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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There is so much emotion in this book; at it's core, it's about Icarus learning to let people in and lean on them when he needs help. His and Helios' relationship is raw and emotional and definitely one of the strongest aspects of the books. But so are the friendships that Icarus makes with Luca and Celestina. Icarus goes through it in this book, and shows that it is okay to be vulnerable at times.
If you like Greek mythology inspired books, I'd definitely recommend checking this one out!
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Drug abuse, Death of parent, and Addiction
Minor: Cancer, Sexual content, and Drug use
stormeno's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Confinement, Abandonment, Physical abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Grief, Medical content, Addiction, Alcohol, Sexual content, Chronic illness, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
brep23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Physical abuse and Child abuse
Moderate: Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Cancer
tandewrites's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Confinement and Mental illness
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual content, Violence, and Cursing
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Cancer
noble_nico's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Everything changes when Icarus meets Helios, a boy who seems to be made for him, trapped by his abusive father.
This book is a whirlwind of emotions in the best way possible. This book deals with heavy topics but it also highlights the simple joys of life, joys like being able to sit with the ones you love and just enjoy their company.
The plot of this book is what drew me in, but the characters are what made me love it. While following Icarus through developing relationship with his classmates and with Helios, I grew to love them as much as Icarus does. All of the characters are written beautifully and every one of them is integral to the story. One character is revealed to have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and another is intersex. The representation of these are both very well done, being introduced into the story smoothly and treated with respect.
While there is a lot that happens in the book, the pacing is well timed. Nothing feels rushed and nothing drags. The only downside I feel is that all of the chapters are incredibly short. A few times the short chapters felt jarring where they cut apart what I feel should've been long scenes. Regardless of that the book read quickly, with every page being filled with such strong emotions that I had to take breaks to breath.
Unlike the Greek myth, this book is not a tragedy, not for Icarus. In K. Ancrum's story Icarus gets to soar on his wings safely in the warmth of the sun.
Graphic: Physical abuse, Addiction, Death of parent, and Child abuse
Minor: Cancer