Awry with Dandelions

Multiple times while reading ‘Awry With Dandelions,' I was struck by just how much I wanted to read more of the world the author has created here. From being able to create water using a nonsensical string of 17 words to having a custom of kissing cheeks or forehead based on gender, there were so many details shaping a planet akin to ours even though the work is quite short.

The characterizations of Mette, Orin, and Blathnaid were very well done but felt younger to me than their listed ages. The gender of Orin and xir portrayal, in general, was exactly what I hope for in the genre. Being nonbinary wasn't the primary focus of a flat character but only one facet of a fleshed-out, real personality.

The length of the novella is probably my biggest complaint, though it was also a compliment in some ways rolled into one because some of that was my selfish want for more as explained above. However, some of it was also from the technical side too, with the last two chapters especially feeling rather rushed while reading. It also broke one of the “cardinal rules” of the romance genre, but I can't really elaborate on that more without spoiling anything. Ultimately, I think this was just another symptom of the length.

Science fiction and fantasy melded into one, I found ‘Awry With Dandelions' stronger through that lens than as a romance. Though the concept of two characters sort of slipping into each other through short, nightly glimpses over the course of years was a very interesting one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.