Once There Was

There is a very good eucatastrophe near the end, which felt straight out of That Hideous Strength, and was absolutely predictable but also correct. Like, as a reader I expected this to happen, but story wise it felt earned, and proper that it happened. Good job, Monsef!

Noted on February 18, 2025

Here's a great case of something where I benefited from my ignorance. This book was recommended online, I knew it was vaguely middle-grade, but that's all I knew. I had the audiobook, so I wasn't confronted with the middle-grade-ness of a paper copy. And it was charming! I think describing the actual plot does it any favors (but I will: Ordinary Girl Discovers She is a Magical Creature Veterinarian). In fact I think it's kind of hard to talk about in a way that doesn't seem a little trite. But it was well-written, and kicks off with a frankly surprising and beautiful metaphor that had me convinced to hang with it. I'm looking forward to chatting about it with T.

Noted on February 18, 2025