First Adrienne Young book I've read and I thought it was written with absolutely beautiful prose. It was engaging from the beginning and kept my interest throughout it's entirety. I loved the atmospheric writing and imagery. The only aspect I struggled with slightly were the overlapping timelines. Though it's mentioned a handful of times throughout the book as a build up, I can't say I fully understood it until the very end (and even then, I'm sure there are nuances that I've overlooked and I'm still unsure about). Overall, it was a nice, cozy magical realism read and I'm eager to check out some of her other work now

For the first 1/3, I thought I was going to love this book. The middle third took forever to not go anywhere, and the final third I found infuriating. The timeline "fix" made zero sense, and the main conflict of the story between Caleb and June just got brushed under the rug at the end 0 this long drawn out conflict, just forgotten with one conversation. None of the twists or reveals were original, and you could see them coming from a mile off. And how did the Farrow women get cursed in the first place? Overall, this was extremely unsatisfying and I found it ultimately disappointing.

After really loving Spells for Forgetting last year, I was stoked to get an ARC of The Unmaking of June Farrow by the same author. I started and stopped this book several times last month, eventually putting it on hold, realizing I wasn’t in the right headspace for it. I’m glad I did, because when I got into the right headspace, I really loved it.

It’s a slow start, firmly establishing the world of the MC June in present-day Jasper, NC as she reels from her Gram’s recent passing. Past the first few chapters, we start to see hints of magic in June’s world as she looks into ‘the Farrow curse’ that besets each woman in her family eventually. By the time this portal fantasy really gets swinging, the reader is already trying to piece together this family mystery (with a dash of murder!) alongside June herself.

Adrienne Young writes compelling characters that feel lived-in and authentic. Even when the situations presented to them are other-worldly, the emotion that drives their decisions is grounded in reality. We come to care for them as much as they care for each other, and we’re rooting for a happy ending.

I also love how the magic system works, how it manifests for June, and how the author plays with time. Reminiscent of Addie LaRue, we learn of things out of linear time order, which allows the author to reveal information just when we need it. It’s cleverly constructed to keep us at arm’s length until it’s time to reveal all.

Adrienne Young is a queen of atmospheric magic realism. This book was an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 despite the slow build at the beginning because the payoff is very worth it.

This book was SO good! I am loving fantasy. I didn’t read her other book and now I am definitely going to go back and read it. I loved the plot and character development!

Adrienne Young’s writing is undeniably beautiful, but I just don’t think her mysteries are for me! This felt extremely similar to Spells for Forgetting, which was fine but I was expecting something different. The time travel aspect was interesting, but I kinda checked out with how intricate it got later in the book. Still glad I read it though, I think I’m just not as into contemporary magical realism but that’s on me and not on Young :)

🌈 Queer rep: none

I absolutely love Adrienne Young’s writing and she really topped herself with this one. I could not put it down and had to know where it was going.

Every once in a while a book comes along and steals your heart and will stay with you long after you finish reading. That is this book for me❤️. Young has written such a beautiful story of love, family, heartbreak and sacrifice.

June Farrow, like all the Farrow women before her, is cursed. Each generation experiences hallucinations and ultimately go mad. When June starts to see and hear things that aren't there, she is more determined than ever to end the curse.

This story weaves together elements of fantasy, mystery and romance that all work together so beautifully. The twists this book took and the breadcrumbs left for us to follow made this a book that I couldn’t put down and the relationship between the Farrow woman was everything. I know this book will end up on my Top 10 of the year❤️

Thank you @prhaudio and @delacortepress for my #gifted copies

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I loved every single thing about this book! I have already recommended it to so many people.

This was a time travel, magic love story!

June has been seeing a red door that no one else can see. One day she decides to go through it! The journey it takes her on is phenomenal!

5/5 stars and I will be buying a physical copy for my shelf!

This was a fantastic original story that I couldn't put down!

June Farrow is in the middle of living a normal life, though a bit solitary. She has approximately two friends and is convinced that the women in her family are all cursed. After her grandmother passes, she starts seeing odd visions and wonders if she's losing her grip on reality, perhaps succumbing to the family curse. But June doesn't know that there's a reason behind everything and soon embarks on a journey that will alter her life forever.

I enjoyed the style of writing and this book has quickly become my favorite read of the year so far!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy of this title.

I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot of layers, and the ending, while feeling a tiny bit abrupt, had the set up built in to the overall plot. I could have just used a few more pages to wrap things up. Otherwise, this was a beautiful and interesting story.

THE UNMAKING OF JUNE FARROW • Adrienne Young • Pub Date: October 17, 2023

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book felt like pure magic, and I fear that no words I write will do this story justice.

Abridged Goodreads Synopsis: In the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow is waiting for fate to find her. The Farrow women are known for their thriving flower farm—and the mysterious curse that has plagued their family line for as long as anyone can remember. The whole town knows of the madness that led to Susanna Farrow’s disappearance, leaving her daughter, June, to be raised by her grandmother and haunted by rumors. Everyone in Jasper is certain that it's only a matter of time before she finds the same end, but June hasn't told a single soul that it's already begun. After her grandmother’s death, a series of clues linking her mother's disappearance to the town's grim past emerge, leading June to a mysterious door. Behind it may lay the answer to the mysteries that have always lingered like a dark shadow over the Farrows, but the further into the unknown she goes, the more her mind seems to unravel. Upon crossing the threshold, June embarks on a journey that will not only change both the past and the future, but entangle her fate and her heart in a star-crossed love.

