I really enjoyed the African-inspired world building and I loved learning about the mythology. For a novella, the world building was fairly comprehensI really enjoyed the African-inspired world building and I loved learning about the mythology. For a novella, the world building was fairly comprehensive and I could really see this world with acolytes and orishas. However, I unfortunately struggled to connect with the protagonist which prevented me from enjoying this more.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!...more
What if you were supposed to die — but instead, someone you loved died instead, and now the Ferryman wants to claim your soul?
I lost a close4.5 stars
What if you were supposed to die — but instead, someone you loved died instead, and now the Ferryman wants to claim your soul?
I lost a close relative a few months ago and I could relate to Bastian's state of mind. I loved how the mythology was interwoven with the story, as Bastian battled with whether he could find his way through his grief and remember how to live, or whether it was easier to simply let go. The author did a great job of portraying this mystical hidden world where souls pass through, and the description of people's memories/lives was very vivid. The relationship between Bastian and Zan was touching; they both needed each other. The ending was pretty heart-wrenching and yet it was fitting.
All in all, I was fully absorbed in Bastian's story, and aside from a few minor pacing issues, this is a wonderful debut. Definitely recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC....more
I loved the werewolf storyline and the discussion about about how they were discriminated against. Benji was a sweet protagonist with very relatable sI loved the werewolf storyline and the discussion about about how they were discriminated against. Benji was a sweet protagonist with very relatable struggles. However I unfortunately feel like there was a bigger emphasis on the religious/cultural aspects of the story rather than the werewolf plot, which disappointed me. A better balance between the two would be ideal.
This was very enjoyable, the mystery was amazing and there were so many twists I didn't expect! The friendships in this book were definitely a highligThis was very enjoyable, the mystery was amazing and there were so many twists I didn't expect! The friendships in this book were definitely a highlight and I really loved reading about a mysterious museum and a strange bog. I really liked how the author throws us into the middle of the story and you get the feeling that things aren't quite right, and then you slowly understand why. The protagonist was super compelling, she had so much heart! I especially loved her relationship with her brother.
This may be a middle-grade book, but I think people of any age will enjoy this. It is equal parts unsettling and heartwarming and I had so much fun reading it. I would love to read more from Mary Averling....more
I really enjoyed this! It is delightfully creepy and the mystery was fascinating. Miles was a great protagonist, he was a very well-rounded character I really enjoyed this! It is delightfully creepy and the mystery was fascinating. Miles was a great protagonist, he was a very well-rounded character — everything from his worries to his relationship with his mother felt super realistic. I like that the romantic relationship developed slowly and it wasn't forced. The side characters were also really interesting and I would love to learn more about them. I thought this was a standalone, but after reading that ending, there needs to be a sequel!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC....more
I enjoyed the fast-placed plot and the magic system was really cool — I love the idea of half-bloods vs full-blooded magic people and people with no mI enjoyed the fast-placed plot and the magic system was really cool — I love the idea of half-bloods vs full-blooded magic people and people with no magic at all. I think the friendships/relationships were a highlight; there is a misfit cast of characters with some wonderful dynamics. However, I think there was too much world-building crammed into the first third of the book, which made it feel dense and hard to get through. I think the premise was better than the execution, unfortunately.
This is the loveliest story I've read in a long time. I love Machi and I want to give her a hug. Machi's journey is nicely interspersed with Japanese This is the loveliest story I've read in a long time. I love Machi and I want to give her a hug. Machi's journey is nicely interspersed with Japanese mythology, and her friendship with the goddess Benzaiten is the highlight. ...more
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