First the "bad": I really don't get the interleaved fantasy story and how it is relevant to the main storyline. Upon reading multiple reviews, I'm inclined to think that the two plot threads are really not all that connected and the fantasy elements are just meant to add a sort of whimsical and dreamlike quality to the story...which ultimately did not work for me.

But the great thing is, I didn't have to care about the weird fantasy plotline! The main story following a day in the life of Adam Thorn was just so compelling and emotionally gripping that I finished this book with a heartache borne from how relatable many elements of the story were. Adam and I couldn't be any more different, and yet as someone who has experienced queer trauma from the religion I grew up in, so much of this story resonated deeply within me and left me grateful for the people in my life who are much like Adam's best friend.

This is my second read from Patrick Ness and although I still love A Monster Calls more, I'm glad that this did not disappoint. Ness just has a way with words and a profound awareness of human emotion that bleeds through the page.

If you are a queer person who has struggled with their relationship with religion, definitely proceed with caution because many parts of this story can be very triggering.