patlo's Reviews (1.32k)

adventurous challenging dark informative tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

A fun, YA Scooby Doo Gothic romp with some adult themes. Very well done as an audiobook.
adventurous
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Jamie, a neurodivergent 13 year old, and the family and community around him explore shame, unhealthy institutions, connection and community. 

Author Elaine Feeney is a powerful new voice in the pantheon of Irish storytellers and writers. 

The book is like a river - At first slow, meandering, settling into its paths. Then powerful, strong. These characters are deep and wide, real, complex. And the vehicle of building a currach in order to bring focus to a community was haunting.

Halfway through the book I liked-but-didn’t-love this; after the epilogue I’m desperately searching for a signed copy to put on my shelf of most favorite books.
adventurous slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

4.5 stars Really interesting foundation for what I hope is a long series. The presentation of a world of dragons and academia in  YA format was really fun. In addition, the the emphasis on anti colonialism, explorations of leadership and gender and sexuality are strong. I especially liked the exploration of a character coded as autistic. The pace is odd at times, But I look forward to what I hope is along series in this world. 
adventurous emotional relaxing slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark lighthearted tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

SUPER Fun read. 4.5 stars. If you like your scifi as cat-n-mouse, well fleshed out characters, multiple POV, and a heavy dose of politics, you'll really enjoy this debut novel (WOW, I can't wait to see how this author grows in future books).