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I found it interesting in parts, but overall I liked it less, mostly due to a scary shift at one point. This was foreshadowed by the opening, but for a long time it is a rather nice juxtaposition of events. We follow a bird society in a land with traces of human civilisation but populated by animals. Here we get an adventurous little bird and her best friend, a wild boar, who along the way meet a talking mushroom aided by pollen. At the heart of it all is a sense of disenchantment and a search for a way forward, which is exploited to the full by the higher powers that appear in this volume. But the creepy zombies emerging from the lake are just the beginning. But the importance of knowing the past and brotherly love as lessons to be learnt are to be commended. But I'm just a bunny.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"This is the curse of the living: learning to continue without those we love."
This is the beginning of Haru and Yama's journey to get rid of a cursed item. I liked some of the fantastical elements. There's a whole sequence that gives me major Spirited Away vibes.
I didn't understand why the other birdies picked on Haru for being so different. Kids don't need a reason to be mean. But I think it's because they're blue? But with the muddy palette, you can't really tell the other birds aren't either. For some reason, Yama is a pig in a class of birds too.
Haru's parentage seems to play an interesting part.
Yama reminds me of those infamous stories of people throwing out ouija boards and them appearing back. I told Yama telepathically to leave that mess alone, but she didn't listen to me lol.
I don't know if I like this story or not, but I'd read book 2 at least. This is a laying the foundation part of the story.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
5th & up
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
I had such high hopes for this book because of the beautiful art style. The story was promising, but I really struggled with liking the writing itself.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
The most adorable fever dream ever.
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No