My thoughts on Ivypool's Heart *spoilers, of course*
Sept 6, 2024 9:10:13 GMT -5
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Sept 6, 2024 9:10:13 GMT -5
So, like I had it in my ranking thread, IH is currently my second favorite SE, right in between CP and SD! And you know what, keeping in mind what those books have, I think I might have a type.
In all seriousness, I really wasn't expecting to love a traveling book this much, and though I feel like the travel time itself could've still been better paced (or at least more varied), even then, it never got to the point where I was bored. I do however wish Ivypool could've interacted with Whistlepaw more, and in regards to Rootspring's arc ending with him saying that he'd only become mates with a cat who was worthy of Bristlefrost... look, I get the sentiment, but even Ivypool—for all her approval—sees what a heavy burden that is.
As for the other things, Slate and Beach are probably my new favorite minor characters (they're a little confused, but they got the spirit), dogs teaming up with cats is something I'm always interested in seeing, seeing anyone call out the Sisters is always great, I love how just the general discussion around grief (especially a parent's grief) was handled as well as how Ivypool—with encouragement from Dovewing—actually communicates her feelings very early on while still acknowledging that it'll take time for her to heal than just one conversation, I loved Ivypool's relationship with the rest of the group—especially Icewing—the cats going to what I assume to be an exotic pet ring was as fascinating as it was horrifying...
And of course, there's the new lore. I love the new lore! The idea of a pair of Clan leaders falling in love and trying to find a solution, only for said controversial decision to lead to terrible consequences? Oh, that is tragic! That is so beautifully, wonderfully tragic and I'm really looking forward to reading more about it, but I'm glad Galestar finally got closure.
And as for the fading thing, as someone who has always found the concept horrifying, I love that we finally got an answer to it, at least in how it pertains to StarClan cats who've faded from memory. I don't think the book ever really makes an effort to challenge the idea that it doesn't apply to those who've faded through other means, but considering Ivypool still had her doubts even after Stripestar materialized in front of her and explained where he was, I still feel like it's left ambiguous enough—even with the ending—that either conclusion can be true without muddying up what's such a beautiful message: that you shouldn't let your grief blind you to the world around you.
In all seriousness, I really wasn't expecting to love a traveling book this much, and though I feel like the travel time itself could've still been better paced (or at least more varied), even then, it never got to the point where I was bored. I do however wish Ivypool could've interacted with Whistlepaw more, and in regards to Rootspring's arc ending with him saying that he'd only become mates with a cat who was worthy of Bristlefrost... look, I get the sentiment, but even Ivypool—for all her approval—sees what a heavy burden that is.
As for the other things, Slate and Beach are probably my new favorite minor characters (they're a little confused, but they got the spirit), dogs teaming up with cats is something I'm always interested in seeing, seeing anyone call out the Sisters is always great, I love how just the general discussion around grief (especially a parent's grief) was handled as well as how Ivypool—with encouragement from Dovewing—actually communicates her feelings very early on while still acknowledging that it'll take time for her to heal than just one conversation, I loved Ivypool's relationship with the rest of the group—especially Icewing—the cats going to what I assume to be an exotic pet ring was as fascinating as it was horrifying...
And of course, there's the new lore. I love the new lore! The idea of a pair of Clan leaders falling in love and trying to find a solution, only for said controversial decision to lead to terrible consequences? Oh, that is tragic! That is so beautifully, wonderfully tragic and I'm really looking forward to reading more about it, but I'm glad Galestar finally got closure.
And as for the fading thing, as someone who has always found the concept horrifying, I love that we finally got an answer to it, at least in how it pertains to StarClan cats who've faded from memory. I don't think the book ever really makes an effort to challenge the idea that it doesn't apply to those who've faded through other means, but considering Ivypool still had her doubts even after Stripestar materialized in front of her and explained where he was, I still feel like it's left ambiguous enough—even with the ending—that either conclusion can be true without muddying up what's such a beautiful message: that you shouldn't let your grief blind you to the world around you.
