a terrifyingly witchy way. 

There wasn't an overwhelming amount of romance in this book, but what there was, was artfully done. It was sweet and charming, and although I wanted more (because I always want more romance), I did love how it was done. 
The romance and comic relief throughout the book was elegantly curated to balance the much darker elements.

I watched a documentary once about the effects of mining in the Appalachian mountains. Whilst that is the only reference I have to the irreparable damage done to the ecosystem there, I felt an authenticity in this book for the place and the lost and remaining beauty and mysticism. 
 
Overall I found Motheater to be a very unique and immersive read. 

Truly thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this novel.