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A review by sara_m_martins
The Misadventures of an Amateur Naturalist by Ceinwen Langley
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
a great mix of academia x cottagecore vibes, with fantasy meeting science. sapphics set in 18th/19th century france! animal friends! what's not to love?
It's been a while since a book gripped me this much!
It was a completely different plot from what i had imagined (more of the set-up to that plot), but i loved the story nonetheless, and i cannot wait for the rest of the series!!! I have fallen in love with these characters and i will be living vicariously through them, thank yew.
I think the story/writing is very atmospheric and i really enjoyed the pacing as well.
apparently (reading other reviews) everyone went into this counting on a "beauty and beast" retelling - but i did not; i only noticed halfway through - i would argue that it borrows many elements, but i don't know if it counts as a strict retelling - which i prefer, tbqh!
also if you love to piece together the mystery before the MC, this is perfect for you (get it together, celeste!!)
The biggest downside on this book, imo, is although the woman and queer representation is great, there is a lack of other types of rep. I hope this gets better in future installments of the series.
Representation: Sapphic characters, GNC characters, Achillean characters (mention).
CW: Gore, Blood, Animal death, Death in Childbirth, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Homophobia
It's been a while since a book gripped me this much!
It was a completely different plot from what i had imagined (more of the set-up to that plot), but i loved the story nonetheless, and i cannot wait for the rest of the series!!! I have fallen in love with these characters and i will be living vicariously through them, thank yew.
I think the story/writing is very atmospheric and i really enjoyed the pacing as well.
apparently (reading other reviews) everyone went into this counting on a "beauty and beast" retelling - but i did not; i only noticed halfway through - i would argue that it borrows many elements, but i don't know if it counts as a strict retelling - which i prefer, tbqh!
also if you love to piece together the mystery before the MC, this is perfect for you (get it together, celeste!!)
The biggest downside on this book, imo, is although the woman and queer representation is great, there is a lack of other types of rep. I hope this gets better in future installments of the series.
Representation: Sapphic characters, GNC characters, Achillean characters (mention).
CW:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Child death, Misogyny, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia