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A review by onthesamepage
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Tropes: slow burn
Steam level: none
I decided to reread this because I neglected to write a review the first time around (sometimes it's hard, okay?)
It's not any easier the second time around, to be honest.
There's just something about Atwater's writing and her characters that makes me love her books, without really being able to put a finger on why, exactly, they worked for me. Dora was such a fantastic protagonist. I loved the magical twist on neurodivergence, and the way she dealt with it, and how accepting Elias is of her, without wanting to change a single thing. I also loved Elias, with all his rough manners and edges. There's a scene where he has an outburst at dinner about people not caring enough about those less fortunate, and the way that was handled, along with his subsequent breakdown, was so good. The romance between them is a very slow burn, but in the way I love best. There's plenty of banter and talking before feelings come into the picture, and I loved seeing their relationship blossom.
There's more to this book than the romance, though. There's a mystery subplot related to an illness afflicting children in workhouses, which turns into commentary on workhouses in general. There's also evil faeries, my very favourite kind, and all the shenanigans and hilarity they bring with them (but also, a bit of horror).
I've now read both the physical book and the audiobook, and both were fantastic. Highly recommend giving this book a try.
Steam level: none
I decided to reread this because I neglected to write a review the first time around (sometimes it's hard, okay?)
It's not any easier the second time around, to be honest.
There's just something about Atwater's writing and her characters that makes me love her books, without really being able to put a finger on why, exactly, they worked for me. Dora was such a fantastic protagonist. I loved the magical twist on neurodivergence, and the way she dealt with it, and how accepting Elias is of her, without wanting to change a single thing. I also loved Elias, with all his rough manners and edges. There's a scene where he has an outburst at dinner about people not caring enough about those less fortunate, and the way that was handled, along with his subsequent breakdown, was so good. The romance between them is a very slow burn, but in the way I love best. There's plenty of banter and talking before feelings come into the picture, and I loved seeing their relationship blossom.
There's more to this book than the romance, though. There's a mystery subplot related to an illness afflicting children in workhouses, which turns into commentary on workhouses in general. There's also evil faeries, my very favourite kind, and all the shenanigans and hilarity they bring with them (but also, a bit of horror).
I've now read both the physical book and the audiobook, and both were fantastic. Highly recommend giving this book a try.
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism