In Linus’ world, magical creatures exist alongside humans and orphaned magical children are regulated by the Department In Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY). Linus is a veteran DICOMY caseworker and is sent to a remote island where he meets a set of children who challenge Linus’s notions of magical beings.
But, IDK the kids just seemed a little too earnest to me. And having someone in a position of power discover oppressive institutions are bad because they finally got to know marginalized people feels old. Linus does get a redemption arc and does dismantle the system he is a part of but it felt glossed over in comparison to everything else.
Despite its cheery intent, the world of the books seems really dark for magical creatures. I mean, why are so many magical children in orphanages? We learn a few of them are basically genocide survivors and I feel like there had to be something more there. I’d be really curious how this story looks from the POV someone who isn’t Linus.
Daniel Henning’s narration on the audiobook was such a delight. Henning had quite the challenge bringing so many unique non-human characters to life but he met the challenge perfectly. His voice is like a chameleon molding and changing to each character.
I’m a lifelong reader who started blogging about YA books in 2011 but now I read in just about every genre! I love YA coming of age stories, compelling memoirs and genre bending SFF. You can find me talking all things romance at Romance and Sensibility.