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Until the Clock Strikes Midnight
The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, a cozy, romantic fantasy from award-winning author Alechia Dow.
Darling is the most talented—and unusual—Guardian to get a chance at winning the coveted once-in-a-generation Mortal Outcome Council mentorship. Getting the spot would mean having the opportunity to shape the future happiness of all mortal realms—if she succeeds at her first assignment, Lucy Addlesberg. Darling thinks it’ll be an easy razzle-dazzle job… until she actually meets Lucy. Her life is a complete mess, from her failing bookshop in her downtrodden village to her doomed flirtation with the princess of Lumina. But if there’s one thing Darling’s good at, it’s a makeover.
Calamity is the most talented—and arrogant—Misfortune of his class. It’s his job to save mortals from their own terrible decisions made in the pursuit of the mythical "Happily Ever After." When Calam is granted a shot at the Mortal Outcome Council mentorship, he thinks his dreams are finally coming true. But first, he must pass the test. It should be easy—Lucy Addlesberg has been unfortunate for years. All he has to do is continue her string of bad luck so she can finally come to terms with reality and settle for a safer, more logical path in life. Yet when he arrives, he finds that Lucy has a Guardian assigned to her too—a chipper overachiever who is as colorful as the magic pouring from her glittery wand.
To thwart each other, Darling and Calam insert themselves into Lucy’s life posing as a betrothed couple. As they try to guide her down what they each see as the best path for her, they start questioning their roles and ultimately what they truly want for themselves... and if those feelings of loathing they have for each other might actually be something more like love.
Also by Alechia Dow
Just a Pinch of Magic
Darling is the most talented—and unusual—Guardian to get a chance at winning the coveted once-in-a-generation Mortal Outcome Council mentorship. Getting the spot would mean having the opportunity to shape the future happiness of all mortal realms—if she succeeds at her first assignment, Lucy Addlesberg. Darling thinks it’ll be an easy razzle-dazzle job… until she actually meets Lucy. Her life is a complete mess, from her failing bookshop in her downtrodden village to her doomed flirtation with the princess of Lumina. But if there’s one thing Darling’s good at, it’s a makeover.
Calamity is the most talented—and arrogant—Misfortune of his class. It’s his job to save mortals from their own terrible decisions made in the pursuit of the mythical "Happily Ever After." When Calam is granted a shot at the Mortal Outcome Council mentorship, he thinks his dreams are finally coming true. But first, he must pass the test. It should be easy—Lucy Addlesberg has been unfortunate for years. All he has to do is continue her string of bad luck so she can finally come to terms with reality and settle for a safer, more logical path in life. Yet when he arrives, he finds that Lucy has a Guardian assigned to her too—a chipper overachiever who is as colorful as the magic pouring from her glittery wand.
To thwart each other, Darling and Calam insert themselves into Lucy’s life posing as a betrothed couple. As they try to guide her down what they each see as the best path for her, they start questioning their roles and ultimately what they truly want for themselves... and if those feelings of loathing they have for each other might actually be something more like love.
Also by Alechia Dow
Just a Pinch of Magic
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 3, 2026
32 people are currently reading
10271 people want to read
About the author
Alechia Dow
11 books775 followersAlechia Dow is a former pastry chef, food critic, culinary teacher, and Youth Services librarian. When not writing about determined black girls (like herself), you can find her chasing her wild child, baking, or taking teeny adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25 ★— A fairy with the ability to grant Happily Ever Afters goes up against her far too handsome competitor, who instead gives people Ordinary Ever Afters.
This book is just as whimsical and sparkly as its cover suggests, with a setting firmly rooted in fantastical realms and filled with magical beings. You follow the fairy Darling and her rival Calamity, a so-called Misfortune, as she competes with him for the coveted position they both want.
I really wanted to love this, and a lot of it was very cute and fun, especially with how bubbly Darling is as a protagonist! I also really appreciated how diverse this book is, from many characters being POC to the world itself being queer-normative. There are also discussions of mental health, medication, and the effects they have on Darling, which I thought were handled very thoughtfully!
That said, the book didn’t quite reach its full potential for me. Darling and Calamity’s enemies to lovers, or rather rivals to lovers, arc wasn’t fleshed out enough. I think the story would’ve benefited from more scenes of them actually clashing, which would have allowed for a more natural transition into them falling for each other. As it stands, the MMC declaring his feelings for Darling felt a bit abrupt and too early, leaving a lot of fun and interesting rivalry dynamics unexplored.
I also found the central plot point of them acting as “guardians” to a human and competing over who gets to give them their Ever After to be fairly lackluster in execution. After the exciting setup, a lot of the story that followed struggled to fully hold my interest.
There was also one moment that completely took me out of the story, which was the author using the word “unalive” during a scene featuring a character dealing with dark thoughts. In a fantasy world set in an entirely different universe, that word felt incredibly jarring to see. This might just be a personal pet peeve, but seeing that term used in an actual book really pulled me out of the moment and left a lasting and odd impression on me.
All that said, this is still a fairly lighthearted read, even while touching on heavier topics. I think readers looking for something whimsical, sparkly, and low-stakes could have a lot of fun with this, even if it didn’t fully work for me.
🎧 Audiobook Note
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
I really liked both narrators! They fit their characters well, and I thought the female narrator had the perfect level of bubbliness to reflect Darling’s personality.
_______________
Thank you to Feiwel & Friends for the ARC and to Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
This book is just as whimsical and sparkly as its cover suggests, with a setting firmly rooted in fantastical realms and filled with magical beings. You follow the fairy Darling and her rival Calamity, a so-called Misfortune, as she competes with him for the coveted position they both want.
I really wanted to love this, and a lot of it was very cute and fun, especially with how bubbly Darling is as a protagonist! I also really appreciated how diverse this book is, from many characters being POC to the world itself being queer-normative. There are also discussions of mental health, medication, and the effects they have on Darling, which I thought were handled very thoughtfully!
That said, the book didn’t quite reach its full potential for me. Darling and Calamity’s enemies to lovers, or rather rivals to lovers, arc wasn’t fleshed out enough. I think the story would’ve benefited from more scenes of them actually clashing, which would have allowed for a more natural transition into them falling for each other. As it stands, the MMC declaring his feelings for Darling felt a bit abrupt and too early, leaving a lot of fun and interesting rivalry dynamics unexplored.
I also found the central plot point of them acting as “guardians” to a human and competing over who gets to give them their Ever After to be fairly lackluster in execution. After the exciting setup, a lot of the story that followed struggled to fully hold my interest.
There was also one moment that completely took me out of the story, which was the author using the word “unalive” during a scene featuring a character dealing with dark thoughts. In a fantasy world set in an entirely different universe, that word felt incredibly jarring to see. This might just be a personal pet peeve, but seeing that term used in an actual book really pulled me out of the moment and left a lasting and odd impression on me.
All that said, this is still a fairly lighthearted read, even while touching on heavier topics. I think readers looking for something whimsical, sparkly, and low-stakes could have a lot of fun with this, even if it didn’t fully work for me.
🎧 Audiobook Note
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
I really liked both narrators! They fit their characters well, and I thought the female narrator had the perfect level of bubbliness to reflect Darling’s personality.
_______________
Thank you to Feiwel & Friends for the ARC and to Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
August 6, 2025
DNF @ 33%
I am so sad! I was really hoping this would be good and I wanted to enjoy it so bad! But sadly, there is content in here that makes it impossible.
The language that I read: 1 f word, 1 s word, and 1 d word.
LGBTQ: lots of it. The main girl kissed another girl, it talks about a story of a lgbtq couple and one of the mainish characters is in a lgbtq relationship. Lots about being inclusive and no gender is disqualified from going to the princesses ball to try and win her hand.
This would have been so good! But as a Christian I can’t support any of this content. Although, I did love the content warning, even though it didn’t mention the lgbtq and language, it did talk about some other things good to know going in. Sadly, I can’t recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.
I am so sad! I was really hoping this would be good and I wanted to enjoy it so bad! But sadly, there is content in here that makes it impossible.
The language that I read: 1 f word, 1 s word, and 1 d word.
LGBTQ: lots of it. The main girl kissed another girl, it talks about a story of a lgbtq couple and one of the mainish characters is in a lgbtq relationship. Lots about being inclusive and no gender is disqualified from going to the princesses ball to try and win her hand.
This would have been so good! But as a Christian I can’t support any of this content. Although, I did love the content warning, even though it didn’t mention the lgbtq and language, it did talk about some other things good to know going in. Sadly, I can’t recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.
September 11, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
This was so amazing. Even though this is fantasy, I loved the accurate portrayal of people who want to see others fail. Who will tell you to your face you will amount to nothing. No matter how smart you are, or how hard you try, they are always there. Especially when you are 'different'. Doesn't matter what the difference is. In this book, she's a fairy, and everyone else in the school is a celestial.
There are two separate love stories in the book. Lucy's, which may result in a Happily Ever After (Darling's goal) or an Ordinary Ever After (Calam's goal). Then there is Darling and Calam, which is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers.
I would recommend this book to everyone who loves fantasy/paranormal rom-coms. Unless, of course, you are a homophobic piece of trash. Then don't read it.
Content warning: Bipolar disorder, intrusive thoughts, "brief self-harm and passive suicidality" (straight from author's content warning).
This was so amazing. Even though this is fantasy, I loved the accurate portrayal of people who want to see others fail. Who will tell you to your face you will amount to nothing. No matter how smart you are, or how hard you try, they are always there. Especially when you are 'different'. Doesn't matter what the difference is. In this book, she's a fairy, and everyone else in the school is a celestial.
There are two separate love stories in the book. Lucy's, which may result in a Happily Ever After (Darling's goal) or an Ordinary Ever After (Calam's goal). Then there is Darling and Calam, which is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers.
I would recommend this book to everyone who loves fantasy/paranormal rom-coms. Unless, of course, you are a homophobic piece of trash. Then don't read it.
Content warning: Bipolar disorder, intrusive thoughts, "brief self-harm and passive suicidality" (straight from author's content warning).
