I expected a lot, but definitely not this.
While I don’t mind dark turns at all, especially such themes in stories that are marketed towards children, this was rather confusing. It had a really great start, however, the ending was disappointing. Not that I need happy endings – given the themes and writing style, I wouldn’t have wanted one –, but it’s so uneven to the first half. The last chapter was so rushed.
Are they really 12? I read the blurb and they do look all fairly young, especially the way they interact and all gives pre-2010 primary school vibes. However, when it got to the part with Peter‘s “badass alone time” (best way I can describe it spoiler-free) and no one asked him about it, I was very confused about his age. Thought he must be at least 18. Because wtf? That came out of nowhere. Is that genuinely a thing in NZ? Especially the casualty?
All the time I thought it’s gotta be just a dream. Aliens landing any time would’ve made more sense.
The title promises too much.
Although it does work as a metaphor, it was more of a short domino row. Not bad, but too promising. The message is quite clear, though it could’ve been more fleshed out. As said, the second half felt very rushed.
I feel like it could’ve gotten a better rating if a better title was chosen. Together with the cover, I expected more of a supernatural/alienated story.
I think that also comes from the writing. I’m not sure whether the dramatic scenes were meant to be read and felt as dramatic, but the way the characters’ reactions are written, made it seem so nonchalant and apathetic. Certainly the opposite of tsunami-like emotions.
The art style:
surely unique. Not entirely my cup of tea – simplistic styles can have their charm and it does look cute + also fits the age group, but sometimes was a bit too simplistic. I couldn’t always tell what they were doing.
Although kudos for choosing that style to contrast that much with the plot. Perhaps that was the point, so good job on that. (I mean, they look like dolls and dolls are (most of the time) creepy.)
Do I recommend it? Mixed feelings.
On one hand, the message is good and important, and this type of ending to bullying plots is tackled far too rarely. On the other hand, it’s nothing new, the characters are quite basic. The only originality comes from the twist with Peter and him letting his intrusive thoughts win, which adds to the domino message.
But if you were expecting a tsunami-like story, whether with a literal tsunami or as a metaphor, lower your expectations. As much as I love slice of life as well as nonchalant/absurd/enigmatic stories, I wasn’t feeling this very much. It‘s missing a certain something. But perhaps that’s the point…
| Criteria | Scores | Our Score |
|---|---|---|
| Art | 1-5 | 4 |
| Pacing | 1-5 | 3 |
| Characters | 1-5 | 4 |
| Writing Style | 1-5 | 4 |
| Originality | 1-5 | 3 |
Finale Grade
B
Thank you to Pow Pow Press on Netgalley for an eARC. The book is set to be released on May 6, 2025.
Finished reading: 4th May 2025
~Arden Skye
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Written By: Arden Skye
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About: generalist, who likes a bit of everything, but especially has a love for magic, queerness and melancholy. When they’re not arting, they’re probably dreaming/reading through another world, or spending time in nature with their dog.
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