An incredibly emotional and powerful collection of poetry written around the symbolism of a sunflower, with stages in the life cycle of the flower representing stages of regression and recovery of coming to terms with an emotional and physical trauma.

Should definitely come with strong trigger warnings for physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

These poems were raw, narrative yet abstract. Some reflected on experience from afar whereas others very much felt like a traumatic re-living of an experience.

The writer has clearly experienced a great deal of personal growth and uses writing as a tool of self-expression and discovery.

These poems are raw and emotional yet you can interact with most of them in an almost voyeuristic and horrifying string of connection permitted by the writer.

The only disconnect came, for me, with the finding of God and the use of the word "daddy" - connotations that do not purely mean fatherhood and the way that is left open leads to a certain unsettling disconnected.

Thanks netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Absolute chaos

But I now NEED to read the sequel! Characters are extremely likeable - plot is unlikely but so too are all dark academia plots!

I didn't expect this book to compel me as quickly as it did. We are instantly entered into the struggle the main character is having with helping her sister move on to the afterlife, as disclosed in the blurb.

This book engrossed me in a wide variety of details about the fantasy lands it is set in, including Beautiful descriptions of birds, nature, people, and settlements.

I was captivated right from the start with the protagonist's journey and truly felt a connection with her. There was also the perfect amount of swoon for a fantasy novel so that it did not detract from the beauty of the narrative.

This fantasy novel also does one of my favourite things in literature: It includes a spectrum of gender pofiles and sexuality in character with no explanation or justification - exactly how the world should be.

A very pleasant surprise - this story completely captured my imagination.

People should rave more about this book

I read all 500 pages in one sitting. Got to the end and IMMEDIATELY ordered the next one.

Fantasy, retelling, enemies to maybe lovers? Alternate worlds... recommend.

This book exceeded my expectations and was a lot of fun! It's rare that a book makes me laugh out loud but this one did!

Our protagonist is a secret bridesmaid, and she makes a living helping others to plan their weddings in a low-key role. The most hilarious thing about this book, though the characters are likeable and the story progresses with good pace, is the fact it is interspersed with messages, emails and phone calls that the main character deals with on a regular basis. These are HILARIOUS.

If you have EVER been involved in a group chat or a wedding... buy the book solely for that

A precise, forward-thinking retelling of the story of Cecily, this novel provides beautiful detail and illustration to a story that most of us know like the back of our hands. Unfortunately - that wasn't me. I knew NOTHING of the historical context of this story and my enjoyment sadly suffered a little due to it.

However it is testament to this writer that I still loved the story - the language was beautiful and Cecily was a perfect antihero to take us there.

I know in the print version of the book there is a handy family tree at the back and I think this addition alone would take my review up to five stars.

This is a story about motherhood, love, loss and power. A story about women influencing the way of the world behind closed doors and lesson to never underestimate the ferocity of a mother.

If you like historical fiction, retellings or stories about Royals- you will LOVE this.

Thanks Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review :)

Electric writing as always with the most vibrant characters that leap of off the page, this book would be perfect for anyone who feels insecure about their future.