The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore Published by Thomas Dunne Books on September 15th 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Magic Realism, Retelling, Romance, YA, Young Adult
Goodreads
The Palomas and the Corbeaus have long been rivals and enemies, locked in an escalating feud for more than a generation. Both families make their living as traveling performers in competing shows—the Palomas swimming in mermaid exhibitions, the Corbeaus, former tightrope walkers, performing in the tallest trees they can find.
Lace Paloma may be new to her family’s show, but she knows as well as anyone that the Corbeaus are pure magia negra, black magic from the devil himself. Simply touching one could mean death, and she’s been taught since birth to keep away. But when disaster strikes the small town where both families are performing, it’s a Corbeau boy, Cluck, who saves Lace’s life. And his touch immerses her in the world of the Corbeaus, where falling for him could turn his own family against him, and one misstep can be just as dangerous on the ground as it is in the trees.
Beautifully written, and richly imaginative, The Weight of Feathers is an utterly captivating young adult novel by a talented new voice.
I love all sorts of articles where everything you need to know is listen into a form with an awesome gif. So I thought I’d try to do my own version of this but for a book!
1. The Writing
The writing was seriously amazing. So lyrical and beautiful. A bit slow at times but it drags you in and doesn’t let go.
2. The Main Characters
Lace and Cluck are both amazing characters. I could relate to Lace’s journey of wanting to find peace with her situation and compromising with her family’s values and Cluck’s tough relationship with his family. They both are fascinating to read about and engaging.
3. Forbidden Romance
Lace is a Paloma, part of a family of travelling mermaids. Her family has a long-standing rivalry with the Corbeaus, Cluck’s family. Cluck’s family is a family of travelling tree-climbers/fairies. Both families travel the country (never at the same time) but their paths intersect every summer. Both families have their own twist on the events that led to a cruel and tragic event 20 years and ever since, their families have been even more intent on the rivalry. Basically, when the two characters do meet, it’s amazing and tragic.
4. Mermaids and Fairies
As I mentioned above, the Palomas are mermaids and the Corbeaus are fairies. I loved the descriptions of what each family must to do in order to assume their appearances. And there was also tones of magic realism which I loved.
5. The Romance Itself (Yes, romance appeared twice. Well too bad)
Sorry for the repetition but I mean. The romance. Is. Amazing! Seriously.
6. It’s #ownvoices
Not only is this novel diverse, but the author herself is Mexican-American. Supporting diverse novels from diverse authors is definitely something important that we can do.
So I only have one thing to say to The Weight of Feathers:
Note: I borrowed an ARC of this novel from a friend, this does not influence my thoughts on the book or this review. All gifs taken from giphy.
YES! I loved this book. It had super gorgeous writing! I didn’t totally love the romance but I did think the characters were really cute together. But seriously, this book is fantastic.
Lol yess!! I love that romance is in here twice 😉 I’ve heard really great things about the beautiful writing. I can’t wait to read this one 😀
Officially need this book in my life! I’m all for lyrical and beautiful writing and amazing characters! It’s been awhile since I last read a forbidden romance story so I’m definitely interested! Thanks for the fabulous recommendation, Shelly. 😀
Yay, I hope you enjoy!
Goddamnit. I know, I know. I need to read this book. (Forever putting it off because of my ever-growing TBR list. *crying emoji*)
I have this one in my wish list and I’m hoping to get me a copy sooner than later! I don’t always love magical realism books but I’ve read an excerpt and loved the writing, so I think I really need to give this one a try!