Sam’s sacrifices behind leaving pieces of her missing, leading her to discover a hidden world of living threads and dangerous beings as she races to protect her siblings from a creature hunting her family.
eARC provided by author in exhange for an honest review, thank you!
3.75 stars rounded up to 4
Something I really liked about this book, right from the beginning, was its descriptions. I like how the author described the act of giving and of being tired, emotions, even descriptions of the world; they all found a way to just settle within me as I read.
The authors writing style is simple and feels almost conversational. It isn't overly verbose or complex. I personally like the overall tone and writing style.
The concept of this world's magic is also really interesting. It's what initially caught my attention and I believe it was executed well. There was a cost each time, and it seemed to fit the act well.
"I fixed someone again. I don't think I'm okay, but they all are. That has to be enough."
The interludes fit the story well, were interesting, and provided context to how our MC Sam got to how we see her in the present. And other insights that they provided.
I started to feel a little lost and confused around the Hollow. I felt like the story was talking like I should know something that I didn't. And honestly it felt like Sam learned how to weave almost too quickly. From how I understood it, she did it twice and learned. Same thing with Clara and Thomas, it went from being clueless to being able to do things. It just felt a little fast for me.
Some of the plot twists were pretty good, I was definitely caught off guard and surprised. I'm not sure why it was cut off though, and then just not continued, and that also contributed to my feelings of confusion with the pacing. I'm not sure if I just missed something or not, but that feeling never went away for basically the entire second half of the book. Things happened too quickly. And I only continued to run into situations that made me feel this way.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Sam, Clara and Thomas. To me, they're like real siblings and I found a lot of Sam to be personally relatable. And overall, I enjoyed the read. It asked a lot of questions I think a lot of people will relate to on some level. I like the message of the story and I like the characters a lot. I really really liked a later interaction between Sam and Marrow (not saying anything more to avoid spoilers); it felt significant and important and impactful. And I enjoyed the ending, I had a smile on my face through most of it.
I'm really conflicted about this book. I loved some things and didn't like others. And it sometimes touched really close to home. But overall, I do think it should be read. Its message is important. And that, to me, is more than good enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love that she came up with a whole world that is completely different than what's been written before! I was so confused at the beginning. The world became clearer and clearer as the story went on. The confusion wasn't a frustrated confusion that made me want to give up. It was the kind that made me want to continue so that I can understand.
Relationships: 5⭐️ Characters: 4⭐️
There's no romance but the sibling bond is strong and real! I liked Sam, not in the way that I was emotionally attached to her but in a way that I understood her. Being an older sibling and keeping things from them in order to protect them. I feel like if she would have been transparent earlier on then Clara might not have flourished the way she did. I really liked Thomas as well. I liked the way that he wants to be there for the girls.
Writing: 5⭐️ Pacing: 5⭐️
The writing and pacing were amazing 👏 I love that there was no lull in the story, no parts that just dragged on.
Due to my confusion at the beginning, I'll definitely be going back and rereading the book to catch what I missed! Yes, it's worth it!
This story was soo much more than my review! I dont want to spoil anything but I definitely recommend!
Kudos to the Author! This was great and I can't wait for the next one!!!
I really enjoyed the concept of this book! It’s really strong in sibling relationship building and the way the magic system works is different than what I’ve read before.
Sam, the MC, and her relationship to the magic system is a great mirror to chronic illness and how giving too much can impact a person.
There were some times I was a bit confused, and continuity flowed differently than I am used to— but as a vibe reader, I loved the vibes.
This book is such an important read! It’s relatable but turns it into a very unique magic system! As someone that isn’t usually a fantasy reader, I really enjoyed this book! I relate to Sam a lot and loved her journey.