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A review by cleolindbooks
Shoestring Theory by Mariana Costa
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Huge thanks to Angry Robots for the arc copy to read and review!
Now, this is an unbelievably unique and well-written story about love, betrayal, obsession, cowardice, and family. I REALLY enjoyed this story, but it is very different from the story I was expecting. I would NOT describe this as cozy or romantasy. This is a fascinatingly uncanny fantasy with a tragic and vividly gripping presence that is more similar to This is How You Lose The Time War than Legends and Lattes. From the start of the book, I was holding my breath over what would happen next.
✨the plot✨
One of the best things about this story is how the author manages to give so much to the reader without spoiling the ending. The book starts at the end of the story for Cryil; We know how their first lives ended up, but with so much missing. This book masterfully weaves the past and current lives to slowly and masterfully unfurl the mystery. I was disconcerted when starting the book over where the characters ended up in their first lives, but by the completion of the book, I was awed by the author's ability to create such an intricate and intriguing storyline. I don't believe I have ever read a book quite like this. The only comparison I can think of is Erin Morgenstern, and even that is slightly different.
✨the characters✨
Cyril is such an interesting main character because as much as you love him, I was also so frustrated by him. He is a regular person who makes mistakes and doesn't always see things clearly. Both Cryil and Eufrates are great examples of flawed main characters who still want to succeed and be happy despite all their major issues. Despite everything, they still loved each other even when it became twisted and hopeless, but the darkness was still shown as bad and not something that could be expected. There was no glorification of the twistedness but instead a deep yearning for the wholesome and pure love they once had. Cyril loved Eurfrates so much but still tried so hard to prevent the disaster of the world, even if it meant losing him. UGH, the development and twists throughout the story are just so good. also, both Tigras and Helene are such badass characters!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it is definitely being mislabeled! This is a dramatic and thought-provoking fantasy with twists and turns. There are heavy themes of death, murder, abuse, and control. This is such a good book but I have to say I think the marketing is going to do it a huge disservice.
Now, this is an unbelievably unique and well-written story about love, betrayal, obsession, cowardice, and family. I REALLY enjoyed this story, but it is very different from the story I was expecting. I would NOT describe this as cozy or romantasy. This is a fascinatingly uncanny fantasy with a tragic and vividly gripping presence that is more similar to This is How You Lose The Time War than Legends and Lattes. From the start of the book, I was holding my breath over what would happen next.
✨the plot✨
One of the best things about this story is how the author manages to give so much to the reader without spoiling the ending. The book starts at the end of the story for Cryil; We know how their first lives ended up, but with so much missing. This book masterfully weaves the past and current lives to slowly and masterfully unfurl the mystery. I was disconcerted when starting the book over where the characters ended up in their first lives, but by the completion of the book, I was awed by the author's ability to create such an intricate and intriguing storyline. I don't believe I have ever read a book quite like this. The only comparison I can think of is Erin Morgenstern, and even that is slightly different.
✨the characters✨
Cyril is such an interesting main character because as much as you love him, I was also so frustrated by him. He is a regular person who makes mistakes and doesn't always see things clearly. Both Cryil and Eufrates are great examples of flawed main characters who still want to succeed and be happy despite all their major issues. Despite everything, they still loved each other even when it became twisted and hopeless, but the darkness was still shown as bad and not something that could be expected. There was no glorification of the twistedness but instead a deep yearning for the wholesome and pure love they once had. Cyril loved Eurfrates so much but still tried so hard to prevent the disaster of the world, even if it meant losing him. UGH, the development and twists throughout the story are just so good. also, both Tigras and Helene are such badass characters!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it is definitely being mislabeled! This is a dramatic and thought-provoking fantasy with twists and turns. There are heavy themes of death, murder, abuse, and control. This is such a good book but I have to say I think the marketing is going to do it a huge disservice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Blood, Murder, and War
Minor: Body horror and Panic attacks/disorders