When I was reading The October Girl Volume One by Matthew Dow Smith I was not sure what I was going to write about. Therefore, the day I wrote this I was thinking how I read and finished other books after, even publishing reviews. And here I was still mulling over a fairly on the surface, easy story. A book that should not have given me any trouble writing about.
Things hit me in an odd way. The story is somewhat familiar (a lost princess, magical realms, magical creatures, secrets) but there is also a tone that makes it fresh. There is something about it that is cozy and exciting. Maybe it was the realistic fantasy, and while (so far) there hasn’t been anything that was overly graphic I would safely recommend this book for ages 12 and up, with strong 10 or 11-year-olds jumping in. I mean I can only milk that for so long.
Yet, I also have a feeling that things might go darker (at the very least there is going to be a romance, as it’s being hinted at very strongly). The character Mr. Balloon (spoiler, he’s the boogie man) gives me vibes of turning more dark and might do something nasty. After all, he tries to kill Autum, our main character, as it is. So, then I can say that, but what else can I say?
I can tell you the publisher’s description includes: A moody, coming-of-age tale for fans of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Pecular Children and Nimona, filled with fairies and ogres and magic galore. So that might give you something to go on. However, I find it a bit younger in tone (but again, remember I have a feeling it will go darker).
I can go on to tell you that it is due in October 2025 (I read it via an online reader copy) and that means I have no idea when volume two will be released. There is part of me that wants to know what is happening, going to happen (who was Autumn’s dad, does he have anything to do with the events now, why did Autumn’s mom leave the fairy realm, and a few others) and there is a part of me is saying, Well we got Mr. Balloon, leave it alone.
In other words, I can say there are fantasy elements, coming of age moments and a mystery, but that does not scratch the surface. Just pick it up in October (or find a reader copy) and find out for yourself what is happening.