August 2, 2025
this book was a yes, yes, and another resounding yes for me! i had so much fun reading, much more than i had expected to honestly.
dow’s writing is soft, cozy, and warm to read. i wanted to inhale it at some point because her descriptions were speaking to meeee, especially when food got brought up; i would think, “that sounds yummy. i need to make that.” it’s not the kind of writing i usually encounter, but given how life has been lifeing, it brought me comfort i didn’t even know that i had needed.
even though the plot is pretty low stakes in my opinion, i couldn’t help but become heavily invested. it’s hard not to; the cast is so earnest, lovable, and passionate. both leads, darling and calam, are imperfectly perfect. on their own, they’re intriguing, relatable, but together?? the chemistry was insane. banter was A+++ (i wrote that in my notes, by the way), tension was thick, the push and pull was just right. like RAHHH!!! i could go on and on about them. and on that note: the YEARNINGGGGG. both of them were down bad, but calam??? the amount of highlights i have of him losing his mind over darling is atrocious. i devoured it every time.
i also liked the messaging/parallels in this book, i think its special to be able to read something as whimsical as this, but still relate and see yourself somewhere. there was a diverse amount of representation and i especially appreciated the exploration of darling’s character as a disabled black woman. (i just love darling in general lol)
this story was well balanced, full of life, and was always a fairytale but didn’t stray away from difficult topics that mirrors our reality. things were kept pretty wholesome, and the takeaways in the end are hopeful, positive. if you’re looking for a book that feels like snuggling in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa this is IT.
you could tell that dow had a lot of fun with this book and she made the story she wanted to tell, not for anyone else. i love how i can feel that through the pages. i look forward to seeing what else she writes in the future.
most of all, i’ll miss darling and calam; you couldn’t ask for better leads. their growth, their banter, their love, their fights even… you’ll catch me rereading this book every time i wish to see them again. <3
~
thank you feiwel and friends and netgalley for the arc!
dow’s writing is soft, cozy, and warm to read. i wanted to inhale it at some point because her descriptions were speaking to meeee, especially when food got brought up; i would think, “that sounds yummy. i need to make that.” it’s not the kind of writing i usually encounter, but given how life has been lifeing, it brought me comfort i didn’t even know that i had needed.
even though the plot is pretty low stakes in my opinion, i couldn’t help but become heavily invested. it’s hard not to; the cast is so earnest, lovable, and passionate. both leads, darling and calam, are imperfectly perfect. on their own, they’re intriguing, relatable, but together?? the chemistry was insane. banter was A+++ (i wrote that in my notes, by the way), tension was thick, the push and pull was just right. like RAHHH!!! i could go on and on about them. and on that note: the YEARNINGGGGG. both of them were down bad, but calam??? the amount of highlights i have of him losing his mind over darling is atrocious. i devoured it every time.
i also liked the messaging/parallels in this book, i think its special to be able to read something as whimsical as this, but still relate and see yourself somewhere. there was a diverse amount of representation and i especially appreciated the exploration of darling’s character as a disabled black woman. (i just love darling in general lol)
this story was well balanced, full of life, and was always a fairytale but didn’t stray away from difficult topics that mirrors our reality. things were kept pretty wholesome, and the takeaways in the end are hopeful, positive. if you’re looking for a book that feels like snuggling in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa this is IT.
you could tell that dow had a lot of fun with this book and she made the story she wanted to tell, not for anyone else. i love how i can feel that through the pages. i look forward to seeing what else she writes in the future.
most of all, i’ll miss darling and calam; you couldn’t ask for better leads. their growth, their banter, their love, their fights even… you’ll catch me rereading this book every time i wish to see them again. <3
~
thank you feiwel and friends and netgalley for the arc!
January 27, 2026
“Love is always the objective.”
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Until The Clock Strikes Midnight is YA fantasy/romantasy about two magical beings, Darling and Calam) with opposing views who are both tasked with helping a mortal. Unfortunately, the kind of help that the mortal, Lucy, needs is up for debate between the two of them.
This is a fun reimagining of a Cinderella type story from the point of views of the being tasked with helping her. Darling and Calam are the definition of grumpy/sunshine and play off of each other so well. I loved them together and their banter! I also really loved how they helped each other grow throughout the course of the story. It also features found family, one bed, lots of romance novel references, and amazing mental health and disability representation.
Darling’s disability was handled is such a sensitive and heartfelt way. As someone who struggles with mental illness, I felt incredibly seen, and in a positive way. I love that Calam loves Darling despite her flaws and quirks and that Darling knows her worth and that her disability is part of who she is…for better or for worse.
This was a fast-paced, super satisfying read which straddled the line between light and silly and emotional and reflective. While the plot line will be entertaining to readers of all ages, older readers will appreciate the themes and dynamic characters.
I am crossing my fingers that this is a series because the ending had me DYING. I need this so badly.
Basically, I loved this. And I cannot wait to meet the author next week in Brooklyn to celebrate the release. Thanks so NetGalley and Fiewal & Friends and Dreamscape Media for the alc. this is my personal review.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Until The Clock Strikes Midnight is YA fantasy/romantasy about two magical beings, Darling and Calam) with opposing views who are both tasked with helping a mortal. Unfortunately, the kind of help that the mortal, Lucy, needs is up for debate between the two of them.
This is a fun reimagining of a Cinderella type story from the point of views of the being tasked with helping her. Darling and Calam are the definition of grumpy/sunshine and play off of each other so well. I loved them together and their banter! I also really loved how they helped each other grow throughout the course of the story. It also features found family, one bed, lots of romance novel references, and amazing mental health and disability representation.
Darling’s disability was handled is such a sensitive and heartfelt way. As someone who struggles with mental illness, I felt incredibly seen, and in a positive way. I love that Calam loves Darling despite her flaws and quirks and that Darling knows her worth and that her disability is part of who she is…for better or for worse.
This was a fast-paced, super satisfying read which straddled the line between light and silly and emotional and reflective. While the plot line will be entertaining to readers of all ages, older readers will appreciate the themes and dynamic characters.
I am crossing my fingers that this is a series because the ending had me DYING. I need this so badly.
Basically, I loved this. And I cannot wait to meet the author next week in Brooklyn to celebrate the release. Thanks so NetGalley and Fiewal & Friends and Dreamscape Media for the alc. this is my personal review.
July 26, 2025
Oh I adored this! I was so excited to see a cozy fairytale retelling by Alechia Dow because I absolutely love her as an author and her amazing writing. This story did not disappoint! It’s an adorable and refreshing Cinderella retelling that will be perfect to read in the fall or winter. I can not wait to buy a physical copy 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🖤Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🖤Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!
February 3, 2026
I thought I knew what I was getting into when I began Until the Clock Strikes Midnight. I’ve been riding the high of cozy fantasy lately, so I anticipated something in that vein. Something cute, fluffy, and romantic. And it’s all those things, except…it’s also so much more! It also packs quite the emotional punch. In the very best way. This is a book that wears its heart on its sleeve so proudly and so welcoming as well. It’s beautifully diverse, lovingly queer friendly, and warmly welcoming to all readers. I didn’t just have a delightful time reading, I had an impactful time reading as well.
Back in the day of Blockbuster there was one specific movie I’d beg my dad to rent for me time and time again: the 1997 tv movie Cinderella starring Brandy. That was one of my obsessions as a kid, the type of movie that just makes you feel so good for having watched it. And it truly is a wonderful way to describe the vibes of this book. Brandy’s Cinderella with a touch of Ella Enchanted (book not movie!), where there’s whimsy, hijinks, fun, and a whole bunch of fairy dust! Until the Clock Strikes Brings all that nostalgic familiarity while creating its very own unique charm. For me, the best part of its charm was in its magic system, giving a twist to the notion of fairy godmothers as we know it.
Darling Sparkleton is a fairy trying to become the first of her kind to join the Celestial on the Mortal Outcome Council. The council in charge of shaping the happiness of all mortals. To gain entry she must first succeed in helping a mortal called Lucy find her happily ever after. Except Darling is not the only magical Guardian being looking to gain entry to the council. Calamity has been tasked to Lucy as well. Calam is a “Misfortune,” and unlike what you may expect he’s not looking to make an unhappily ever after for Lucy, rather he looks to steer her to a secured future, even if it means no happily ever after. Darling and Calam are at odds with their shared task, and it’s only made worse when they unintentionally reveal their invisible presence to Lucy, leading to a cover story involving fake courtship. But perhaps things haven’t been made worse…perhaps they’re about to be made better. And real.
Both Darling and Calam have such wonderful, fulfilling arcs. They carry such opposing views. Darling wants to embrace the most idyllic happily ever afters, even if it’s a bit chaotic because she truly believes every person deserves their soul fed with dreams coming true. Then we have Calam who sees that chaos as temporary, so he’d rather feed the mind and body. Influencing decisions that will lead to long term security in life, in shelter, in food, even if that means no personal joy. In a way, Darling and Calam complete one another in their ideals. Calam is perhaps too severe in his notions of life, not wanting to believe personal joy and even love is achievable in life. Then Darling bursts into his life with rainbow color leggings, wide, warm grins, and the best kind of chaos to turn his perspective topsy turvy. She teaches him the necessity of joy. In turn, Calam helps to ground Darling so she doesn’t lose focus on long-term solutions, reframing her own perspective without diminishing her personal values. Which I greatly appreciated.
They meet halfway, they adjust their views within discarding their core beliefs, and where they once were rivals competing against each other we slowly but steadily realize how beneficial a merger in their beliefs can be. They both evolve wonderfully in this work. And I love how relatable they could be. Take, for example, Darling. Yes she is cheerful and positive, but at times it’s used to disguise her hidden pain. Pain grown from insecurity and doubt stemming from those who have alienated her and made her believe she’s less than what she’s truly worth. Much of Darling’s journey is to reconcile with her negative emotions. Not to wash them away, but to work through them. And to learn to embrace her worth fully. Darling’s journey in particular is what got tugging at my heartstrings, and it’s what inspired me as well, for her tale is one we can all relate to. In how she viewed herself, in how her mind pulled in different directions, and how she constantly worked to better herself without ever losing her true self.
In terms of qualms, mine feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things, I just had some trouble with pacing, specifically in the evolution of the relationship between Darling and Calam. The shift felt a bit abrupt, but honestly, I loved those two characters on their own and I so looked forward to seeing them find a way to be together that my qualms really feel small compared to the happiness in their overall characterization and arc resolutions. And even if I felt a stumble in their love story, their romance remains one you will easily adore and cheer to see succeed. Because it’s an ending they deserve, one that brings heartening joy and supportive partnership.
I may be out of its target age range but this work is truly so perfect for the true YA crowd. It’s not a YA that tests its limits and hits a more new adult genre, no, this work is firmly and beautifully classic YA. Filled with wonderful lessons I believe land so well for every reader, of any age, but especially the YA crowd. Reading this took me back to my adolescence loving fairytale retellings, and I loved them, without a doubt, but none I think measured in its impact quite like this one did. Its lessons were well learned, all while keeping its magic lit brilliantly. Leaving you better at adventure’s end than when you began.
Also! Before I wrap this up, can I just say how much I’d adore a story told from the POVs of Lucy and Andi! I loved their background romance and would eat up a story that brings them to the spotlight.
Thank you Macmillan Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Back in the day of Blockbuster there was one specific movie I’d beg my dad to rent for me time and time again: the 1997 tv movie Cinderella starring Brandy. That was one of my obsessions as a kid, the type of movie that just makes you feel so good for having watched it. And it truly is a wonderful way to describe the vibes of this book. Brandy’s Cinderella with a touch of Ella Enchanted (book not movie!), where there’s whimsy, hijinks, fun, and a whole bunch of fairy dust! Until the Clock Strikes Brings all that nostalgic familiarity while creating its very own unique charm. For me, the best part of its charm was in its magic system, giving a twist to the notion of fairy godmothers as we know it.
Darling Sparkleton is a fairy trying to become the first of her kind to join the Celestial on the Mortal Outcome Council. The council in charge of shaping the happiness of all mortals. To gain entry she must first succeed in helping a mortal called Lucy find her happily ever after. Except Darling is not the only magical Guardian being looking to gain entry to the council. Calamity has been tasked to Lucy as well. Calam is a “Misfortune,” and unlike what you may expect he’s not looking to make an unhappily ever after for Lucy, rather he looks to steer her to a secured future, even if it means no happily ever after. Darling and Calam are at odds with their shared task, and it’s only made worse when they unintentionally reveal their invisible presence to Lucy, leading to a cover story involving fake courtship. But perhaps things haven’t been made worse…perhaps they’re about to be made better. And real.
Both Darling and Calam have such wonderful, fulfilling arcs. They carry such opposing views. Darling wants to embrace the most idyllic happily ever afters, even if it’s a bit chaotic because she truly believes every person deserves their soul fed with dreams coming true. Then we have Calam who sees that chaos as temporary, so he’d rather feed the mind and body. Influencing decisions that will lead to long term security in life, in shelter, in food, even if that means no personal joy. In a way, Darling and Calam complete one another in their ideals. Calam is perhaps too severe in his notions of life, not wanting to believe personal joy and even love is achievable in life. Then Darling bursts into his life with rainbow color leggings, wide, warm grins, and the best kind of chaos to turn his perspective topsy turvy. She teaches him the necessity of joy. In turn, Calam helps to ground Darling so she doesn’t lose focus on long-term solutions, reframing her own perspective without diminishing her personal values. Which I greatly appreciated.
They meet halfway, they adjust their views within discarding their core beliefs, and where they once were rivals competing against each other we slowly but steadily realize how beneficial a merger in their beliefs can be. They both evolve wonderfully in this work. And I love how relatable they could be. Take, for example, Darling. Yes she is cheerful and positive, but at times it’s used to disguise her hidden pain. Pain grown from insecurity and doubt stemming from those who have alienated her and made her believe she’s less than what she’s truly worth. Much of Darling’s journey is to reconcile with her negative emotions. Not to wash them away, but to work through them. And to learn to embrace her worth fully. Darling’s journey in particular is what got tugging at my heartstrings, and it’s what inspired me as well, for her tale is one we can all relate to. In how she viewed herself, in how her mind pulled in different directions, and how she constantly worked to better herself without ever losing her true self.
In terms of qualms, mine feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things, I just had some trouble with pacing, specifically in the evolution of the relationship between Darling and Calam. The shift felt a bit abrupt, but honestly, I loved those two characters on their own and I so looked forward to seeing them find a way to be together that my qualms really feel small compared to the happiness in their overall characterization and arc resolutions. And even if I felt a stumble in their love story, their romance remains one you will easily adore and cheer to see succeed. Because it’s an ending they deserve, one that brings heartening joy and supportive partnership.
I may be out of its target age range but this work is truly so perfect for the true YA crowd. It’s not a YA that tests its limits and hits a more new adult genre, no, this work is firmly and beautifully classic YA. Filled with wonderful lessons I believe land so well for every reader, of any age, but especially the YA crowd. Reading this took me back to my adolescence loving fairytale retellings, and I loved them, without a doubt, but none I think measured in its impact quite like this one did. Its lessons were well learned, all while keeping its magic lit brilliantly. Leaving you better at adventure’s end than when you began.
Also! Before I wrap this up, can I just say how much I’d adore a story told from the POVs of Lucy and Andi! I loved their background romance and would eat up a story that brings them to the spotlight.
Thank you Macmillan Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
February 3, 2026
The way I would describe this book is: Utterly delightful
Such a cozy fantasy! We follow a fairy (Darling) and a misfortune (Calamity) as they are both tasked to improve the ever after of a bookstore owner, Lucy. Darling hopes to give her a happily ever after where’s calamity’s goal is a stable ordinary ever after. The two bicker and disagree but also grow closer together
The romance blossoms so tenderly. Very cute and heartfelt.
If you are looking for a cozy YA fantasy, this is the one!
Thank you netgalley for this audiobook ARC
Such a cozy fantasy! We follow a fairy (Darling) and a misfortune (Calamity) as they are both tasked to improve the ever after of a bookstore owner, Lucy. Darling hopes to give her a happily ever after where’s calamity’s goal is a stable ordinary ever after. The two bicker and disagree but also grow closer together
The romance blossoms so tenderly. Very cute and heartfelt.
If you are looking for a cozy YA fantasy, this is the one!
Thank you netgalley for this audiobook ARC
July 31, 2025
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving
me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. 4.5/5 stars
until the clock strikes midnight is, at its core a cinderella retelling, only from the perspective of two wildly different “fairy godmother” like people. darling is a fairy who believes everyone deserves a happily ever after. calamity is a misfortune who excels at preventing unhappily ever afters. the two of them are assigned the same case, lucy addlesburg. will she get a happily ever after or an ordinary ever after?
this book was such a delightful spin on the classic cinderella tale. i loved seeing darling and calamity’s journeys both as individuals, with each other, and the whole town. seeing darling’s mental struggles portrayed in such a way was a breath of fresh air.
while this was a complete story, i hope we get to see darling and calam together again!
me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. 4.5/5 stars
until the clock strikes midnight is, at its core a cinderella retelling, only from the perspective of two wildly different “fairy godmother” like people. darling is a fairy who believes everyone deserves a happily ever after. calamity is a misfortune who excels at preventing unhappily ever afters. the two of them are assigned the same case, lucy addlesburg. will she get a happily ever after or an ordinary ever after?
this book was such a delightful spin on the classic cinderella tale. i loved seeing darling and calamity’s journeys both as individuals, with each other, and the whole town. seeing darling’s mental struggles portrayed in such a way was a breath of fresh air.
while this was a complete story, i hope we get to see darling and calam together again!
Want to read
July 24, 2025i just know alechia dow would write something real cute; cozy fantasy is in right hands
August 4, 2025
"Until the Clock Strikes Midnight" is the cutest standalone YA fairytale retelling for anyone who loves Cinderella.
Darling, a Fairy hoping for an internship with the Mortal Outcome committee, is given one last assignment to prove she has what it takes- namely, a bookkeeper named Lucy who she needs to ensure has a happily ever after. It should be a cinch, but she was not expecting Calamity- a misfortune vying for the same internship whose task is to get Lucy to an ordinary after. Calamity and Darling insert themselves in Lucy's life by posing as a couple, and work towards making Lucy's life better while also helping the rest of the village, and maybe even falling in love.
This Cinderella retelling was a really unique take on the tale! I loved the competition aspect of both characters needing to win the internship for different reasons, and the way they came to understand each other's perspective as well as how they could go about creating ever afters in the future. This was a perfect story for teens, super cute and wholesome, fast paced and engaging. I loved that there were all different types of couples in here (LGBTQ+ inclusive). The main couple was m/f, while there were side couples that were f/f and m/m.
There were just a few things that weren't to my taste- first, a lot of characters were characterized only by their skin color. For instance, multiple times we meet a "white lady" or a "black man" etc with no other characteristics. I think these characters could be fleshed out a bit or at least described in a different way. The second was that I felt the love between the 2 main characters went from 0 to 100% real fast. The author is well aware of this and even has the characters mention it on page, but I still feel the relationship could have been fleshed out a bit more. My last complaint is that the book is dual perspective, but Calamity and Darling had too similar a voice and sometimes I couldn't tell whose perspective I was reading, or who was speaking when they were in a conversation together.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, sweet, fairytale retelling perfect for YA readers!
4/5 stars
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this delightful tale!
Darling, a Fairy hoping for an internship with the Mortal Outcome committee, is given one last assignment to prove she has what it takes- namely, a bookkeeper named Lucy who she needs to ensure has a happily ever after. It should be a cinch, but she was not expecting Calamity- a misfortune vying for the same internship whose task is to get Lucy to an ordinary after. Calamity and Darling insert themselves in Lucy's life by posing as a couple, and work towards making Lucy's life better while also helping the rest of the village, and maybe even falling in love.
This Cinderella retelling was a really unique take on the tale! I loved the competition aspect of both characters needing to win the internship for different reasons, and the way they came to understand each other's perspective as well as how they could go about creating ever afters in the future. This was a perfect story for teens, super cute and wholesome, fast paced and engaging. I loved that there were all different types of couples in here (LGBTQ+ inclusive). The main couple was m/f, while there were side couples that were f/f and m/m.
There were just a few things that weren't to my taste- first, a lot of characters were characterized only by their skin color. For instance, multiple times we meet a "white lady" or a "black man" etc with no other characteristics. I think these characters could be fleshed out a bit or at least described in a different way. The second was that I felt the love between the 2 main characters went from 0 to 100% real fast. The author is well aware of this and even has the characters mention it on page, but I still feel the relationship could have been fleshed out a bit more. My last complaint is that the book is dual perspective, but Calamity and Darling had too similar a voice and sometimes I couldn't tell whose perspective I was reading, or who was speaking when they were in a conversation together.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, sweet, fairytale retelling perfect for YA readers!
4/5 stars
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this delightful tale!
Want to read
May 13, 2025"The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in this cozy, romantic fantasy"
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight is a cozy, charming fantasy that read quickly and made me smile more times than I can count. It’s the kind of book that feels comforting without being boring,and light-hearted while still keeping readers emotionally engaged!
Inspired by fairytales, the story follows two reluctant allies tasked with changing the fate of a human girl, Lucy... except their goals are VERY different. The ambitious fairy Darling aims to give Lucy a Happily Ever After, while misfortune Calamity tries to give her an Ordinary Ever After to ensure stability in her life and ward off a potential Unhappily Ever After. As the clock ticks down to their deadline of the seventh midnight, magic, misunderstandings, a village returning to life and unexpected connections force both the main characters and their ward to confront what they truly want in life and how they might achieve it.
I’ll admit I was hesitant during the first part of the book, as the writing style wasn’t quite my favourite. However, I quickly fell in love with the charming characters and found myself rooting hard for both Lucy and the pair determined to "set" her fate. The rivals-to-lovers dynamic between the two main characters was absolutely adorable, filled with adorably tender moments (Darling's naivety included!), and heartfelt reflections as their feelings evolved. Lucy’s own romantic subplot was precious as well - and I especially loved that it was a sapphic one!
I also really enjoyed how fairytales were woven into the narrative, particularly the FMC’s quick, often amusing observations about how much of those tales are true and how fairies have shaped the stories people read or believe.
The representation throughout the book was another highlight, with a queernormative world, multiple queer main and side characters, and thoughtful chronic illness and mental health representation (the FMC appears to have a fairy-flavoured version of bipolar disorder).
I’d definitely recommend this to readers looking for a cozy, quick romantic fantasy with low stakes but an engaging plot, lovely representation, and totally adorable characters.
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight is a cozy, charming fantasy that read quickly and made me smile more times than I can count. It’s the kind of book that feels comforting without being boring,and light-hearted while still keeping readers emotionally engaged!
Inspired by fairytales, the story follows two reluctant allies tasked with changing the fate of a human girl, Lucy... except their goals are VERY different. The ambitious fairy Darling aims to give Lucy a Happily Ever After, while misfortune Calamity tries to give her an Ordinary Ever After to ensure stability in her life and ward off a potential Unhappily Ever After. As the clock ticks down to their deadline of the seventh midnight, magic, misunderstandings, a village returning to life and unexpected connections force both the main characters and their ward to confront what they truly want in life and how they might achieve it.
I’ll admit I was hesitant during the first part of the book, as the writing style wasn’t quite my favourite. However, I quickly fell in love with the charming characters and found myself rooting hard for both Lucy and the pair determined to "set" her fate. The rivals-to-lovers dynamic between the two main characters was absolutely adorable, filled with adorably tender moments (Darling's naivety included!), and heartfelt reflections as their feelings evolved. Lucy’s own romantic subplot was precious as well - and I especially loved that it was a sapphic one!
I also really enjoyed how fairytales were woven into the narrative, particularly the FMC’s quick, often amusing observations about how much of those tales are true and how fairies have shaped the stories people read or believe.
The representation throughout the book was another highlight, with a queernormative world, multiple queer main and side characters, and thoughtful chronic illness and mental health representation (the FMC appears to have a fairy-flavoured version of bipolar disorder).
I’d definitely recommend this to readers looking for a cozy, quick romantic fantasy with low stakes but an engaging plot, lovely representation, and totally adorable characters.
January 25, 2026
ALC review -
3.5 rounded to 4 stars
Thanks so much to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio review copy. All opinions are my own.
This was a cute, sweet YA fantasy romance. Darling, a fairy, is up for a coveted mentorship with the Mortal Outcome Council if she can only succeed with her first assignment, mortal Lucy Addlesburg. When she arrives expecting a quick makeover to solve Lucy’s love life and struggling bookstore, she’s surprised to find she’s not the only candidate competing - Calamity, a Misfortune, is vying for the mentorship as well and he’s set on getting Lucy to accept a more mundane, average existence. Forced to work together to hide their true identities, will they succeed? Or find more along the way?
I really appreciated the story here, and loved the vibes of an angel and devil on your shoulder whispering in your ear. It’s important to note though, that Calam isn’t evil. He’s not urging his assignments to commit heinous crimes, he’s trying to get them to not strive for a magical fairy tale ending and to accept contentment with what they have. I also loved how Darling’s chronic health issues and struggling self confidence are handled. The story was predictable, but endearing.
The narration was decent. My only complaint is that Ozzie Jacobs (Darling) spoke so much faster than James Fouhey (Calam) and I found myself constantly wanting to adjust my listening speed when narrators changed.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars
Thanks so much to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio review copy. All opinions are my own.
This was a cute, sweet YA fantasy romance. Darling, a fairy, is up for a coveted mentorship with the Mortal Outcome Council if she can only succeed with her first assignment, mortal Lucy Addlesburg. When she arrives expecting a quick makeover to solve Lucy’s love life and struggling bookstore, she’s surprised to find she’s not the only candidate competing - Calamity, a Misfortune, is vying for the mentorship as well and he’s set on getting Lucy to accept a more mundane, average existence. Forced to work together to hide their true identities, will they succeed? Or find more along the way?
I really appreciated the story here, and loved the vibes of an angel and devil on your shoulder whispering in your ear. It’s important to note though, that Calam isn’t evil. He’s not urging his assignments to commit heinous crimes, he’s trying to get them to not strive for a magical fairy tale ending and to accept contentment with what they have. I also loved how Darling’s chronic health issues and struggling self confidence are handled. The story was predictable, but endearing.
The narration was decent. My only complaint is that Ozzie Jacobs (Darling) spoke so much faster than James Fouhey (Calam) and I found myself constantly wanting to adjust my listening speed when narrators changed.
February 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook to review!
Ahhh this was sooo cute. I LOVED the premise. Our mc is a fairy and deals with being snubbed by the celestials because of it but she’s out to prove fairies aren’t just manic pixie dream girls. I loved her outfits. She’s bi and has a condition that affects her moods if she doesn’t take her meds so yay for rep. I just had a ball with this. And they all went to a ball!
This was super cute. I loved watching these two fall in love. I also loved that Cam wasn’t just trying to ruin lives. The concept that you need to fail in order to become a better person isn’t new to any educator but seeing it mentioned so starkly in a book was refreshing! Yes sometimes you’re gonna fail and have to learn a lesson from it! I loved that. I also loved how Darling and Calam balanced each other because Calam could only see the safe choices and Darling dated him to dream despite his trauma. And conversely he kept Darling grounded whenever she felt herself word vomiting. I loved watching them fall in love and learn from each other.
Ahhh this was sooo cute. I LOVED the premise. Our mc is a fairy and deals with being snubbed by the celestials because of it but she’s out to prove fairies aren’t just manic pixie dream girls. I loved her outfits. She’s bi and has a condition that affects her moods if she doesn’t take her meds so yay for rep. I just had a ball with this. And they all went to a ball!
This was super cute. I loved watching these two fall in love. I also loved that Cam wasn’t just trying to ruin lives. The concept that you need to fail in order to become a better person isn’t new to any educator but seeing it mentioned so starkly in a book was refreshing! Yes sometimes you’re gonna fail and have to learn a lesson from it! I loved that. I also loved how Darling and Calam balanced each other because Calam could only see the safe choices and Darling dated him to dream despite his trauma. And conversely he kept Darling grounded whenever she felt herself word vomiting. I loved watching them fall in love and learn from each other.
December 3, 2025
This is such a PERFECT young adult fantasy book. A Cinderella retelling from the point of view of the Fairy, but she is not alone! She was sent on this mission with a rival who has opposing goals for the girl they were sent to help. A brilliantly told story, I honestly wasn’t sure how it was going to end until it happened! Until the Clock Strikes Midnight is a new favorite for me.
-rivals
-opposing goals
-forced proximity
-one bed
-fake dating
-mental illness representation
-lgbt+ representation
It has it all!! If you love Once Upon a Broken Heart, then you will love this!
Thank you to the author, publishing, and Netgalley for letting me read this beautiful story early! I cannot wait to buy it and share it with my friends when it comes out.
-rivals
-opposing goals
-forced proximity
-one bed
-fake dating
-mental illness representation
-lgbt+ representation
It has it all!! If you love Once Upon a Broken Heart, then you will love this!
Thank you to the author, publishing, and Netgalley for letting me read this beautiful story early! I cannot wait to buy it and share it with my friends when it comes out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ ARC Review ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
✩ YA, enemies-to-lovers, romantasy, forced proximity, fake dating, banter ✩
My Rating: 3/✩✩✩✩✩
No spice
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This story was incredibly whimsical, magical, and visually stunning. I loved the "laugh out loud" banter between the main characters, and the slow-burn romance was executed perfectly. While the portrayal of friendships and relationships was truly beautiful, the pacing faltered for me toward the end. I found myself losing interest and skimming the final chapters, which is ultimately why I dropped two stars from my rating.
✩ YA, enemies-to-lovers, romantasy, forced proximity, fake dating, banter ✩
My Rating: 3/✩✩✩✩✩
No spice
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This story was incredibly whimsical, magical, and visually stunning. I loved the "laugh out loud" banter between the main characters, and the slow-burn romance was executed perfectly. While the portrayal of friendships and relationships was truly beautiful, the pacing faltered for me toward the end. I found myself losing interest and skimming the final chapters, which is ultimately why I dropped two stars from my rating.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
I wanted to like this one more than I did. It sounded fun and whimsical, which it delivers at points. I liked the characterization and development of the characters. The world is intriguing. However I felt that the pacing was a bit off at times. I also struggled with the second narrator. I just didn't enjoy the performance and it felt a bit overdone at times.
I wanted to like this one more than I did. It sounded fun and whimsical, which it delivers at points. I liked the characterization and development of the characters. The world is intriguing. However I felt that the pacing was a bit off at times. I also struggled with the second narrator. I just didn't enjoy the performance and it felt a bit overdone at times.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 ⭐️ First off thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC of the book. I thought this was a cute retelling of the fairytale Cinderella. Loved the characters and the premise of the story. That there is a bigger picture of how your life plays out; whether it be a happily ever after, an ordinary ever after, a unhappy ever after or worse a miserably ever after. Loved the characters and their roles within the story. There's friendships, romance, magic, some mayhem and a ball. Yeah I would recommend this book to readers who like YA and retellings when it comes out in February 2026.
January 30, 2026
This book was the epitome of a big hug and mug of hot chocolate. So cute and cozy and everything I wanted from it.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a finished copy!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a finished copy!
Read
July 8, 2025This book is an absolute delight. It is sweet and earnest and absolutely unapologetic in the boldness of it's joy. I adored it.
September 11, 2025
thank you netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for my review !
signed up for the whimsy, stayed for the 1 star homophobic review 😂✨
the premise of this book is very creative, magical, and maybe a pinch too sweet at times. however, i loved the rivalry between darling and calam and all of the side characters that grew along the way.
i was happy with the mental health representation and many of the lgbt characters. both of the main characters are also non-white as are many of the side characters.
i recommend this book to everyone looking to add a little sparkle in their reading line up.
signed up for the whimsy, stayed for the 1 star homophobic review 😂✨
the premise of this book is very creative, magical, and maybe a pinch too sweet at times. however, i loved the rivalry between darling and calam and all of the side characters that grew along the way.
i was happy with the mental health representation and many of the lgbt characters. both of the main characters are also non-white as are many of the side characters.
i recommend this book to everyone looking to add a little sparkle in their reading line up.
January 27, 2026
🎧📖𝒜𝐿𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌📖🎧
𝒰𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒞𝓁𝑜𝒸𝓀 𝒮𝓉𝓇𝒾𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝑀𝒾𝒹𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 ʙʏ ᴀʟᴇᴄʜɪᴀ ᴅᴏᴡ
𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🥀🥀🥀 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻 ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʀᴏsᴇs
✨ 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝓀✨
ᴀ ɢᴜᴀʀᴅɪᴀɴ ᴏғ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ғᴏʀᴛᴜɴᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ᴍɪsғᴏʀᴛᴜɴᴇ ᴀɢᴇɴᴛ ғᴀᴋᴇ ᴀɴ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴀɴɪᴘᴜʟᴀᴛᴇ ᴀ sɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴛᴀʟ’s ғᴀᴛᴇ—ᴏɴʟʏ ᴛᴏ ᴅɪsᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟᴏᴠᴇ, ғʀᴇᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪɴᴇss ᴀʀᴇ ғᴀʀ ᴍᴇssɪᴇʀ (ᴀɴᴅ sᴡᴇᴇᴛᴇʀ) ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴀɴʏ ᴄᴏsᴍɪᴄ ʀᴜʟᴇʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴀʟʟᴏᴡs.
𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍsᴄᴀᴘᴇ ᴍᴇᴅɪᴀ ғᴏʀ ɢɪғᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʟᴄ!
ɪɴ ᴀ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ sᴜᴘᴇʀɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟ ʙᴇɪɴɢs ᴀʀᴇ ᴀssɪɢɴᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ sᴜʙᴛʟʏ ɢᴜɪᴅᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴛᴀʟ ᴏᴜᴛᴄᴏᴍᴇs, ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢ ɪs ᴀ ɢʟɪᴛᴛᴇʀ-ᴡᴀɴᴅ-ᴡɪᴇʟᴅɪɴɢ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀᴄʜɪᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴅᴇsᴘᴇʀᴀᴛᴇ ᴛᴏ ʟᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ᴏɴᴄᴇ-ɪɴ-ᴀ-ɢᴇɴᴇʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴍᴇɴᴛᴏʀsʜɪᴘ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴛᴀʟ ᴏᴜᴛᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴄɪʟ. ʜᴇʀ ᴀssɪɢɴᴍᴇɴᴛ—ʟᴜᴄʏ ᴀᴅᴅʟᴇsʙᴇʀɢ—sʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴇ sɪᴍᴘʟᴇ. ғɪx ᴛʜᴇ ғᴀɪʟɪɴɢ ʙᴏᴏᴋsʜᴏᴘ, sᴍᴏᴏᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛɪᴄ ᴡᴏᴇs, sᴘʀɪɴᴋʟᴇ ᴀ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴠᴏɪʟà: ʜᴀᴘᴘɪʟʏ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ.
ᴇɴᴛᴇʀ ᴄᴀʟᴀᴍɪᴛʏ.
ᴄᴀʟᴀᴍ ɪs ᴀ ᴍɪsғᴏʀᴛᴜɴᴇ ᴀɢᴇɴᴛ ᴡʜᴏsᴇ ᴊᴏʙ ɪs ᴛᴏ ᴘʀᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ ᴍᴏʀᴛᴀʟs ғʀᴏᴍ ᴄʜᴀsɪɴɢ ᴜɴʀᴇᴀʟɪsᴛɪᴄ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟᴇᴀᴅ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛʙʀᴇᴀᴋ. ʟᴜᴄʏ ʜᴀs ʙᴇᴇɴ ᴜɴғᴏʀᴛᴜɴᴀᴛᴇ ғᴏʀ ʏᴇᴀʀs, ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴀʟᴀᴍ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇs ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅᴇsᴛ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ᴅᴏ ɪs ʜᴇʟᴘ ʜᴇʀ ᴀᴄᴄᴇᴘᴛ ᴀ ǫᴜɪᴇᴛᴇʀ, sᴀғᴇʀ ʟɪғᴇ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴏʙʟᴇᴍ? ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢ ɪs ᴀʟʀᴇᴀᴅʏ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀsᴇ—ᴀɴᴅ sʜᴇ’s ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ sᴛᴀɴᴅ: ᴏᴘᴛɪᴍɪsᴛɪᴄ, sᴘᴀʀᴋʟʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴛᴇʀᴍɪɴᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴡʀɪᴛᴇ ғᴀᴛᴇ ɪᴛsᴇʟғ.
ᴛᴏ ᴏᴜᴛᴍᴀɴᴇᴜᴠᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ, ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴀʟᴀᴍ ᴘᴏsᴇ ᴀs ᴀɴ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴅ ᴄᴏᴜᴘʟᴇ ᴇᴍʙᴇᴅᴅᴇᴅ ɪɴ ʟᴜᴄʏ’s ʟɪғᴇ. ᴀs ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴄʟᴀsʜ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴅᴇsᴛɪɴʏ, ғʀᴇᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪɴᴇss sʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʟᴏᴏᴋ ʟɪᴋᴇ, ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴀɴᴛᴀɢᴏɴɪsᴍ sʟᴏᴡʟʏ ᴍᴇʟᴛs ɪɴᴛᴏ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ғᴀʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴄᴀᴛᴇᴅ—ᴀɴᴅ ғᴀʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜs ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴜʟᴇs ɢᴏᴠᴇʀɴɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ.
🎙️𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃:
ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴇʟᴇᴠᴀᴛᴇs ᴛʜɪs sᴛᴏʀʏ’s ᴡʜɪᴍsɪᴄᴀʟ ᴛᴏɴᴇ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪғᴜʟʟʏ. ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢ’s ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ sᴘᴀʀᴋʟᴇs—ʟɪᴛᴇʀᴀʟʟʏ ғᴇᴇʟɪɴɢ ɪɴғᴜsᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀ, ᴏᴘᴛɪᴍɪsᴍ, ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴀʀᴇʟʏ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴᴇᴅ ᴄʜᴀᴏs—ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ᴄᴀʟᴀᴍ’s ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ʙᴀʟᴀɴᴄᴇs ᴅʀʏ sᴀʀᴄᴀsᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ sɪᴍᴍᴇʀɪɴɢ ʀᴇsᴛʀᴀɪɴᴛ. ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴀsᴛɪɴɢ ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀɪᴇs ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴇᴍɪᴇs-ᴛᴏ-ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ ᴇsᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟʟʏ sᴀᴛɪsғʏɪɴɢ ɪɴ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴀᴋᴇ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ ʙɪᴛs sʜɪɴᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴘʟᴀʏғᴜʟ ᴀᴡᴋᴡᴀʀᴅɴᴇss ᴀɴᴅ sʟᴏᴡ-ʙᴜʀɴ ᴄʜᴇᴍɪsᴛʀʏ.
ʟᴜᴄʏ’s sᴛᴏʀʏʟɪɴᴇ ɪs ʜᴀɴᴅʟᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴡᴀʀᴍᴛʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴀʀᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴏʀ ɢɪᴠᴇs ʜᴇʀ ᴀ ɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅᴇᴅ, ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴠᴜʟɴᴇʀᴀʙɪʟɪᴛʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴀɴᴄʜᴏʀs ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏsᴍɪᴄ ʜɪᴊɪɴᴋs. ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀᴄɪɴɢ ɪs sᴍᴏᴏᴛʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛɪɴɢ, ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴛʜɪs ᴀɴ ᴇxᴄᴇʟʟᴇɴᴛ ʟɪsᴛᴇɴ ғᴏʀ ʟᴏɴɢ ᴡᴀʟᴋs, ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜᴛᴇs, ᴏʀ ᴄᴏᴢʏ ᴇᴠᴇɴɪɴɢs ᴡʜᴇɴ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ʟɪɢʜᴛ ʙᴜᴛ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟʟʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛғᴜʟ.
𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝐸𝓁𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈:
💫ᴄɪɴᴅᴇʀᴇʟʟᴀ-ɪɴsᴘɪʀᴇᴅ ʀᴇᴛᴇʟʟɪɴɢ (ʙʀᴀɴᴅʏ ᴇɴᴇʀɢʏ, ᴜɴᴍɪsᴛᴀᴋᴀʙʟʏ)
💕 ғᴀᴋᴇ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ
💫 ʀɪᴠᴀʟs-ᴛᴏ-ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs
💕 ᴄᴏᴢʏ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
💫 ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ
💕 ғᴀᴛᴇ ᴠs. ғʀᴇᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ
💫 “ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴏᴇs ʜᴀᴘᴘɪʟʏ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴍᴇᴀɴ?”
𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉:
𝒰𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒞𝓁𝑜𝒸𝓀 𝒮𝓉𝓇𝒾𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝑀𝒾𝒹𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 ɪs ᴀ ᴄʜᴀʀᴍɪɴɢ, ᴄᴏᴢʏ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴀsᴋs ʙɪɢ ǫᴜᴇsᴛɪᴏɴs—ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴅᴇsᴛɪɴʏ, ᴀᴍʙɪᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪɴᴇss—ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ʟᴏsɪɴɢ ɪᴛs sᴇɴsᴇ ᴏғ ғᴜɴ. ᴀʟᴇᴄʜɪᴀ ᴅᴏᴡ ʙʟᴇɴᴅs ғᴀɪʀʏ-ᴛᴀʟᴇ ᴡʜɪᴍsʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ sɪɴᴄᴇʀɪᴛʏ, ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀɪɴɢ ᴀ sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ғᴇᴇʟs ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ʙᴇɪɴɢ sʜᴀʟʟᴏᴡ.
ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʀɪᴠᴀʟs-ᴛᴏ-ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs, ғᴀᴋᴇ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴍᴇɴᴛs, ᴀɴᴅ sᴛᴏʀɪᴇs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɢᴇɴᴛʟʏ ᴄʜᴀʟʟᴇɴɢᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ɪᴅᴇᴀ ᴏғ ᴀ “ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ” ᴇɴᴅɪɴɢ, ᴛʜɪs ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪs ᴀ ᴅᴇʟɪɢʜᴛғᴜʟ ʟɪsᴛᴇɴ. ᴛʜɪɴᴋ sᴏғᴛ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ, sʜᴀʀᴘ ʙᴀɴᴛᴇʀ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪʟʏ-ᴇᴠᴇʀ-ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ’s ᴇᴀʀɴᴇᴅ—ɴᴏᴛ ᴀssɪɢɴᴇᴅ
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀɢʀᴀᴍ: @ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ
𝒰𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒞𝓁𝑜𝒸𝓀 𝒮𝓉𝓇𝒾𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝑀𝒾𝒹𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 ʙʏ ᴀʟᴇᴄʜɪᴀ ᴅᴏᴡ
𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🥀🥀🥀 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻 ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʀᴏsᴇs
✨ 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝓀✨
ᴀ ɢᴜᴀʀᴅɪᴀɴ ᴏғ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ғᴏʀᴛᴜɴᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ᴍɪsғᴏʀᴛᴜɴᴇ ᴀɢᴇɴᴛ ғᴀᴋᴇ ᴀɴ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴀɴɪᴘᴜʟᴀᴛᴇ ᴀ sɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴛᴀʟ’s ғᴀᴛᴇ—ᴏɴʟʏ ᴛᴏ ᴅɪsᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟᴏᴠᴇ, ғʀᴇᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪɴᴇss ᴀʀᴇ ғᴀʀ ᴍᴇssɪᴇʀ (ᴀɴᴅ sᴡᴇᴇᴛᴇʀ) ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴀɴʏ ᴄᴏsᴍɪᴄ ʀᴜʟᴇʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴀʟʟᴏᴡs.
𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍsᴄᴀᴘᴇ ᴍᴇᴅɪᴀ ғᴏʀ ɢɪғᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʟᴄ!
ɪɴ ᴀ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ sᴜᴘᴇʀɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟ ʙᴇɪɴɢs ᴀʀᴇ ᴀssɪɢɴᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ sᴜʙᴛʟʏ ɢᴜɪᴅᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴛᴀʟ ᴏᴜᴛᴄᴏᴍᴇs, ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢ ɪs ᴀ ɢʟɪᴛᴛᴇʀ-ᴡᴀɴᴅ-ᴡɪᴇʟᴅɪɴɢ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀᴄʜɪᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴅᴇsᴘᴇʀᴀᴛᴇ ᴛᴏ ʟᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ᴏɴᴄᴇ-ɪɴ-ᴀ-ɢᴇɴᴇʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴍᴇɴᴛᴏʀsʜɪᴘ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴛᴀʟ ᴏᴜᴛᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴄɪʟ. ʜᴇʀ ᴀssɪɢɴᴍᴇɴᴛ—ʟᴜᴄʏ ᴀᴅᴅʟᴇsʙᴇʀɢ—sʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴇ sɪᴍᴘʟᴇ. ғɪx ᴛʜᴇ ғᴀɪʟɪɴɢ ʙᴏᴏᴋsʜᴏᴘ, sᴍᴏᴏᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛɪᴄ ᴡᴏᴇs, sᴘʀɪɴᴋʟᴇ ᴀ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴠᴏɪʟà: ʜᴀᴘᴘɪʟʏ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ.
ᴇɴᴛᴇʀ ᴄᴀʟᴀᴍɪᴛʏ.
ᴄᴀʟᴀᴍ ɪs ᴀ ᴍɪsғᴏʀᴛᴜɴᴇ ᴀɢᴇɴᴛ ᴡʜᴏsᴇ ᴊᴏʙ ɪs ᴛᴏ ᴘʀᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ ᴍᴏʀᴛᴀʟs ғʀᴏᴍ ᴄʜᴀsɪɴɢ ᴜɴʀᴇᴀʟɪsᴛɪᴄ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟᴇᴀᴅ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛʙʀᴇᴀᴋ. ʟᴜᴄʏ ʜᴀs ʙᴇᴇɴ ᴜɴғᴏʀᴛᴜɴᴀᴛᴇ ғᴏʀ ʏᴇᴀʀs, ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴀʟᴀᴍ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇs ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅᴇsᴛ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ᴅᴏ ɪs ʜᴇʟᴘ ʜᴇʀ ᴀᴄᴄᴇᴘᴛ ᴀ ǫᴜɪᴇᴛᴇʀ, sᴀғᴇʀ ʟɪғᴇ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴏʙʟᴇᴍ? ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢ ɪs ᴀʟʀᴇᴀᴅʏ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀsᴇ—ᴀɴᴅ sʜᴇ’s ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ sᴛᴀɴᴅ: ᴏᴘᴛɪᴍɪsᴛɪᴄ, sᴘᴀʀᴋʟʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴛᴇʀᴍɪɴᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴡʀɪᴛᴇ ғᴀᴛᴇ ɪᴛsᴇʟғ.
ᴛᴏ ᴏᴜᴛᴍᴀɴᴇᴜᴠᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ, ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴀʟᴀᴍ ᴘᴏsᴇ ᴀs ᴀɴ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴅ ᴄᴏᴜᴘʟᴇ ᴇᴍʙᴇᴅᴅᴇᴅ ɪɴ ʟᴜᴄʏ’s ʟɪғᴇ. ᴀs ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴄʟᴀsʜ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴅᴇsᴛɪɴʏ, ғʀᴇᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪɴᴇss sʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʟᴏᴏᴋ ʟɪᴋᴇ, ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴀɴᴛᴀɢᴏɴɪsᴍ sʟᴏᴡʟʏ ᴍᴇʟᴛs ɪɴᴛᴏ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ғᴀʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴄᴀᴛᴇᴅ—ᴀɴᴅ ғᴀʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀᴏᴜs ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴜʟᴇs ɢᴏᴠᴇʀɴɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ.
🎙️𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃:
ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴇʟᴇᴠᴀᴛᴇs ᴛʜɪs sᴛᴏʀʏ’s ᴡʜɪᴍsɪᴄᴀʟ ᴛᴏɴᴇ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪғᴜʟʟʏ. ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢ’s ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ sᴘᴀʀᴋʟᴇs—ʟɪᴛᴇʀᴀʟʟʏ ғᴇᴇʟɪɴɢ ɪɴғᴜsᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀ, ᴏᴘᴛɪᴍɪsᴍ, ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴀʀᴇʟʏ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴᴇᴅ ᴄʜᴀᴏs—ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ᴄᴀʟᴀᴍ’s ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ʙᴀʟᴀɴᴄᴇs ᴅʀʏ sᴀʀᴄᴀsᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ sɪᴍᴍᴇʀɪɴɢ ʀᴇsᴛʀᴀɪɴᴛ. ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴀsᴛɪɴɢ ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀɪᴇs ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴇᴍɪᴇs-ᴛᴏ-ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ ᴇsᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟʟʏ sᴀᴛɪsғʏɪɴɢ ɪɴ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴀᴋᴇ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ ʙɪᴛs sʜɪɴᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴘʟᴀʏғᴜʟ ᴀᴡᴋᴡᴀʀᴅɴᴇss ᴀɴᴅ sʟᴏᴡ-ʙᴜʀɴ ᴄʜᴇᴍɪsᴛʀʏ.
ʟᴜᴄʏ’s sᴛᴏʀʏʟɪɴᴇ ɪs ʜᴀɴᴅʟᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴡᴀʀᴍᴛʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴀʀᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴏʀ ɢɪᴠᴇs ʜᴇʀ ᴀ ɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅᴇᴅ, ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴠᴜʟɴᴇʀᴀʙɪʟɪᴛʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴀɴᴄʜᴏʀs ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏsᴍɪᴄ ʜɪᴊɪɴᴋs. ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀᴄɪɴɢ ɪs sᴍᴏᴏᴛʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛɪɴɢ, ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴛʜɪs ᴀɴ ᴇxᴄᴇʟʟᴇɴᴛ ʟɪsᴛᴇɴ ғᴏʀ ʟᴏɴɢ ᴡᴀʟᴋs, ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜᴛᴇs, ᴏʀ ᴄᴏᴢʏ ᴇᴠᴇɴɪɴɢs ᴡʜᴇɴ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ʟɪɢʜᴛ ʙᴜᴛ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟʟʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛғᴜʟ.
𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝐸𝓁𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈:
💫ᴄɪɴᴅᴇʀᴇʟʟᴀ-ɪɴsᴘɪʀᴇᴅ ʀᴇᴛᴇʟʟɪɴɢ (ʙʀᴀɴᴅʏ ᴇɴᴇʀɢʏ, ᴜɴᴍɪsᴛᴀᴋᴀʙʟʏ)
💕 ғᴀᴋᴇ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ
💫 ʀɪᴠᴀʟs-ᴛᴏ-ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs
💕 ᴄᴏᴢʏ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
💫 ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ
💕 ғᴀᴛᴇ ᴠs. ғʀᴇᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ
💫 “ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴏᴇs ʜᴀᴘᴘɪʟʏ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴍᴇᴀɴ?”
𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉:
𝒰𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒞𝓁𝑜𝒸𝓀 𝒮𝓉𝓇𝒾𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝑀𝒾𝒹𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 ɪs ᴀ ᴄʜᴀʀᴍɪɴɢ, ᴄᴏᴢʏ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴀsᴋs ʙɪɢ ǫᴜᴇsᴛɪᴏɴs—ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴅᴇsᴛɪɴʏ, ᴀᴍʙɪᴛɪᴏɴ, ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪɴᴇss—ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ʟᴏsɪɴɢ ɪᴛs sᴇɴsᴇ ᴏғ ғᴜɴ. ᴀʟᴇᴄʜɪᴀ ᴅᴏᴡ ʙʟᴇɴᴅs ғᴀɪʀʏ-ᴛᴀʟᴇ ᴡʜɪᴍsʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ sɪɴᴄᴇʀɪᴛʏ, ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀɪɴɢ ᴀ sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ғᴇᴇʟs ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ʙᴇɪɴɢ sʜᴀʟʟᴏᴡ.
ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʀɪᴠᴀʟs-ᴛᴏ-ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs, ғᴀᴋᴇ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴍᴇɴᴛs, ᴀɴᴅ sᴛᴏʀɪᴇs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɢᴇɴᴛʟʏ ᴄʜᴀʟʟᴇɴɢᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ɪᴅᴇᴀ ᴏғ ᴀ “ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ” ᴇɴᴅɪɴɢ, ᴛʜɪs ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪs ᴀ ᴅᴇʟɪɢʜᴛғᴜʟ ʟɪsᴛᴇɴ. ᴛʜɪɴᴋ sᴏғᴛ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ, sʜᴀʀᴘ ʙᴀɴᴛᴇʀ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪʟʏ-ᴇᴠᴇʀ-ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ’s ᴇᴀʀɴᴇᴅ—ɴᴏᴛ ᴀssɪɢɴᴇᴅ
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀɢʀᴀᴍ: @ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ
February 4, 2026
Teamwork makes the Happily Ever After dream work!
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow is an enchanting young adult romantasy that reimagines the Cinderella fairytale and combines it with an enemies-to-lovers trope. Newly graduated as the head of her class from the Mortal Outcome Academy, young fairy Darling Sparkleton is given her first assignment to guide Mortal, Lucy Addlesberg, onto the path to her HAPPY EVER AFTER, with the added incentive that, if she is successful, she will win a much-coveted mentorship with the ruling board, the Mortal Outcome Committee. What Darling doesn’t realize is that Calamity, a celestial Misfortune and another recent graduate of the academy, has been given the same opportunity. However, his success means he must guide Lucy away from the risky path to an HEA and make a safer choice that would result in an ORDINARY EVER AFTER, without her one true love.
This book had such a fun plot, with an absolutely delightful main couple: Darling and Calamity (or Calam, for short). Darling is all glitter and light and sweetness, while Calam is her opposite. Competitors for the same life-changing prize, they have entirely different missions until they discover they really want the same outcome. Their gradual understanding of the nature of mortals, free will and self-determination, love, and each other, as well as their slow-burn, inevitable, sweet romance, make for a wonderfully layered tale.The story moves at a fast pace, and I found it hard to find a good stopping point in the narrative without being loath to put the book down and take a break. The banter between Darling and Calam sparkled from more than fairy dust, and I laughed out loud in several places. I loved Darling’s interventions to improve the lot of the entire village of Fulham, especially her solution for the toxic Mrs. Arconia, who used her local status and means to make people, including Lucy, miserable.
However, the story isn’t all froth and fun. Both Darling and Calam face tough personal struggles. While Calam’s success means he can finally escape a lifetime of criticism and disapproval from his cold, emotionally-aggressive father, Darling suffers from the highs and lows of Vacillating Disorder, where negativity and self-doubt can send her into a frightening downward spiral of self-hate; both issues have real-life parallels.This Cinderella story has a number of twists on the original, and I found it entertaining, hard to put down, and so very, very satisfying when I reached the last page. I recommend UNTIL THE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT to readers of young adult romantasies, young adult fantasy coming-of-age stories, and fairytale reimaginings.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through Toppling Stacks Tours.
February 3, 2026
Thank you to Feiwel & Friends for the digital ARC of Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was such a breath of fresh air.
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight delivers on exactly what it promises: cozy, romantic fantasy with Cinderella vibes, and a premise that feels like a delightful mash-up of The Good Place energy with fairytale charm. This was the literary equivalent of a decadent cup of hot chocolate. Warm, comforting, and genuinely satisfying.
The writing is a huge part of what makes it work. It reads cozy. It feels cozy. Even when the characters are dealing with high personal stakes, the overall tone stays lower-stress. I was not reading this with clenched fists the way I do with high-stakes fantasy, but I was still fully invested because the characters and their emotional arcs are so compelling.
I loved getting both points of view. Darling and Calam are fantastic leads, and their chemistry works from the very beginning. I also have to respect that it takes basically the entire book for them to fully figure out what is happening between them. The slow build felt earned, and the epilogue was absolutely adorable.
Underneath all the cozy romance, there is also a really thoughtful message running through the story. It explores the push and pull between taking risks and living loudly versus choosing safety, stability, and comfort, and what it looks like to find a balance between those instincts without shaming either one. It is deeper than you might expect for how cozy and fast-paced the book feels.
Speaking on representation, I thought Darling’s disability was handled with a lot of care. The story’s depiction of mental health spirals and the way highs and lows can shape someone’s life felt nuanced, even though it’s framed in-universe rather than using real-world diagnostic labels. I especially appreciated how Calam responds to Darling. He doesn’t treat her feelings as something she can simply “stop,” and the story makes space for the reality that some parts of you are not changeable, but you can learn new ways to cope, communicate, and care for yourself. That felt both compassionate and grounded.
This was fast-paced without being frantic. It never dragged, even with the lower-stakes vibe, because something is always moving the story forward. Ultimately, this was cozy, romantic, and far more emotionally thoughtful than I expected in the best way.
September 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Alechia Dow’s “Until the Clock Strikes Midnight” is a cozy, whimsical Cinderella retelling that feels like curling up under a blanket with hot cocoa. At its heart, it’s the story of Darling, a determined fairy who believes everyone deserves a happily ever after, and Calamity, a misfortune whose job is to prevent unhappily ever afters. When both are assigned to the same mortal case involving a struggling bookseller named Lucy Addlesburg, they find themselves competing for a coveted internship. Posing as a couple while working their magic on Lucy and her town, Darling and Calamity soon discover that their rivalry might just transform into something deeper.
Dow’s writing is warm, soft, and delightfully comforting, with vivid imagery and mouthwatering descriptions (especially when food appears). The atmosphere leans more cozy than high-stakes, but the heartfelt storytelling and lovable characters keep the pages flying. Darling shines as a bold, compassionate, and refreshingly complex heroine, especially in her portrayal as a disabled Black woman navigating both her limitations and her strengths. Calamity, meanwhile, brings sharp banter and reluctant charm, even if his arrogance occasionally grates. Together, their chemistry is undeniable: the yearning, the push-and-pull, and the banter practically leap off the page.
The book also thrives on its inclusivity. Alongside Darling and Calamity’s m/f romance, there’s LGBTQ+ representation with f/f and m/m couples throughout the story. The central themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery are complemented by thoughtful touches, such as examining how prejudice is taught and how joy can be an act of resistance.
That said, I did find the romance tropes laid on a little thick, with Darling and Calamity’s relationship accelerating quickly. A few side characters felt flat (described more by appearance than personality), and the alternating perspectives between Darling and Calamity sometimes blurred together. Still, the humor, heart, and fairytale magic outweigh these bumps.
Sweet, hopeful, and brimming with charm, “Until the Clock Strikes Midnight” is a refreshing spin on Cinderella that delivers comfort and enchantment in equal measure. Perfect for readers who love romantasy with cozy vibes, tropey fun, and characters you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Alechia Dow’s “Until the Clock Strikes Midnight” is a cozy, whimsical Cinderella retelling that feels like curling up under a blanket with hot cocoa. At its heart, it’s the story of Darling, a determined fairy who believes everyone deserves a happily ever after, and Calamity, a misfortune whose job is to prevent unhappily ever afters. When both are assigned to the same mortal case involving a struggling bookseller named Lucy Addlesburg, they find themselves competing for a coveted internship. Posing as a couple while working their magic on Lucy and her town, Darling and Calamity soon discover that their rivalry might just transform into something deeper.
Dow’s writing is warm, soft, and delightfully comforting, with vivid imagery and mouthwatering descriptions (especially when food appears). The atmosphere leans more cozy than high-stakes, but the heartfelt storytelling and lovable characters keep the pages flying. Darling shines as a bold, compassionate, and refreshingly complex heroine, especially in her portrayal as a disabled Black woman navigating both her limitations and her strengths. Calamity, meanwhile, brings sharp banter and reluctant charm, even if his arrogance occasionally grates. Together, their chemistry is undeniable: the yearning, the push-and-pull, and the banter practically leap off the page.
The book also thrives on its inclusivity. Alongside Darling and Calamity’s m/f romance, there’s LGBTQ+ representation with f/f and m/m couples throughout the story. The central themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery are complemented by thoughtful touches, such as examining how prejudice is taught and how joy can be an act of resistance.
That said, I did find the romance tropes laid on a little thick, with Darling and Calamity’s relationship accelerating quickly. A few side characters felt flat (described more by appearance than personality), and the alternating perspectives between Darling and Calamity sometimes blurred together. Still, the humor, heart, and fairytale magic outweigh these bumps.
Sweet, hopeful, and brimming with charm, “Until the Clock Strikes Midnight” is a refreshing spin on Cinderella that delivers comfort and enchantment in equal measure. Perfect for readers who love romantasy with cozy vibes, tropey fun, and characters you’ll want to revisit again and again.
September 11, 2025
Darling is the only fairy in her school, and she is determined to secure a coveted mentorship with the Mortal Outcome Council. Assigned to a mortal named Lucy whose life is teetering on the edge of joy, Darling is prepared to use her skills to help Lucy find her “happily ever after.” Little does Darling know that Calam, a Misfortune, has also been assigned to Lucy for his own mentorship opportunity, and the two immortals have markedly different goals. With only seven days to complete the challenge and a future career on the line, the two must focus if they are to win. But what begins as a caustic rivalry quickly turns into something more as circumstances conspire to bring Darling and Calam into closer collaboration with one another.
This deliciously adorable romantic comedy blends the fantastical with the ordinary in amusing and resonant ways. Told from the alternating perspectives of Darling and Calam, the narrative advances with a brisk pace that makes the time limit of their shared quest even more palpable. Neither character is perfect, and both have flaws that make them at once endearing and recognizable despite their immortal natures. Additionally, each character has altruistic reasons for wanting to succeed in their individual goals, and as a result, neither is the true antihero. While the competition for the mentorship is the primary focus of the plot, however, the simmering romance between Darling and Calam becomes increasingly central, and readers will rally for a positive outcome for everyone.
Deep physical and psychological challenges plague both protagonists, and these obstacles are made more prominent thanks to the first person narrative structure of the individual chapters. A content warning at the beginning of the book alludes to this aspect of the story, and readers with similar experiences will feel seen as a result of the storytelling. Rather than holding them back, the challenges the characters face make Calam and Darling stronger as they aim for success while managing their own intrinsic needs. Quirky humor and lighthearted exchanges balance out these weighty topics, leaving readers with a robust sense of emotional satisfaction at the story’s conclusion. Charming, witty, and thoughtful, this is an enjoyable addition to library collections for young adult readers who enjoy cozy romantic comedies with a touch of whimsy.
