A review by runes_reads
All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O'Donoghue

challenging hopeful mysterious 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

5.0

I ADORED this read! This is the first book I've read of the authors, but I'm definitely going to get the rest of the series and look into other works by her. Make sure you check the content warnings for this one, there's a lot of heavy ones near the end of the book. The protagonist was so alive, her anger and frustration and messiness were all perfect in context. I remember being 16 and thinking that everything wrong in the world was my fault, too. The pacing was great, I really struggled to put this book down. I started it three days ago, but the bulk of reading (over 300 pages of it) I did today. Luckily for me, there's a preview of the next one in the back.

I would consider this dark-academia adjacent, vibe wise. There's mystery, discussions of privilege, and it of course takes place at a Catholic private school. The main cast is high school age, with the main girls being around the protagonists age (16) and in the same school year. The love interest is a year above them, so around 17. There is sexual content, so keep that in mind. Nothing very graphic, and the scenes are pretty short.

There is cursing throughout the book, and there's a bit of claustrophobia right at the beginning to be aware of.

I definitely recommend this story! The character flaws were a major part of it, and the characters changed and evolved so much throughout. It's creepy, suspenseful, but with lighter moments and a cute romance. The queer rep is lovely as always, with drag performers and the not-cis love interest. (I'm not sure what label he used)

5/5
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