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A review by sirkeili
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
When comparing it to the first book of TJ Klune I read, "The House in the Cerulean Sea", this book felt more reflective and philosophical.
Wallace as a character was a little harder to root for than Linus in the beginning, as he was more unapologetically nasty without remorse for his actions. Yet the book gives him time to reflect and the ability to fix what he broke, despite his current predicament of, y'know, being dead and all.
Hugo reminds me of Arthur, steady and compassionate, yet he holds a lot of hurt too. He blames himself for things out of his control, and his trauma deeply affects how he treats others — living or dead— in his life.
The rest of the crew's interactions are sweet and hilarious, and I absolutely love Nelson as a secondary character. He is very much the kick-in-the-ass Wallace so desperately lacked in his life.
However, it didn't give me the same excitement as Linus' story did, nor the same heart. Linus I rooted for, he was the underdog with a heart of gold who tries to usurp an unfair system. Wallace started off just unlikeable, and slowly eased into a more decent person.
Overall, it was a good story and I enjoy the reflection on one's life, and trying to make amends with what has come to pass.
Wallace as a character was a little harder to root for than Linus in the beginning, as he was more unapologetically nasty without remorse for his actions. Yet the book gives him time to reflect and the ability to fix what he broke, despite his current predicament of, y'know, being dead and all.
Hugo reminds me of Arthur, steady and compassionate, yet he holds a lot of hurt too. He blames himself for things out of his control, and his trauma deeply affects how he treats others — living or dead— in his life.
The rest of the crew's interactions are sweet and hilarious, and I absolutely love Nelson as a secondary character. He is very much the kick-in-the-ass Wallace so desperately lacked in his life.
However, it didn't give me the same excitement as Linus' story did, nor the same heart. Linus I rooted for, he was the underdog with a heart of gold who tries to usurp an unfair system. Wallace started off just unlikeable, and slowly eased into a more decent person.
Overall, it was a good story and I enjoy the reflection on one's life, and trying to make amends with what has come to pass.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Homophobia and Outing