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sarahav47's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Homophobia and Transphobia
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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
4.5
This is different than a lot of YA that's out there, which is both a good and bad thing. It has a bit of a slow start, which means it might take more for its audience to latch onto the story. But let me tell you. Once it gets going, it's such a great, interesting, emotional, engaging story.
The comp title for this is Good Omens, which is a pretty good comparison in overall feel. An angel and a demon partnering together to sort of solve a mystery. However, this book is heavily based in Jewish culture and mythology, which gives it another edge.
The queerness in this book is pretty subtle, which I actually don't mind. It feels authentic and I'm glad they didn't really make a big deal of it in the story. I loved Uriel and Ash's evolving relationship, it was probably my favorite thing about the book overall.
The comp title for this is Good Omens, which is a pretty good comparison in overall feel. An angel and a demon partnering together to sort of solve a mystery. However, this book is heavily based in Jewish culture and mythology, which gives it another edge.
The queerness in this book is pretty subtle, which I actually don't mind. It feels authentic and I'm glad they didn't really make a big deal of it in the story. I loved Uriel and Ash's evolving relationship, it was probably my favorite thing about the book overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Antisemitism, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Confinement, and Homophobia
mar's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
I can't think of a way to describe this book other than an Absolute Delight. Warm, charming and deeply human - despite neither of the protagonists being one - and wonderfully Jewish and queer. The characters sneak into your heart when you're not looking, the writing is fun and whimsical, and despite the light-hearted tone the book handles difficult topics (such as the struggles faced by Jewish immigrants in America) with tactfulness and grace. Also, Uriel's use of it/its pronouns and Little Ash's chronic pain in particular mean So much to me, and I don't think I'll ever get over the moment of a character realizing their queerness being compared to "standing at Sinai, receiving the word of Heaven" ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ There's just so much gentleness and intimacy within this story, I know I'll be returning to it as a comfort read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Antisemitism, and Death of parent
Minor: Ableism, Homophobia, and Transphobia