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kaiyakaiyo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was extremely heartwarming, with a side of catharsis. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall I loved these characters and love love love that the author didn’t shy away from making these girls feel like natural teenagers: they are allowed to be angry, a little vindictive, naive, kind, happy, all at once
I wish I’d had a book like this when I was actually a teen
I wish I’d had a book like this when I was actually a teen
Graphic: Police brutality
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Racism, and Xenophobia
midnightgremlin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.75
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Police brutality
claudiamacpherson's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.5
I 100% picked up this book because it's set in Portland and I just moved to a new country and wanted something familiar, and I did love being able to picture the setting as places I know well (but the audiobook reader did mispronounce Willamette, smh). It started pretty slow and I had a hard time getting into the world and sorting through all the magical creatures, but the second half definitely picked up. Definitely the best part about this book for me was how Morrow used the magical elements to parallel racism and sexism rather than replace or stand in for them. I've read a lot of books that use magical powers and concepts as metaphors for systemic issues, but I liked the way Morrow showed the intersectionality of multiple prejudices. The writing was very YA but it was a good Portland comfort read!
Happy ending meter (no specific spoilers, just the vibe):Hopeful! There were some elements of the plot that couldn't be wrapped up in a perfect little happily-ever-after but overall the ending was pretty happy.
Happy ending meter (no specific spoilers, just the vibe):
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Confinement, Police brutality, and Outing
bookish_coffee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
I adored this story. I loved both Effie and Tavia. They had such a strong and loving relationship, I loved to read it.
I also loved how seamlessly the author wove real life issues with mystical issues. The racism and xenophobia against sirens and other magical beings was so easily and clearly interwoven in the story I almost felt like I was there. Like that world was this world.
I also loved how seamlessly the author wove real life issues with mystical issues. The racism and xenophobia against sirens and other magical beings was so easily and clearly interwoven in the story I almost felt like I was there. Like that world was this world.
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
jourdanicus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A creative, original, modern fantasy that I really enjoyed.
Moderate: Bullying, Racism, Xenophobia, and Police brutality
Minor: Death and Grief
zombiezami's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Death, Hate crime, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, and Kidnapping
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