This deliciously adorable romantic comedy blends the fantastical with the ordinary in amusing and resonant ways. Told from the alternating perspectives of Darling and Calam, the narrative advances with a brisk pace that makes the time limit of their shared quest even more palpable. Neither character is perfect, and both have flaws that make them at once endearing and recognizable despite their immortal natures. Additionally, each character has altruistic reasons for wanting to succeed in their individual goals, and as a result, neither is the true antihero. While the competition for the mentorship is the primary focus of the plot, however, the simmering romance between Darling and Calam becomes increasingly central, and readers will rally for a positive outcome for everyone.
Deep physical and psychological challenges plague both protagonists, and these obstacles are made more prominent thanks to the first person narrative structure of the individual chapters. A content warning at the beginning of the book alludes to this aspect of the story, and readers with similar experiences will feel seen as a result of the storytelling. Rather than holding them back, the challenges the characters face make Calam and Darling stronger as they aim for success while managing their own intrinsic needs. Quirky humor and lighthearted exchanges balance out these weighty topics, leaving readers with a robust sense of emotional satisfaction at the story’s conclusion. Charming, witty, and thoughtful, this is an enjoyable addition to library collections for young adult readers who enjoy cozy romantic comedies with a touch of whimsy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was the most adorable cozy romantasy!!!! I enjoyed every single minute of it, and I COULD NOT put it down for the life of me!!! Darling and Calamity were the best characters and rollercoaster to be on. I fell for them so quickly. They were both so different and yet were drawn to one another like moths to the flame. Darling, a faerie, top of her class and most talent Guardian and is awarded the once in a lifetime Mortal Outcome Council Mentorship. She is the only faerie in her school and the only one to have ever done this. Her first assignment is to give Lucy Addlesburg a "Happily Ever After". Calamity, a Misfortune, top of his class and most talented and he is ALSO granted the Mortal Outcome Council Mentorship. Calamity knows going into this he is competing for the mentorship, but the contract is written in a language that Darling cannot read and she ignorant to the fact that this is a competition. His first assignment as well is to make sure that Lucy Addlesburg settles for her "Ordinary Ever After".
What tropes to expect:
-Cinderella Retelling
-Dual POV
-enemies-lovers
-fake relationship
-mental illness representation
-slow burnnnnn
-sunshine / grump
-Inclusive and diverse characters
-Time-limit quest
I really loved this book and Dow's writing. It was so incredibly easy to get into, and it was very fast paced. There was NO spice in this, their relationship was very juvenile and on NetGalley the publisher labeled it as YA. But overall, I really enjoyed the story and the lessons and meaning behind it. I loved how Dow but her own live experiences and mental illness into and it made it feel all that more personal to me as a reader. Darling's struggles often made me cry while reading and my heart hurt for her and how she felt about herself. I loved seeing the friendship and eventual relationship between her and Calamity grow and how he handled her illness.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever been told they are too much; Dow, Darling, and Calamity will make you feel seen and loved that is for sure. I cannot wait to read all of Dow's other books after this because I have just discovered her and I LOVE HER!! 10000% would recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What tropes to expect:
-Cinderella Retelling
-Dual POV
-enemies-lovers
-fake relationship
-mental illness representation
-slow burnnnnn
-sunshine / grump
-Inclusive and diverse characters
-Time-limit quest
I really loved this book and Dow's writing. It was so incredibly easy to get into, and it was very fast paced. There was NO spice in this, their relationship was very juvenile and on NetGalley the publisher labeled it as YA. But overall, I really enjoyed the story and the lessons and meaning behind it. I loved how Dow but her own live experiences and mental illness into and it made it feel all that more personal to me as a reader. Darling's struggles often made me cry while reading and my heart hurt for her and how she felt about herself. I loved seeing the friendship and eventual relationship between her and Calamity grow and how he handled her illness.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever been told they are too much; Dow, Darling, and Calamity will make you feel seen and loved that is for sure. I cannot wait to read all of Dow's other books after this because I have just discovered her and I LOVE HER!! 10000% would recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow
Narrated by Ozzie Jacobs & James Fouhey
Narration Style: Dual
I absolutely loved the idea behind this story. A whimsical, fairy-tale-inspired world with star-crossed rivals, a “good fairy vs. bad fairy” dynamic, and a sparkly, magical aesthetic? Completely my vibe. The concept alone made this an easy pick, and visually and tonally, it delivers on that charming, fantastical promise.
We follow Darling, a bubbly and ambitious fairy, and Calamity, her rival with a much darker role in the magical hierarchy, as they compete for the same prestigious future. Their rivalry has all the ingredients for a delicious slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers arc… but unfortunately, that tension never fully develops.
I really wanted more actual conflict between them. More banter. More sabotage. More moments where they truly clash. The transition from rivals to romantic interest felt rushed, especially when Calamity’s feelings are revealed. It came a bit out of nowhere and skipped over what could have been the most entertaining part of their relationship: the build-up. A longer, more layered rivalry would have made their connection feel more earned and emotionally satisfying.
Now for the audiobook aspect, which was honestly my biggest struggle. I’m sure the narrators were chosen intentionally for specific character styles, but their performances didn’t work for me personally. Darling reminded me strongly of Ms. Frizzle, which pulled me out of the story instead of immersing me in it. Calamity’s narration, on the other hand, faded into the background for me so much that it became almost like ambient noise—similar to the music playing in a department store. I found myself zoning out instead of engaging with the dialogue, which made it hard to stay emotionally connected.
That said, the book itself is still light, cozy, and imaginative. It touches on heavier themes without becoming emotionally overwhelming, making it a great option for readers who want something gentle, magical, and easy to digest. If you’re looking for a low-stakes fantasy romance with a whimsical tone and charming visuals, this could still be a fun experience.
It just didn’t fully deliver on the rivalry-to-romance tension or the immersive audiobook performance I was hoping for.
Narrated by Ozzie Jacobs & James Fouhey
Narration Style: Dual
I absolutely loved the idea behind this story. A whimsical, fairy-tale-inspired world with star-crossed rivals, a “good fairy vs. bad fairy” dynamic, and a sparkly, magical aesthetic? Completely my vibe. The concept alone made this an easy pick, and visually and tonally, it delivers on that charming, fantastical promise.
We follow Darling, a bubbly and ambitious fairy, and Calamity, her rival with a much darker role in the magical hierarchy, as they compete for the same prestigious future. Their rivalry has all the ingredients for a delicious slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers arc… but unfortunately, that tension never fully develops.
I really wanted more actual conflict between them. More banter. More sabotage. More moments where they truly clash. The transition from rivals to romantic interest felt rushed, especially when Calamity’s feelings are revealed. It came a bit out of nowhere and skipped over what could have been the most entertaining part of their relationship: the build-up. A longer, more layered rivalry would have made their connection feel more earned and emotionally satisfying.
Now for the audiobook aspect, which was honestly my biggest struggle. I’m sure the narrators were chosen intentionally for specific character styles, but their performances didn’t work for me personally. Darling reminded me strongly of Ms. Frizzle, which pulled me out of the story instead of immersing me in it. Calamity’s narration, on the other hand, faded into the background for me so much that it became almost like ambient noise—similar to the music playing in a department store. I found myself zoning out instead of engaging with the dialogue, which made it hard to stay emotionally connected.
That said, the book itself is still light, cozy, and imaginative. It touches on heavier themes without becoming emotionally overwhelming, making it a great option for readers who want something gentle, magical, and easy to digest. If you’re looking for a low-stakes fantasy romance with a whimsical tone and charming visuals, this could still be a fun experience.
It just didn’t fully deliver on the rivalry-to-romance tension or the immersive audiobook performance I was hoping for.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read: January 19th - January 26th
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
Okay, I adored the narrator for Callum and need him in more stuff. Very smooth voice and just soooo nice to listen to 👌🏼 (oooh, apparently he's the male narrator in The Kane Chronicles 👀)
I've got to say, listening to this at the same time as reading The Swan's Daughter was strange, because they're both fairy tale worlds, and my brain kept mixing the two. Not that this affects either book. Just saying, it was a brain boggle 🤣
This was such a fun book that showed the author's love for fairytales, reflecting familiar elements from those stories while standing on its own. All the magic and whimsy was a treat. It was just fun and not ashamed of being so.
That said, it still allowed itself to be serious. I really felt for Darling and her disease (which seemed to be reflective of bipolar disorder), definitely feeling myself relate to her hard down moments. Alechia also made sure to show that just because one has support around them and knows what's going on doesn't mean that everything is magically fixed. Also, good medication representation. As someone who has to take meds for depression, Darling's usage of meds felt extremely relatable *shudders at the times my med-taking was messed up*.
Callum was less fleshed out but still felt like a real character. You could understand why he believed happily ever afters and chaos to be dangerous and painful. Admittedly he changed his mind a bit too quickly on things, which is why he feels a bit less fleshed out than Darling, but still really enjoyed him. And again, loved his narrator. Also loved how supportive and stuff he was for Darling and her disease.
The book was a bit on the nose and lacked true nuance, and the writing style itself didn't truly capture me. It kept the book to being just a fun time rather than a truly impactful time. So still a book I enjoyed, but not one I think can elevate itself to five stars just from enjoyment alone.
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
Okay, I adored the narrator for Callum and need him in more stuff. Very smooth voice and just soooo nice to listen to 👌🏼 (oooh, apparently he's the male narrator in The Kane Chronicles 👀)
I've got to say, listening to this at the same time as reading The Swan's Daughter was strange, because they're both fairy tale worlds, and my brain kept mixing the two. Not that this affects either book. Just saying, it was a brain boggle 🤣
This was such a fun book that showed the author's love for fairytales, reflecting familiar elements from those stories while standing on its own. All the magic and whimsy was a treat. It was just fun and not ashamed of being so.
That said, it still allowed itself to be serious. I really felt for Darling and her disease (which seemed to be reflective of bipolar disorder), definitely feeling myself relate to her hard down moments. Alechia also made sure to show that just because one has support around them and knows what's going on doesn't mean that everything is magically fixed. Also, good medication representation. As someone who has to take meds for depression, Darling's usage of meds felt extremely relatable *shudders at the times my med-taking was messed up*.
Callum was less fleshed out but still felt like a real character. You could understand why he believed happily ever afters and chaos to be dangerous and painful. Admittedly he changed his mind a bit too quickly on things, which is why he feels a bit less fleshed out than Darling, but still really enjoyed him. And again, loved his narrator. Also loved how supportive and stuff he was for Darling and her disease.
The book was a bit on the nose and lacked true nuance, and the writing style itself didn't truly capture me. It kept the book to being just a fun time rather than a truly impactful time. So still a book I enjoyed, but not one I think can elevate itself to five stars just from enjoyment alone.
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