Scan barcode
kalypsowolf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
5.0
Kelly Barnhill's writing is just absolutely stunning. Despite this book talking about death and people dying, her writing consistently felt warm and inviting. It really feels like a mix of legend and folklore with a little bit of that feeling you get when an older relative tells you a story they heard from their childhood. It makes it feel really nostalgic and cozy.
Honestly I don't need to go further cause this can absolutely get 5 stars just on writing alone, but the story is phenomenal. Each component of the story is compelling. I think once Ned and Aine actually meet it does get a tad...not slow, but it wasn't as readable for me because it lost a little bit of the introspection aspect that I was really enjoying, but it very quickly gained my interest back.
Will say there's like...some low-key horrifying scenes for this being a middle grade book. Not necessarily inappropriate age-wise, but just very dark and I would make sure that if you are getting this book for a kid that you know that they can mentally handle that. Otherwise this is a beautiful read with a really important message and I cannot recommend it enough.
Honestly I don't need to go further cause this can absolutely get 5 stars just on writing alone, but the story is phenomenal. Each component of the story is compelling. I think once Ned and Aine actually meet it does get a tad...not slow, but it wasn't as readable for me because it lost a little bit of the introspection aspect that I was really enjoying, but it very quickly gained my interest back.
Will say there's like...some low-key horrifying scenes for this being a middle grade book. Not necessarily inappropriate age-wise, but just very dark and I would make sure that if you are getting this book for a kid that you know that they can mentally handle that. Otherwise this is a beautiful read with a really important message and I cannot recommend it enough.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death of parent, Child death, and Violence
jenmangler's review against another edition
3.0
This is a beautiful fairy tale. Ned is a great character, a boy who is overlooked by all but misses nothing. So is Áine, a very practical girl not afraid to take action. They form a beautiful friendship.
mementomorivv's review against another edition
I dnfed the audiobook 22% in but I plan to read an ebook or physical copy because that seems to be the easiest format for me when it comes to the author's writing. the Audiobook was still fun, I just didn't pick this up at the right time :)
sumayyaha's review against another edition
5.0
I have NO WORDS! I loved this book SO MUCH, I might actually be annoyed by it.
The only thing I can say is I feel like there are a few unanswered questions and I need MORE!
The only thing I can say is I feel like there are a few unanswered questions and I need MORE!
stef84_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-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? Yes
3.25
booktopia_7879's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
3.5
whimsicallyjaded's review against another edition
3.0
Points for creativity and points for having cool characters!! I wanted to love this book, I really did. I really tried. But I was just laboring through it the whole time. It just dragged for me. I don’t know what it was— the lack of action? The writing style? I don’t know. I think I just don’t like it stuff happens TO the main character all the time rather than the main character making agentive decisions. I think the only reason I didn’t like this book that much was purely out of personal preference and not because there was something wrong with it structurally.
emachinescat's review against another edition
I love Kelly Barnhill and will probably read this book in the future, but right now it's too triggering.