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caleigh_g's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
The inside jacket of the cover is a bit misleading. It reads like this will be a plot-driven mystery novel with magical realism elements. But it’s actually a novel about the character development of two teens with learning differences find themselves intertwined a world beyond the physical one they know.
The descriptions of the world under the lake are lyrical and vivid and gorgeous. But I felt too much time was spent telling about their struggles and not enough showing the plot. Telling about ADHD and dyslexia rather than building a plot made this feel like a younger, educational read.
The descriptions of the world under the lake are lyrical and vivid and gorgeous. But I felt too much time was spent telling about their struggles and not enough showing the plot. Telling about ADHD and dyslexia rather than building a plot made this feel like a younger, educational read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
pablo_p's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
3.75
thecozyarchivist's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
This is some of the best ADHD representation I've come across in a book. Loved the writing as well and honestly just wanted to give these kids a big hug and tell them everything will be okay.
lorenm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
3.5
shoppykins's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.25
thisboricuareader's review against another edition
5.0
The magical realism in this was top notch!!! I was on the edge of my seat and I was on the edge of my seat. I have no words for how much I loved this.
taratearex's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was really lovely. Really enjoyed the audiobook read by Vico Ortiz and Avi Roque. Loved the ADHD and dyslexia representation, as well as the trans/nonbinary rep. I loved how the magical realism related to the characters experiences, a unique way of weaving this into the story. Definitely recommend!
bogwitchreads's review
4.5
I really love the way Anna-Marie McLemore writes. Their sentences are so evocative, and their books are so full of love. This was my second book of theirs, and while it was my second favorite of the two, that's only because the other one was deeply personal to me specifically in a way that this one wasn't (for me--I have no doubt it is for other readers, and I'm glad they'll have it). I still really liked this one, especially the characters, and I underlined so many quotes, more than I usually do.
I will say I could have done without the romance here. Even though I expected it to be there, I was still a little surprised when they kissed, and I didn't feel like anything was added by making their relationship romantic, rather than leaving it platonic as it had been. Other than that, though, I really don't have anything bad to say, and even that is more of a minor note than anything else. I look forward to continuing my journey through everything Anna-Marie McLemore has published.
I will say I could have done without the romance here. Even though I expected it to be there, I was still a little surprised when they kissed, and I didn't feel like anything was added by making their relationship romantic, rather than leaving it platonic as it had been. Other than that, though, I really don't have anything bad to say, and even that is more of a minor note than anything else. I look forward to continuing my journey through everything Anna-Marie McLemore has published.
burkbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This one was just fine for me. I was reading this with a friend who was telling me the ADHD representations was very similar to her own experience so I think that is great. The reason this wasn't a GREAT read was simply because it fell through on some elements that I wanted developed more. I guess I was expecting us to get a bit more out of the world within the lake. I also felt like the problems that the characters were overcoming were a bit repetitive and felt only surface level. I don't know. I really liked the idea of this book it just felt like it fell a bit short.