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.
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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