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hales_1243'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? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Ableism, Car accident, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, Child abuse, and Medical content
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Gore, Classism, Alcohol, and Violence
booksthatburn's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.0
Any book which depicts changelings in the traditional sense, with children stolen from the cradle and a faerie put in their place, leaving behind a child who speaks too well, and knows too much, but has trouble adjusting to the human world... such stories must grapple with the striking similarity that this basic description has to an allistic parent seeing their autistic child and misunderstanding them or being disturbed by their existence. Rather than merely acknowledging this fantastical descriptor of what are most likely real autistic children through history, UNSEELIE embraces it, centering on an autistic, changeling protagonist. Iselia, "Seelie", is loved by her family, knows who she is, and finds herself on an adventure with her human sister after the prejudice of their neighbors forced them to leave their parents behind and start a new life.
The story opens with a heist gone wrong forcing them to team up with a couple of people who want Seelie to help them accomplish their goals. Seelie is trying to deal with more magic than she's ever had in her life while staying focused on her goal of fixing things and getting back to their parents. Unfortunately it seems like everyone else has a different goal in mind, and eventually things come to a head. As the first book of a duology, UNSEELIE resolve several of its major plot threads and establishes a new paradigm for the sequel to resolve. I like the main characters and I'm excited to see where the sequel goes.
The story opens with a heist gone wrong forcing them to team up with a couple of people who want Seelie to help them accomplish their goals. Seelie is trying to deal with more magic than she's ever had in her life while staying focused on her goal of fixing things and getting back to their parents. Unfortunately it seems like everyone else has a different goal in mind, and eventually things come to a head. As the first book of a duology, UNSEELIE resolve several of its major plot threads and establishes a new paradigm for the sequel to resolve. I like the main characters and I'm excited to see where the sequel goes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Body horror, Violence, Murder, Medical content, and Death
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Self harm, Kidnapping, and Child death
sophiesmallhands'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
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Confinement, Death of parent, Violence, Ableism, Death, and Child abuse
starrysteph's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The start to the Unseelie Duology was fresh, magical, and engaging.
We’re following adventurer sisters Iselia (Seelie) and Isolde. They’re twins - sort of. Seelie is an autistic changeling, struggling to control her wild magic, feeling out of place among humans, and wishing for a peaceful family life.
After a disastrous incident in their hometown, the girls are on the run. Isolde is a skilled thief and Seelie supports her sister and helps power their magical wagon. But when a heist goes wrong, they find themselves paired up with unlikely allies as they hunt for a mysterious (and valuable) treasure.
While the plot is entertaining and the slow-burn romance is sweet, it’s the autistic representation (and the switch-up of changeling lore) that makes Unseelie shine. We get to hear Seelie’s story entirely from Seelie’s perspective and with Seelie’s voice. She is centered.
I found all four of our main treasure-hunters engaging and charming. The story and many of the tropes felt familiar, but Seelie’s perspective was so fresh that it kept me interested in the world. I’d love to see more development for the other three in book 2 (and wish we had gotten a bit more in depth characterization here), but I thought they were all likable.
I was hungering for a faster pace & will be looking forward to the second half of the duology to explode right into action. The writing overall was simple yet well done. It’s generic in some ways - but absolutely stellar in others.
I’ll be recommending this to YA readers far and wide. :)
CW: death, violence, blood, fire, drowning, injury, ableism & eugenics, hate crime, vomiting, panic attacks, kidnapping, child abuse (mentioned), confinement
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(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Ableism, Vomit, Child abuse, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Death, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Hate crime, and Confinement
shelvesofivy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
I'll likely have to come back to this review later simply because I can't possibly compact all of my thoughts about this book right now. But I had so much fun all throughout this story, and can't wait for the next one!
I love that Seelie isn't written with a spotlight on her autism as if to say "look at me, I'm representation!" Rather, it's written as a natural part of her person, like any other character traits would be. They're also consistent, because it's just a part of who she is. I seem to remember seeing someone write that this book is like a love letter that only an autistic author could write, and I fully agree ♡
Beyond the representation, I just fell in love with the main cast. Every one of them was distinct and lovable, even when they were at each other's throats.
