Ally

Loved. Savored these stories and went back to re-read my favorites when I finished the collection.

This story is simple (in fact, it's for kids) but like the first EarthSea book it filled up my heart. Something about it rang true. I'll return to this story and it's many images when I need a reminder of how and why we climb up out of the dark.

I felt exhausted by this book and when I finished it—a tangible sense of relief. The glimpses into these two characters' heads were skillfully and smoothly done, but both of them seemed so miserable it was hard to bare. The thing that kept me reading was this inexplicable sense of rooting for them and a (foolish) hope that they'd suddenly get it together enough to give and receive love. Maybe that was the point but it didn't connect for me. And the main characters are the worst but also all the side characters except for Connell's mom are THE worst.
*** personal note whitest thing I could've possibly been reading right now. Update- the Hulu series made me like the book more. Not having to be ‘in' their heads made the story more enjoyable for me.

I was completely absorbed in this story but I didn't want to be... something kept drawing me in even though the characters (and all their actions) were pretty darn awful. I read a review that called it a why-duunit instead of a who-dunnit, and I think that unique angle on the story is what made this book so impressive. That and the writing style which was beautiful. Overall a good read but I was in a better mood once I finished it.

The writing is magical and the story was awfully endearing. I found it very comforting. A case of the right book at the right time for me.