Review of The Book of Autumn by Molly O’Sullivan
There’s something undeniably magical about discovering a new fantasy mystery, especially when it weaves together threads of past regrets and present dangers. As I dove into Molly O’Sullivan’s The Book of Autumn, I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a complex protagonist, Marcella, a dimidium—magic users who share their powers. In a world where magic is inherently tied to personal relationships, the potential for conflict and growth felt rich, and I was eager to see how this would unfold.
Marcella’s journey begins with her self-imposed exile; after a traumatic incident at college, she cuts ties with her counterpart, Max. As she grapples with her fears and the scars of her past, the inciting incident—a student’s mysterious death and another floating in delirium—pulls her back into the world she tried to escape. O’Sullivan does a commendable job depicting the urgency of their investigation as Marcella and Max race against time to uncover the truth, and she deftly captures the essence of college life as well—the blend of camaraderie, rivalry, and the occasional dark underbelly that festers beneath the surface.
However, while the premise had me intrigued, I found that the pacing sometimes faltered. The investigation veers in several directions, leading the reader on a rollercoaster of possibilities. I appreciated the twisting plot that kept me guessing, yet I can’t help but feel that the storytelling occasionally fell short of the enchantment I’d hoped for. There are moments where the narrative stagnated, making it feel a bit predictable and repetitive—a bittersweet reminder of how crucial pacing is in a mystery.
One aspect of the book that piqued my frustration was the use of footnotes. While I understand their purpose, they disrupted the flow of the narrative, particularly in an ebook format. Having to click away to follow a link pulled me out of the story, breaking the immersion that is so vital in fantasy. It leads me to wonder if this was an intentional move or merely a technical oversight? While they’re often designed to offer depth, some explanations would have been more effective woven directly into the narrative tapestry, enriching the characters and their dilemmas without the distraction.
The magic system, albeit intriguing, lacked clarity at times. I found myself craving more detail on how the dimidium connection worked and what it truly meant for both Marcella and Max, especially in emotional moments where their powers intertwine. It would have added invaluable layers to their characters and the tension of the unfolding mystery.
Visually, I have to give kudos to the cover—it’s undeniably striking and evokes a sense of intrigue that beckons book lovers. Yet, the title itself felt a bit out of place and only made sense in the context of the story, which might leave some readers puzzled until the culmination of the plot.
Despite these critiques, The Book of Autumn is still a fascinating read filled with elements of friendship, loss, and the tricky paths we navigate as we confront our pasts. It’s a suitable choice for readers aged 16 and older, diving into themes of mystery and budding romance, all wrapped up in a magical context.
Ultimately, I think fans of character-driven fantasy mysteries may still find something enchanting in O’Sullivan’s work, particularly those who enjoy a blend of intrigue with a touch of the supernatural. While I faced a few bumps along the road, the exploration of relationships and the grappling with identity resonated deeply with me throughout my reading experience. Here’s hoping for even more polished stories from this author in the future!