And the story itself!! It reminded me of how much fun I had reading fantasy adventures as a child, always itching to pick up the book and see where it took us next. I loved that we had to question everything and not trust what we saw 100% of the time.
I laughed and cried ♡ I'll definitely need to reread whenever the next installment comes out
I love that Seelie isn't written with a spotlight on her autism as if to say "look at me, I'm representation!" Rather, it's written as a natural part of her person, like any other character traits would be. They're also consistent, because it's just a part of who she is. I seem to remember seeing someone write that this book is like a love letter that only an autistic author could write, and I fully agree ♡
Beyond the representation, I just fell in love with the main cast. Every one of them was distinct and lovable, even when they were at each other's throats.
And the story itself!! It reminded me of how much fun I had reading fantasy adventures as a child, always itching to pick up the book and see where it took us next. I loved that we had to question everything and not trust what we saw 100% of the time.
I laughed and cried ♡ I'll definitely need to reread whenever the next installment comes out
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Alcohol, Child abuse, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, and Death
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Unseelie is a dreamy and utterly enchanting YA fantasy that explores the themes of self discovery, sisterhood and found family in such a breathtakingly compelling fashion—examining faerie lore through a unique lens and treating us to an exquisite, action packed and thoroughly moving adventure I didn’t want to put down!
With wicked fae, shape shifting love interests and a cat shaped brownie I absolutely adored—not to mention a brave and compelling autistic protagonist in Seelie, YA fantasy fans definitely need to add this to your TBRs ASAP!
Written in the first person, Unseelie follows autistic changeling, Iselia “Seelie” Graygrove and her twin sister, Isolde as they stumble their way through realms (both human and fae) and a whole heap of trouble when a lucrative heist goes terribly wrong. I loved the dreamy, fairytale-esque quality to Ivelisse Houseman’s writing and the incredible detail that’s captured in the world building. Not to mention there’s dragons! From cute little pet dragons to guard dragons and firedrakes—I loved them all.
However, I think I loved the development and unique perspective of protagonist, Seelie the most. Given the complexity of her character as she struggles to accept her differences and fit in the the world (and people) around her.
As Houseman explains in her authors’ note at the start of her book, the lore surrounding changelings is theorised to be early explanation for autistic children—which really brings a level of insight & depth to Seelie’s character which I loved.
I really enjoyed delving into Seelie’s thought processes and emotions as she tries to conform to the “normal”societal norms and expectations everyone has of her. Getting to experience just how uncomfortable and overwhelming situations can be for her (and Houseman, who drew from her own experiences with autism) was both incredibly eye opening and utterly endearing.
The pacing is also a little slower as a result, but I really enjoyed the moments of reflection and processing of feelings/ emotions from Seelie’s POV—it’s not something we often get to experience first hand with a character and I genuinely really appreciated it.
The other characters were also quite interesting if not nearly as in depth as Seelie. I liked several of the supporting characters, especially Isolde (Seelie’s twin), Olani (an adventurer verse in healing magic) and Raze (Seelie’s shapeshifting and smooth talking love interest) and really enjoyed the banter, snarky dialogue and all around bond of friendship that we see grow between this rag-tag group—I definitely hope to see even more shenanigans in the sequel.
Overall, this was a really fun, magical and utterly insightful read full of incredible autism/ neurodivergent rep that fans of YA fantasy, the found family trope and Holly Black should definitely check out!
Also a huge thank you to Harper360ya/Inkyard Press for the arc.
With wicked fae, shape shifting love interests and a cat shaped brownie I absolutely adored—not to mention a brave and compelling autistic protagonist in Seelie, YA fantasy fans definitely need to add this to your TBRs ASAP!
