Unfortunately I did not enjoy reading The Book of Love by Kelly Link. I found the beginning very confusing, I almost think the story should have started off differently with a little more background information. I also did not resonate with the author's writing style which I found disjointed. It was a struggle to finish this story whose plot I did not like.

Well, if Leigh Bardugo recommends it, you kind of have to read the book, right? I am so glad I did. This was fantastic. I loved it! (pun intended!). It had a thrilling, original plot with wonderful dialogue and characters and the romance...it was absolutely unputdownable and my new favorite of the year! After I write this review, I am off to read it again! It was that good! Do yourself a favor and go get this book for yourself and all your friends. They will love you for it, and you will enjoy every second!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was not the book for me . I found the writing style drawn out and boring. I couldn't finish the book.

"The Book of Love" by Kelly Link is a novel that effortlessly weaves together elements of magic, mystery, and the enduring power of love. Throughout, Link infuses compassion, wit, and a depth of character that kept me turning page after page. It took me a little bit to get used to her style of writing, but once I’d adjusted, I appreciated the almost stream of consciousness writing and the extra details it could bring to the characters.

Laura, Daniel, and Mo mysteriously reappear almost a year after vanishing from their hometown of Lovesend, Massachusetts. And their struggle to reclaim their lives is riveting, and the mysterious bargain they strike with their music teacher adds layers of tension and intrigue.

Kelly Link has crafted a tale that is heartwarming, unexpected, and haunting, and it's an absolute must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of an engaging story.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

When I found out Kelly Link was writing a novel, I basically died. Those who have discovered the magic of Link’s short stories will understand my joy.

Link hasn’t dipped her toes into novel-writing with a brief story; The Book of Love is over 600 pages long. Susannah, Mo, and Daniel have returned from the dead, a year after they disappeared. They reappear in the classroom of their old high school music teacher, Mr. Anabin, who offers the trio some answers, if they pass three magical tests.

However, a mysterious fourth figure has accompanied the trio back from the dead, with their own agenda. When other weird people start entering the lives of Susannah, Mo, and Daniel, it becomes apparent that things are going to get strange in an otherworldly way.

The Book of Love is beautiful. I loved spending time with these wonderful characters. Link has created such rich lives for Mo, Daniel, and Susannah. It was a pleasure to spend time with these incredible young people as they learned important lessons about love, and the many forms it can take. One of the villains of the piece, Malo Mogge, quickly became one of my favorite characters; flamboyant, powerful, and a little bit psycho.

The Book of Love is also a celebration of music (all of the key characters are musicians), writing, and the joy that is found is artistic expression.

I have always found Link’s tone so comforting, and this completely continues in The Book of Love. Her gentle voice guides the reader along, with a warm arm around their shoulder, but unafraid to steer them down some dark corridors. There are some incredibly bleak moments, as in life. But there is also boundless hope.

As the book ended, I felt bereft, overwhelmed, and optimistic. I left the beautiful world Link created, I blinked away my tears (there were so many tears), and emerged full of joy. I feel so fortunate to be a reader, and that there are so many wonderful stories in the world.

If you love books with quests and rules, completely engrossing plots, and general escapism, I highly recommend The Book of Love.

This book is the equivalent of watching paint dry and is filled with beautiful prose but there is nothing that makes you want to keep reading. There is some plot but by the time you get to an actual plot point. You’re already bored. If this book moved a bit faster and had more plot. I would’ve been more invested. But sadly I wasn’t

"The Book of Love" by Kelly Link is a spellbinding and imaginative debut novel that blends supernatural elements with themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of human relationships.

The story revolves around three teenagers—Laura, Daniel, and Mo—who mysteriously reappear in a high school classroom a year after they were presumed dead in their hometown of Lovesend, Massachusetts. In the room with them is their unassuming high school music teacher, who presents them with a proposition: they can return to their families and friends if they complete a series of magical tasks, all while keeping the details of their disappearance and return a secret. With no other choice, they agree to this cryptic bargain.

As the trio navigates the challenges set before them, they begin to unravel the mysteries surrounding their deaths and the supernatural forces at play. Meanwhile, their resurrection has attracted the attention of other enigmatic beings with their own agendas, setting off a chain of events that threaten their community.

Kelly Link's writing is enchanting and lyrical, effortlessly weaving together the fantastical and the mundane. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each grappling with their own fears, desires, and regrets. Laura, Daniel, and Mo's journey to uncover the truth about their pasts and the consequences of their actions is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant.

The novel explores various forms of love, from the bonds of friendship to the complexities of family relationships and romantic entanglements. It delves into the idea that love can be both a powerful force for redemption and a source of vulnerability.

Kelly Link masterfully blends genres, incorporating elements of fantasy, mystery, and even humor into the narrative. Her world-building is imaginative and immersive, creating a sense of wonder and enchantment that captivates the reader.

"The Book of Love" is a dazzling and thought-provoking work of literary fiction that showcases Kelly Link's exceptional storytelling abilities. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and the lengths people will go to for the ones they care about. This novel will leave you with a sense of both awe and introspection, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary fantasy and literary fiction alike.

Did not finish. Not for me I could not connect with the story and writing style. Interesting premise but not my type of book.

DNF - This is probably the case of "it's me, not you". I've read a short story by Link before & she has a very particular writing style which I feel is ideal for short-form stories. I know that this book will be beloved by many readers & it deserves to be. This just didn't work for me. I will continue to seek out short stories from the author - I enjoy her style.

This book was so much fun. Honestly not expecting what would happen I was surprised at how into the story setting I was from beginning until the end.

This novel was gorgeous and the prose was very well written. The plot was very original and the relationships between all the characters were interesting and well crafted. Overall, I had a good time and I enjoyed the story.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and author for the free copy of this book!