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A review by moonlitreading_
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
3.75
“It may be true that you have only half a soul, Dora. But that does not make you half a person.”
Half a Soul was like if Bridgerton had faeries and magic in it. The main character, Dora, had half of her soul taken by a faerie when she was a child and she hasn’t been the same since.
As I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think that Dora was on the autism spectrum and it didn't sit well with me at first the implication that having autism (or any neurodivergence) meant you only had half a soul. But as I kept reading and seeing Dora’s experiences, I understood why the author did that because Dora throughout the story wanted to “fix” herself to be “whole” again. I’m not neurodivergent (as far as I’m aware) but I struggle mentally so I can somewhat relate about wanting to be “whole”.
I think this book did a great job with Dora’s self-discovery and her learning to accept and love herself. Without spoiling anything, I still enjoyed the book and I’m relieved the story went the direction that it did (gonna pretend the last line in the epilogue doesn’t exist).
The romance was pretty slow burn, which I loved!!!! I liked Elias as his own person and as a love interest. He doesn’t show it to everyone but he has a soft heart. I admire his determination to help people as much as he can. His acceptance of Dora is lovely, I like that he loved her the way she was and did not want her to change a thing.
Half a Soul was like if Bridgerton had faeries and magic in it. The main character, Dora, had half of her soul taken by a faerie when she was a child and she hasn’t been the same since.
As I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think that Dora was on the autism spectrum and it didn't sit well with me at first the implication that having autism (or any neurodivergence) meant you only had half a soul. But as I kept reading and seeing Dora’s experiences, I understood why the author did that because Dora throughout the story wanted to “fix” herself to be “whole” again. I’m not neurodivergent (as far as I’m aware) but I struggle mentally so I can somewhat relate about wanting to be “whole”.
I think this book did a great job with Dora’s self-discovery and her learning to accept and love herself. Without spoiling anything, I still enjoyed the book and I’m relieved the story went the direction that it did (gonna pretend the last line in the epilogue doesn’t exist).
The romance was pretty slow burn, which I loved!!!! I liked Elias as his own person and as a love interest. He doesn’t show it to everyone but he has a soft heart. I admire his determination to help people as much as he can. His acceptance of Dora is lovely, I like that he loved her the way she was and did not want her to change a thing.