A review by caitminch
Strange Creatures by Phoebe North
4.0
i was so shocked to find that i really enjoyed this. it's not something i would ever pick out myself because me and fantasy are far from friends, but i received it in a book subscription box and figured it was worth a go. i'm very glad i did.
the fantasy elements were relatively minor in contrast to the main narrative, which is what made it so accessible to me. granted, there were parts that i skim-read, but that was literally all my fault because i was reading a fantasy-based book with no interest in fantasy. the plot as a whole though was amazing - it felt unique and handled hard-hitting issues in what felt like a delicate yet realistic way. at points i genuinely couldn't put the book down because i was so invested in the characters and the way the story was going.
i suppose it did feel a bit long as it's really easy to lose interest once the "dilemma"(?) has been resolved (and you've struggled through jamie's pov chapters - fucking hell). i didn't mind too much because by this point i felt quite attached to the characters, but if you aren't particularly a fan of them then the last third or so may be a bit boring.
overall vv impressed with this book. lots of great representation and nothing like anything i've read before.
the fantasy elements were relatively minor in contrast to the main narrative, which is what made it so accessible to me. granted, there were parts that i skim-read, but that was literally all my fault because i was reading a fantasy-based book with no interest in fantasy. the plot as a whole though was amazing - it felt unique and handled hard-hitting issues in what felt like a delicate yet realistic way. at points i genuinely couldn't put the book down because i was so invested in the characters and the way the story was going.
i suppose it did feel a bit long as it's really easy to lose interest once the "dilemma"(?) has been resolved (and you've struggled through jamie's pov chapters - fucking hell). i didn't mind too much because by this point i felt quite attached to the characters, but if you aren't particularly a fan of them then the last third or so may be a bit boring.
overall vv impressed with this book. lots of great representation and nothing like anything i've read before.