★ “Venturing out into the Scottish woods, one wouldn’t expect to stumble upon another world, but folklore makes it seem possible… MacGregor represents Gaelic lore well while thoughtfully integrating the nuance of neurodivergence and grief throughout. A welcome, cozy queer romantasy with a uniquely informed twist on the popular fae subgenre.”—Booklist, starred review
“This atmospheric, otherworldly fantasy by MacGregor (The Evolving Truth of Ever-Stronger Will) deploys Scottish mythology to touch on themes of grief and trauma brought about by past experiences with mass shootings and Covid-19… Cam’s gentle budding romance with other Sithichean and Ballinacollie locals offers moments of hope and healing across an empathic and accessible tale of belonging.”—Publishers Weekly
“This engaging fantasy dives into Scottish folklore and tradition, effectively exploring the loss of Gaelic cultural knowledge and the worlds of magic it contains. The inclusion of significant amounts of Gaelic language adds authenticity to the worldbuilding… the characters and the sparkling queer romance at the heart of the story are enchanting. A magical and romantic fantasy steeped in Gaelic culture.”—Kirkus Reviews
“This novel excels as a character-driven story, offering thoughtful, respectful autism representation that avoids stereotypes or trauma-centric narratives; Cam’s internal logic, routines, and responses feel authentic and relatable, particularly for neurodivergent readers… cultural diversity is meaningfully explored through Scottish identity, folklore, and the reclamation of Gaelic language… The romance will appeal to younger teens not quite ready for the steamy stuff. A strong addition to middle grade and YA collections, particularly for readers who enjoy magical realism and character-focused storytelling. Recommended for libraries seeking inclusive, thoughtful fantasy.”—School Library Journal
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