What started as a slow-burn that I was worried would not hold my interest, quickly became a story I found myself whole-heartedly invested in. As I slowly unraveled the tangled mystery of the Farrows past along with June, I became invested in every character. Most notably, this book was beautifully written. This plot could have easily lost readers in its tangled web, but the author somehow found a way to weave a brilliantly complex plot without leaving her readers behind.

This book is the perfect Fall/Winter read. It is by far my favorite book by the author. I have already peer-pressured my best friend to pick this one up, and bought a special edition copy of the book for my shelves. So yes, even if this is outside of your normal go-to genre, give this book a try. It is well worth the read.

4/5 ⭐️’s

This book was such a great read! It kept me on the edge of my seat & I could not put it down until I figured it all out!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can read the many other reviews to get a glimpse at what this book is 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 but I am going to tell you how this book made me 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭

If I could give this book a million stars, I would.
A work of pure enchantment.
I don't cry often, if ever, when I read books but let me tell you....I BAWLED.

I was beyond captivated that I don't even know the right words to truly express my feelings about this story.
Adrienne Young really showed off her masterful storytelling here and I was in awe from every single chapter I read. June's journey had me constantly pushing forward for answers and to unravel the complexities of her mystery.

The romance aspect of this book was so warm and clenched at something deep within me. It was compelling and utterly beautiful. It truly left me breathless.
This story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, life shattering and selfless. This book is full of stunning magical realism and enthralling mystery.
To have loved so deeply and purely that it changes everything you thought about life and about yourself is honestly one of the most beautiful things. The selflessness and sacrifices we will make for the ones we love, knowing that no matter what, we will always return to them, leaves me in such an embrace of warmth.

All I can say at this point is that you need to read this book.

3.5 rounded up. I genuinely got confused a few times, and it made me feel lost while reading. I did understand the end of the story but in the middle I was not sure where I was lol

Sweet baby Jesus, was this a good one, y'all (spoken in a Southern accent to match the book's vibe).

Thank you to NetGalley the book's publisher for providing me with this ARC, even though I read it painfully late.

This was one magical story, and I do not say those words lightly. June Farrow is a book I shall not soon forget. From the perfectly crafted characters to the plot that drew me in in an instant and held my attention, this could not have been a more enjoyable read.

I do not often read women's fiction, but I have been getting more into it lately, and this story is a perfect example of why it is so important. Some stories are not merely stories of humankind but stories that perfectly encapsule the female experience. That's what this is: a celebration of motherhood, a deep-dive into a mind seemingly going mad, and a beautiful message to top it all off--we choose our own fates.

Brava, Adrienne Young. I will remember June Farrow forever.

All of the Farrow women eventually succumb to madness, and it looks like June's time is coming sooner than later. She is seeing and hearing things that aren't there, but after her grandma dies, her grandma's best friend Birdie gives her note telling her to go through the red door. It's hard to give too much information about the book without spoilers, but this was just really fantastic.

WOW! This book took me by surprise, 5/5 stars!! Adrienne Young's "The Unmaking of June Farrow" is such a captivating and immersive read, a story that lingers long after the final page is turned. It is a testament to the enduring power of family bonds, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of love.

What I Loved
-The captivating storyline that kept me guessing until the very end
-The well-developed characters, especially June Farrow, who is both relatable and strong
-The enchanting setting of Jasper, North Carolina, where magic and mystery intertwine
-The seamless blend of magical realism, suspense, and coming-of-age themes
-The powerful message of family, self-discovery, and the strength of the human spirit

Overall Impression
The Unmaking of June Farrow is a captivating and immersive read, a story that will appeal to fans of magical realism, YA fiction, and anyone who has ever questioned the weight of family legacy. It is a tale of love, loss, and the unwavering spirit of a young woman determined to break free from the shackles of her past and forge her own destiny.

What a special story this was! I went in blind, knowing nothing about the plot other than the title and what a treat this book was.
I really enjoyed the time travel premise and how it was executed. I loved the generations of strong females that made up the incredible Farrow women! I adored the love story, the reveals, how the mystery unfolded, the setting, the time periods, the magical fantasy elements… I could go on and on. This book had everything I wanted and was written so beautifully! This will be a book that stays with me long after that last page.
It was my first by Young, but most certainly won’t be my last. I can’t recommend this book enough and thought it made for the most perfect read to close out the fall season! Thank you so very much to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for my #gifted eARC!

One of my favorite reads of the year!! I loved the mystery element of this book but most of all, the atmosphere. I felt like this book was so different than other books I've read before and felt fully immersed in the story. This book made me want to suddenly quit my job and open a flower farm. After I finished reading, my immediate thought was that I couldn't want to reread it. The characters felt so real to me and I felt like I really knew them, which is a testament to the beautiful writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book!

Wow. I had an interesting experience reading this book. It took me almost three months to finish it--which by my standards is an extremely long time--partly because I struggled with the pacing in the beginning. For the first 50% of the novel, I honestly wasn't very into it. I was really only sticking with it because of the consistent raving reviews and I knew I needed to finish it before I formed an opinion. Right around the 60% mark, the book really took off and I finished the rest of it in one sitting. Once everything started coming together and falling into place, I really started to understand the hype and I am so incredibly grateful that I stuck with this.

This is a stunning and beautifully written story about a woman focusing on solving the disappearance of her mother as well as solving a past murder. This book is atmospheric, mysterious, and full of magical realism and time travel.

This is now one of my favorite reads of the year and I have to buy a copy to own. Just read this--trust me.