jadejade's review against another edition
5.0
Some context: When I picked up this novella, I was in a reading slump. And it's not like I hadn't tried to get out of my slump; several DNFs lived next to my bedside table. I couldn't quite remember when I last finished a book of any length that was not either filled with pictures or aimed at small children. This novella is - neither of those things.
I had had the pleasure of reading some of this author's other works and thought, why not? I bought this novella on the strength of the author's writing alone.
When the novella arrived, I ran a bath and settled in. I had no idea what the story was about before I started reading, I didn't even know the genre. This could have ended so badly.
I loved it.
I didn't pick up on the clues about the upcoming twist, but that's down to my lack of knowledge of Irish mythology. Yet this did not hamper my enjoyment in any way; I just wanted to see how this tale would end.
I devoured this novella in one sitting. Reading slump ended!
From the author's notes, the author wrote this to see if they could write a completely ungendered main character, both because they identify as agender, and so that whatever the reader would like to assume about the main character, the reader would be free to do so.
I had had the pleasure of reading some of this author's other works and thought, why not? I bought this novella on the strength of the author's writing alone.
When the novella arrived, I ran a bath and settled in. I had no idea what the story was about before I started reading, I didn't even know the genre. This could have ended so badly.
I loved it.
I didn't pick up on the clues about the upcoming twist, but that's down to my lack of knowledge of Irish mythology. Yet this did not hamper my enjoyment in any way; I just wanted to see how this tale would end.
I devoured this novella in one sitting. Reading slump ended!
From the author's notes, the author wrote this to see if they could write a completely ungendered main character, both because they identify as agender, and so that whatever the reader would like to assume about the main character, the reader would be free to do so.
tyler_j's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This short story managed to rip out my heart, give me all the feels, have me relating to the MC SO HARD (MC is ungendered and I am agender, also depression feels), crying tears of sadness and happiness.
Like I WANT TO SAY MORE but it's a short story and anything else I say WILL SPOIL IT. ASSUME NOTHING. I repeat, assume nothing. I has a new favorite. Now leave me be in my bucket of feels. <3 And I highly recommend this short story.
Like I WANT TO SAY MORE but it's a short story and anything else I say WILL SPOIL IT. ASSUME NOTHING. I repeat, assume nothing. I has a new favorite. Now leave me be in my bucket of feels. <3 And I highly recommend this short story.
morebedsidebooks's review
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Alone and Palely Loitering is a lushly written little urban fantasy by Julian Stuart. The agender author decided to try writing an ungendered main character with Jamie. Too if not the love interest’s name Leannán but, the title from Keats should also clue readers into the short story’s inspiration. I always love to see modern interpretations of folklore.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
Also depression and tobacco use.phantomssiren's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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