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idk_indigo's review
dark
mysterious
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? No
3.0
The pace was weird; way too slow at times, then sped up way too much. It took me so long to finish this book because parts of it dragged so much. But then I would pick it up and it would move so quickly that I felt like I forget everything that went on beforehand.
The concept of a ghost child living in the enchanted woods was interesting, and I loved the storytelling aspect, though I do wish that had been played up more especially at the ending. I felt like lots of stuff went unexplained, like Chloe's narrator or the Albatross. None of the characters were particularly multi-dimensional, but I enjoyed the story overall.
Overall, a fun change of pace from what I usually read, and I'm giving it higher than I normally might because the concept was so interesting.
The concept of a ghost child living in the enchanted woods was interesting, and I loved the storytelling aspect, though I do wish that had been played up more especially at the ending. I felt like lots of stuff went unexplained, like Chloe's narrator or the Albatross. None of the characters were particularly multi-dimensional, but I enjoyed the story overall.
Overall, a fun change of pace from what I usually read, and I'm giving it higher than I normally might because the concept was so interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Violence
Minor: Child abuse and Car accident
blackcatkai's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-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 book is a slow burn full of atmosphere. a story of legends, family, friendship, & toxic relationships. a forest with its own spirit & secrets & I loved every minute of it. it had creepy vibes, a little romance, and an ending that had me a bit emotional. I would love to see this adapted into a film or mini-series.
I will absolutely be reading more of Lauren Owen's work.
I will absolutely be reading more of Lauren Owen's work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
milesofkiles's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Violence
exlibrisabigaillee's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
The lesson didn't stick with me as well as I thought it would. The characters were likable enough, I just didn't resonate with them super well. The story was very fun though, and I enjoyed the world!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Violence, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Child death, Death, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Lesbophobia
One of the main families, the Gones, is very strict and emotionally abusive throughout the novel. One of the daughters finds solace with a friend who is very controlling and possessive. The Gones are in leagues with a spirit, of sorts, whomandkips's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Car accident
lovelymisanthrope's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I picked this book as a Book of the Month pick because it sounded like a gothic mystery about a small town with big secrets.
"Small Angels" follows a young girl named Kate who finds solace in the abandoned church in the forest: Small Angels. Kate is the first person to become close to the family whose secret Small Angels hides. Now, Kate has returned to the small town for the first time in years and the forest has come alive again and is demanding to be heard.
The writing in this novel is amazing. The author's ability to compose prose that is gothic and hauntingly beautiful is admirable. However, this book was paced too slowly for me as a reader. The writing itself can also feel dense at times, which made me disconnect from the characters. By the time the story picked up and some of the mysteries were revealed, I was so bored I did not care.
This book is well-written, but it was not for me.
"Small Angels" follows a young girl named Kate who finds solace in the abandoned church in the forest: Small Angels. Kate is the first person to become close to the family whose secret Small Angels hides. Now, Kate has returned to the small town for the first time in years and the forest has come alive again and is demanding to be heard.
The writing in this novel is amazing. The author's ability to compose prose that is gothic and hauntingly beautiful is admirable. However, this book was paced too slowly for me as a reader. The writing itself can also feel dense at times, which made me disconnect from the characters. By the time the story picked up and some of the mysteries were revealed, I was so bored I did not care.
This book is well-written, but it was not for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Violence, and Murder
beckyg1016's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
vigil's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
it adequately met my low expectations. i’ll add a longer review eventually.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
ekmook's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Car accident
bookedandbusy's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book! Such a spooky, atmospheric read, and I absolutely loved the characters!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, and Death