periwinkle_flora's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I agree with 2 things 2 others have said. The book is conversational and the book didn't feel like a warm hug.
but rather... a simple, light, and casual read.
Mika Moon has a rough life. Her family she finds, Ian, Ken, Lucie, Jamie, and the sisters, had rough lives too. Personality and backgrounds appear frequently throughout the chats between the cast.
We read what's happening to the characters. but we don't really feel what's happening to the characters.
We are told what's happened in their pasts, but we don't get transferred back in time, to see what it was like.
Personally, I would've preferred if the book showcased more emotional depth to make me feel something… versus briefly glowing over key relationships that make them who they are.
Another aspect that felt less cosy were the swearing – which in any other book *works*, but not here – and the shift in the main romance/ conflict towards the end.
Would I read it again? Likely not. Did it keep me engaged? Yes.
Overall:
A strong 3. (3|5).
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Grief, Sexual content, and Physical abuse
emfass'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
5.0
Graphic: Cursing and Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Death, Sexual content, Child abuse, and Grief
Minor: Xenophobia
cassielaj'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
5.0
Moderate: Racism, Grief, and Xenophobia
Minor: Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
elledanie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Minor: Death of parent, Grief, Cursing, Abandonment, Alcohol, Death, and Sexual content
sophiesmallhands'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
5.0
Moderate: Sexual content and Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Death, Racism, Grief, and Homophobia
howlinglibraries's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
“It’s not always enough to go looking for the place we belong. Sometimes we need to make that place.”
I am a PUDDLE. This was one of the most wholesome, precious things I have read in my entire life. If you enjoy cozy fantasy tales with a bit of romance, a cast of very lovable characters, cottagecore vibes, and a heaping dose of found family, you absolutely need this on your radar because it includes all of that and more, and depicts it all brilliantly. I know I'm not the first to say this, but this book is absolutely a warm hug in the form of a book and I loved it.
“We’ve talked about this,” said Jamie mildly. “Murder can’t be your first choice every time you don’t like something.”
First of all, the dialogue in this book had me in giggles constantly. Between the kids' shenanigans, Ian's wildness, and Jamie's dry snark, I smiled so much reading this! But there's also a ton of sweetness and even some really delightful swoon-worthy moments, and I'm certainly able to admit I had tears in my eyes a few times near the end over how simply precious it all was.
It’s a leap of faith to love people and let yourself be loved.
Despite its warmth and cheer, this isn't only a happy tale; there's also a ton of time spent discussing trauma and how difficult it can make everyday life, much less learning to trust and care for people when you've developed a fear of abandonment or being used. I absolutely adored watching Mika heal from her past and learn to truly live despite her fears.
Cover to cover, I adored this sweet little fantasy book and I'm so incredibly happy that I picked it up (thank you to Misty for inviting me to buddy read it with you!). It's one of the sweetest and best things I've read this year and I can't wait for the next cozy fantasy release of Mandanna's!
Buddy read with Misty! ♥
✨ Representation: Mika is Indian, Rosetta is Black, Terracotta is Vietnamese, Altamira is Palestinian, Ian is gay, and Ken is Japanese and gay
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Homophobia, Grief, Child abuse, Alcohol, Xenophobia, and Racism
eni_iilorak's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Cursing, Grief, Death, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Homophobia, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Murder, and Toxic relationship
amberinpieces'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
5.0
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Cursing
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Racism, Sexism, Alcohol, Death of parent, Death, Homophobia, and Grief
annorabrady's review against another edition
- 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
Also, I love that characters talked through their problems instead of just apologizing and moving on or deciding that "it didn't matter if they'd been hurt." There were real consequences to behaviors, words, and beliefs. And the characters had to face the consequences to move forward.
Moderate: Death of parent, Abandonment, and Grief
thereadinghammock'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
5.0
I don't know if I could pick any favorite character in the book. I loved them all for different reasons. Ian for his enthusiasm for everything. Ken's calm, solid presence in the household. Mika for her willingness to think outside the box and question the status quo. Lucie's amazing kindness and love. Rosetta for her passion for learning. Terracotta for her fierceness--both loyalty and stubbornness! Altamira for her innocent wonder and the comedic timing that children can effortlessly nail. And Jamie for his loyalty to the people he loves (and a sexy Irish accent to boot, thank you audiobook narrator!)
I loved the characterization of magic in this book as well. While a mostly silent "character", the fact that it had characterization at all was a nice touch the author added. That it was mischievous by nature; that the more witches around, the more magic was attracted to them; and that intrinsically it wants to be utilized. That it truly is an extension of the witches themselves. But that left unchecked or ignored, can get destructive in it's pursuit of attention.
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Abandonment and Death
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual content, and Grief