Take a photo of a barcode or cover
settleforhalf's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The writing style was just on the right side of purplish, with Damien's POV feeilng natural and realistic for both an adolescent and a survivor, and I feel the topic of surviving child abuse was handled with adequate care. Directly contrasting pack dynamics and the foster care system just made sense in a way that's both entirely self-evident and not something I ever would have thought of. The threads of native wisdom interwoven in the healing process left a good taste in my mouth, too.
Wasn't really prepared for this at all, but I sure am glad I chose to read it.
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
littlebitofchaos's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Drug use, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
sweatherpaws's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This was hands down one of the most beautifully written stories I've ever read.
The story itself it lovely as it is very painful. We go through so, so much hurt and trauma right alongside Damien. His healing is hard and slow and just really sad. I cried for majority of the first half of the story. And then shed a lot more tears throughout the second half too.
I wanted to just wrap this boy up in a blanket and shield him away from more ugliness. The way childhood trauma is depicted here is done is such a gentle but raw way. Damien goes through a lot and I really appreciate that his struggle didn't magically go away, but instead it followed him until he was ready to face it.
The Salgados are so incredible. Getting to know and understand the pack, the werewolf culture and their connection to the nature around them was really interesting and handled in a very non-oppressive, tender way. A lot of it is seen through eyes of a child who's known nothing but pain and fear for so long. They were safety and comfort, even if for so long Damien understood that to be temporary.
But what really pulls it all together is the writing. The truly poetic way the author has with words. This book is such a joy to read, just for the sake of enjoying the words, even if their meaning is so painful. The entire book really felt like a love letter to nature, to family, to bonds we choose and nurture. It's a love letter to storytelling itself.
I'm struggling to find the right words to express how absolutely lovely this was to read.
This is a story of love and family, more than just a romance. I loved every page.
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
tragicgloom's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Bullying and Medical content
nz_elle's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The below contains spoilers, because I feel like trigger warnings are necessary.
This is a dark, emotional story, and I am not ashamed to admit that it made me cry. But it's also beautiful and sweet and reminds you of the good in the world. Seriously, all the stars.
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent
ashlikes's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Blood, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Vomit, and Car accident
hankerchiefghost's review
4.0
It was ridiculous, really, seeing what the people in Damien’s life had done for him. How they had saved his life, given him a home, taken care of him. But that moment there. His eyes closed. Hakan next to him, wiping his face from the remnant of tears.
It was the most quietly, beautifully caring thing anyone had ever done for him.
Graphic: Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Death of parent
nina_readsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
craftyhilary's review
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Car accident