A solid debut full of unexpected twists and turns!
This was a fun read! I was initially drawn to this book by its awesome cover and unique premise. I really enjoyed the first part of the book – it was atmospheric and mysterious. The introduction of the changing man, the presence of the orange mist, and the enigmatic blue flowers left behind by this elusive figure created such an eerie atmosphere. MINOR SPOILER AHEAD: I was especially intrigued by the idea that looking at these flowers could bring the remnants of the 'original person' to the surface, even though they were long gone. Spooky!
I liked the urban legend aspect of the story. I wished that the story would continue to explore the supernatural/horror elements rather than shifting more toward science fiction, but I’m sure many readers will like the twist. I also wish there was more mystery and spookiness in the first two-thirds of the book. The plot felt a bit slow-paced, and most of the events unfolded in the final part of the book.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Ife, Bijal, and Ben – their characters were so well-written and felt like real people. Even Ben, who was a bit guarded due to past experiences and ongoing grief, had a well-developed and complex personality. Ife, while not always the most likable character, had relatable struggles adapting to a new environment, and it was great to see her grow and open up by the end of the story. The friendship development between them was what really stood out in this book for me. On the other hand, all the teachers at the school seemed a bit too similar and sort of blended into one character. I think it would’ve enhanced the story if they had more distinct personalities.
Overall, it’s a pretty solid debut. I was really intrigued by the premise and felt a bit let down at the end because I was expecting the book to lean more toward the supernatural/horror genre. It’s still a fun read, with many twists and turns, so give it a try, especially if you are a fan of the sci-fi genre!
Thank you, BookishFirst, the publisher Feiwel & Friends, and author Tomi Oyemakinde for the gifted copy! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the urban legend aspect of the story. I wished that the story would continue to explore the supernatural/horror elements rather than shifting more toward science fiction, but I’m sure many readers will like the twist. I also wish there was more mystery and spookiness in the first two-thirds of the book. The plot felt a bit slow-paced, and most of the events unfolded in the final part of the book.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Ife, Bijal, and Ben – their characters were so well-written and felt like real people. Even Ben, who was a bit guarded due to past experiences and ongoing grief, had a well-developed and complex personality. Ife, while not always the most likable character, had relatable struggles adapting to a new environment, and it was great to see her grow and open up by the end of the story. The friendship development between them was what really stood out in this book for me. On the other hand, all the teachers at the school seemed a bit too similar and sort of blended into one character. I think it would’ve enhanced the story if they had more distinct personalities.
Overall, it’s a pretty solid debut. I was really intrigued by the premise and felt a bit let down at the end because I was expecting the book to lean more toward the supernatural/horror genre. It’s still a fun read, with many twists and turns, so give it a try, especially if you are a fan of the sci-fi genre!
Thank you, BookishFirst, the publisher Feiwel & Friends, and author Tomi Oyemakinde for the gifted copy! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.