Written in the first person, Unseelie follows autistic changeling, Iselia “Seelie” Graygrove and her twin sister, Isolde as they stumble their way through realms (both human and fae) and a whole heap of trouble when a lucrative heist goes terribly wrong. I loved the dreamy, fairytale-esque quality to Ivelisse Houseman’s writing and the incredible detail that’s captured in the world building. Not to mention there’s dragons! From cute little pet dragons to guard dragons and firedrakes—I loved them all.
However, I think I loved the development and unique perspective of protagonist, Seelie the most. Given the complexity of her character as she struggles to accept her differences and fit in the the world (and people) around her.
As Houseman explains in her authors’ note at the start of her book, the lore surrounding changelings is theorised to be early explanation for autistic children—which really brings a level of insight & depth to Seelie’s character which I loved.
I really enjoyed delving into Seelie’s thought processes and emotions as she tries to conform to the “normal”societal norms and expectations everyone has of her. Getting to experience just how uncomfortable and overwhelming situations can be for her (and Houseman, who drew from her own experiences with autism) was both incredibly eye opening and utterly endearing.
The pacing is also a little slower as a result, but I really enjoyed the moments of reflection and processing of feelings/ emotions from Seelie’s POV—it’s not something we often get to experience first hand with a character and I genuinely really appreciated it.
The other characters were also quite interesting if not nearly as in depth as Seelie. I liked several of the supporting characters, especially Isolde (Seelie’s twin), Olani (an adventurer verse in healing magic) and Raze (Seelie’s shapeshifting and smooth talking love interest) and really enjoyed the banter, snarky dialogue and all around bond of friendship that we see grow between this rag-tag group—I definitely hope to see even more shenanigans in the sequel.
Overall, this was a really fun, magical and utterly insightful read full of incredible autism/ neurodivergent rep that fans of YA fantasy, the found family trope and Holly Black should definitely check out!
Also a huge thank you to Harper360ya/Inkyard Press for the arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Violence, and Bullying
Moderate: Death and Child abuse
chronicacademia's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Ableism
Moderate: Blood, Death, Violence, Gore, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
thelittlestmermaid'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
4.5
* Thanks to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! *
This book was an absolute pleasure to read. In Unseelie we follow Iselia "Seelie" and her sister Isolde on their journey to make enough money to be reunited with their parents. They're identical twins, but they are so different from each other. Isolde loves adventuring and treasure. Seelie on the other hand would be happy to stay at home and bake every day. Not to mention that Seelie is a changeling and Isolde is human.
Reading this from Seelie's point of view felt very relatable. I loved getting to read about how she views her world and the people around her. Her response to others' actions and her emotions felt very real.
I loved the magic and the faerie courts and the dragons and just every bit of magical fantasy goodness in this story. The characters were all enjoyable and their interactions with each other were (usually) fun to read.
The sister relationship between Seelie and Isolde really shines. Their arguments felt realistic and had me emotional a few times. The way a Seelie love her sister with all her heart despite being upset with her is portrayed very well.
I cannot wait for this to be released so I can buy a proper copy. This was so much fun to read.
4.5 stars
This book was an absolute pleasure to read. In Unseelie we follow Iselia "Seelie" and her sister Isolde on their journey to make enough money to be reunited with their parents. They're identical twins, but they are so different from each other. Isolde loves adventuring and treasure. Seelie on the other hand would be happy to stay at home and bake every day. Not to mention that Seelie is a changeling and Isolde is human.
Reading this from Seelie's point of view felt very relatable. I loved getting to read about how she views her world and the people around her. Her response to others' actions and her emotions felt very real.
I loved the magic and the faerie courts and the dragons and just every bit of magical fantasy goodness in this story. The characters were all enjoyable and their interactions with each other were (usually) fun to read.
The sister relationship between Seelie and Isolde really shines. Their arguments felt realistic and had me emotional a few times. The way a Seelie love her sister with all her heart despite being upset with her is portrayed very well.
I cannot wait for this to be released so I can buy a proper copy. This was so much fun to read.
4.5 stars
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death, Murder, and Violence
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