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dia_ls's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault
laniereads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.25
At first, mainly because I was listening to the audio book, I was incredibly confused by all the POVs switching around and I almost DNF'd it, but I am so glad that I didn't! What started as a confusing mystery soon became a beautiful story of magic, whimsey, grief, letting go, and finding anew. I really loved this book and look forward to rereading it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Child abuse, and Alcoholism
frogggirl2's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The narrative POV voices are exactly the same - if it didn't say the character name at the top of the page, I wouldn't know who's POV a given chapter was from. I think this takes place in Ireland but you wouldn't much know it from reading the book. A lot of a lot of romances and longing glances; I need a venn diagram to keep track of all the overlapping crushes. The twist was obvious from page one. Points off for directly spelling out the thesis of the book in a hokey, overly sentimental, Hallmark movie way at the end.
Some of the darker magical realism elements are atmospheric and cool. Still, overall pretty average YA fare.
Some of the darker magical realism elements are atmospheric and cool. Still, overall pretty average YA fare.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-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
I didn’t really know what to expect from this book when I started, and at first I found the large cast of characters somewhat confusing. But I kept reading because I was intrigued, and I’m so glad I did. The protagonists and their friends really grew on me, and I loved all of the character dynamics between them.
I also loved the vibes of this book—the small town, the magic, the mystery—it was very atmospheric and at times eerie, perfect for spooky season but not scary. It was fun to get sucked into. I rarely knew what was actually happening, but it felt intentional rather than poor writing or a badly executed plot.
This story is definitely character-driven, but it was so easy to get attached to the characters. There was quite an intriguing mystery afoot as well, and lots of unexplained occurrences. The final third of the book ended up being quite a ride, with a couple of different plot twists I absolutely did not see coming.
I wouldn’t call this a favorite, mostly because there was just some sort of missing piece, if that makes sense? For me, when a book ends up a favorite of mine, there’s this feeling, this vibe, that I didn’t have as I read this. Even though I did a crappy job explaining it, I think most readers will understand what I mean.
Nonetheless, I did really enjoy this book, and I know for sure that I want my own copy. I definitely recommend it, and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author!
Representation
I also loved the vibes of this book—the small town, the magic, the mystery—it was very atmospheric and at times eerie, perfect for spooky season but not scary. It was fun to get sucked into. I rarely knew what was actually happening, but it felt intentional rather than poor writing or a badly executed plot.
This story is definitely character-driven, but it was so easy to get attached to the characters. There was quite an intriguing mystery afoot as well, and lots of unexplained occurrences. The final third of the book ended up being quite a ride, with a couple of different plot twists I absolutely did not see coming.
I wouldn’t call this a favorite, mostly because there was just some sort of missing piece, if that makes sense? For me, when a book ends up a favorite of mine, there’s this feeling, this vibe, that I didn’t have as I read this. Even though I did a crappy job explaining it, I think most readers will understand what I mean.
Nonetheless, I did really enjoy this book, and I know for sure that I want my own copy. I definitely recommend it, and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author!
Representation
- bisexual protagonist with single-sided deafness that uses a hearing aid*
- lesbian protagonist
- Irish-Indian bisexual side character
- sapphic romance (f/f)
*As someone who’s recently gone deaf in one ear and has used a hearing aid in the past, this rep meant a lot to me. I’ve never read another book with it, and although it’s not a significant part of the story, it warmed my heart.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Death, Blood, and Self harm
Minor: Sexual content, Racism, and Dementia
Sexual assault: off-page to a prominent side character, mentioned semi-frequently. Domestic abuse: prior to story, in regards to side characters. Alcoholism: the twins’ mother is an alcoholic. Alcohol: the twins and their friends frequently drink despite being underage. They smoke as well. Self-harm: for magical purposes. Sexual content: consensual, two brief fade-to-black scenes. Racism: minor occurrences in regards to a prominent side character. Dementia: briefly mentioned a few times, in regards to a grandparent we never meet.morchels's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is truly a haunting tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's not my typical type of book but I couldn't stop reading it about halfway through. Definitely for the most mature teens. Very dark.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Blood, and Domestic abuse
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