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avrija's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
4.75
This was an awesome book, lovely and memorable characters.
I’m quite surprised at how much I liked the main character, Linus. I’ve loved the descriptions of the children, their magical beings/powers, as some were quite unusual but written so well, I had a picture in mind for each of them.
I loved the Color play between Linus‘ life in the city and on the island and I love all the interactions between the characters.
Another thing was also, that Linus is just a regular guy. He’s not the usual kind of protagonist for a book that involves a romance as he’s not close to look like the beauty standards. He’s in his forties, works an office job, has some weight to his belly and thinning hair but he’s still loved by the characters and even involved in a romance, which I really liked.
The romance was quite cute, though it was definitely slowburn and mostly very subtle in the background. The focus wa snore on the interactions with all the characters and their dynamics while adding a dash of romance to it.
I also liked the commentary on bigotry and prejudice against the children as magical youth and the way in which DICOMY played a role.
All in all a great and lovely read for everyone that likes a quaint character study kind of book that has a big theme for found family.
I’m quite surprised at how much I liked the main character, Linus. I’ve loved the descriptions of the children, their magical beings/powers, as some were quite unusual but written so well, I had a picture in mind for each of them.
I loved the Color play between Linus‘ life in the city and on the island and I love all the interactions between the characters.
Another thing was also, that Linus is just a regular guy. He’s not the usual kind of protagonist for a book that involves a romance as he’s not close to look like the beauty standards. He’s in his forties, works an office job, has some weight to his belly and thinning hair but he’s still loved by the characters and even involved in a romance, which I really liked.
The romance was quite cute, though it was definitely slowburn and mostly very subtle in the background. The focus wa snore on the interactions with all the characters and their dynamics while adding a dash of romance to it.
I also liked the commentary on bigotry and prejudice against the children as magical youth and the way in which DICOMY played a role.
All in all a great and lovely read for everyone that likes a quaint character study kind of book that has a big theme for found family.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
mollies_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Wish you were here?
This was just what I needed…
This was so light despite the heavy topic written between the lines. It was beautifully written and the reprisal of themes and quotes was done so authentically. I never felt bashed over the head with the message, although it was clear from the start. The character development and bond that gradually bloomed throughout the pages was truly magical. The humor and love that surrounded the hardness that these characters experienced made this a truly enjoyable reading experience. I was laughing, crying, kicking my feet, twirling my hair… just a completely visceral reading experience.
10/10 recommend.
This was just what I needed…
This was so light despite the heavy topic written between the lines. It was beautifully written and the reprisal of themes and quotes was done so authentically. I never felt bashed over the head with the message, although it was clear from the start. The character development and bond that gradually bloomed throughout the pages was truly magical. The humor and love that surrounded the hardness that these characters experienced made this a truly enjoyable reading experience. I was laughing, crying, kicking my feet, twirling my hair… just a completely visceral reading experience.
10/10 recommend.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Violence, Xenophobia, Death of parent, and Murder
mbrogs2024's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Violence, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, and Murder
njh_books's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
I started this book first in December 2023 and couldn't get into it, so I put it to the side for a bit and then came back to it.
Had a much better read the second try and overall found the book sweet and wholesome and funny. Reminded me of my counseloring days--kids say the darndest things. Lols.
The kids all grew on me and each I thought was unique in their own way. I think some kids were fleshed out better/more than others (Lucy and Sal) and I think that was also due to who had the most one-on-one alone time with Linus (since the story follows Linus). Now that the sequel is coming, I hope this may change in the next installment. Just felt like some kids got more focus, which while I know no book would ever cover all characters equally, would've been nice to have a bit more in depth look at Chauncey besides just the bellhop/monster under the bed and Thalia besides gardening/grave digging and Phee with growing plants/being a sprite. Also just noticed that all the magical female characters in the book have something to do with plants.
Arthur is a smooth talker and sweet and was nice to see him continuing his journey to be himself. Also showed that childhood trauma can still be a battle into adulthood.
Glad Linus eventually fought for himself and found his voice.
Also hope to see a bit more of Zoe and Helen in the next book.
