A review by pastelwriter
Icarus by K. Ancrum

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I don’t know that I can fully articulate why I loved this book so much without pouring my heart out to y’all…which I don’t want to do 😂

I just need to start by saying that I adored this book. It spoke to me in a deep and meaningful way. Reading it felt like I was holding a little piece of the author’s heart, and that’s something I always treasure. 

I can’t say this book will resonate with everyone, but it certainly did for me. A large part of why is mentioned in the author’s note. The author mentions how we don’t get as many stories about strong people learning to be vulnerable…and I felt that. The acknowledgment of the work it takes to break down those walls you built to survive…yeah that hit. It hit really fucking hard. 

Icarus and Helios have a place in my heart. They dug in deep without having to even try that hard. Icarus…was a vivid reminder of my childhood in many ways. The pressure he was under, the conflicting feelings, the raging need for love and affection… Yeah. I get that. Feel that in my heart and soul. 

Helios, on the other hand, although I didn’t relate to as closely… I still found myself loving him as fiercely as Icarus. I wanted to care for him and protect him. It’s what he deserves. Truly. He shined so brightly in this story, and it was devastating watching as his father tried to dim his beautiful light. 

Anyway. The friendships Icarus develops in here (especially with Luca and Celestina)? Those hit. Although I won’t deny that not each friendship was given full attention, the effect they had on Icarus was still obvious. I loved seeing Icarus get the tenderness he deserved. All his friends cared for him in different but meaningful ways. UGH. My heart 💖

So yeah. I loved this book. It’s gonna be in my top 10 reads of 2024. I have no doubt about it. Not a singular one. The chokehold this book and The President and the Frog will have on me this year…it’s gonna be unholy.