Everyone kept telling me to read this book and how great it was and they were all right. I loved this a bunch, even if there are some aspects to get used to at first.

While I didn't have the biggest issue with this, the book really does read like a middle-grade novel. The writing style, often direct yet whimsical, fits exactly with other middle-grade novels I've read, but then the content is actually quite adult (not overly so, but there are many things said and mentioned that never would have been in a middle-grade novel). The protagonist is also just in his 40s too. This is definitely jarring at first, since content/plot didn't always feel like it lined up with how the story was being told, especially in the opening scenes where Linus is still working in an office. For me, it was something that grew on me though, so I wouldn't necessarily say it's a downside of the book, but it is something to be aware of in my opinion.

Even when the writing had not yet grown on me though, the characters more than made up for it. I love every single one of these characters dearly, and I could read a thousand scenes of their life together. The children especially are all so unique and well-written, and the reader quickly grows to feel as fiercely protective and proud of them as Linus does. The found family trope is also so well done here too, and it's a joy to read at points. They fit together like a real family (because they are!), and it's just so wholesome despite all the hate that still exists in this world. I also found the world-building well done, and this is a setting that could have multiple series set into it for sure, though I'm endlessly glad that this book is a stand-alone (no waiting involved!) There's so many angles to it, so many ways to think about this world with magical creatures that is still so similar to our own. I also really loved how the magical creatures themselves were built and developed in this book, a lot of times it had creatures we knew and loved already but with a twist.

Overall, I really enjoyed this, and I'm definitely going to go check out other books by this author!