tinyelfarcanist's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is the story of the Esco dynasty, born from one man's sacrifice. And about a man that married into it and built a family.
It's a tale of grief, and how the outside world continues even when one's own universe crumbles down.
It's told in three different POVs: A young man (Arlen) who's presented with a red pill/blue pill decision; the coming of age of a girl (Cassandra) that lived lifetimes in her young years; and a dying girl (Ianthe) who's leaving this world and taking Cassandra's with it.
I found the prose in Ianthe’s chapters a little flowery for my taste, but they are short and sparse. If you like purple prose, you’ll love them, though.
I also had trouble with some of Cassandra's chapters, especially from when she was younger. Her dialogue felt stilted and unlike how a 5yo speaks.
Arlen's chapters were definitely my favourites and the ones that drive the story forward as they take place closer to present events. In a short period, he will discover a lot about his life and experience powerful emotions for the first time.
The author created a fascinating world where the magic resource (shine) encompasses every field as it can heal, heat, conserve, and be a powerful drug. The beautiful description of the scenery made me crave an adaptation.
I was warned of Chorn's books, and this still managed to ambush me. If you're planning to read one of her books, be ready to get your heart ripped out.
It's a tale of grief, and how the outside world continues even when one's own universe crumbles down.
It's told in three different POVs: A young man (Arlen) who's presented with a red pill/blue pill decision; the coming of age of a girl (Cassandra) that lived lifetimes in her young years; and a dying girl (Ianthe) who's leaving this world and taking Cassandra's with it.
I found the prose in Ianthe’s chapters a little flowery for my taste, but they are short and sparse. If you like purple prose, you’ll love them, though.
I also had trouble with some of Cassandra's chapters, especially from when she was younger. Her dialogue felt stilted and unlike how a 5yo speaks.
Arlen's chapters were definitely my favourites and the ones that drive the story forward as they take place closer to present events. In a short period, he will discover a lot about his life and experience powerful emotions for the first time.
The author created a fascinating world where the magic resource (shine) encompasses every field as it can heal, heat, conserve, and be a powerful drug. The beautiful description of the scenery made me crave an adaptation.
I was warned of Chorn's books, and this still managed to ambush me. If you're planning to read one of her books, be ready to get your heart ripped out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Racism, Terminal illness, Drug abuse, Addiction, Bullying, Grief, Blood, Drug use, Self harm, and Suicide
Moderate: Police brutality, Abandonment, Deadnaming, Sexual assault, Transphobia, Vomit, Death of parent, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Classism, Child death, and Pedophilia
Minor: Outing, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, and Violence
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