Reviews tagging 'Grief'

The Moth Keeper by K. O'Neill

20 reviews

shinyfox's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring 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

4.0


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purplepenning's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5


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novella42's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing 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

A love letter to the desert, to solitude, and to togetherness. Absolutely gorgeous.

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whimsykat's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective sad
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book is visually very beautiful. It touches on feelings of loneliness that I feel everyday and relate to strongly. The characters are interesting and a lot is conveyed with very few words.

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disnelyse's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective 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

4.0


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annna____'s review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective relaxing 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


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moonyreadsbystarlight's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I picked up The Moth Keeper by K. O'Neill because I have read Princess Princess Ever After and liked it, then heared good things about The Tea Dragon Society. So, I expected this would be good but it ended up being even better than I expected. 

This is the story of Anya, who has a crucial job in her community but sometimes dreams of something different. While that concise, non-spoilery summary sounds like something that's been done in different ways before, so much of this was not what I expected at all (in the best way). At its core, this book is about community and lonliness - and it permiates parts of the story in ways I could not have anticipated. I have so many thoughts around this, but to articulate many of them would require spoilers. 

This book is soft without being primarily fluffy. The characters are well-developed, especially for a middle grade standalone graphic novel. The art is incredible and just so cozy to me in a way I have a hard time really explaining. It was also a neat world and it was cool to see the inspiration for it was based on actual places - and actual plants and bugs with intertwined relationships.

The whole thing just really struck me in my core in a way that, again, I can't articulate verbally yet but rest assured, I was a crying mess by the end (and it's not even a sad story like that). 

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clavishorti's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad fast-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

Through the lens of this middle-grade fantasy graphic novel, The Moth Keeper, K. O'Neill presents a mesmerizing narrative that explores the intricate dance between fulfilling commitments and the pursuit of one's desires.

Anya, an aspiring Moth Keeper, stands at the crossroads of responsibility and yearning. Though honored, she's drawn to the allure of sunlight, leading her to question her role. But what happens when her quest to experience the sun's warmth inadvertently triggers a sequence of events that reshapes her village and the lives of the lunar moths? This tension between duty and personal discovery propels the story forward, igniting curiosity in readers.

Within the intricate fabric of the narrative, profound themes resonate, extending beyond the pages. As Anya navigates her journey, the novel emphasizes the significance of embracing responsibility with courage, paralleling her own understanding. The theme of loneliness serves as a backdrop, highlighting the essential role of social connections in countering isolation, which becomes increasingly poignant as Anya seeks to harmonize her desires and commitments. The novel also celebrates the values of wonder and curiosity, encouraging readers to uncover enchantment within the everyday. Ultimately, the delicate balance between humanity and nature emerges as a central theme, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all life.

K. O'Neill's masterful storytelling is evident in the book's pacing, which effortlessly guides readers through Anya's emotional transformation. The contrast between light and darkness reflects Anya's internal conflict, adding depth to the story's layers. The world-building is intricate, transporting readers to a realm where the extraordinary becomes commonplace. The flawless integration of the writing style with the compelling plot ensures that readers remain engaged, while the skillful organization of the story reflects the author's ability to craft a captivating tale.

K. O'Neill's illustrations enhance the enchantment of the story, breathing life into the fantastical element. The intricate details and vibrant hues infuse the narrative with a sense of wonder, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the tale's visual richness. These illustrations act as a bridge between the written word and the reader's imagination, creating a multidimensional experience that deepens the connection to the story's world.

The book shines in its ability to delicately interlace profound themes with a mesmerizing narrative. The characters' growth and the Moth Keeper's world-building depiction are undeniable strengths. However, the impact of Anya's decision could have been further explored, providing a deeper understanding of the consequences.

The Moth Keeper stands as proof of how our choices shape our lives and the world around us, leading to outcomes we never imagined. This story lingers in your thoughts even after you finish reading, motivating you to take charge, stay curious, and build genuine relationships. With its lively drawings and timeless messages, K. O'Neill's work shines as a symbol of hope and companionship.

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growintogardens's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful

3.75


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shelvesofivy's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25


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