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A review by readingthroughinfinity
The Only Purple House in Town by Ann Aguirre
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.75
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy.
Sadly, this was a case of beautiful cover, disappointing story. The narrative style was more suited to YA than adult and there were too many cliches peppered into the story to make it feel truly original. The found family felt forced, like the author had decided from the get-go that she wanted to write a novel about a found family, and planned everything else around it (at the expense of realism and character development). When one of the characters directly said the words "found family" in a conversation, I couldn't help it, I cringed.
The plot felt unplanned and a bit cobbled together too; at the beginning we're given cosy small-town witch vibes, but then towards the end, the main character, Iris, suddenly finds out she's fae and a whole host of other lore and world-building are haphazardly thrown in. I also didn't like the love interest - his interest in Iris is supposed to come across as sweet and endearing, but his obsession with her actually seems unhealthy. He basically stalked her since she was 11? Not good.
It's also worth noting that this is the fourth book in a series, though it can be read as a standalone.
Sadly, this was a case of beautiful cover, disappointing story. The narrative style was more suited to YA than adult and there were too many cliches peppered into the story to make it feel truly original. The found family felt forced, like the author had decided from the get-go that she wanted to write a novel about a found family, and planned everything else around it (at the expense of realism and character development). When one of the characters directly said the words "found family" in a conversation, I couldn't help it, I cringed.
The plot felt unplanned and a bit cobbled together too; at the beginning we're given cosy small-town witch vibes, but then towards the end, the main character, Iris, suddenly finds out she's fae and a whole host of other lore and world-building are haphazardly thrown in. I also didn't like the love interest - his interest in Iris is supposed to come across as sweet and endearing, but his obsession with her actually seems unhealthy. He basically stalked her since she was 11? Not good.
It's also worth noting that this is the fourth book in a series, though it can be read as a standalone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Stalking and Emotional abuse
Minor: Bullying