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A review by kaylacreviews
Petrichor by Melanie Rees
5.0
Petrichor turned out to be one of those books that nestled so far into my heart that time couldn't wrest it away from me. I completed this book months ago and I still find myself thinking about it—and tearing up when I do. No joke. Petrichor was a super heavy read that deftly blended hope and despair. Its brevity did nothing to lessen the impact of the subject matter. Melanie Rees didn't just tug on my heartstrings, she ripped them out. She excellently captured the pent-up rage, sorrow, and guilt so often associated with grief. The deep symbolism and complex character relationships Rees included were utterly engrossing. Petrichor explored a horrible family tragedy and its consequences by intertwining the drama with elements of dark fantasy. Those fantasy elements helped make Petrichor more palatable, but they also added an extra layer of eeriness that was rightfully haunting.
The one criticism I have to offer is that a few of Clayton's actions struck me as pointless and forced. However, I don't think I would have thought that if I'd read this when I was a teen or preteen, which is the target age group of the book. Reading this as an adult made me want to jump in and comfort Clayton and explain why his parents were acting the way they were. Melanie Rees expertly drew me into the characters' plights, both emotional and physical. I enjoyed how Rees kept me wondering whether or not the fantasy elements were more than just figments of Clayton's imagination. Everything built up to a satisfying, stunning conclusion. Whether you're a young adult or older, if you love magical realism, dark fantasy, and drama—and if you're up for a harrowing yet imaginative read that delivers more than one gut punch—I urge you to check out Petrichor by Melanie Rees.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from Blackthorn Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: This work contains themes of suicide and trauma.
The one criticism I have to offer is that a few of Clayton's actions struck me as pointless and forced. However, I don't think I would have thought that if I'd read this when I was a teen or preteen, which is the target age group of the book. Reading this as an adult made me want to jump in and comfort Clayton and explain why his parents were acting the way they were. Melanie Rees expertly drew me into the characters' plights, both emotional and physical. I enjoyed how Rees kept me wondering whether or not the fantasy elements were more than just figments of Clayton's imagination. Everything built up to a satisfying, stunning conclusion. Whether you're a young adult or older, if you love magical realism, dark fantasy, and drama—and if you're up for a harrowing yet imaginative read that delivers more than one gut punch—I urge you to check out Petrichor by Melanie Rees.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from Blackthorn Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: This work contains themes of suicide and trauma.