A story with a lot of heart and great messaging. Most characters have well-developed backstories and their interactions feel genuine, minus one relationship that kind of just happens. I really enjoyed the thought concepts presented throughout, the longing for a simpler time, inability to find a place or purpose, and feeling like you should be something more. Each of the main cast has a different struggle and I related to more than a couple of them at times. Finding a way to deal with your issues is important and the camaraderie you can find when opening up to others helps a ton. This group works together on their problems, which is a central theme to the novel. Asking for help from those you trust is never a bad thing. It is almost impossible to do everything on your own, because humans are hardwired to crave interaction with one another. You are not weak for asking for help or knowing your limits. It is a sign of strength to be able to acknowledge you are not capable of everything on your own and lean on those that you mutually care for. These ideas help to deepen the relationships of the characters so you can feel the genuine emotional interactions between them.

As for the side characters, there wasn’t much to them. Their motivations for doing what they do are basic and were used as a plot device more than anything. The motivations were unrealistic and they all felt more like cartoon villains than a substantial threat, plus they came out of left field. It would have been better if they had stayed in the background and had nothing to do with Mister Magic. Mister Magic himself was a whole other concept.

The main aspect of his creation I would have preferred to leave out as it was unnecessary. It did however tie back to the reasoning for the entire goings-on. That central reason is relatively flimsy, even with the explanation of him, but the focus of the fiction is on the characters’ journeys and struggles, which it heartily delivers on. It is an easy read, not relying on setting the stage, but allowing the characters to be the focal point. I enjoyed this story. There were some moments where I laughed and others where I felt my heart grow heavy. I had a nightmare about this book, but I still recommend it! I look forward to reading more of her works if this is how much heart she puts into them.