Lovely Dark and Deep: A Mixed Bag of Magic and Missed Opportunities
When I first stumbled upon Lovely Dark and Deep by Justine P. Lee, I was genuinely intrigued. I mean, who wouldn’t be drawn to a story centered around a magical boarding school, interwoven with themes of identity, friendship, and a splash of spookiness? Unfortunately, while I enjoyed my visit to this enchanted world, I found myself wishing for more depth and that "wow factor" that so often lingers long after the last page is turned.
At its heart, Lovely Dark and Deep explores identity, belonging, and the complexities of friendships, all set against a backdrop bursting with magical potential. The story follows Faith, a young immigrant from the Philippines, as she navigates the treacherous waters of her new school, where her powers—and those of her classmates—are more than just tools; they’re intricately tied to who they are. This diverse cast of characters, including Ivonne and Alexandra, adds layers of representation that I deeply appreciated, particularly in how their individual struggles and powers—like Ivonne’s time manipulation and Alex’s unique empathic abilities—were explored, even if at times the magic system felt a bit overwhelming.
One of my main desires for this book was for it to lean more heavily into its dark academia roots. While the story is indeed set in a boarding school, the academic elements felt underdeveloped, overshadowed by spooky investigations that often lacked substance. The glimpses into classroom life were tantalizing, yet we barely scratched the surface of what could have been a rich exploration of learning to harness their magical abilities. Who wouldn’t want to witness the chaos of students trying to control their powers?
The pacing of the narrative, particularly in the first half, felt uneven. While Faith’s arrival at the school captured my attention right away, portions of the story dragged on, leading me to wonder what the endgame truly was. The culmination felt anticlimactic, almost as if much of the build-up was rendered moot by the ending. I had been prepared for something grand, a culmination of all these touching moments and intriguing character arcs, only to find a resolution that left me feeling a bit… underwhelmed.
Despite my reservations, I have to commend Lee for her writing style. The prose flowed smoothly, and she certainly has a strong grasp on character development. Moments of emotional resonance, particularly regarding Faith’s struggle with her identity and her feelings towards her family, were beautifully done. I loved the depths we explored with her friends, revealing the profound connections formed in the face of adversity. However, these threads alone didn’t hold the weight I had hoped would carry the plot.
All in all, Lovely Dark and Deep was a pleasant experience tinged with disappointment. I think readers who appreciate diverse casts and a touch of magic—especially those looking for a quick read—might enjoy it. However, if you’re searching for deep, gripping storylines and well-rounded dark academia vibes, this might not scratch that itch.
Despite my criticisms, I could see myself picking up more of Lee’s work in the future. There’s undeniable talent here, and I believe she has the potential to create something truly spectacular. Perhaps with a bit more time in the writing cauldron, we’ll get to experience that elusive “wow” factor next time!