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A review by silver_lining_in_a_book
The Wicker King by K. Ancrum
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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? Yes
5.0
And suddenly, with a jolt of horror, he realised that he couldn't live without it anymore. It was as much a part of him as anything now. He couldn't run from it any more than anyone could run out of their own skin. It would just keep coming back, over and over, curling up out of him, growling like hunger.
He would crave the burn until he was dead.
August curled up against the wall and put his head in his arms.
He gripped the lighter so tightly that his knuckles went white.
Trigger warnings: pyromania, violence, blood, neglect, mild sexual content, mention of homophobia, mental health issues, discussions of insanity, drug use, alcohol consumption, near-death experience, mention of suicide, disordered eating (no explicit depiction of eating disorders, but some of the content may still be triggering for those who are suffering)
This was such a beautiful, strange and unique book. I have never read a story told in quite this way, from the broken-up timeline to the mixed-media format where all the little inserts actually served to further the plot. I finished the entire thing in one evening, which I think really speaks for how engaging the story was.
I loved August and Jack from the first few pages; they felt very real to me despite the magical, fantastical undertones of the book. August lives with only his mother, who is severally depressed and unable to afford to look after her son. To avoid being looked down upon, he presents a very pristine and strait-laced image of himself to the world. Jack is the school's "golden boy" and an exceptional athlete, but he is forgotten by his parents and haunted by visions that no one else around him can see. The only time when the two can be truly themselves is when they are together. However, when Jack's condition starts to decline, their friendship and devotion to each other are put to the test.
K Ancrum wove so many themes that I absolutely adore into this novel: from the obsessive devotion to the building of new friendships; to discussions of mental health and the lengths that people are ready to go to support their loved ones. And how could I forget the queerness!
Her author's note is an absolutely integral part of the book as well. In particular, this quote spoke to me:
You deserve to heal and grow, too. You deserve to have someone to talk to about your problem; you deserve unconditional support; you deserve care and safety and all the things you need to thrive. Just because you may not have them doesn’t mean you don’t deserve them. If someone tells you that you don’t deserve those things, they are lying. Keep trying your best. Ask for help when you need it. Do your best to be brave, but it is okay not to be. If you drop the weight you’re carrying, it is okay. You can build yourself back up out of the pieces. If your mind stops listening to you, it’s not your fault. There are billions of us; you are not alone.
Beautiful writing, important message, some of my new favourite characters. I really do not need much else in a novel. 5/5 stars!
He would crave the burn until he was dead.
August curled up against the wall and put his head in his arms.
He gripped the lighter so tightly that his knuckles went white.
Trigger warnings: pyromania, violence, blood, neglect, mild sexual content, mention of homophobia, mental health issues, discussions of insanity, drug use, alcohol consumption, near-death experience, mention of suicide, disordered eating (no explicit depiction of eating disorders, but some of the content may still be triggering for those who are suffering)
This was such a beautiful, strange and unique book. I have never read a story told in quite this way, from the broken-up timeline to the mixed-media format where all the little inserts actually served to further the plot. I finished the entire thing in one evening, which I think really speaks for how engaging the story was.
I loved August and Jack from the first few pages; they felt very real to me despite the magical, fantastical undertones of the book. August lives with only his mother, who is severally depressed and unable to afford to look after her son. To avoid being looked down upon, he presents a very pristine and strait-laced image of himself to the world. Jack is the school's "golden boy" and an exceptional athlete, but he is forgotten by his parents and haunted by visions that no one else around him can see. The only time when the two can be truly themselves is when they are together. However, when Jack's condition starts to decline, their friendship and devotion to each other are put to the test.
K Ancrum wove so many themes that I absolutely adore into this novel: from the obsessive devotion to the building of new friendships; to discussions of mental health and the lengths that people are ready to go to support their loved ones. And how could I forget the queerness!
Her author's note is an absolutely integral part of the book as well. In particular, this quote spoke to me:
You deserve to heal and grow, too. You deserve to have someone to talk to about your problem; you deserve unconditional support; you deserve care and safety and all the things you need to thrive. Just because you may not have them doesn’t mean you don’t deserve them. If someone tells you that you don’t deserve those things, they are lying. Keep trying your best. Ask for help when you need it. Do your best to be brave, but it is okay not to be. If you drop the weight you’re carrying, it is okay. You can build yourself back up out of the pieces. If your mind stops listening to you, it’s not your fault. There are billions of us; you are not alone.
Beautiful writing, important message, some of my new favourite characters. I really do not need much else in a novel. 5/5 stars!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Fire/Fire injury, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Abandonment and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Drug use, and Addiction