This book was truly magical!

There's a ton of hype surrounding this & approaching it a bit later than most, my expectations were very high - they were met in every single way, tenfold! TJ Klune's writing is fantastic, I was drawn in right from the beginning & found the world he created easy to follow (which, for a non-fantasy reader like me, is key). The characters are crafted so beautifully, especially the children - I could go on for days about how much I love each & every single one of them. It's so hard to pick a favorite, but Lucy just had me consistently howling with laughter & Chauncey literally melted my heart. I loved the progression of Linus' character & seeing the relationship blossom between him & Arthur. I honestly came to care so deeply about everyone that finishing the book was really bittersweet. The most important aspects of this book, however, are the messages within - ones of acceptance, chosen family, kindness & love, to name a few. I think they were all presented in such meaningful ways throughout the story & it was nice to be reminded of these universal lessons again at a time when the world is so nuts.

I loved everything about this & completely agree with other reviewers who say reading this is like being wrapped in a warm hug.