____________________
Some favorite quotes:
“'It’s the little things. Little treasures we find without knowing their origin. And they come when we least expect them. It’s beautiful, when you think about it. He loves it dearly. That was very kind of you.'” (94)
“'When something is broken, you can put it back together. It may not fit quite the same, or work like it did once before, but that doesn't mean it's no longer useful.'” (247)
“'The little girl. She wasn’t scared of me. She was nice. She didn’t care what I looked like. That means she can make up her own mind. Maybe that woman will tell her I’m bad. And maybe she’ll believe it. Or maybe she won’t believe it at all. Arthur told me that in order to change the minds of many, you have to first start with the minds of few. She’s just one person. But so is the lady.' Talia grinned.” (270)
“'It’s not fair,' Linus said, staring off into nothing. 'The way some people can be. But as long as you remember to be just and kind like I know you are, what those people think won’t matter in the long run. Hate is loud, but I think you’ll learn it’s because it’s only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as you remember you’re not alone, you will overcome.'” (278)
“Helen scoffed. 'A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with. You may not live on the island, but you can’t tell me it’s not your home. Your bubble, Mr. Baker. It’s been popped. Why would you allow it to grow around you again?'” (283)
“'You’re too precious to put into words. I think … it’s like one of Theodore’s buttons. If you asked him why he cared about them so, he would tell you it’s because they exist at all.'” (308)
“'Funny how that works out, isn’t it? That we can find the most unexpected things when we aren’t even looking for them.'” (376)
Had a much better read the second try and overall found the book sweet and wholesome and funny. Reminded me of my counseloring days--kids say the darndest things. Lols.
Arthur is a smooth talker and sweet and was nice to see him continuing his journey to be himself. Also showed that childhood trauma can still be a battle into adulthood.
Glad Linus eventually fought for himself and found his voice.
Also hope to see a bit more of Zoe and Helen in the next book.
____________________
Some favorite quotes:
“'It’s the little things. Little treasures we find without knowing their origin. And they come when we least expect them. It’s beautiful, when you think about it. He loves it dearly. That was very kind of you.'” (94)
“'When something is broken, you can put it back together. It may not fit quite the same, or work like it did once before, but that doesn't mean it's no longer useful.'” (247)
“'The little girl. She wasn’t scared of me. She was nice. She didn’t care what I looked like. That means she can make up her own mind. Maybe that woman will tell her I’m bad. And maybe she’ll believe it. Or maybe she won’t believe it at all. Arthur told me that in order to change the minds of many, you have to first start with the minds of few. She’s just one person. But so is the lady.' Talia grinned.” (270)
“'It’s not fair,' Linus said, staring off into nothing. 'The way some people can be. But as long as you remember to be just and kind like I know you are, what those people think won’t matter in the long run. Hate is loud, but I think you’ll learn it’s because it’s only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as you remember you’re not alone, you will overcome.'” (278)
“Helen scoffed. 'A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with. You may not live on the island, but you can’t tell me it’s not your home. Your bubble, Mr. Baker. It’s been popped. Why would you allow it to grow around you again?'” (283)
“'You’re too precious to put into words. I think … it’s like one of Theodore’s buttons. If you asked him why he cared about them so, he would tell you it’s because they exist at all.'” (308)
“'Funny how that works out, isn’t it? That we can find the most unexpected things when we aren’t even looking for them.'” (376)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Murder and Injury/Injury detail
a_l_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
personal review notes:
C 7/10
A 8/10
W 5/10
P 5/10
I 4/10
L 7/10
E 5/10
-> 5.1/10
-> 3 stars
- C: the characters were super adorable and diverse, i liked how they were described, i didn' really felt connected though & i personally don't really vibe with linus
- W: some feelings and situations felt over-explained, sometimes it left way too hopeful und overly positive, especially towards the end i sometimes cringed at some of the dialogues and writing
- P: the second half the story kinda dragged on, the over all outcome was very foreseeable
- I: at first, i couldn't put it down and towards the end the only motivation to read was to get this book done.
- E: in the beginning i really enjoyed it, was alright over all, glad that i read it, wouldn't read again
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Abandonment
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Physical abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Body shaming, Death, Cannibalism, Death of parent, and Murder
chelle22's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Cultural appropriation, and Abandonment
adalinemccormick's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Xenophobia
Minor: Animal death, Confinement, Gore, Physical abuse, and Murder
merlioras's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A nice story with a warm feel to it. The message was at points quite heavy handed and more text than subtext. I didn't care for the fatphobia against the protagonist that was brought up unnecessarily again and again by both him and the narrative voice.
I listened to the book. At first I had to get used to the voice actor but having finished the book I think he's a good fit for the protagonist and also has distinct voices for the cast of characters. He did a good job. What sometimes threw me off was how he pronounced certain words. I don't know if that is some kind of accent but I never had heard them pronounced that way. It made it appear as if he has never encountered these words before and didn't bother to check the pronunciation.
I listened to the book. At first I had to get used to the voice actor but having finished the book I think he's a good fit for the protagonist and also has distinct voices for the cast of characters. He did a good job. What sometimes threw me off was how he pronounced certain words. I don't know if that is some kind of accent but I never had heard them pronounced that way. It made it appear as if he has never encountered these words before and didn't bother to check the pronunciation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Murder
mixmousereads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Body shaming, Confinement, Fatphobia, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Minor: Animal death, Body horror, Eating disorder, Cannibalism, Death of parent, and Murder
tippettreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Drug use, Homophobia, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Murder