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A review by doogsley
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wow. this one snuck up on me!! i wasn’t compelled for the first ~30% but i’m grateful i kept reading this lush lil fairy tale. the ending has me gagged lmao wow.
my favorite part is, easily, the atmosphere. it is SO ghibli, SO howl’s moving castle. the microflavors in this book are DELICIOUS. the violescent demonique-magical forest, a sentient mansion that leans in to listen to secrets, shelves adorned with crystals and skulls and jars of beetle shells, a dagger with a mother-of-pearl hilt shaped like a doe with “glittering turquoise eyes.” such a beautiful, haunting stage.
my biggest con: the romance and its pacing felt… off? unconvincing? “not-so-clever fox” is def up for Worst Pet Name lol. i also felt that the supporting cast/found family were worlds more interesting than our protags. however - without revealing anything specific ofc - the ending made liska and the leszy’s relationship a rewarding experience. again: wow.
if you’re seeking a folkloric, verdant, rheumy, whimsical read filled with thoughtful subversions and a mouthy “cat” mascot, perhaps give this novel a go. 🦌
my favorite part is, easily, the atmosphere. it is SO ghibli, SO howl’s moving castle. the microflavors in this book are DELICIOUS. the violescent demonique-magical forest, a sentient mansion that leans in to listen to secrets, shelves adorned with crystals and skulls and jars of beetle shells, a dagger with a mother-of-pearl hilt shaped like a doe with “glittering turquoise eyes.” such a beautiful, haunting stage.
my biggest con: the romance and its pacing felt… off? unconvincing? “not-so-clever fox” is def up for Worst Pet Name lol. i also felt that the supporting cast/found family were worlds more interesting than our protags. however - without revealing anything specific ofc - the ending made liska and the leszy’s relationship a rewarding experience. again: wow.
if you’re seeking a folkloric, verdant, rheumy, whimsical read filled with thoughtful subversions and a mouthy “cat” mascot, perhaps give this novel a go. 🦌